The familiar whoosh of wings heralded Z’s arrival as the whiteblood wyvern descended gracefully from above. It landed lightly on Si-woo's head, its claws barely brushing his hair. Si-woo sighed in mild annoyance but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips.

"Do you have to sit there, Z?" Si-woo asked with a mock glare, reaching up to pat the wyvern's tail, which curled possessively around his neck.

Oapa chuckled at the sight. "Z has quite the personality, doesn’t he?" His tone was warm, though his gaze lingered on the creature with a glint of appreciation. "It’s always something to witness a whiteblood wyvern up close, The rare and remarkable bond."

Si-woo shrugged, used to hearing such remarks about Z. "He’s a handful, but he’s mine," he said, holding out his class schedule for Oapa to see.

As Oapa scanned the paper, his eyes widened slightly. "It seems we share the same homeroom teacher—Mr. Jeong, Room 2-C."

Si-woo raised an eyebrow. "Wait... how? Aren’t you Level 5? Why would Level 4s and 5s be in the same homeroom?"

Oapa scanned the sheet his tone slipping into a patient, slightly amused explanation. "Homeroom isn’t technically part of the structured curriculum. The Knowledge Family executives decided it would benefit underclassmen like you to interact with upperclassmen. Something about fostering mentorship and encouraging collaboration. Homeroom’s purpose isn’t about levels or ranks—it’s about connections."

Si-woo digested this with a thoughtful gaze. "I guess that makes sense, but it still feels strange. It’s like... preparing the next students for what's next to come."

"It is," Oapa replied, the corners of his mouth quirking up. "Think of it as a chance to make allies. And who knows? You might find that it helps you more than you realize."

Z chirped softly, its head swiveling to survey the academy gates looming ahead. Si-woo glanced up at the wyvern, whose presence steadied his nerves, then back to Oapa.

"Well," Si-woo said with a small sigh, "I guess it’s better than being alone in all this."

"Exactly," Oapa said, a glint of reassurance in his expression. "Besides, with Z perched on your head, no one will miss you entering the room."

Si-woo laughed despite himself, brushing Z’s tail lightly. The wyvern let out a low croon, a sound of approval. Together, the trio approached the academy, the towering structure gleaming with a promise of both challenges and opportunities.

Once inside the academy, Si-Woo’s breath caught at the sight before him. The Middle Academy of Yohen was an architectural marvel, blending traditional fae design with a distinctly modern flair. White marble walls gleamed under the soft glow of enchanted lights, accented by intricate patterns in silver and gold that seemed to pulse faintly with magic. The ceilings stretched high, adorned with floating glass orbs that displayed moving scenes of historical battles, fae achievements, and landscapes of otherworldly beauty.

Compared to the Young Academy of Yohen, this place felt grander, more refined—each corner radiating an aura of both innovation and tradition.

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As he took it all in, voices from nearby caught his attention.

“Is that him?” one student whispered, his tone filled with skepticism. “The one they’re calling a prodigy twin? The one who scored 100 percent on the test?”

Another scoffed, their voice dripping with disbelief. “That’s absurd. If he thinks he can score high again, he has another thing coming. Especially since he hasn’t even awakened yet.”

A third chimed in, their tone hushed but cutting. “Yeah, and look who he’s standing next to... the beast.”

Si-Woo froze instantly, his head tilted. His sharp black eyes locked onto the group, who flinched slightly under his gaze. Without realizing it, he began projecting a faint but unmistakable pulse of threatening serein in their direction. The energy rippled through the air like a silent roar, making the group of gossiping students stiffen and fall silent, their earlier bravado melting away.

Oapa’s hand landed firmly on Si-Woo’s shoulder, pulling him back to the present. “That’s enough,” Oapa said calmly, his hood shifting slightly as he leaned closer. “Let’s not waste time on small minds. We have a class to get to.”

Si-Woo blinked, exhaling slowly as he reined in his emotions. Z shifted on his head, letting out a low, disapproving chirp as if scolding him for letting the gossipers getaway.

“Yeah... let’s go,” Si-Woo said, his tone quiet but firm. As they continued walking, he cast one last glance at the stunned students before turning his focus forward.

The academy halls stretched ahead, vast and unfamiliar, filled with the murmurs of students and the hum of unseen enchantments. Yet, despite the intimidation of the new environment, Si-Woo straightened his posture.

I’m here for a reason, he thought to himself, glancing up at Z, who chirped again in agreement. And no one’s going to make me doubt that.

As they walked through the academy, Oapa gestured subtly to their surroundings. His calm, patient voice cut through the faint hum of magic that lingered in the halls.

“The academy is divided into three main floors, each serving different functions. There are also three wings to note,” Oapa began, his tone almost instructional. “The left wing is where most of the Level 4 classes are held. That’s where your classes will primarily be. The right wing, as you might have guessed, houses Level 5 classes—advanced courses and anomaly studies, mostly. Finally, the middle wing is the commons. It’s where the meals are passed out, students go to study, collaborate, or simply socialize.”

Si-Woo nodded, taking in the layout as they continued walking. The academy felt vast, almost too large for him to navigate without guidance.

As they approached their destination, a figure emerged from a side hall and walked toward them with purposeful steps. The student was tall and had sharp facial features with short yellow hair. He wore the standard academy uniform but with two distinct features that caught Si-Woo’s eye. The first was the numeral IV on the student’s chest, signifying their status as a Level 5 senior. The second was the additional emblem stitched beside it: the crest of the Agriculture Family, a golden hoe crossed with a sheaf of wheat. A crystal chain, similar to Oapa’s, dangled from the student’s hip, adding to their authoritative presence.

“Ah, Oapa,” the student said, their voice steady but with an undertone of urgency. “I need to speak with you privately. It’s important.”

Oapa gave the student a measured look before turning to Si-Woo. “Go on ahead to Room 2-C,” he instructed, his voice kind but firm. “I’ll join you shortly.”

Si-Woo hesitated for a moment, glancing between Oapa and the new arrival. He felt the weight of the senior student’s gaze but decided not to linger. “Alright,” he said, adjusting Z on his head, who chirped softly as if encouraging him forward.

As Si-Woo entered the classroom corridor alone, he couldn’t help but glance back briefly, wondering what the conversation between Oapa and the senior could be about.