The first day at the Academy had finally arrived, marking the beginning of a structured routine the Arknights would follow. The day would consist of six classes from Sunday to Friday, starting with Homeroom for attendance and announcements. Following that, Basic Training aimed to enhance their natural abilities, while Technical Theory would delve into strategy, Breacher knowledge, and history. Practical Training focused on harnessing their gifts, sparring, and specialised instructions. Teamwork Training would emphasise cooperation and team dynamics. The day would conclude with a final Homeroom session, reviewing the day’s progress and setting goals for the next.
Before the first period, breakfast was served in the grand dining hall, a blend of Aurelian architecture with Kalkan influences. The hall was vast, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings and banners representing the four major powers hanging from the rafters. Large windows allowed the morning light to flood in, casting a warm glow on the long wooden tables where the male Arknights gathered for their meal.
The breakfast spread was plentiful: thick slices of warm bread, an assortment of roasted meats, eggs prepared in different styles, fresh fruits, cheeses, yoghurts, a variety of pastries and cereals. There were also bowls of hearty porridge, steaming cups of tea, and pitchers of fresh juices.
As they dug into their meals, the conversation naturally drifted toward the groups forming among their peers.
“Have you noticed the groups that are forming?” Haru asked, glancing around the table, his voice casual but curious.
Luis nodded, sipping his tea with a thoughtful expression. “Yeah, it’s pretty clear already. Azrael and Blaze seem to have a strange kinship, don’t they?”
“Definitely,” Haru agreed, a hint of amusement in his tone. “It’s like they’re both loners, but they found something in common. Must be that brooding, silent type bond.”
Jiro chuckled, shaking his head. “Brooding and silent? Sounds like a match made in... somewhere.”
Aslan, still a bit nervous but clearly trying to participate, added, “Then there’s Lawrence and Matteo. Didn’t expect them to hit it off, but they seem to be getting along.”
Luis leaned back, arms crossing over his chest as he considered this. “Yeah, Lawrence is usually so reserved. Matteo must have some charm to crack that shell.”
“Enri and Callus are sticking together too,” Jiro noted, looking at his plate as he speared a piece of fruit. “They’re from the same region, right? Makes sense they’d team up.”
Luis smirked, always the strategist. “Yeah, strength in familiarity. But it’s also smart. Callus is a powerhouse, and Enri is... well, Enri.”
Haru nodded thoughtfully. “They’ll be tough to beat if they decide to really work together. Callus is formidable, no doubt about it.”
Just as they were discussing the groups, the door to the dining hall swung open, and in strolled Angel Goldstone, looking as relaxed as ever despite being clearly late. His hair was slightly tousled, and there was a lazy grin on his face as he approached the table, his wings subtly adjusting behind him.
“Well, well, look who finally decided to join us,” Luis teased, laughing. “Thought you were going to sleep through the first day.”
Angel shrugged it off with a nonchalant wave of his hand, sitting down and grabbing a piece of fruit. “I figured flying here would be faster. Turns out, it wasn’t,” he said with a grin, making everyone chuckle.
Haru couldn’t resist a quip. “Or maybe you just didn’t feel like rushing. You seem to enjoy taking your time.”
Angel smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Why rush? We’ve got all day to impress everyone.”
With Angel now at the table, the discussion shifted to the upcoming rankings. “So, any thoughts on how they’re going to rank us?” Haru asked, looking around with genuine curiosity.
Luis speculated, his tone serious for once. “Probably a mix of our abilities and how we perform in the different classes. They’ll want to see not just how strong we are, but how we apply that strength.”
Angel, munching on his breakfast, added with a carefree shrug, “I’m not too worried. We’ll see what happens. I plan to just... wing it.” He punctuated this with a playful flap of his wings, earning a round of groans at the pun.
Aslan, always the cautious one, looked a bit concerned as he spoke up, his voice quieter. “I just hope I can keep up. Everyone here is so strong.”
“Don’t stress too much,” Jiro reassured him, reaching over to give Aslan a friendly nudge. “Just do your best, and the rest will follow. We’re all in this together.”
