The silence between Luke and Alice was palpable, but neither felt the urge to break it. The train's rhythmic hum and the occasional distant chatter from other compartments were the only sounds accompanying them. Outside, the landscape morphed quickly, leaving behind a moonlit scenery that left a lasting impression on Luke’s eyes.

The journey was a wonder in itself. It was the first time for Luke to travel in a train without a track, not to mention one that could run through water and fly through terrains. The whole journey made him clench his butt unconsciously as if he was on a roller coaster ride.

He didn’t show any change in his expression to Alice or to even himself as he calmly took in the night’s scenery.

When the train finally halted, Luke could see it from his window. The large floating words ‘Main Academy Station’ announced the name of the station. The grandiosity was immediately striking. It was a behemoth compared to the South Gate Station, with its vast platforms and ornate designs. This was the heart of the Academy transport system, connecting every corner of the vast academic grounds.

“The Berch Gyara Express has reached its destination, passengers on board please make your way out,” a clear and enchanting voice announced, informing everyone to deboard the train.

Alice, with swift grace, was off the train almost instantly, her silhouette quickly blending with the crowd. Luke took a more measured and leisurely pace, his eyes scanning the vastness of the station, trying to take it all in.

Spotting an employee, his legs turned towards him, approaching him concerning his luggage. The man, after a quick glance at Luke's attire, asked to see his ‘pass’, and after taking a quick look, he responded, "Your belongings, sir, will be sent straight to your room. No need for worries,” his voice was respectful.

Luke's gaze followed some students, their arms laden with bags, their faces showing signs of fatigue. The contrast was clear. While they grappled with their baggage, he was unburdened, all thanks to Garhan's meticulous planning.

I am so grateful! Luke almost shed an imaginary tear, almost. After quickly thanking Garhan and his seven ancestors within his mind, Luke followed the translucent sign at the station and made his way out.

In its own way, this world is way more advanced than Earth. Luke couldn’t help but admire the structure of the station as he walked towards the exit. From the materials used to the translucent signboards that seemed to be floating in midair, he couldn’t help but marvel at everything.

Emerging from the station, Luke was immediately greeted by the bustling activity of the night. The vast open space outside the station was illuminated by floating orbs of light, casting a soft glow over everything. A large, sleek vehicle resembling a tram stood ready, with a signboard flashing "Academy Transport" in bright letters.

A tall spectacled figure, wearing a uniform with a badge that read 'Guide', was directing the flow of students towards the tram. "All newcomers, please proceed to the academy transport! It will take you directly to your assigned dormitories," he announced in a booming voice.

Luke, not wanting to dilly-dally, followed the guide's instructions and boarded the tram. The interior was spacious, with cushioned seats and large windows that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. As the tram started moving at a gentle pace, his eyes couldn’t help but dart around, noticing that most of his co-passengers were non-human races. Their unique features, from elongated ears to scales, from furry tails to canines, announced their various races.

Throughout the whole ride, Luke played a game with himself, trying to identify every race currently sitting in the spacious tram. As the seats were quite scattered, he was able to see most of the people from his seat. Of course, he did his best to not seem like a country bumpkin.

After a short ride, the tram halted in front of a grand building with a red and gold-colored sign that read 'C-Ruby & C-Gold Dormitories'. The structure was an architectural marvel, with tall spires, intricate carvings, and shimmering glass windows. It looked more like a luxury hotel than a student dormitory.

Stepping off the tram, Luke was once again reminded of his privileged status. I truly do not belong here, but I shall gladly take what I am offered. According to the academy guidebook that was offered to them when they entered the tram, the C-Ruby and C-Gold dorms were reserved for candidates with the highest sponsorships. As he entered the lavish lounge of the dormitory, he was met with a sea of faces. Most of them were non-human, their unique features standing out prominently. I guess most candidates worth spending the big bucks on are the non-humans, huh? The few humans present were scattered around, their expressions a mix of awe and nervousness.

The atmosphere in the lounge was tense. Everyone seemed to be waiting for something or someone. Conversations were hushed, and there was an air of anticipation. Luke's gaze was drawn to a Canthros man standing in the center of the lounge. His dog-like features were accentuated by his muscular build, and he exuded an aura of authority.

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1090176937688825956/1146927354938130473/zenferox_a_muscular_dog-like_man_in_a_teachers_cloth_7cccf3b9-549e-471e-98f7-b24f7ead92d8.png]

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Everyone, please remain here. We are waiting for the rest of the candidates to arrive," the Canthros man announced his voice firm. The underlying message was clear: no one was to move until he said so.

Luke found a spot near a window and settled down, taking the opportunity to observe his fellow candidates. The diversity was astounding, and he couldn't help but wonder about the stories and backgrounds of each individual. As the minutes ticked by, the lounge filled up, and the atmosphere grew even more electric.

“Ah, this really! Why do you all need to be so annoying?” a loud voice broke the silent silent atmosphere, giving birth to hushed chattering as all eyes landed on the source of this commotion.

