Morning had arrived, bringing with it a bright sky and the excitement of a new day. The students buzzed with anticipation; today was finally the day of their first official class. Outside the dormitory, Isaki spotted his friends and greeted them warmly. "Good morning, everyone!"

Ray, Rael, and Lian returned his greeting, equally excited. Despite the coolness of the morning, an unmistakable energy filled the air as they prepared for their first lesson. Though class would begin shortly, they had enough time to walk together, and so they set off, chatting about their expectations for the day.

"I heard we'll all be together for this one," Lian said, grinning. "Professor Jurg's teaching it." Isaki's eyes brightened, nodding enthusiastically. "I can't wait to get started," he replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Rael shared his excitement, his steps quickening as they neared the academy entrance. Ray, on the other hand, wore his usual calm smile, more reserved yet clearly interested in what lay ahead.

The four friends entered the grand hall of the academy and navigated through the busy corridors until they reached Professor Jurg's classroom. As the time ticked closer to the lesson's start, they hastened their pace, anticipation building with every step. Isaki pushed open the door, and they stepped inside, greeted by an awe-inspiring sight.

The classroom was expansive, with a high, arched ceiling that made it feel like they'd stepped into a place of ancient wisdom. Soft, diffused light filled the room, casting a gentle glow on everything within. This illumination came not only from the artificial lights but also from an enormous floor-to-ceiling window that took up one entire wall, inviting sunlight to pour in and fill the space. It was as if the room was designed to inspire a sense of openness and clarity, the perfect environment for delving into the mysteries of the Aura.

At the front of the room was the professor's desk, an imposing yet elegant wooden piece with neatly arranged papers and a large chalkboard behind it, awaiting today's lesson. The seating arrangement was organized in descending rows that sloped upward from the professor's desk, forming a semicircle that provided every student a clear view of the front no matter where they sat. The benches and desks were long, fixed, and evenly spaced, giving a sense of order and harmony to the room. Each desk was equipped with a smooth writing surface, making it easy for the students to arrange their books and take notes.

The classroom, capable of seating over a hundred students, was nearly full when Isaki, Rael, Lian, and Ray entered. Only a few spots remained, and they quickly found seats near the middle, eager to settle in before the professor arrived. Isaki glanced around, spotting familiar faces among the students. He noticed Arya and Sophia had taken seats closer to the front. When Sophia turned and spotted him, she gave a friendly wave. Isaki, Rael, and Lian waved back with smiles, while Ray, focused and already in learning mode, was busy retrieving his book from his bag.

Right on time, Professor Jurg entered the room with a steady, confident stride, his signature black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. His eyes, sharp behind those dark lenses, scanned the room as he welcomed the students. "Good morning, everyone. Today, we'll be exploring the theory behind the Aura—a powerful force that many can wield and strengthen through commitment and discipline."

He began by explaining how the ancients had discovered the Aura, recounting tales of the first beings to wield it and the gradual development of practices that allowed people to refine and control it. The classroom was silent, each student captivated by Jurg's voice as he spoke of a world long past. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, he explained, the Aura had first emerged, but its exact origins were shrouded in mystery. Some speculated that the Aura came into existence with the world itself, while others believed it was a force born from the earth's deepest energies.

Jurg shared an intriguing theory—that the Aura might have first manifested in dragons, who roamed the ancient world millions of years ago. These magnificent creatures, he suggested, were believed to be among the first to harness the power of the Aura. When they vanished from existence, perhaps this energy had lain dormant, only to resurface in humanity hundreds of thousands of years later. "These are questions without clear answers," Jurg said, his voice filled with a reverence for the unknown, "and yet it's in these mysteries that we find purpose. This academy exists to help you, the students, pursue knowledge, strength, and courage to uncover these mysteries and face the unknown."

Continuing, Jurg explained that Aura was intrinsically tied to the soul, present in all living things—humans, animals, even plants. "Anything with a soul also possesses an Aura," he explained. This connection to the soul made Aura a deeply personal force, unique to each individual and bound to their inner spirit.

As he spoke, a hand rose quietly in the crowd. It was Ray. Noticing him, Jurg nodded in acknowledgment, giving Ray the floor. Ray asked about the clock tower, Kairos, in the city of Lachesis, mentioning that he had heard it emitted an Aura. With the professor's explanation in mind, Ray wondered if that meant the tower had a soul as well.

Professor Jurg paused, considering Ray's question carefully. After a reflective silence, he spoke. "The Kairos tower is indeed an unusual case. Typically, objects can't retain Aura for extended periods without the presence of a soul. So, yes—there are those who believe that the tower has a soul, though it's still not entirely understood. The origins and true nature of that tower remain a mystery."

He wrapped up the lesson by discussing how each person's Aura has a distinct frequency and color that reflects their soul's essence, growing more intense as they develop their strength. The room was thick with curiosity and inspiration, as each student felt themselves drawn further into the fascinating world Jurg was describing.

After hours of delving into the origins and theories of Aura, the lesson came to a close. Professor Jurg offered a parting nod and a warm farewell to the students. "I'll see you all tomorrow for the next class," he said, his tone hinting at even more secrets to come.

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The students packed their things and exchanged glances filled with new curiosity and excitement, a shared eagerness to uncover the mysteries of the Aura and the many questions it held. The students poured out of the room, their minds still buzzing with the concepts he'd introduced. Lunchtime had arrived, and the air was thick with the hum of activity as Isaki, Rael, Lian, and Ray found themselves regrouping with Sophia and Arya, who had just stepped out of the classroom. Spotting them, Sophia flashed a bright smile and proposed they head to the academy cafeteria for lunch.

