Part 2
EPISODE 14: School Daze
-Edryan Queendom. Year 7290, Season: New Beginning
“Mooooom it’s enough. I look great!” I complained for the umpteenth time. The soft brushing paused for a moment then continued. I rolled my eyes as I stared into the vast mirror before us. The black and red uniform of the Imperius Academy with gold outlines was to be my new standard for the next year.
“It is your first day of school and the last time I will be seeing you for a year! Allow me to indulge myself,” Queen Titiana argued as I struggled to escape her grasp. Of course, if she wanted to prevent me from moving my mother happen to have plenty of ways to stop me. Yet I’m guessing she just wanted to hold me one more time.
In three months, I would be fifteen and exactly one year or 360 days from unlocking the system. Finally. After another few minutes of brushing my mother let me go. In truth, I should have already been on Imperius Academy grounds as most students would arrive two weeks before the school year. It was only because of my mother’s ‘pestering’ that I ended up staying at the royal castle until the very last day.
My mother fussed over me once again as I hurried through the castle halls. “Mother, I’m fine. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late for orientation. Imagine that,” I began slightly exasperated. “Crown Prince Lawruthian late on the first day in the academy named after him!”
These words seem to finally halt her actions as she let out a sigh before giving me one last pat down. Over the years the cold and cool demeanor of my mother had diminished more and more, especially when she was in my presence. I didn’t know who she was before I was born, but I did know she was my mother and I loved her for who she was.
“Do try and make friends, ok? There will be a few notable scions from the Drumian, Musa, Oni, Consus, Romus, and Gamal families attending with you. Try and be nice, please?”
Drumian, Musa, Oni, Consus, Romus, and Gamal. The six families that help my mother rise to the throne. My mother knew I really didn’t care for any of the nobility thus far. All my interactions with them haven’t been the greatest. Unless it was the Houses I worked with to complete my various projects. I wouldn’t interact with children who only wanted to faun all over me. I found it disgusting early on. Perhaps if I wasn’t reborn with my previous life’s memories this would be a different story.
“I will try mother, but I will not make any promises.”
In truth, the main reason I was attending school was to do exactly that. Make whatever genuine friends I could and establish myself amongst my peers. It was imperative that I gave a chance to the people to interact with me. I was to be the next leader of Edryan, I could not keep up the pretense of being a social outcast. While I was in school for the next four years, I would also look for rising talents to be recruited to LSG and its subsidiary components.
With one last wave of goodbye to my mother, I left the halls of the royal castle. Escorted by minimal guards in an unmarked carriage. My luggage and items were long delivered.
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Simra and Karla hurried through the halls and towards the large assembly hall. The teenage girls held onto one another as they rush past other students.
“We absolutely must get the best seats. I’m not missing the first appearance of the Crown Prince. Can you believe he is going to be attending school with us? Ohmygosh I’m so excited…”
Simra let out a small chuckle at Karla’s antics. Karla loved to talk, and Simra was nearly certain the girl was in love with her own voice. It’s a good thing Simra liked to listen to the girl's stories. Both girls rushed into Carina Hall. Karla spotted a pair of prime seats and dragged Simra to them. The girls worked hard to get a scholarship to Imperius Academy and were even roommates living on campus together. Keeping each other on track and toward a path to success. It wasn’t like the girls couldn’t follow in their families’ footsteps. Simra's mother was a famous artist while Karla’s family was in the inscribing business for generations. Both were just choosing Imperius Academy to further their class options. In Simra’s case, it was to gain access to combat classes and for Karla, it was to further expand her knowledge of runes while learning the method which was standard to the royal family.
“The inscribing on our clothes is aaamazing. Self-cleaning, and temperature regulation, I think there’s even a (Greater Resistance) woven into them. No wonder the normal price of attending the academy is so expensive. That’s not even mentioning this.”
Karla held up an onyx black bracelet that all students wore. “There are so many enchantments woven into this bad boy,” her eyes were shining as the raven-haired girl stared at the bracelet. Drool began to leak from her mouth as she chanted a quick spell and began to try and piece together the internals of the device.
“I still don’t understand why we have to wear these things until we leave the academy. Do you know what it does?” Simra asked while fidgeting with her device. More students began to file in as there was just under an hour for the orientation to begin.
“The only thing I can really tell is that they’re not activated yet. Even without activation, there are so many runes packed into this thing that it makes our clothes look like a child's plaything.”
Karla’s eyes held a steady blue glow as two spell constructs floated on the surface of her eyes. “I think it's mana activated but it's rejecting any mana I attempt to put into it… fascinating.”
More students filed in and eventually Karla's eyes lost their glow and the two girls returned to conversing. It was only after two strong hands placed themselves over the girl's shoulders and a third face appeared between them that their conversation halted.
“Well, well, well, it looks like you guys are starting the party without us!” A masculine-sounding voice said. While another figure appeared in the girl's vision. She was a waist-long blonde-haired girl with a small petite figure. A nervous aura seemed to radiate around her.