Haru nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it’s not about who’s the strongest right now. It’s about who learns the fastest and works the hardest. Rankings can change.”
With about 15 minutes left before the girls would take over the dining hall, the conversation took a lighter turn. Haru noticed the shift in mood as Angel leaned back, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
Angel, ever the charmer, grinned and said, “You know, the girls here are something else. Especially Aurora, Luella, Saki, and Ashelyn. They’ve got to be the top four, easily.”
Haru, trying not to show his irritation at Aurora being mentioned, simply shrugged. “They’re definitely talented,” he replied, his tone carefully neutral.
Luis, smirking at the obvious tension, couldn’t resist. “What about Emma? She’s your cousin, after all.”
Angel grinned, leaning forward as if sharing a secret with the group. “She’s in the top five for sure, but come on, she’s family. I’m not about to say that out loud.” His wink made the others laugh.
The group burst into laughter, the atmosphere lightening as they enjoyed the camaraderie. Haru found himself relaxing despite the earlier tension. He glanced around the table, feeling a sense of unity forming among them, even with their differences.
As they finished their breakfast, Haru noticed the time and nudged Luis. “We’d better clear out before the girls get here.”
Luis stretched, standing up with a grin. “Yeah, wouldn’t want to cramp their style.”
Angel stood up as well, stretching his wings as he did. “Let’s make today a good one, huh?”
The group nodded in agreement, the light banter from their conversation lingering as they left the dining hall, ready to face whatever the day—and the Academy—had in store for them.
//////////////
The girls, already feeling a sense of camaraderie, gathered together as soon as they entered the dining hall. Unlike the boys, they didn’t feel the need to explore or visit the other university. Instead, they laughed and chatted about the cat whistles and attention they’d received on their way in.
“Did you see those guys trying to get our attention?” Emma asked with a smirk, flicking her blonde hair over her shoulder.
Aurora chuckled softly. “Yeah, it’s always the same wherever you go. Some things never change.”
As they settled down at a large table, the conversation naturally turned to their relationships with the boys in their class. Aurora, being the only one with a known past connection to one of them, found herself at the center of the discussion.
“So, Aurora,” Saki began with a teasing grin, “what’s the story between you and Haru? I heard you two have history.”
Aurora shrugged, trying to keep her tone casual. “We learned dance together when I was training in Bethel. Back then, he wasn’t quite as impressive as he is now.” She smirked, hoping to brush off the topic, but the glint in her eyes suggested there might be more to the story.
“Oh, really?” Elif jumped in, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. “Are you saying you might have had a little crush?”
Aurora rolled her eyes playfully, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. “I haven’t talked to him in years, so I don’t quite know the state of our relationship now. Besides, it’s not like that.”
Emma leaned in, a wicked grin on her face. “But you must have had some feelings back then, right? Dancing together, those late-night practices…”
“I mean, sure, we got along,” Aurora admitted, not wanting to give too much away. “But things were different then. I was focused on my training, and he was...well, he wasn’t the Haru you all see now.”
Luella teased her further, “So, what if he’s still interested? You two could make a power couple, you know.”
Aurora shook her head, laughing softly. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll see how things go.”
Emma and Luella, eager to share their own insights, steered the conversation toward their brothers. “Lawrence is quite the stoic type,” Emma remarked with a touch of pride in her voice. “He’s always been serious, even as a kid. Never one to show much emotion, but you can tell he cares in his own way.”
Aurora nodded. “I’ve noticed that. He’s got this quiet strength about him. It’s admirable.”
Luella added her perspective, her expression softening. “My brother Matteo is a kind soul, always looking out for others. But it’s going to be hard to court anyone here with him guarding me like a hawk. He’s always been protective, but I know he means well.”
Saki couldn’t resist teasing her. “So, do you have your eyes on anyone already, Luella? Maybe someone Matteo won’t mind?”
Luella blushed slightly, her gaze dropping to the table for a moment before she looked back up. “All the boys seem charming in their own way... well, except maybe Aslan and Azrael. They’re a bit too quiet for me. And Blaze...he seems a bit arrogant.”