The sudden outburst drew everyone's attention to a towering figure. Standing at a staggering seven feet, the orc's green skin seemed to shimmer under the ambient lighting of the lounge. His muscular physique was evident even under the loose-fitting clothes he wore. Thick, black hair cascaded down his back, contrasting starkly with his skin. His face, though rough and marked with a slight scar, bore a look of sheer impatience. But what stood out the most were his protruding tusks, curving upwards from his lower jaw, giving him an imposing and somewhat menacing appearance.

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1090176937688825956/1146926429175558154/zenferox_an_angry_male_orc_with_black_hair_in_academy_clothes_9df80f1f-746c-4d2f-8052-84f4a9749080.png]

"Why are we even waiting here? I've had enough of this nonsense! Just let me get to my room!" he bellowed, his voice echoing throughout the lounge. His impatience was palpable, and his agitation was clear to everyone present.

Luke, observing from his vantage point, couldn't help but draw a quick conclusion. Just like the textbooks said; Orcs, despite their impressive physical prowess, often lacked the patience and temperance that other races possessed. Their shorter fuses were well-known, and this tall fella seemed to be no exception.

The Canthros man, who until now had maintained a calm demeanor, approached the agitated orc. "Sir, I'd advise you to show some patience. We're all waiting for a reason," he said, his voice calm yet firm.

But the orc wasn't having any of it. "I don't care about your reasons! Send me to my room right this instant!"

It was then that the atmosphere in the lounge shifted dramatically. The Canthros man's eyes narrowed, and his voice dropped several octaves, becoming cold and threatening. "I suggest you calm down, or you'll regret it."

Suddenly, an invisible pressure filled the room.

Kuhk! It was suffocating, like a heavy weight pressing down on everyone's chests. Luke's eyes widened in shock, his breaths coming in short gasps. He could feel his heart pounding loudly in his chest, the fear evident in his eyes. This was a world where power spoke volumes, and he had just been given a demo of what the weight of that sentence meant. The realization of his own vulnerability in this world hit him like a truck.

Around him, others were faring no better. Many were visibly trembling, their faces pale. The orc, who had been so defiant moments ago, was now on his knees, his body quaking, his bravado completely shattered.

As quickly as it had come, the pressure lifted. The Canthros man, having made his point, looked around the room, his gaze lingering on each individual for a moment. "Let's all remain calm and wait. It won't be much longer," he said, his voice returning to its earlier calm tone.

The room was silent, save for the collective sighs of relief from its occupants. The message was clear: power and hierarchy were everything in this world, and one would do well to remember their place.

Fucking hell! Luke felt like his head was stuffed in water and pulled back out. He slowly took huge breaths. His sweat-soaked head moved around, his eyes darting left and right in the extravagant yet gloomy lounge, looking at the similar faces of horror and relief.

Sometime after, the last tram arrived, its doors sliding open to release a few more students into the lounge. They looked around, their expressions a mix of curiosity and confusion, clearly unaware of the tense atmosphere that had just dominated the room moments ago. Their eyes darted around, trying to gauge the reason behind the palpable silence and the uneasy expressions on the faces of their fellow candidates.

Clearing his throat, the Canthros man stepped forward, drawing the attention of the newcomers and the rest of the room. "Greetings, candidates. I am Lorian Threx, the dorm supervisor for C-Ruby and C-Gold dormitories." His voice, though calm, carried an underlying authority that demanded respect. "You are the cream of the crop, the elite candidates who have been sponsored generously. Your accommodations are second only to those exceptional performers from both candidates and Eldorians in their second and third years."

Lorian continued, outlining the dorm rules. "Firstly, curfew is set at midnight. Anyone found outside their rooms post-curfew without a valid reason will face penalties. Meals will be served thrice a day, with breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m., lunch from 12 to 2 p.m., and dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. Any form of fighting or destruction of property within the dorm premises will result in strict disciplinary action. Respect your peers and the facilities provided to you."

He then produced a stack of sleek wristbands seemingly out of nowhere, distributing them to each candidate. "This is your Academy Wristband. Wear it at all times, even during baths. It will be central to your activities here at the academy. Your sponsored funds have been synced to it, eliminating the need for physical currency."

Luke, intrigued, slipped the wristband onto his wrist. As he touched its smooth surface, a translucent screen popped up in front of him, displaying his personal details, status, and various academy-related information. It was like a miniaturized, advanced version of the emblem they had interacted with upon their arrival in this world.

He couldn’t help but marvel at the magic engineering of this world.

Lorian's voice brought him back to the present. "Tomorrow, you may rest until late. The academy's activities will commence at 12 p.m. Ensure you report to the academy hall for first-years by 12:15 p.m. sharp."

With the briefing concluded Luke made his way to his room. The door slid open to reveal an opulent space with a plush bed, ornate furniture, and a large window that offered a panoramic view of the academy grounds. The room was bathed in a soft, golden hue from the chandelier hanging above. To his relief, he noticed his luggage neatly placed beside a luxurious wardrobe.

Though he had made it a habit to read before heading to bed, the day's events had taken their toll on him. Without a second thought, he threw his body on the plush bed, slipping under the covers, letting the comfort of the soft cushion envelop him as he drifted into a deep, restful sleep.