EPISODE 15: All Eyes On Me
-Edryan Queendom. Year 7290, Season: New Beginning
“I am Crown Prince Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, and I want to welcome you all to my academy.”
The moment the words left my mouth Simra’s expression changed. It took me a few moments to spot the young woman but once I did my gaze never wavered from hers. I just hope she wouldn’t be too upset with me. It was wrong to hide my identity from her and I knew that clearly. Our eyes disconnected as I began to scan the rest of the crowd.
“Imperius Academy is a place where hidden gems and true talent can not only shine but be rewarded for their skills and efforts. Your first year here will be exploring the two options you chose once you were admitted to the school. The second year here is when your class activates, and you begin exploring the limits before your first advancement. As today is the orientation I will not say too much. Know that not even the status of the Crown Prince will hold the same weight it does outside of this campus. Here at Imperius Academy, we are all equal. Do not hesitate to rise; if you falter, remember there are plenty of resources to help set you on the right path.”
I held my band up to the crowd and near the orb so it could display my number.
“Come challenge me. I await you at the top!”
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With my impromptu speech finished I handed the orb back to Principal Camilla. “You are dismissed. Follow the guide on your band to make it to your first class. You have thirty minutes.”
With a final wave, I left as my band began to flash an arrow pointing at my class. The loud sounds of chatter and rising voices reverberated throughout Carina Hall. Various thoughts flashed through my head as I followed the band. Not noticing a small following I picked up as I made my way outside of the hall. My mind wandered to Simra wondering how I could salvage the situation. Fortunately, we’re in the same class. That was purely from Simra’s efforts and no manipulation of my own.
My steps halted as I noticed the increasing chatter around me. Pausing in my thoughts I looked up and behind me. My eyes slightly widen at the number of students behind me. Various eyes were shining with different emotions as they stared at me. While the chatter died down as I gazed at the crowd following me. Shrugging I turned around and resumed following the glowing band toward my classroom.
The journey took a few minutes with the chattering of students following me as I moved through the campus. The Carina Hall was a separate building from the main campus and served to host assemblies and other minor events such as the club recruitment that would be occurring with Imperius Academy's first month.
When I proposed a standard education system for the Edryan people. I took the pieces of the blueprint from a common American schooling system and a hint of Japanese anime. Only it took great thought and effort to turn it into something that would fit a society where everyone could use magic. From ages, 7-13 Edryans would attend school and learn history, basic mana manipulation, math, and a few other subjects. From 13-15, they would not be required to school as an Edryan Three Steps would have them learn from three different professions to enhance the quality of their class selection. Now at age 15, they would go to an academy, public school, or if they’ve decided on their path, an apprenticeship. However, Edryans are considered adults by age 16 since that is when the system unlocks. Allowing us to choose our first class and gain levels. Because of this, by age 14/15 if you're attending an academy on scholarship or out of pocket you will be attending a more college-like schooling. This level of education would be based on two professions you chose before being admitted to the school.
I came to a halt in front of two large double doors leading into a lecture-style classroom. The first period for all students was homeroom and where most of the knowledge learned the previous days would be put to the test. The chatter died down as I entered the room titled Class 1 in red-gold lettering. Closing the door behind me as the crowd of over 100 was left behind.
I surveyed the room and was surprised to spot a young woman already seated in the second to last row on the left side of the room. She looked up from the large book she was reading, quickly glancing at me before dismissing me with her gaze. I smiled; Class 1 was surely going to be interesting.
I climbed up the steps until I reached the last row. As I reached the top, the door opened and several more figures entered. As I took my seat, I studied the new students as they did me. A tall handsome blonde gave me a nod and smile before going to take his seat. While what was clearly twins, one boy and the other a girl gave me and the bookworm girl curious stares. After a moment they turned and conversed in low whispers before deciding the girl must be more interesting as they approached her seat. The twins boxed her in and began to make whispered conversation while occasionally glancing back at me. I gave them a smile and a nod. My attention returned to the door as more and more figures filed in. Class 1 had a total of 31 students. Time passed and more and more of them began to file in. Each gave me a look, but none approached.
None approached that is until one magenta bright-eyed girl came in. The moment she spotted me she made a beeline for my section. Not many sat in the farthest row. In fact, none at all to this point. The bottom seats filled up quite nicely.
The bright-eyed girl made her way up the stairs and approached me. Opening her mouth to speak the moment she was on my level and sitting next to me.