Emma leaned in with a mischievous grin. “Arrogant? That’s just my type. A bit of confidence never hurt anyone.”
Aurora smiled at that. “Blaze definitely has a presence, but I think there’s more to him than just arrogance. He’s intriguing.”
Luella finally confessed, “I do have a particular interest in Luis Tadashima, though. There’s something about him...he’s charismatic, strong, and he’s got that look, you know?”
“Oh, so you’re leaving the other Tadashima for Aurora?” Saki teased, making Aurora roll her eyes again, though this time with a smile.
“I’m not leaving anyone for anyone,” Aurora replied, smirking. “But I’m curious to see how Haru has changed. It’s been a long time, and I’m not sure what to expect.”
Ashelyn, who had been quietly observing the conversation, chimed in with a sigh. “You’ll have a lot of competition, Luella. Luis is easily the most sought-after boy in the Academy—probably on the entire continent. The girls at the other university are likely already scheming.”
Penelope, always one to steer the conversation toward practical matters, spoke up. “What about our strengths? Where do you think we’ll rank?”
Emma, Aurora, and Ashelyn exchanged confident glances. “High rankings, obviously,” Emma said with a grin. “We didn’t come all this way to be second best.”
Aurora nodded in agreement. “We’ve all got the skills to back it up. I’m expecting top-tier rankings, especially after everything we’ve trained for.”
Ashelyn smirked, her confidence unwavering. “I wouldn’t settle for anything less. But it’s not just about rankings; it’s about proving ourselves, not just to the Academy but to the world.”
Yue, who had been quiet for most of the conversation, finally spoke up. “I’m not expecting much,” she admitted softly. “Being a princess doesn’t mean I’m the strongest. I’ve never been in a real battle, and I don’t have the experience you all do.”
Autumn nodded in agreement, her voice gentle. “I’m just hoping to find my place here. Rankings aren’t everything, and I know I have a lot to learn.”
Luella added, “I’m in the same boat. I’ll do my best, but I’m not getting my hopes up too high. I just want to see where I stand and go from there.”
Junko, Elif, and Saki, on the other hand, were aiming for the middle. “Somewhere in the middle feels right for me,” Junko said quietly, always the more reserved one.
Elif, ever the optimist, shrugged. “Middle or better, who knows? We’ll find out soon enough. But whatever happens, we’ve got to stick together and support each other.”
Stolen novel; please report.
Saki nodded in agreement, a determined look in her eyes. “It’s all about where we go from here. The first ranking isn’t the final word. It’s just the beginning.”
As the girls continued their conversation, the atmosphere remained light and supportive, each one finding comfort in the bond they were forming. They were all aware of the challenges ahead, but together, they felt ready to face whatever the Academy had in store for them.
//////////////
As they all gathered together in the homeroom, the boys and girls naturally gravitated towards their assigned seats. The classroom was spacious, with large windows allowing natural light to flood in, giving the room a serene yet focused atmosphere. The walls were adorned with detailed maps, diagrams of various Breachers, and quotes from legendary Arknights, serving as both inspiration and a reminder of the serious work ahead. The desks were arranged in neat rows, each equipped with the latest training and study materials, ready for the students to dive into their studies.
Haru found himself seated at the 7th seat, directly in the middle of the room. To his right was the 6th seat, occupied by Aurora, who was gazing out the window. Haru couldn’t help but be entranced by her beauty, her elegant profile highlighted by the soft morning light. Despite the awkward tension between them, Haru resolved to talk to her at lunch.
To his left, in the 8th seat, sat Emma, nearly as stunning as Aurora, though with a different kind of presence—more regal, perhaps. Further down the row, in the 5th seat, was Blaze, who seemed completely absorbed in his own thoughts, isolated from the rest of the class by choice.
In the front row, the seats were occupied by the most prominent students: Callus in the 1st seat, Luis in the 2nd, Lawrence in the 3rd, and Ashelyn in the 4th. Each of them sat with a posture that radiated confidence and focus, ready for the challenges of the day.
