Excitement tingled in the air as I left the Ether Assessment Center, keycard in hand, ready to explore the intricacies of Golactic Coalation academy life. Following the holographic map on my device, I made my way to Tower A. The dormitories, a towering structure of futuristic design, loomed before me.

Upon entering Tower A, I marveled at the sleek and modern architecture. The common area exuded a sense of camaraderie, with students chatting and sharing stories. As I ascended to the second floor, I located Room 215. Sliding the keycard into the lock, the door opened to reveal my new living space.

The dorm room was surprisingly spacious, considering the minimalist design. A large window allowed natural light to spill in, offering a view of the academy grounds. Two neatly made beds were on opposite sides of the room, each with a small desk and holographic display. The walls were adorned with motivational quotes and images of Etherial phenomena, creating an atmosphere of inspiration.

My roommate's side of the room showed signs of occupation, personal belongings neatly arranged. It seemed like a promising start to a shared space. I took a moment to unpack my essentials and familiarize myself with the layout.

Settling into the dorm room, I took a seat at the small desk, the holographic display flickering to life. My schedule and course details appeared before me, a roadmap for the academic journey that lay ahead.

The four core classes were a mix of foundational knowledge and practical application:

1. Ethereal Fundamentals:

This class delved into the theoretical aspects of Ether, exploring its origins, properties, and its intricate connection to the universe. It was a fundamental course, laying the groundwork for understanding the cosmic forces at play.

2. Elemental Control 101:

Focused on harnessing the elemental affinities of each student, this course aimed to develop control and mastery over these ethereal powers. For me, with an affinity for the space element, it promised to be an intriguing exploration.

3. Combat Strategy and Tactics:

As someone inclined towards combat force training, this class seemed tailor-made. It would delve into the strategic aspects of combat, providing insights into planning and executing effective maneuvers in battle.

4. Ethereal Phenomena and Anomalies:

An intriguing subject that promised to explore the mysterious and uncharted territories of Ether. From cosmic anomalies to unexplained phenomena, this class aimed to broaden our understanding of the ethereal realm.

In addition to these core classes, I had chosen two electives that aligned with my interests:

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Combat Force Training:

An extension of the elective I had chosen during the enrollment process. This hands-on course would focus on refining combat skills, applying techniques learned in a controlled environment.

Ether Synthesis and Manipulation:

Given my elemental affinity and the advice from the GCU official, this elective aimed to enhance my ability to manipulate space Ether. It involved practical exercises and experiments to strengthen my connection with this ethereal element.

As I perused through the course outlines, a sense of anticipation grew. The Golactic Coalation academy offered a diverse range of subjects, each contributing to the holistic development of an Etherial adept. With a determined mindset, I prepared to embark on this educational odyssey, eager to unravel the mysteries of Ether and carve my path in the cosmos.

Interrupting my thoughts, the dorm room burst open, the door hinges squawking in protest as it hit the door stopper with a loud pop. In came a guy around my age, dragging two suitcases behind him.

Engrossed in a conversation with himself, he seemed oblivious to my presence. "Man oh man, I gotta hurry up and get my room set up, or I'm going to miss out. Hopefully, my roomie's not here yet, so I get first dibs."

As he spun around, finally noticing me, his expression shifted into a disappointed frown.

"Awe, so I don't get first dibs," he muttered, dramatically throwing his giant suitcases onto the other open bed.

He eyed me for a moment before a grin spread across his face. "Hey there! You must be my roommate. The name's Jake. Sorry for the dramatic entrance, just trying to make the move-in a bit more exciting, you know?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. "No problem. I'm Alex. Nice to meet you."

Jake started unpacking his belongings with lightning speed, his energy infectious. "So, Alex, what brings you to the Golactic Coalation? Ready to conquer the cosmos or something?"

I shrugged, mirroring his grin. "Something like that. What about you? Any grand plans for your time here?"

"Oh, you bet! I'm here for the full Golactic Coalation experience. Classes, training, making some new friends, you name it. Plus, who wouldn't want to have the coolest room on the block?" He gestured around dramatically.

Somewhere in our conversation, he managed to hang up all his anime waifu posters around the entire room, and I frowned. “Not on my side, buddy,” I said as I took a few down.

Jake laughed heartily. "Fair enough, fair enough. I guess my love for waifus got a bit carried away. You're lucky I left some space-themed ones up, though."

I couldn't help but shake my head in amusement. "Thanks for the compromise. I can live with that."

With the room now reflecting a more balanced blend of our interests, we continued unpacking and getting to know each other. Jake shared stories of his hometown, and I talked about life in Arcadia. It turned out that, despite our differences, we shared a common excitement for the possibilities that awaited us at the Golactic Coalation.

As the conversation flowed, I felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Jake. Perhaps rooming with someone so lively would add an unexpected layer of joy to my time at the academy. Little did I know, the adventure at the Golactic Coalation had only just begun.

As our chat began to come to an end, I asked Jake a question, "You know when you first came in, you said you 'had to hurry because you didn't wanna miss out' or something. What were you talking about?"

He shot up from where he was sitting, his eyes widening with enthusiasm. "Oh, that! Well, rumor has it they're setting up some holographic combat simulations down at the training grounds. First come, first served, you know? I wanted to snag a prime slot and show off my skills. You should come with me! It's a great way to kick off our time here."

I hesitated for a moment, then shrugged, intrigued by the idea. "Sure, why not? Lead the way, Jake. Let's see what these holographic combat simulations are all about."