"Great idea!" Isaki said, the others nodding in agreement. Arya and Ray acknowledged with quiet nods, and together, they joined the flow of students moving in the same direction.

As they entered the cafeteria, they took in the vibrant, bustling atmosphere. The dining hall was immense, filled with long, polished tables arranged in neat rows to accommodate hundreds of students at once. The room's high ceiling allowed light to stream through the large, ornate windows, casting a warm glow on the busy crowd below. The air was thick with the tempting aroma of freshly prepared food, a symphony of spices and herbs that immediately lifted everyone's spirits.

Isaki noticed that some of the older students were already seated. Many second- and third-year students were scattered throughout the cafeteria, while the few fourth- and fifth-years were still in class; they were often seen as the most serious students, immersed in their advanced studies and training.

As the group looked around, they spotted two people moving through the tables, their watchful eyes scanning the students. One of them—a tall, well-built man approached the group, his imposing presence commanding their attention. He cleared his throat. "You all first years?"

Isaki gave a quick nod. "Yes, we are."

The man introduced himself as one of the academy's security officers. His broad shoulders and alert gaze gave him an air of seasoned strength, which didn't go unnoticed by Ray, who instinctively evaluated the man's power and stance.

"Good to meet you all," the officer continued. "My job is to make sure things stay orderly here, especially in places like the cafeteria. It's not rare for tempers to flare up with this many students around, and we have to step in if any fights break out. That's why you'll see us around here, the library, and other larger areas."

Isaki's eyes lit up in recognition. "I think I saw someone like you in the library," he remarked.

The officer nodded with a faint smile. "That's right. Now, if you're here for lunch, the food station's at the far end." He gestured toward a long counter lined with trays and warm dishes.

Thanking him, the group made their way to the food station. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meats filled the air, mingling with the chatter and laughter of students scattered around the room. The counter offered a variety of options—soups, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, and more, each dish arranged invitingly.

After grabbing their plates, they found an empty table and settled down, the comforting warmth of their meal adding to the lively ambiance around them. As they ate, Sophia started the conversation, leaning in with a curious expression.

"So, have you all thought about finding a part-time job to make some money?" she asked.

Rael and Lian exchanged glances before Rael answered, "We've been thinking about it for a while. The academy fees aren't exactly easy on the pocket, so we could definitely use the extra money."

"True," Lian agreed, nodding solemnly. "Most of the students from Moirai don't need to work because they come from wealthier families, but for us from the Southern Territory, it's… well, different. Sometimes, we're forced to work twice, if not three times, as hard just to keep up. And if we can't afford the fees…" He trailed off, shrugging as if to indicate how difficult it was for students in his position, this was another reason why so many students from the South struggle to make it through the first year.

Sophia's expression softened, and she nodded understandingly. "It's really unfair, isn't it? Well, how about this—we could all head to Lachesis next week and look for jobs together. We might find something good if we look around."

Rael and Lian immediately voiced their support for the plan, their faces brightening with interest. Isaki, who had been silently mulling it over, nodded thoughtfully. He had some money saved up but knew it wouldn't last forever. "Yeah, I could use some extra money too," he added.

Arya, who had been quietly focused on her food, finally spoke up. "I already found a job when I first arrived."

Sophia looked at her, surprised. "Really? Why didn't you tell me?"

Arya glanced away, her tone matter-of-fact. "It's… a risky job. I figured if I told you, you'd just worry."

Sophia's brow furrowed with concern. "Risky? What kind of job did you get?"

"A mercenary guild," Arya replied simply, as if it were the most natural choice in the world.

For a moment, Rael, Lian, and Sophia froze, their utensils mid-air. The revelation seemed to have caught them off-guard, and it took a few seconds before Sophia found her voice. "A… mercenary guild? Arya, why a guild like that?"

"Because it's the best way to get real combat experience outside of the academy," Arya replied calmly, her expression unchanging. "If I want to get stronger, I need challenges that matter. The guild gives me that."

Sophia's lips parted as if she wanted to argue, but eventually, she just sighed. "I suppose you're right, Arya… Just, please, be careful, alright?"

Isaki's eyes gleamed with fascination at Arya's determination. "That's incredible, Arya. Think I could join you at the guild? I'd love to learn what it's like being a mercenary."

Arya looked at him for a moment before nodding. "I could introduce you to the guild leader if you're serious about it."

Isaki's face lit up with excitement, his mind racing with the possibilities. His father had always told him about how experience was the key to true strength, and this seemed like the perfect way to follow in his father's footsteps as a mercenary.

Lian and Rael exchanged surprised glances but ultimately nodded, understanding Isaki's desire. "I guess that's just how Isaki is," Rael whispered with a grin. "For a guy who loves a good fight, joining a mercenary guild sounds like a dream."

Isaki grinned, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He turned to Ray. "What about you, Ray? Want to come along?"

Ray gave a small shrug and shook his head. "Not really my thing. I'll probably find something lighter. Mercenary work doesn't really appeal to me."

Arya, observing Ray quietly from across the table, felt a momentary flicker of curiosity. Ray was still such an enigma, and even in their short time together, she found herself wondering what kind of person he truly was.

Sophia, sensing the moment, clasped her hands together. "Alright, looks like we've got it all planned, then?"

The group exchanged smiles and laughter as they continued their meal, the chatter around them and the tantalizing aroma of food filling the air. Finally, as they finished eating, they left the cafeteria, their conversation and plans carrying them all the way back to their dorms, where the day's events lingered in their minds.