“So, you’re the crown prince? Hmm, you’re not as tall as I thought you’d be. Fancy school by the way. It’s a drag but my parents are making me attend because they heard you were going to be here. My name is Amaya Musa by the way. My sister told me so much about you. Is it true you started learning at one? Man, that’s impressive, I was only just learning to talk at one. Since you don’t have a father does that mean Queen Titiana reproduced asexually or would Goddess Madris be your father? What’s it like being a Holy Son? How are you so smart? Can I get my hands on one of the golem batteries meant for the military? Man, your eyes are such a beautiful shade of red and gold. Do you want to be friends…”
Several times I open my mouth to respond but the questions and statements just kept pouring out. It wasn’t until another girl entered the room and spotted the both of us that those things changed. The girl had black hair with golden streaks running through it and I knew a Gamal when I spotted one. She glared at the chattering girl as she marched over here. The girl was none the wiser as danger approached. The Gamal grasped onto her ear and twisted pulling the girl back as she let out a series of ‘ows’.
“Ow, ow, owwwww, I’m sorry let go Madria, please? I won’t bother the crown prince anymore!”
“Hmph, that is the Holy Son to you. You’re in my seat, once you get up, I can let go.” Madria Gamal said in a pleasant tone.
I watched as Amaya shifted away and Madria replaced her. The young woman studied my face for a few silent moments. Before I broke the silence between us.
“Found what you were looking for,” I asked with a hint of a smile.
“You should come to the church with me. It is not proper that the Holy Son has never led a sermon to Goddess Madris.”
My hint of a smile faded away like the dying embers of a fading fire. A slight frown replaced it. “Madris does not need my worship. Tell your mother I said hello.”
If before the room was only slightly paying attention. Now they were actively listening in. Heads turning to stare at us. Yet before Madria could respond the doors opened with a loud bang.
Simra had arrived from her posture and aura. I could tell she was quite angry.
You couldn’t have arrived at a better time! I need to make sure I watch my mouth when it comes to Madris. Her blue eyes wandered the room until they met my own. Behind her was a raven-haired girl who stared at me with shiny eyes and a hint of a story.
I put on my award-winning smile and waved. “Hi, Simra!”
Class 1 looked between us with a number of emotions displayed. The first day of the new year and it looks like they’ll be plenty of drama. Yet before Simra could say or do anything a figure brushed past the two girls knocking them over. I stood up in anger just as the figure spotted me.
“CROWN PRINCE LAWRUTHIAN. I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL!”
A fiery red hair kid said. The tall handsome blonde from earlier gave his face an audible smack and he hurriedly stood. Muttering to himself as he made his way over. I watched in silence eyes narrowed.
“My apologies crown prince for my peer's behavior. Please disregard anything he says. He is slow in the head.”
A few members of the class chuckled as the situation was defused. The tall blonde locked his arm around the shorter redhead's head and dragged him away. While also pausing to apologize to Simra and her friend.
“Oi, stop blocking my classroom's door. Go take your seats.”
As the two girls sorted themselves out. The teacher of Class 1 arrived. Karla grabbed Simra’s hand and dragged her up the steps. Their eyes were directly on me as the two girls made their way to my left. With Amaya and Madria on my right who were extremely pretty girls, I would look like the luckiest guy on campus. While the two girls took their seats, our homeroom instructor made his way to the blackboard. Pulling out a piece of chalk and scribbling across it.
The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
Wil Silverhand.
After finishing he turned to survey the class. Wil’s eyes flickered across the room. Satisfied the man spoke. “It looks like we’re all in attendance today. Very good. My name is Wil Silverhand, some of you may have heard of me, and some of your families may have tried to hire me. None succeeded of course. I’m too good for that.”
Wil Silverhand brushed his long silver-blonde hair back as he finished. A smirk on his face. “Nobody but the royal family could actually afford my price. I thank you once again Lawruthian,” he ended with a nod in my direction.
Heads glanced in my direction before returning to Wils. Clear interest shone in the faces. “For those of you who do not know me. I am Wil Silverhand one of the greatest S-Rank adventurers err I believe you call them Magi or something. Anyway, I am the greatest S-Rank of this generation. Actually, probably the greatest,” he said shrugging before continuing.
“I have roamed most of the dangerous magical areas in the kingdom and have numerous feats under my belt. Enough about my greatness, however. I am your homeroom teacher and the top-ranked teacher in the academy since its inception. This means several things,” he said. Voice taking on a more serious tone.