Behind Haru, he could feel the light kicks on his chair from Angel, who was in the 11th seat. Angel, ever the playful one, was clearly in a teasing mood as he nudged both Haru and Emma with his feet.
Haru turned slightly to face Emma, deciding to use the situation to introduce himself. “Hey, I’m Haru,” he said with a friendly smile. “Seems like we’re in the same row, so I figured I’d say hi.”
Emma returned his smile with a graceful nod. “Nice to meet you, Haru. I’m Emma. Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other this year.”
“Seems like it,” Haru replied, his tone warm. “Are you ready for what’s ahead?”
Before Emma could answer, Angel leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “Don’t let Haru fool you, Emma. He’s already got his eyes on someone,” he teased, kicking Haru’s chair again.
Haru rolled his eyes playfully and shook his head. “Ignore him, Emma. He’s just trying to stir up trouble.”
Emma laughed softly, clearly enjoying the banter. She glanced over at Aurora, who was still lost in her own world by the window. “Aurora, you should join the conversation,” Emma suggested, trying to include her friend.
Aurora turned her head slightly, giving them a polite smile but not fully engaging. “Maybe later,” she said quietly, her attention drifting back to the view outside.
Before the conversation could continue, the door to the classroom opened, and their teacher walked in. He was an imposing figure with a rugged look that commanded respect. His muscular build and intense gaze made it clear that he was not someone to be trifled with. His clothes were simple yet sturdy, giving him the appearance of a seasoned warrior rather than a typical teacher.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice gruff and authoritative. “This is a place for cultivation first, socialising second. I expect all of you to give your utmost attention to your training and studies. You’re here to become the best Arknights this world has ever seen, and that won’t happen if you’re more interested in making friends than honing your skills.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over the students. Haru straightened in his seat, mentally preparing himself for the intense journey ahead. He couldn’t help but steal one last glance at Aurora, determined to speak with her when the opportunity arose.
As the teacher made his way to the front of the class, the room fell into an attentive silence. He introduced himself with a firm, no-nonsense tone, “I am Garo Adamian, your teacher and the Mountain Arknight.”
At the mention of his name, murmurs rippled through the room. Every student had heard of Garo Adamian, a legend in his own right. Known for his unyielding strength and strategic brilliance in the field, he commanded respect not just for his abilities, but for his relentless drive to push others to their limits.
Garo paused, allowing the recognition to settle before continuing, “I will be in charge of three of your classes: Homeroom, Practical Training, and the final Homeroom of the day. Your other subjects will be taught by a different instructor.”
The students straightened in their seats, sensing the seriousness of the moment. Garo’s gaze swept over the room, his eyes sharp and assessing each one of them.
“You’re currently seated according to your rankings,” he announced, causing a ripple of surprise through the room. “These rankings are based on the opinions of the Patriarchs of this Institution. But let me make one thing clear—these rankings don’t mean anything to me. What matters is how you perform here, under my watch.”
The students exchanged glances, some more confident than others. Haru noticed Aurora’s thoughtful expression, and Luis seemed to sit even straighter, his competitive spirit clearly sparked by the teacher’s words.
Garo continued, “Every day, you will start in these assigned seats. At the end of the day, your rankings will be updated based on your performance, attitude, and overall contribution. Arknights with abilities less suited for combat will be evaluated on different traits and metrics to ensure fairness.”
He paused for effect, making sure his words sank in before delivering the next part. “For those ranked in the bottom five, you’ll be required to stay after class for extra training. The student in last place will have additional duties, helping the servants.”
There was a noticeable shift in the room's atmosphere, a mix of anxiety and determination. No one wanted to be at the bottom.
“On the other hand,” Garo’s voice took on a slightly lighter tone, though it was still firm, “those who rank in the top ten will receive extra food and amenities. The top seven will have the privilege of visiting the big city on Saturdays. Top five will receive a stipend from the Academy to spend in the city. The top three will be allowed to skip a day of training, and the number one ranked student will hold the title of class representative.”
The students sat in silence, the weight of the expectations sinking in. Haru felt a mix of excitement and pressure, knowing that this was the beginning of something challenging and potentially life-changing.
