Valek's eyes narrowed as he approached the boy, his steps measured and deliberate. The room seemed to hold its breath as Valek's face inched closer to the boy's, his gaze piercing and unyielding. "Who are you?" He demanded, his voice low but cold. "Is this class where you belong?"
'Why is this guy acting so intense? And what’s with these cloaked people in the room?' Leon thought, doing everything to avoid looking directly at the towering figure before him. 'There’s something weird about them, especially the one grilling me.'
"Uhh, my name is Leon, sir,” the boy stammered, his voice trembling. He avoided Valek’s gaze, his fingers nervously twisting the hem of his blazer.
"Where have you been all this time?" Valek asked, his eyes narrowing, and his voice stern with authority.
Leon shifted uncomfortably under Valek's gaze, feeling a mixture of confusion and frustration. He had just explained himself once before– but it seemed as though his words had vanished into thin air.
"I already told you, " Leon said, his voice more hesitant than he intended. "I was in the washroom."
Valek's eyes narrowed further, clearly unimpressed by Leon's answer. "Do you think that's a good enough reason? Your excuse is pathetic."
Leon opened his mouth, trying to say something but stopped. Something about Valek's tone suggested this wasn't just about being late. He could sense an undercurrent of something deeper–expectation, maybe even disappointment.
"I'm not trying to make excuses, sir," Leon replied, trying to maintain his calm. "But I'm here now, and I'm ready to get started."
Valek stared at him for a long moment before finally nodding, his expression softening just a little. "Let's hope your actions speak louder than your words."
As Valek stepped aside, Leon took the opportunity to walk toward his seat. He could feel his classmates’ eyes boring into him, their curiosity and judgment palpable. Whispers crept through the room, quiet but impossible to ignore. Each step felt heavier than the last, weighed down by the speculation swirling around him.
'Why is everyone acting like this?' Leon thought as he sat down, his back straight despite the murmurs. 'There’s definitely something off about all of this...'
"Where was I before I interrupted?" Valek asked. "Ah, my party's introduction."
At that moment, all the cloaked figures stepped forward and removed their hoods. Getting the attention of the students.
"Eryndor, the rogue of the party, nice to meet you." He bowed after he introduced himself.
Eryndor Stormshadow – A swift and agile rogue, known for his mastery of stealth and daggers. His long black hair often falls loosely over his sharp, pale features, while his violet eyes gleam with a cunning intelligence. His lithe, shadowy presence allows him to move silently through the darkest corners, making him both elusive and dangerous. Eryndor’s cold demeanor and mysterious past add to his air of unpredictability.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
The students observed the mysterious figures as they introduced themselves to the class, curiosity filled the room. Ava continued to sit at her desk, allowing Valek and his party to take control of the class.
"Hey there! I'm Kael Thundershield, the paladin of the party!" Kael waved after he introduced himself, with a smile on his face.
Kael Thundershield – As the human paladin of the group, Kael is a towering figure of strength and righteousness. His broad shoulders and muscular build speak to years of rigorous training and divine service. His armor, gleaming with intricate symbols of protection and justice, reflects his unwavering commitment to his cause. Kael’s face is framed by a mane of short, golden hair, and his clear blue eyes radiate both compassion and resolve.
His presence is both reassuring and formidable, and his voice carries the calm authority of someone who has dedicated his life to defending others. His warm smile and friendly demeanor are as much a part of his character as his divine powers, making him a beloved protector and a stalwart ally in any battle.
And finally, the last two members of the party stepped forward. And with confident grins, they introduced themselves to the class one after the other.
"Now since we're done with the pleasantries," Valek said, a smug smirk tugging at the corners of his lips, "It's time for us to begin your training."
Murmurs filled the room after Valek's announcement, as the students exchanged curious whispers. The once-quiet classroom buzzed with anticipation.
"I wonder what kind of training he has planned for us?" One student whispered.
"I'm curious too! It's been ages since our last training session!" Another chimed in, gleaming with excitement.
Emma couldn't resist adding her thoughts to the conversation. "You don't mean that disastrous VR training, do you?"
"That's Irrelevant!" One of the students replied to Emma, embarrassed.
Ava leaned back, her shoulders relaxing as a deep sigh escaped her lips. The tense knot in her chest began to unwind, and she gazed absently at the floor, her fingers drumming lightly on the table. The corners of her mouth twitched with a mixture of anxiety and excitement as she mentally pieced together the next steps of her plan, the weight of what was yet to come settling heavily on her shoulders.
The students found themselves in one of the academy’s sprawling training grounds. The arena stretched out before them, a vast expanse of hard-packed earth bordered by high wooden fences. Sunlight blazed down from a cloudless sky, casting long shadows and heating the ground until it shimmered. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and dust, and the occasional clank of metal on metal echoed across the field.
To one side, a series of wooden dummies stood in various states of wear, their straw-filled bodies bearing the marks of countless practice sessions. Nearby, a set of training obstacles—mock walls, ropes, and balance beams—challenged the students’ agility and strength. The distant sound of running water from a nearby fountain offered a brief respite from the heat, its gentle splash contrasting sharply with the intense training ahead.
The sun’s relentless heat seemed to amplify the tension in the air, making every movement and sound more pronounced as the students prepared themselves for the rigorous session that lay ahead.
"Gather around, students!" Valek’s voice rang out, echoing across the expansive training field. “Today marks the beginning of your true preparation. You will push your limits and test your abilities like never before. Remember, every challenge you face here will shape your future. So, prepare yourselves, for what comes next will demand everything you have. Now, let’s get started!”