As the stadium emptied and silence descended upon the arena, the announcer summoned all the victorious candidates to stand together. Despite their bruises and weariness, Armis, Aurelia, Augustus, Leo, Felix, Cesar, Lyco, and Alan stood tall, their determination unwavering as they awaited the recognition of their hard-won victories.
From the passage connected to the arena emerged a figure, casting off shadows as he approached. As the darkness dissipated, his rugged yet striking face came into view, marked with scars of triumph. Adorned in heavy armor, complete with shin and elbow guards, and draped in a dark crimson overall, he exuded an aura of authority and pride. With brown leather boots completing his attire, he strode forward to stand before the winners of the Chronos Academy Physical Trials.
Even Alan, usually composed, felt a surge of vigilance as he sensed the raw power emanating from the figure. With a sharp gaze locked on them, the man closed the distance with purpose. Lifting his right leg, he stomped hard on the ground, commanding attention.
"ATTENTION, WARRIORS!" His voice boomed, compelling them to snap to position of attention with their gazes fixed straight ahead.
"First and foremost, I extend my congratulations to each of you for your outstanding performance in the Trials!" His voice echoed through the now emptied Arena, brimming with authority and power.
"Next, I wish to express my gratitude to all of you for choosing the Chronos Wielder's Academy. We here at Academy believe that every epic adventure begins with a wise decision." He paused briefly, his expression sharp and unwavering.
"After this briefing, you will be required to deposit the fee for your course to complete your admission process. In return, you will receive your very own academy uniform. With that settled, you can commence your studies starting from tomorrow onwards."
His words carried weight as he addressed the gathered winners with unwavering determination.
"I am a King Level Raider, Longiseus Armart, leader of the Crimson Army raiding party. It is my honor to stand before you today as I wish to share a significant achievement of our party and the Chronos Wielder Academy. It was our party that defeated the Monster Lord at Floor 40, thereby opening the gates beyond and advancing Pompeii's expedition of the Relic Castle."
He paused, his words carrying a weight of experience and authority.
"Here at the academy, we do not merely impart knowledge about wielding and the Relic Castle. Instead, we mold you into warriors capable of surviving and enduring the horrors and challenges that the Relic Castle presents.
Trust me when I say this: the combined horrors of the world pale in comparison to what the Relic Castle holds. Do not underestimate the seriousness of raiding, for it may prove to be the gravest mistake of your life."
As Longiseus spoke, Alan's expression shifted from curiosity to surprise. Having traversed various corners of the world, Alan had encountered both the wonders and horrors it had to offer.
Surveying kingdoms hadn't been an easy task, especially in a world fraught with unexpected challenges. Yet, as he listened to Longiseus, Alan sensed a kernel of truth in his words.
"There's a reason we conduct these trials," Longiseus continued, his voice carrying the weight of experience.
"Lack in any area—be it physical prowess or mental capabilities—and the Relic Castle will consume you. Only the strong can hope to survive in that unforgiving environment. But the Relic Castle isn't just about terror; it has its moments of wonder. To experience them, however, you must first complete the three-month course at the Academy, which will qualify you as a raider. Only then can you embark on your own adventure."
As Longiseus dismissed the group, they dispersed with a sense of purpose. Alan observed the other candidates heading towards the table set up by the academy to complete their payments and receive their uniforms.
Following suit, Alan paid the required two thousand gold coins to the collector and received his uniform.
The navy-blue attire boasted pockets on both sides of the chest, with a gold thread embellishing the right pocket and the academy emblem stitched onto the left. Completing the ensemble were a pair of brown leather boots adorned with gold buckles.
After collecting his uniform, Alan made his way towards the exit. He spotted Armis exiting the academy gates, accompanied by Aurelia and Lyco, engaged in lively conversation. A humble smile almost crossed Alan's lips as he observed Armis's newfound happiness among his new friends.
Exiting the academy, Alan sneakily leaped onto a nearby roof and started his journey away from the bustling institution.
Under the full moon's gentle glow, Alan sat atop the silo, a piece of bread in hand as he watched the festivities at Armis's hut.
This time, he was joined by his newfound friends, Aurelia and Lyco. Alan's expression remained neutral as he observed the celebration, taking in the camaraderie around him.
After finishing his treat, he made his way out of the jungle and back to the inn where he was staying.
Lying on the bed, Alan's eyes were filled with hope and anticipation for the day ahead. As he stared at the ceiling, he reflected on the events of the night and the journey that lay ahead. Somehow he felt a twinge of emotion, not for his final night at the shady inn, but for the uncertainty of what awaited him in Pompeii. Despite his apprehension, he knew deep down that he didn't quite belong there. With a murmured sigh, Alan drifted into sleep, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the future.
The next morning, before the sun had risen, he awoke and began preparing for his departure to the academy. Packing his belongings into a knapsack and donning the uniform he had received, Alan felt a sense of belonging as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. The navy blue fabric of the uniform complemented his pale complexion and matched his blue eyes perfectly.
As he made his way towards the window, knapsack in tow, Alan realized that he'd have to start playing the part of a student.
With a determined stride, he headed towards the gates, ready to set on the next step in his mission of unravelling the secrets of Pompeii.
As Alan arrived at the Academy in the early morning, he found the grounds bustling with activity. Students clad in various uniforms mingled with teachers dressed in brown robes adorned with intricate white detailing. Presenting his admission letter, which he had found earlier neatly folded within his uniform, Alan was granted entry into the Academy.
Passing through the familiar corridors, Alan noticed that the usual hustle and bustle had intensified. The arena gates were shut, and adjacent passages, once guarded, were now open, allowing students dressed in blue, red, and black uniforms to move freely about.
Guided by a guard stationed near the arena gates, Alan was directed towards the left passageway, then instructed to ascend the stairs on the right to reach the student dormitory.
Along the way, Alan glimpsed into classrooms with a limited number of seats, each featuring a platform for teachers to address their students.
He also noticed the food hall and training halls positioned opposite each other, offering students nourishment and a chance to hone their skills before they continued onward to the stairwell.
At the top of the stairs to the right, a sign indicated "Student Dormitory," while the left stairway led to the "Thermisus Library."
Opting for the dormitory, Alan ascended the stairs and entered a hallway lined with doors, neatly arranged side by side. Some of the doors bore the names of new students, and as Alan scanned the corridor for his assigned room, thoughts of Armis crossed his mind, he couldn't help but wonder about Armis and his whereabouts this morning.
Suddenly, Alan spotted a wooden pallet with his name inscribed upon it. Hastily retrieving the pallet, he opened the door to his room, where he was warmly greeted by Armis, eagerly awaiting his new roommate's arrival.
"Welcome, my friend!" Armis exclaimed, embracing Alan with enthusiasm.
With this exchange, Alan embarked on a new phase of his journey, poised to uncover the mysteries hidden within Pompeii's walls.