(Alistair Vaelthorne's POV – Grand Arcanum Academy, Post-Entrance Exam)
The coliseum-like holding area remained abuzz with murmurs as the final rankings flashed across the floating digital screens.
The weight of my name at the top was still fresh in everyone's minds.
I ignored their whispers.
Instead, I kept my eyes on the academy staff, who had entered the arena with an air of authority.
A man in black and gold robes, his posture straight and commanding, stepped forward. His stern gaze swept across the gathered examinees before he spoke.
"Congratulations to those who have passed," he announced, his voice carrying across the arena. "Welcome to Grand Arcanum Academy."
There was no celebration—no clapping or grand speech.
Just a simple statement.
Because those who had failed had already been teleported away.
The academy did not waste time on the weak.
The staff moved in organized efficiency, passing through the crowd as they handed each of us a small, silver device—a smartwatch.
When one was handed to me, I inspected it carefully.
[Grand Arcanum Academy Smartwatch]
A sleek, lightweight device, reinforced with mana circuits.
Before I could examine it further, the academy representative continued his explanation.
"This smartwatch will serve as your student ID, your academy pass, and your personal status monitor."
He raised his own watch, and with a tap, a holographic screen appeared above it.
A notification flashed:
[Name: Instructor Gareth Silvers]
[Rank: A+]
[Role: Grand Arcanum Academy Admissions Officer]
"These watches are bound to you alone," Instructor Gareth continued. "They cannot be stolen or used by another. If tampered with, they will self-destruct."
Some students flinched at that last part.
I wasn't surprised. Security measures were strict here.
The academy trained the strongest awakened in the world—naturally, they ensured their tools weren't compromised.
I tapped my watch, activating my own holographic screen.
[Name: Alistair Vaelthorne]
[Rank: D+]
[Status: First-Year Student]
[Assigned Dormitory: Royal Dormitory – Room 117]
A dorm assignment.
I scanned the other students as they received theirs. Most reacted with curiosity, some with relief.
Then I saw Leon, his expression still tense, checking his watch as well.
Elaine, Cassandra, Kieran, and the other high-rankers received similar notifications.
No one spoke, but the competitive air was undeniable.
The exam was over—but the real battle was just beginning.
As the last of the smartwatches were distributed, Instructor Gareth continued.
"Your dormitory assignments have been decided based on your exam performance."
He gestured toward a large floating screen, where dorm names flashed into existence.
[Royal Dormitory – Reserved for Top-Ranked Students]
Alistair Vaelthorne
Elaine Vaelthorne
Leon Valerius
Cassandra Everwyn
Sylara Ilthariel
Kieran Azurios
Rael Thunderfang
---
I hummed in amusement.
Of course.
The highest-ranked students were housed in the Royal Dormitory—a place reserved for those with the most potential.
The other students had varying assignments—some placed in standard dorms, some in combat-focused residences.
I glanced at my watch again.
Room 117.
I'll need to check it out later.
"Now that you have received your dorm assignments," Instructor Gareth continued, "let me explain the academy schedule."
A new set of holograms appeared above him, displaying the first-year curriculum.
Academy Orientation: Tomorrow at 8:00 AM
Class Assignments: Announced After Orientation
"The first month will determine your class placements, specialized training, and combat rankings."
His eyes scanned the crowd.
"Take this time to prepare yourselves."
A pause.
Then—
"The academy is merciless. If you fail to keep up, you will not remain here."
His words were blunt, his tone absolute.
Several students swallowed nervously.
I simply stared at him impassively.
As the explanations concluded, Instructor Gareth stepped aside, allowing another figure to take his place.
This time, it was Headmaster Magnus Everhart himself.
Silence fell immediately.
Even the most arrogant students straightened up.
His presence was overwhelming—as if a mountain itself stood before us.
He looked over us once, his gaze piercing.
Then he spoke.
"Do not waste my time," he said simply.
And with that, he turned and left.
No formal speech.
No encouragement.
The moment he was gone, the staff began dismissing students in groups, guiding them toward their respective dormitories.
I didn't wait.
Without a word, I turned and walked toward the Royal Dormitory entrance.
The rest of the top-ranked students followed, though none of us spoke.
****
The Royal Dormitory loomed ahead, an imposing structure made of dark stone and silver runes, standing separate from the other housing complexes. Unlike the standard dorms, which a hostel or shared living quarters, this was a fortress.
Its very presence exuded status.
Only the strongest students from each years were allowed here.
I walked through the grand entrance, my steps echoing against the polished marble floor.
A large holographic map hovered in the entrance hall, displaying the dorm's layout:
First Floor – Common Area & Training Hall
Second Floor – Study Rooms & Resource Library
Third to Fifth Floors – Dormitory Rooms
Sixth Floor – Private Lounges for Top-Ranked Students
A few students had already arrived, exploring their surroundings. Some examined the enchanted training dummies in the combat hall, while others browsed through the library's spellbooks.
None of them mattered to me.
I checked my smartwatch.
[Room 117 – Third Floor]
I took the lift up, ignoring the curious gazes that followed me.
As I reached my floor, I sensed another presence ahead.
Standing near the dorm rooms was Leon Valerius, his back against the wall, arms crossed. His blue eyes narrowed the moment he saw me.
We didn't speak.
We didn't need to.
The tension between us was already set in stone.
Leon was someone used to standing at the top. A warrior raised on tales of glory and heroism.
And then I arrived—shattering his illusion of superiority in a single day.
Let him stew in his frustration.
Without a word, I moved past him, tapping my watch against the door scanner.
[Room 117 – Access Granted]
The door slid open.
****
The dorm rooms were far from simple.
Inside, I found a spacious suite—a bedroom, a personal training area, kicthen, bathroom big as some rooms and even a small lounge with a desk.
Everything was designed to accommodate elite students.
The walls were lined with mana-absorbing runes, allowing safe training without damaging the structure. A meditation chamber in the corner helped with mana refinement.
I let out a slow breath, stepping toward the window.
From here, I could see the vast Academy City, stretching beyond the dorms. Shops, training halls, dueling arenas—this place was more than just a school.
*****
Just as I was about to settle in, there was a knock at my door.
I opened it, already sensing who it was.
Elaine Vaelthorne.
My sister.
She stood with arms crossed, her silver eyes searching mine.
"…We need to talk," she said.
I said nothing, stepping aside to let her in.
TO BE CONTINUE....