Chapter 40 - High Academy

" Zio! My brother! "

" Yo! Aram! An early bird, aren't you? "

" Wahaha! Of course, I am! I always wake up at four! "

" Uh, t-that's a little bit too early, isn't it? "

It's currently a quarter to eight in the morning, on the first day of school. All the freshmen are ordered to assemble in the hall at eight o'clock. There is a welcoming ceremony for them to attend to.

The distance between Zio’s place and the High Academy is roughly ten kilomeitels or at least one hour of walking for him. Thus, it’s necessary for him to wake up quite early in the morning so that he won’t be late to attend school in time.

" Not at all once you are got used to it. "

" What are you doing that early in the morning? "

" Praying and exercising. "

To skip time, Zio chatted with Aram as they walked through the fountain that lies on the front gate of the Academy. Zio pays attention to what must be the secret of Aram’s big and muscular stature. True, that he remembered ever reading a book which says that morning air is the best for the blood flow or something. He doesn't really understand what it means then, but he thinks he does now.

Yet, Aram’s answer brings forth another question in his mind, although it's kind of private.

" If I may ask... to whom are you praying to? "

" Ah. I see you are interested. The people of Mediyakh like me worshipped a different god than yours. "

As much as Zio wants to rebut Aram’s statement, but he is able to hold himself back this time. Being an atheist as he is, Zio doesn't see why he should worship such flawed imaginary concepts when none of those omnipotent beings had ever lent their hand to him in his hour of need.

Despite his disagreement, of course, Zio won't say it right to Aram’s face. After all, he too, is curious about the talk of god and its creation. And, also because every man has their own right to believe what they think is right.

" We worshipped 'The All-Creator'. "

" Monotheistic belief? "

" That's right. Unlike your people who believe in polytheism, we believe that there's only one God that rules above all. "

As much as he’s interested and wanted to continue his conversation, Zio saw Cecilia walking towards them with a look that is brighter than ever.

" G-Good morning... "

" Oh, the little miss from the other day! Good morning! "

" Sup. "

Soon after the three of them met, the bell rings eight times. It's time for them to go and see what the academy had in store for them. When they were walking on the grand stairs, once again, Zio saw the golden-haired guy who was with him during the recitation of the trinity.

" What's wrong, Zio? " Cecilia cut in, blocking Zio’s sight of him.

" ...Nothing. "

Zio is sure that he can catch up to him later because the most important thing to be done right now is to get inside the hall and be prepared for whatever awaits him.

Inside the hall, all of the lecturers and other officials are attending the ceremony. They are currently standing on the far back of the stage. Some of them were so old to the point that they are no longer be able to walk. 'Maybe just some honorary guest' Zio guessed.

" Now we will welcome, The Chancellor of the High Academy, Lord Louis Baldwin of Einsville. "

To think that the ceremony is attended by the most honorable man of the academy. Zio glad he didn’t oversleep and mess up the important event.

" Good morning to all of you. Congratulation and welcome to the High Academy. It's always exciting to see new faces filled with myriad hopes and possibilities. "

‘Wow’. Zio was tongue-tied. He didn't expect a voice so deep and macho coming from an old man like him.

" I will now explain to you, our circumstances and standing not only in Elgram, but also in the whole Aerdrin. "

The students, especially Zio, clearly has expected this. Surely an institution that is wealthy enough to cover the living and medical expenses of its scholars along with all of those extravagant facilities must have some sort of an important role on a bigger scale.

" The High Academy of Elgram is a member of The Grand Study Association overseen by The Moon Sanctuary. "

The Moon Sanctuary. A group of people who make and record various discoveries about the world. The kind of people who values knowledge above anything else. The kind of people who questions everything, even the way a fish breathes.

" While the main purpose of the academy is to improve the standard of living in our society, but by my authority, none of you will ever graduate from the academy unless you have contributed to the world's advancement of knowledge. "

To Zio’s ears, that definitely sounds like a challenge. And he is looking forward to tearing down that wall.

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After the speech and ceremony for the newly admitted scholar, they immediately assigned to their class. Rather than splitting the new scholars into several classes, the academy administration mustered them into one large class with seating tiers from the closest one to the lecturer, to the far-up in the back instead.

