(Grand Arcanum Academy – First-Year Lecture Hall)
The moment the doors swung open, the atmosphere shifted.
Every student's attention was drawn to the woman who entered—a presence so effortlessly commanding that even the most arrogant nobles found themselves silenced.
She strode to the front of the classroom with a grace that felt almost supernatural.
And as she turned to face us, the sheer impact of her appearance settled over the room like a spell.
****
The woman standing before us was breathtaking.
She was tall, with a figure that seemed sculpted to perfection—every movement fluid, every step measured with an almost hypnotic precision.
Her hair, a deep crimson, cascaded down her back in soft waves, catching the light like molten fire.
Her eyes, a striking shade of golden, burned with an intensity that made it impossible to look away.
She wore a high-slit black dress embroidered with golden patterns, subtly enchanted to shimmer with every shift of her posture.
And when she smiled—
Even the air in the room seemed to grow warmer.
Leon, seated near the front, visibly tensed.
For the first time since the rankings were announced, his frustration was completely forgotten. His sky-blue eyes were locked onto her, his usual arrogance momentarily replaced by something closer to awe.
And he wasn't alone.
All across the room, male students—noble and commoner alike—were entranced, their gazes fixed on her as if pulled by an invisible force there heart beating faster.
Even some of the girls—Evelyn, Elaine, and Sylara—narrowed their eyes slightly, sensing something unnatural about her presence.
The only one who seemed completely unfazed was Morganna, who merely smirked, already understanding what was happening.
I, too, remained unaffected.
Not because she wasn't beautiful.
But because I knew exactly who she was.
She finally spoke, her voice smooth, rich, and laced with an undertone of amusement.
"Good morning, my lovely students."
The sound sent shivers down the spines of many in the room.
"My name is Lady Selena Loventis. I am an instructor here at the Grand Arcanum Academy, and I hold the title of Avatar of Aphrodite—Goddess of Love and Enchantment."
Murmurs rippled through the class.
Even those who had no interest in enchantment magic knew her name.
Selena Loventis wasn't just an instructor.
She was one of the most dangerous individuals in the Empire.
A master of charm magic, illusion spells, and psychological warfare.
A woman who could bend kings and warlords to her will with a single whisper.
And now—
She was standing before us, her gaze sweeping across the room like a predator surveying her prey.
After allowing the tension to settle, Selena's expression shifted, her amusement fading slightly as she began the lecture.
"I assume most of you are familiar with the academy's reputation. However, before you dream of rising through the ranks, you need to understand how this institution functions."
She raised a slender hand, and a glowing projection appeared behind her—an intricate symbol that slowly unraveled into lines of text.
"In this academy, power is not just measured by strength or talent. It is also measured by resources."
She tapped the projection, and a term appeared in bold letters.
[Arcane Credits – AC]
"This," she continued, "is the currency of the Grand Arcanum Academy."
Murmurs broke out again.
Some students looked confused. Others intrigued.
Selena smirked. "If you were expecting free meals and unlimited training, allow me to shatter that illusion now. Nothing here is given freely."
She flicked her wrist, and several more lines of text appeared.
---
What Arcane Credits (AC) Are Used For
1. Training Facilities – Buy the access to combat arenas, dungeons, and mana-enhancing chambers.
2. Equipment & Supplies –can buy weapons, artifacts, spell scrolls, and personal gear.
3. Spells & Magic Tomes – advanced spell techniques can be purchased with ac.
4. Private Lessons – One-on-one tutoring from instructors or upper-year students.
5. Housing & Luxuries – Upgraded dorms, personal meditation chambers, and even gourmet meals.
---
"As you can see," Selena said, her red lips curling into a knowing smile, "your success in this academy is tied directly to your ability to earn AC."
She let that information settle before continuing.
"However, since you are all first-years, you will receive one month of free access to the academy's basic facilities."
A few students exhaled in relief.
Selena chuckled. "But don't get too comfortable."
Her crimson eyes gleamed.
"After the first month, you will have to earn your AC. And how will you do that?"
She snapped her fingers, and another projection appeared.
"At the start of next month, a test will be conducted," Selena explained.
"Your performance in this test will determine the amount of AC you receive for the month."
She turned, her gaze scanning the room.
"If you score high, you will receive generous amounts of AC."
"If you score low—"
Her smile widened.
"You may find yourself unable to afford even basic meals."
A heavy silence followed.
She let it linger, enjoying the nervous glances exchanged between students.
Then, she continued.
****
"Until your first ranking test, all students will attend classes in every subject."
She gestured, and new text appeared.
---
Daily Schedule (First-Year Students)
Three Lectures Per Day – Covering combat, magic, strategy, or specialized fields.
Practical Training Sessions – Hands-on combat, spellcasting, and tactical exercises.
---
"After your first ranking test," Selena said, "you will be able to specialize in subjects suited to your skills."
She clasped her hands together.
"But until then—"
Her smile returned, more wicked than before.
"Consider this next month your trial ."
Leon finally spoke, his voice breaking the silence.
"That's ridiculous," he said, frowning. "If someone fails one test, they lose access to resources? What kind of academy punishes students like that?"
Selena turned to him, her gaze amused.
"Oh, dear Leon Valerius," she purred. "Still clinging to the idea that fairness exists?"
Leon stiffened.
Little flustered.
She took a slow step toward him, placing a single finger under his chin, tilting his face up ever so slightly.
"Let me teach you something about the real world," she whispered, her voice dripping with amusement.
"In here, fairness is an illusion."
She released him, turning back to the rest of the class.
"This academy does not care about fair or unfair."
She gestured toward the students.
"It only cares about results. Adapt… or fall behind."
With that, she clapped her hands.
"That concludes our first lesson, and now follow me"
Then she stoped, turning towards class.
She smiled, her crimson eyes gleaming.
"Welcome to Grand Arcanum Academy."
TO BE CONTINUE...