Garo’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the room, taking in their reactions. “Remember, your current rankings are just what the Patriarchs thought of you. From here on out, it’s up to you to prove them right or wrong. I will be the one assessing you now, and I will push you to exceed your limits.”
The room remained silent as Garo’s words settled in, each student already contemplating what they needed to do to climb higher—or stay out of the dreaded bottom five. Haru glanced over at Aurora, wondering how she felt about her current rank and what she might do to improve it.
Garo gave them one last piercing look. “We start now. Let’s see what you’re made of.”
As Garo continued to speak, the tension in the room grew palpable. Each student sat on edge, waiting for their ranking to be announced. Garo's voice was steady, yet carried the weight of authority, as he began listing the rankings from lowest to highest.
"At number 20," Garo announced, "we have Aslan Yusiger."
Aslan visibly tensed in his seat, his nervousness evident. He had known that his journey here would be difficult, but hearing his rank so clearly stated in front of everyone made it all the more real.
"19th is Yue," Garo continued, glancing at the young princess. Yue, though she tried to keep her composure, couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had been sheltered most of her life, and this was a harsh reminder of the gap between her and her peers.
"18th is Luella."
Luella blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected to be ranked so low, especially considering the confidence she usually carried. She glanced over at her brother Matteo, who was sitting nearby.
"Penelope Quinn is 17th."
Penelope’s eyes widened in shock. She had always prided herself on being strong and capable, and this ranking was a blow to her confidence. She clenched her fists under the table, resolving to prove herself better.
"16th is Matteo Amador."
Matteo, too, was taken aback. He had thought he was more prepared, but it was clear that this class was more competitive than he had anticipated. His sister Luella gave him a supportive nod, but it did little to ease his concern.
"15th, Junko."
Junko remained stoic, but those who knew her well could see the slight tightening of her jaw. She didn’t speak much, but she was determined to climb the ranks, even if it meant stepping out of her comfort zone.
"14th, Enri Volkanov."
Enri sighed, half-expected given the company he was in, but still frustrating. He wasn’t one to take things too seriously, but even he knew this was a wake-up call. He needed to step up if he was going to keep pace with the rest.
"13th, Autumn."
Autumn’s surprise was apparent. She had always been confident in her abilities, but this ranking made her realize that she had underestimated the competition. Her mind was already racing, planning how she could improve.
"Azrael is ranked 12th."
Azrael remained calm, almost indifferent, as if the ranking meant little to him. But those who knew him sensed the slight shift in his demeanor—a quiet resolve that only those close to him could detect.
"11th, Angel Goldstone."
Angel smirked, clearly pleased with himself. He leaned back in his seat, his usual laid-back demeanor unaffected by the ranking. He had expected to be somewhere in the middle, and this was good enough for now.
"10th, Elif."
Elif sat up a little straighter, pleased to be in the top half, but knowing she had a lot of work ahead if she wanted to climb higher. Her competitive spirit was already kicking in.
"9th is Saki."
Saki nodded to herself, satisfied but not complacent. She knew she had the potential to be in the top five, and she would push herself to get there.
"8th, Emma Goldstone."
Emma gave a small, confident smile. She was content with her place for now, knowing she had the ability to rise through the ranks. But she also knew the competition was fierce, especially among the top.
"7th is Haru Tadashima."
Haru felt a mix of emotions as his rank was announced. Seventh place wasn’t bad, especially considering he had only been training for a year, but he was determined to do better. His eyes flickered over to Aurora, who sat right next to him, wondering what she thought of his current standing.
"6th is Aurora Ravenheim."
Aurora remained composed, though inside she was a little disappointed. She had hoped to be in the top five, but she knew there was still time to prove herself. She exchanged a glance with Haru, a silent understanding passing between them.
"Blaze and Ashelyn Vonstrakov are tied for 5th and 4th," Garo announced, his tone not betraying the surprise that some of the students felt.
Blaze narrowed his eyes, his competitive nature flaring up at being tied with someone else. Ashelyn, on the other hand, gave a nod of approval, confident in her abilities and seeing this as a challenge.
