The speech went shorter than expected, lasting only a short five minutes. The cream suited man spoke about the expected formalities, nothing out of exception, and took his leave.
Throughout these five minutes Zeill did not dare to look into his eyes. He felt a sense of oppression. It weighed on him, stirring memories of the day his father took him to meet his master for the first time. It was the same sense of oppression, a primal fear.
It wasn't that he should be afraid, but the fear came naturally- as if anyone with power was enough to make him feel dread. He knew this well. But did that make him a coward? He knew that being one was better than pretending to be brave. Without sufficient strength, he had no desire to create his own eutopia.
He recalled the moment when the man stepped on the stage and left. Silence hung over the room, even his steps seemed to be landing on cotton. Zeill didn't know whether he was an awakened or a high powered Luminer. The thought of him being the second scared him to the core.
It wasn't until later that his mind finally settled, and a sense of ease returned. He was too nervous to think straight for a while, and now only did he start to recall.
"I am Maelrik Vedris... Vice Principal of this academy."
"Vedris," forcing his mind to remember, Zeill finally grapsed the surname.
"The Vedris clan." he gasped in shock.
With this realization, he understood the source of the enchantment. He recalled the days spent with his master, when he was forced to remember that introductory book on clans and their abilities.
Vedris Clan. Founded in the150th year after Tarenok's victory. Over generations they were able to create a set of skills unique to their clan. Mastering the art of illusion. Manipulation of sight, bending perception and turning reality itself into a fragile veil.
"Vedris Clan huh...never expected to see one of them here."
His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a sound of heavy footsteps approaching the stage. A thin man with black hair, dressed in black pants and white shirt, stepped up to the podium.
His presence was felt completely opposite than the cream suited man. Lazy in his antics, seemingly unbothered by everything, carrying a very casual attitude.
"Hmm, I thought that was it." said Galen
"More Formalities." replied Avrin, yawning a bit.
Tapping the microphone for a quick sound check, the man began, "Hello, students. I'll be your class coordinator for a few months." he cast a brief glance at his new class seated on the base tier, then lazily adjusted his posture, as if checking himself, before continuing, "Let's give you all a quick tour, we'll have plenty of time for introductions later."
Saying this he started to walk off... paused... came back towards the podium "Gather at the front of the auditorium," and walked off again.
"That was quick." said Matt.
"Let's go," Zeill stood up from his seat, though he didn't want to- it was a comfortable cushioned seat.
Taking their time, the students finally gathered at the front within ten minutes. It was 8:20- the day had just begun, leaving plenty of time ahead.
*clap... clap* "Everybody here?"
"Yes"
"Well, I don't feel like counting anyways, so let's just start." with his hands in his pockets, he started to stroll ahead.
"And yes, make sure you are not more than five meters apart from another student."
He continued his stroll without looking back, and with him started moving the hoard of students.
"The names are written in front of the buildings. You can read right?" Not waiting for an answer he continued, "I'll only explain about the things which I find useful enough. For the rest, don't bother me."
"He doesn't seem to care much" Galen spoke to Matt.
"Do we care?" asked Matt.
"Nah" Galen said so as a matter of fact.
"There you go." replied Matt "She's beautiful, right."
"Huh? who?" Galen followed Matt's gaze, trying to see who he was talking about.
Seeing a group of girls, he asked again, "Who exactly are you talking about?"
"Hmm." Matt glanced towards Galen, then winked. "All of them."
Zeill offered a sigh of helplessness and tuned out of their conversation. He hadn't explored this part of campus before. He was only familiar with area to the right of the bridge.
Passing the auditorium, they came across the major academic buildings, each dedicated to a single department- The department of advanced languages, The Constructs department. Ahead the street curved upwards, splitting into two lanes, one leading towards an empty ground and the other towards more buildings.
After a ten minute walk, he lost interest in remembering all the departments and simply made a note in his mind that this place, it's full of different departments, likely all of them.
After getting a good look at the departments, they continued down the lane towards the ground. It kept running alongside the empty ground before curving around, and leading back towards the direction they had come from.
"We could have just taken the first lane, why did we circle the entire ground? " Avrin complained to the guys beside him.
"I am getting tired now," Galen muttered.
"He's moving fast, and it is indeed a big ground." replied Zeill.
The new lane was filled with dense trees on the sides, their thick foliage partially revealing a wall beyond the greenery.
The black haired man with hands in pocket finally stopped for the first time. "Beyond that wall is Zone II, when you guys...If you guys become Luminers, that's where you'll be headed to." He paused for a bit before continuing "Lets move on."
Luminers huh, wondered Zeill while glancing at the walls.
Following their coordinator they came across a long building, built as a hall. It read 'Training Hall.' This was the second time they stopped.
"You guys will be coming here often, so remember the place." he said before moving on again.
A small walk from the training hall lead them to a large building at the end of the lane, "This is where your initial classes will take place." their coordinator said.
"Isn't it too big for just a few of us?" one student asked.
"Huh" he glanced at the student and said "who said its just you?"
"There are more?"
"Yes, there are five classes, 150 students each, you all just happen to be in mine."
After enjoying the looks on their faces he turned back the way they came from and started to stroll again, "Let's head back."
"Huh? No classes?"
"There are still a few more places to visit."
Zeill looked at Avrin and though he didn't speak a word, Avrin could hear him well, So why bring us here first.
"Hurry up."
As they neared the training hall, they took the path that sloped a bit downward. "This path leads to the Administrative block, you must have already been there."
Noticing the student's silent nods, he continued walking. Soon they came across a round shaped brick building with a domed top, some scattered windows and a large opening gate...door?
"This is the library." he said, giving them a moment to absorb in the sight of the building.
"Alright, let's head back to your class" without giving them more time, he retraced his footsteps and moved back towards the class.
"What happened to the few places?" Matt asked Zeill.
"Must not be important to him." Zeill replied, not sure if he was impressed by their teacher's casualness.
"Anyways let's go to the class."
"yeah."