“It’s about time you losers showed up,” Karla exclaimed in a smug voice.
“Hey Kal, hey Laura, come sit with us,” Simra said. Gesturing towards the seats on her right. The two girls came around and join the conversation. Each was excited for one another as they gossiped about the things they learned in the two weeks since their stay on campus.
“So what is this Crown Prince like,” Kal’s loud voice asked. Drawing the attention of the surrounding students.
“Shhh,” Karla whispered. “Crown Prince Lawruthian is the best-looking male in the kingdom. My sources tell me he has long wavy hair just like Queen Titiana.”
Laura’s quiet voice spoke for the first time. “Last time you said he had golden blonde hair. What changed?”
“My sources! Ol’Jim wasn’t as reliable as I thought. Even if he helped build the LSG's first stores. Gosh, I could use some honey scones right now. I can’t wait until class starts. I wonder what class we’ll be assigned to. I know there are class rankings, so I really hope we’re put in the same class. Of course, it’ll be hard for some losers to catch up.”
As Karla said the last part she glared at Laura and Kal. Kal moved to shield Laura from Karla’s glare. Returning one of her own as her short red hair waved and became spiky.
“Hey, don’t blame us just because we wanted to use our own efforts to make it in the academy!”
“I gave both of you the perfect opportunity to cheat. I even created personalized study guides for both of you! Instead of being 3rd and 4th, you were in the late fifties!”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
“Relax both of you,” Simra spoke up. Separating the two girls whose faces were almost touching over her lap. The reason she had both parties sit apart in the first place.
“Hmph,” both girls said before turning away.
The Carina Hall began to get louder and louder as the student body assembled. Thousands of voices chattering at once. While the four girls in the middle sat in relative silence. It wasn’t until a tall figure stepped onto the stage followed by 12 others that the crowd began to quiet. The people arranged themselves into a symmetrical line with the tall figure as the centerpiece. Two others stood on her left and right a few paces behind respectively. The final ten stood in the far back. An orb appeared in the tall woman’s hands. Her appearance and those on the stage were now displayed on the large black cloth behind them. She wore a glossy red velvet robe with the school’s insignia planted on her chest. Black pointed t-strap heels added to her height of 183cm. Long white hair that ended in all colors of the rainbow fell almost to the floor. The woman wore a classical witch’s hat. Vivid eyes that followed the pattern of her hair, white with a rainbow of colors encircling it, stared at the crowd. Her skin was golden brown with patches of white spread in between. She seemed to represent the radiance of the sun and moon. A smile of appreciation showed on her face as she gazed over the crowd of ten thousand. Simra was instantly drawn in and grew to like the woman.
“Good morning new students. I am Head Principal Camilla Romus and I want to give you a warm welcome to Imperius Academy. It is our honor to be the first one to help each of you achieve your desired class within due time. Imperius Academy has only been open for a few short years, yet we have produced renowned household names within this short period. I challenge each and every one of you to stand and rise to the occasion. To become one of those students! To my left is Vice Principal Primus Tullius Nepos and to my right is Vice Principal Femi Gamal.”
Each figure took a half step forward and waved to the students as Head Principal Camilla spoke. Primus Tullius was a head shorter than Camilla and wore a long toga that draped to his feet. By his waist was the large insignia of the academy. The man had olive-black skin and what seemed like a permanent frown. The crowfeet at his eyes did nothing to deter from his harsh look. Vice Principal Femi Gamal was the complete opposite. Simra took one look at her and could only use a single word to describe her.
Beauty.
The Gamal House was known as the second house closest to Goddess Madris. Most of their family members are involved in the church in some shape or form. Femi Gamal's skin was golden brown like most of her family members. Her posture was straight and posed like an arrow ready to be released in flight. Her hair was black with golden streaks running through it. She kept it in a short bob that drew just past her chin. While her eyes shined with pure golden divinity. A testament to her faith and class. All priests of Goddess Madris shined with a slight golden luster. Femi wore a skintight fishtail dress that screamed RICH to Simra’s eyes. A dress the young woman very much approved of. Even with Law, she had never seen anything like this. Vice Principal Femi's shoulders were bare while just below her breast and over her belly was the insignia of the school. A symbol that was on all the student's backs. The symbol of the crown prince himself. An owl's head with red-gold eyes watching, recording, and more.
“Vice Principal Primus and Femi will always be available to not only teach but regulate any large-scale competition between students. Do not hesitate to approach any of us regarding anything. Whether you do not feel safe in a situation or if you have a private matter that you do not wish to bring to the attention of your homeroom teachers.
For those of you who come from a noble background… regardless of whether you are my very children themselves. Using social weight and status… Will… Not… Be …Tolerated…,” the principal stated. The final words rang with power and drew the attention of every single person in the hall.