"Luis Tadashima and Lawrence Goldstone are tied for 3rd and 2nd."
Luis and Lawrence exchanged a look, each sizing the other up. There was respect, but also a clear understanding that they were rivals. Both were determined to be number one, and this tie only added fuel to their competitive fire.
"And ranked first is Callus Imanov."
Callus stood tall, his presence commanding as he accepted his place at the top. He knew the others would be gunning for his spot, but he was ready for the challenge. It was clear that he had earned the respect of his peers, even those who were vying for his position.
Garo allowed a moment for the rankings to sink in before speaking again. “Many of you may be content with your rank, but remember this is only the beginning. Your performance here at the Academy will determine your true worth. This is just the starting point.”
The class was silent, each student processing their rank and what it meant for them. Some were determined to climb higher, while others were trying to come to terms with their current standing.
Haru stared at his rank, feeling a deep resolve settle within him. Seventh place was not where he wanted to be. His master had told him about the ranking systems in the Elven Continent, and how those warriors had always been a step ahead. Haru’s goal was not just to be the best in his class, but to surpass even the greatest of the Elven warriors.
As he glanced around the room, he knew that the competition would be fierce. But he welcomed the challenge. If he was going to be number one, he would need to give everything he had—and then some.
The rankings, as Garo had said, were just a starting point. Haru was determined to climb to the top, no matter what it took.
As the class prepared for their Basic Training, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The seriousness of Garo's introduction had settled over them, but now, with the entrance of their second teacher, the mood lightened considerably.
The door swung open, and in walked Takurov Saito, better known as the Elastic Arknight. He was a stark contrast to Garo, both in appearance and demeanor. Takurov was tall and lean, with a charismatic smile that never seemed to leave his face. His hair was neatly combed back, and he wore a tailored outfit that mixed formal elegance with a touch of flamboyance, complete with a cravat that he adjusted as he entered. His hands moved in exaggerated gestures, as if he was always on the verge of performing a magic trick or pulling off a grand illusion. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam, making it clear that he didn’t take himself too seriously, yet there was an underlying sharpness that suggested he was not to be underestimated.
He bowed deeply to the class, a sweeping gesture that seemed almost too grand for the setting, and with a flourish of his hands, he introduced himself. "Greetings, my esteemed young Arknights! I am Takurov Saito, the Elastic Arknight, at your service! Though you may not have heard of me in the same breath as the great legends, I assure you, I bring my own unique flair to this Academy!"
The students, caught off guard by his flamboyant entrance, exchanged glances, some amused, others curious. Takurov’s lively energy was infectious, and the tension in the room began to dissipate.
"Now, my dear students," he continued, clapping his hands together, "it’s time for you to change into your standardised physical training clothes and meet me in the gymnasium. Today is not just about showing off your skills; it's about learning to bend, stretch, and adapt—just like me!"
With that, Takurov performed a small demonstration, extending his arm in an impossibly elastic fashion, drawing gasps and chuckles from the class.
"Remember," he added with a wink, "flexibility of mind and body is key to surviving in this world. Now, off you go! The gym awaits!"
The students, now slightly more at ease, filed out of the classroom in two groups. The girls headed left, chatting animatedly as they made their way to their changing facilities, while the boys took the corridor to the right, their own conversations buzzing with anticipation.
Haru, still processing his thoughts from earlier, found himself feeling a mix of determination and excitement. This was their first real test, a chance to prove themselves, and he wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip by.
For Haru, it was another step on his journey to the top. For others, it was a chance to prove their worth and climb the ranks. And for everyone, it was a moment to show that they belonged here, among the best.
As they neared the changing rooms, the atmosphere grew more intense. Each step closer felt like a step into the unknown, a chance to prove themselves not just to the instructors, but to each other.
As they reached the door to the changing room, Haru took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. This was the beginning of their journey, and he was determined to make the most of it. The others seemed to feel the same way, their expressions a mix of determination and resolve.
They pushed open the door and stepped inside, ready to change into their training gear and face whatever the day had in store for them.