Welcoming Ceremony (2)

"Today, we genuinely welcome the new first-year students of our academy!

"We hope for everyone to achieve the career they have set their eyes on.

"Whether you are a Fighter-type or Support-type player, it doesn't matter.

"In our academy, you will learn everything you need before becoming a full-pledge player…"

Prof. Lorraine continued to speak without stuttering or using filters as though she'd done this many times already.

…

"I request all of you to check the First-Year Handbook you have received at the entrance of the auditorium before entering…"

Derek listened to Lorraine Mayfield as he flipped the front to the third page of the First-Year Handbook that was handed to him, and the other 479 students including his younger sister, by some security guards whose strength was no joke.

"As first-year students, we would like to emphasize the very important rules that all of you need to diligently abide by.

"But, before I proceed, I want to remind everyone that you have taken a step out of your comfort zone and a step forward toward the career you are pursuing."

The students, even Derek, were affected by Aurora's voice in some ways. They felt like their emotions seemed to move as though they were silently following an order from a queen.

While Aurora continued speaking, Derek read some of the important rules written exclusively for first-year students.

…

--Unauthorized use of any kind of Skills in public.

--Unauthorized use of Mana in public (Mana Control and Mana Sense).

--Do NOT bring out a "Personal Weapon" in public without authorization from any Obelisk Personnel.

--Do NOT cheat in any kind of exam (Written and Practical).

…

…

…

After excusing herself, Lorraine left the stage, went backstage, and then, just as she left, some students that were not first years appeared; one of them replaced Lorraine as this student went to the podium.

D could tell that these students were either in their second or third year because of the "Student Uniform" where the year level could be distinguished.

For the boys, the Stella Academy's Student Uniform consisted of a 5-button red-maroon polo, which almost dyed the entirety of the uniform, navy blue pants, black or white socks, and formal black shoes.

For the girls, the Stella Academy's Student Uniform consisted of a 5-button red-maroon blouse that was tucked into the below-the-knee black skirt.

The above-mentioned formal Student Uniforms were applied to first to third-year students, but what sets them apart is the difference in a very simple design.

On the top left of the red-maroon polo or blouse, there's an 'S' depicting a rayless Sun that's intricately sewn on them.

Then, from the bottom of an 'S' symbol, there's a Stella piercing it.

This Stella was the indicator of someone's year level because the number of the Stella increased as the year level of the student increased.

What the Stella Logo means was very simple: the 'S' depicts an illusory dome that seemed to limit humanity from thriving, then the Stella piercing it from the bottom indicated the effort of humanity to break their limit and grow stronger than ever.

– Aurora Blackwood

– Seraphina Goldstein

– Isadora Strong

– Elio Everhart

– Caspian Sterling

...

They were the new representatives of the Student Council from the A-1 of first-year. Apart from one of them, they were the famous daughters or sons of the TOP 5 Guilds.

These renowned people bowed to the crowd of students as their respective names were each called by Teacher.

"Hey, man, who's the last one?"

"Huh? Who are you talking about?"

"Tsk, you ain't listening, man. That Eli something…"

"Oh! him! I remembered he placed 5th on the rankings."

" What?! He surpassed Caspian?"

"I'm not sure how, but based on what I've heard, the rankings of students are not only based on the results of the entrance exam."

Russell heard the chattering of two people in front of him.

Elio Everheart — the Main Character of the story he had written in his previous life.

He came out of nowhere and then placed 5th in the student rankings due to exam results and some unspoken criteria.

But, this time, although he was in 5th place in the A-1 class, he was probably the 2nd strongest first-year student when it came to "Combat Ability", a rank below Samantha Hall.

'If he's not too ignorant about society, he'd probably know some theories and might get a higher rank placing compared to what his rank is right now.

'Well, can't blame him, though. With Untouched or Unknown Elements, we're probably in the same boat at this point.'

Derek poignantly thought as he recalled some background about Elio Everheart. 

Elio Everheart got admitted to the Obelisk Academy due to his talent, and through the personal recommendation of the Chancellor of the Stella Academy, which was almost at the pinnacle of "Player Status" with his "SSS" rank; the Chancellor was one of the Strongest Players in the human domain.

"Let us welcome the Student Council President."

The teacher said before she left the podium, and then a man walked in, replacing her. Derek's thoughts broke as he frowned at the sight of the man.

[The Mistress of Twilight says that the man stinks.]

Derek — who skimmed through the System's message — chuckled; with his enhanced vision and alertness, he saw the Student Council President slightly flinch; if one has a great perception, they would somehow notice that mild reaction.

'That's a fitting reaction.'

The man who walked in as the Student Council President appeared to be young, with a well-groomed appearance that exuded an air of authority.

His clean-cut hair was slicked back, and his sharp jawline accentuated his confident smile.

However, beneath the polished exterior, there was a sense of falseness that seemed to seep through his pores.

His eyes, which were a piercing blue, seemed to glint with deceit as he surveyed the crowd.

The Mistress of Twilight, with her keen senses, could detect the insincerity that emanated from him and detested him for it.

As he began to speak, his words were laced with honeyed tones that dripped with insincerity. Every gesture and expression seemed calculated to manipulate and deceive.

It was clear that the man was full of falsehood and trickery, and the Mistress of Twilight could not stand to be in his presence for too long without feeling a sense of revulsion.