" Greetings and good morning to all of you~! My name is Martha Avrea, and I will be your 'Guardian'. Being a guardian means that I will oversee all of your conduct and study in this academy and help you with advices to improve your performance. "

" Oh, and not just that. You can always talk about anything to me, even if it's unrelated to your study. I will gladly lend a good ear with no words spilled~. "

A motherly figure and not to mention a gorgeous one. Definitely a mood booster for the students after a long, tiring speech. Considering the class guardian’s character, Zio thought that he might be able to rely on her regarding Cecilia. But of course, before doing such a thing he will need to do his research on her background.

Avrea family clearly doesn't sound familiar to his ears. Thus, he needs to know their relation and affiliation with the other families before making any significant move.

" There are roughly fifteen minutes left before the next lecture, is there anything you want to ask before we part our ways? "

A girl on the front row raises her hand. As Zio sit in the middle - just like his entrance rank sadly - that is not too far yet not too close from the lecturer, Zio can see her dark-bluish hair that is braided in twin tails.

" Pardon me, um... Professor Martha- " She stood up politely.

" Ah, I haven't clearly introduced myself, haven't I? You can kindly address me with miss or Ms. as I'm not a lecturer with a specific discipline. Anyway, only Klaus cares about trivialities like that. "

Klaus, the name which rings a very big bell on Zio’s head. It might take Zio years to forget what he had done to him. If he got the time, Zio thinks it would be wonderful for him to make Klaus pay what he is due.

" T-Then... Ms. Martha, why are we called 'Scholar of The State'? As far as I know, the terms 'scholar' is only used for those who specialize in a particular branch of study. To think we were to be given that title when we are just enrolled here seems a little bit off to me. "

" Waah! Thank you for your remarkable question, miss...? "

" Ah, my deepest apology! My name is Evangelina Alfresia. You can call me Lina. " She bowed herself to the lecturer and to her fellow students.

" Let's give applause to Miss Lina! "

Everyone in the room claps even though she did nothing more but to ask a question. ‘Does it really have to be applauded? Are we in an elementary or something?’ Zio sneered.

" For those who are not used to giving applause, I'll have you know that aside from celebrating the first interaction between you and me, it's also a custom in the High Academy to uphold and respect curiosity and willingness to learn. What do you think? A good culture, right? " The Guardian explained.

Lucky for Zio to not blurting out his mind. Otherwise, his lack of understanding will bring shame to himself again for the second time.

" Alright, Now regarding your question. You have to know that there are several degrees that differ one scholar to another. You are currently a novice, the lowest of all degrees. "

" The higher your degree, the higher your chance of getting better assignments, which also means, better reward. The higher your degree also means the higher status that you held in the society. Moreover, you can be granted access to numerous facilities and archives that are limited to the majority. "

After listening to the advantage of being a distinguished scholar. Zio aimed to be at the top of the chain in less than five years’ time, in order for him to not be tied to Gissel’s leash and serve her as her dog for his whole life.

His heart is racing and his feet are trembling. Money and privileges burn his motivation brighter than any sweet words could ever do.

" From the lowest to the highest, there are six degrees that stretches between you and your dreams! Namely; Novice, Apprentice, Seasoned Scholar, Master Scholar, Grand Scholar, and last, the most distinguished degree, Exalted Scholar. "

" Pardon my interruption, Ms. Martha. My name is James, I would like to ask, how many exalted scholars are there in Elgram? "

‘James Javier?’ Zio screamed in his mind. He couldn’t believe that the last of the top ten is right beside him all this time. He really feels lucky to know another big name on the first day of school, aside from Aram and Gissel.

" Oh! Are you interested in becoming one, James? "

" O-Oh, maybe? "

" Ahaha, I wish you a stroke of good luck then! Alright, soo~ there are only three exalted scholars at the moment, Sir Frey Miordan is one of them, I'm sure you've met him the other day. "

Now that he understood the reason for Klaus to get so worked up on him, Zio admits that he deserved the spray of water. Zio might hate the nobility with heat, but for people who were respected for their skill and knowledge; that’s an entirely different thing for him.

But the fact that Sir Frey is an exalted scholar also meant that Zio had shared a cup of tea with one of the greatest scholars in Elgram.

" Alright then! I hope I'm able to spark your curiosity in living the path of a scholar! Now, please head to the amphitheater for the next lecture! "

After several question-and-answer session, they finally moved on to the next lecture.