“This has been decreed by Crown Prince Lawruthian himself, who will be in attendance these three years.” A gasp of shock and excitement rang out from the student body. The rumors of the crown prince attending were finally confirmed.
“See I told y’all,” a smug Karla whispered.
Principal Camilla tapped the orb displaying her image and amplifying her voice. Grabbing the attention of the students once again. “There are some of you who are new and may not understand the full consequences of attending Imperius Academy. Let me be the first to explain. Each of you has triumphed over thousands in your respective region. A new student body of just over ten thousand is in attendance today. Yet there were over a million applications. Understand that your journey of triumph has only just begun. Behind us,” Camilla gestured to the ten individuals. “Are the top ten head teachers of the Imperius Academy. Only 300 of you will be assigned to one of their classes. Those who performed the best. Those who triumphed over their peers into getting into this academy. Those who break through their limits and rise to the challenge will be amongst their classes. Each of those 300 spots is interchangeable. Each of those 300 spots receives the best nurturing and resources this academy has to offer. Decreed by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Lawruthian.”
“Look at the bands on your wrist,” Principal Camilla gestured. As she said this each band alit with a number. She alongside the teachers raised their arms to show off their own respective bands. Simra stared wide-eyed at the number 18 on her band. While next to her Karla stared at 17. Kal and Laura's bands were in the upper 230s.
“I’m certain some of you have already figured it out. That number is your ranking in the school based on your previous grades and aptitude tests. Those numbers can rise or fall at any time. Some of you may be aspiring warriors while others may be inscribers or crafters. You may be wondering how each of you is to be graded. Do not worry as Imperius Academy has created a complex grading system that takes everything into account. Feed mana into your bracelets until you can no longer.”
Following her instructions, Simra felt her mana and began to pull it into the bracelet. It felt like she was feeding a nearly bottomless maw and it wasn’t until she felt the fatigue begin to set in that the device finally was satisfied. It gave off a bright golden glow to show off its completion. While a multitude of different glows began to display throughout the hall. Each is unique to an individual. Simra’s eyes flashed with the reds, golds, blacks, and white. As all types of colors flashed in Carina Hall. She could feel the bubbling excitement ready to burst from her chest as she took Karla's hand in her own for comfort. Before the girls could confide in one another Principal Camilla spoke up.
“In a moment these bracelets will tighten around your wrist. The process is not painful however it prevents the bracelet from being removed,” she paused here to let the students comprehend. Sensing movement Simra looked at her bracelet as it seemingly fused to her skin. Poking and prodding at the object in wonder. She could still feel the skin beneath the object. It appeared almost like a tattoo.
“These bracelets will keep track of your rank amongst a few other things your homeroom teachers will explain to you. Know that the bracelets can and will reward you based on your grades, actions, and accomplishments.
One final thing before I let you go to your homeroom classes. Know that each of the ten teachers here receives ten thousand points to distribute amongst their classes. While those teachers who are not amongst the top ten will only receive one thousand points to distribute. The first month of school will be the only month in which no points can be distributed or earned as you begin to learn and understand the inner workings of the school.”
Karla squeezed Simra's hand at the words of Principal Camilla. They would definitely be talking later.
“Principal Primus, Principal Femi, do you have anything to add before we dismiss the students?”
Principal Primus took a step forward while Principal Femi drew back. Each signals their desire in a simple movement.
Head Principal Camilla handed the orb to Principal Camilla and the older man spoke. Simra was surprised expecting the man to sound stern or harsh. Instead, his voice was warm and welcoming. Far different than what his appearance would suggest. Yet his words were anything but warm.
“Most of you will fail to rise to expectations. Most of you will only be so-so. Out of the million students who wanted to attend this academy a good portion of you are noble brats who believe their family name will still hold weight here. I will be the one to personally deal with any who tries. Welcome to Imperius Academy where only the truly outstanding shine.
Will you be one of them?”
He stepped back and returned the orb to the headmistress who let out a wry smile. As she took the orb another figure began to walk onto the stage. Head Principal Camilla turned and smiled at the student. Simra studied the young man on stage. She felt like his face was familiar to her. Murmurs began to run through the hall.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Step.
The teachers and principals bowed as the figure drew near the Head Principal. Next to her, Karla started to vibratewith excitement. Mustering all her strength to grip Simra’s hand.
“You may rise,” the voice said. Sounding majestic and with authority. Although Simra could still hear the traces of youth within it.
“Crown Prince Lawruthian,” Head Principal Camilla said. “Would you like to close out the orientation?” The murmurs grew into excited whispers.
“Thank you, Principal Camilla,” the young man said. Taking the offered orb with a nod.
Red-gold eyes stared over the crowd and Simra let go of Karla’s hand. Rubbing her eyes and trying to clear them. An emotion she didn’t know what to call beginning to surface.
Those eyes seemed to have spotted what they were looking for as they met Simra’s blue eyes.
“I am Crown Prince Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, and I want to welcome you all to my academy.”
System Unlock:
420 Days
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