“Number 1: I have a proven track record in helping multiple professions rise and achieve greatness. Doesn’t matter if you’re in this class because you want to become a warrior who slays the dragon in the center of this queendom. Or if you wish to be an architect or crafter of a renowned profession. I have worked with some of the greatest in this kingdom and the surrounding ones. With experience from all walks of life.
Number 2: Any of those students who have risen to fame in the last few years. At least half of them come from my class.
Number 3: This is the final one and it should go without saying. My word is law and if you follow my instructions, you can reach your full potential. That does not mean you are forced to. No one can force you to do anything in Imperius Academy. Anything you earn is by your own merit. In all my years of roaming as the continent's greatest, most handsome, and brightest adventurer. I have never, never seen such a fair grading system other than the one Imperius Academy employs. This is solely because of this,” Wil held up his band as he finished.
Wil then gazed at me while he continued. “I don’t exactly understand the device the Crown Prince has deployed in order to come up with a fair grading system. I know that this band tracks and records your actions, grading them and using them to help you achieve the greatest results possible. To help you achieve better and rarer classes while unlocking your full potential.”
I gave a smile and wave. Knowing the bands were connected to an (Adaptive Learning Algorithm).
“That is something that shall remain an academy secret,” was my only vocal response.
Wil Silverhand squinted his eyes at me before shrugging. “Now that we’ve gotten some basic rules out the way it is time for the class to introduce themselves. Yet before that take a good look at all the faces in here.”
Wil gestured for the 31 students to look around. Each looked at their peers throughout the room. Some had expressions of hope, as they were the ones to receive scholarships to attend Imperius Academy. Others held boredom in their gaze, uninterested in the current ongoings. Plenty peered at the crown prince and the small cohort of girls surrounding him. Some were envious, others expected.
“Those who were assigned to this class held the best grades in the queendom. You have gone through various schools and have tested to have a high performance. Better than every other student in the queendom.”
Wil paused to allow his words to sink in. 31 pairs of eyes now relocked onto him. The half-elf smiled, showing off his straight pearly white teeth.
“You will have one month to understand and prepare for the rules of this school. Here at Imperius Academy, everything is ranked. Those who rise up the rank rise to higher classes. Where they are provided more resources to study and comprehend any path they so choose. Here in this class, there is nothing to look forward to other than the glory of your position and the benefits that come from it. Those in the top ten receive even more benefits and privileges.
Know that every other of the ten thousand new students will want to be where you sit. Will want the resources you consume. The training you have access to. Those in this class can be the only ones you may rely on, yet they are also in competition for your spot as well.
Take the rest of this period to introduce yourself to one another. Perhaps form the beginning of a friendship although most of you noble brats should recognize one another.”
After saying so Wil took a seat behind the large desk. Planting his feet atop of it as he leaned back in the comfy chair. The silence between the students only lasted a moment before one voice spoke.
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“I accept your challenge…”
All eyes turned to the turn to the Crown Prince or Holy Son depending on whom you asked. His ebony-gradient hair fell just past his shoulders, while his red-gold eyes stared directly at the young man who issued the challenge earlier. Before the challenge issuer could speak up the young man who stopped his scene earlier stood and spoke.
“Crown Prince Lawruthian my friend is slow in the head. What he said earlier was a joke.”
“…and you are,” Crown Prince Lawruthian asks.
Before the crown prince had an easygoing and approachable air around him. Now his eyes were cold, and his visage resembled Queen Titiana to the degree. An icy chill was spread throughout the room.
“My name is Lorde Drumian. I’d like to apologi-”
“Thank you for your input, Lorde Drumian…,” Lawruthian cut Lorde off. “…but here at Imperius Academy, there is none to take care of you but yourself. Let the young man speak for himself. Oh, and call me Lawruthian. There are no titles other than those of the instructors here.”
Lorde opened his mouth but then closed it and gave a nod. Taking a step back he let out a sigh. Whatever was to happen would happen.
“What is your name,” Lawruthian asked. His gaze now locked on the red hair boy.
In the front of the classroom, Wil Silverhand sat up. His gaze flickered between both students. His expression was unknown but seemingly held an interest in the current ongoings of his class. This was not what he meant by introducing yourselves.
“Hmph, it seems you do have balls. My name is Ade Travax Oni. Come and face me in the arena. It is said you are a genius prodigy in all things. Let’s see if fighting is one of them.”
“Your challenge has been accepted, Ade. Although I’m certain our instructor will have something to say before we can do anything,” Lawruthian said and nodded in the Class 1 instructor's direction.
Wil sat up nodding at Lawruthian before taking a look at the classroom. “Your first month here at Imperius Academy is a chance for you to make acquaintances and understand the structure this school runs on. No fights or challenges may be held in this first month. However, for the next 10 months after it is open season. Once this month is over, I will personally facilitate your challenge, Ade.
Since y’all can’t control yourselves, we’re going to do it like this. Name, your rank, specialization, something you like, and the main path you’ve chosen. We can discuss the secondary later. Now please try and introduce yourselves properly.”
Taking this as her cue a twin-tail girl with two giant afro puffs stood up. Becoming the first to introduce herself to the class.
“My name is Amaya Musa number 5,” she said holding up her band. “I’m going to become a better mage than my older sister Margret Musa and lead the queendom to a new future! If you have any magical-related questions, come to me first! My path is Magical Combat and Utilization.” With a peace sign and a pose, the girl sat down nodding to herself at a job well done.
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Others followed Amaya’s example. Class 1 slowly introduced themselves to one another. I made sure to take notes and finally put names on faces. My education made me well learned on the noble families of the queendom and some of their current scions. I knew their names and finally, I could put those names to faces as well.
“I’m Viviana Consus number 6. I specialize in plants, and I love reading. Don’t bother me unless you like the same. My path is Magical Application and Utilization,” she rolled her eyes as she sat down.
Viviana Consus was the girl who entered the classroom before me. Her nature-green hair was eye-catching but nothing too out of the norm.
“I’m number 11…”
“…and I’m number 12.”
“My name is Helios Romus…”
“…and I’m Selene Romus.”
“We are the Sun and Moon Twins,” they said together.
“My path is Physical Combat and Utilization.”
“My path is Magical Warding and Utilization.”
The Romus twins, son, and daughter of the head principal were true to their title as the Sun and Moon Twins. Helios had blonde hair and sun-kissed skin that held the radiance of the sun upon it. His sister was the exact opposite and much paler than her counterpart. Her silver hair was waist-length and completely straight. Not a fiber out of place. The twins gave each other a high five before taking their seats on each side of Viviana.
Next to me Madria stood and began her introduction.
“My name is Madria Gamal, Rank 2. My path is Magical Healing and Application. I will be hosting the sermons to our Goddess Madris on campus every weekend. Join me and together we shall achieve a new level of faith in worshiping our Goddess.”
“My name is Karla, Rank 17. My family owns a small enchantment business in the Imper District. I specialize in gossip and understanding rune enchantments,” Karla said with a straight face. “My path is Runic Comprehension and Utilization. A non-combat so I won't be accepting any physical challenges!”
“My name is Simra, Rank 18. It is my dream to be a strong knight that is recognized and the latest member of the Queen's Guard. My path is Magi-Physical Combat and Utilization.”
“I am Ade Travax Oni, Rank 27. I want to be the physically strongest warrior in the queendom,” Ade clenched his fist as he said this. His long locs swaying with him. “My main path is Physical Combat and Utilization.”
“My name is Lorde Drumian, Rank 1. I want to be recognized as the greatest [Spell-Sword] like my older cousin Liana Drumian,” there was a fire in his eyes as he spoke. A drive to not just succeed but to go even further beyond. “My main path is Magi-Physical Combat and Utilization.”
Lorde nodded to Simra and the few others who announced the same path. They would be seeing each other a lot more in the future.
“My name is Lawruthian Imperius Koltius Edryani, Rank 0. I wish to make Edryan the strongest country under the Prime Sun,” I said as I held the gaze of all who looked my way for a few moments. “My main path is Runic Comprehension and Utilization.”
Others introduced themselves and I made sure to put names to faces. As the last of Class 1 finished introducing themselves Wil Silverhand stood and returned to the center of the room.
“Good, great even. I’m glad that we have introduced ourselves. I hope each of you took note of the main path each of y’all chose to follow. Here at Imperius Academy paths fall into two major categories. Combat or Artisan.
That being said each has implications of what can and can’t occur. For example,” Wil began nodding at Ade and me.
“Those in the Combat categories cannot challenge those in the Artisan categories and vice versa. Nobody expects a crafter to be able to fight a warrior. However, you all are still classless and not beholden to the experience requirements for a class. If both parties agree, then the duel can happen. Regardless we can discuss this more when the time comes closer. Now that you’ve introduced yourselves let us move on to the next topic: Understanding Imperius Academy.”
System Unlock:
419 Days
22 Hours
27 Minutes
59 Seconds