Chapter 4: First Day of School

As Maximus made his way through the school's grand corridors, his footsteps echoed against the smooth stone floors, and the faint scent of old parchment filled the air. The walls were adorned with intricate wooden carvings, each telling a story of the academy's rich history. Smooth red carpets guided his path, leading him closer to his destination.

Just as he approached his classroom, a stern-looking teacher intercepted him, a weary expression etched across his face. The middle-aged man appeared well-built, but exhaustion weighed heavy in his eyes. His small rectangular glasses perched precariously on the bridge of his nose, and a small stubble adorned his chin. A long brown ponytail trailed down his back, a stark contrast to the formality of his attire.

Teacher (voice gruff with fatigue): "Late on your first day, hmm? What's your excuse, young man?"

Maximus (offering a charming smile though sensing the weariness in the teacher's demeanor): "Apologies, sir. Got a bit turned around in these complicated halls."

Teacher (Raising an eyebrow skeptically, but relenting slightly at the earnestness in Maximus's voice): "Is that so? Well, make sure it doesn't happen again. Now, take your seat."

Maximus nods obediently, slipping into an empty desk as the teacher begins the lesson, his tired eyes scanning over the sea of expectant faces.

Teacher (Clearing his throat, his voice strained but authoritative): "Good morning, class. My name is Mr. Hawthorne, and I'll be your academic homeroom teacher and magic instructor for this academic year."

Maximus observed as Mr. Hawthorne's weary eyes scanned over the expectant faces of his students, a small sigh escaping his lips before he continued.

Teacher: "Now, before we begin, let me outline the courses available for first-year students. You will have the option to enroll in three courses: magic, swordsmanship, and arts. Each course will provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges ahead."

A hand shot up from the sea of students, a curious expression on his face.

Student: "Sir, are we allowed to take more than one course? And how will the scheduling work?"

Mr. Hawthorne's tired eyes flickered with a hint of gratitude at the thoughtful question.

Teacher (Offering a weary smile): "An excellent question. Yes, you are allowed to take more than one course if you so desire. As for scheduling, we'll work together to ensure that your classes are arranged in a way that accommodates your chosen courses and provides a balanced workload."

After the quick introduction a break period was granted to the students for them to get to know more about each other.

As the break period began, Maximus prepared to rise from his chair, but before he could even move, a group of girls swarmed around his table, their chatter filling the air with excitement. Mistaking him for a girl due to his long hair, they bombarded him with questions and compliments.

Girl 1: "Oh my gosh, your hair is so gorgeous! What's your secret?"

Girl 2: "Do you use a special shampoo? How do you keep it so shiny?"

Maximus chuckled nervously, trying to keep up with the sudden attention.

Maximus (Smiling awkwardly): "Uh, well, it's just regular shampoo, actually..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the girls continued their barrage of questions.

Girl 3: "Can I touch it? It looks so soft!"

Girl 4: "What's your skincare routine? Your skin is flawless!"

Meanwhile, the boys of the class also gathered around, their curiosity piqued by the commotion.

Boy 1: "Hey, what's going on over here?"

Boy 2: "Is there a party or something?"

Maximus finally took the opportunity to clarify the situation.

Maximus (Raising his voice to be heard over the crowd): "Uh, guys, I hate to break it to you, but I'm actually a boy."

There was a moment of stunned silence before chaos erupted once again. The girls squealed in surprise, some even blushing from embarrassment as they realized they had been fawning over a boy. The boys exchanged skeptical glances, some of them blushing themselves.

Boy 3: "Wait, you're a guy? But you were... I mean, you looked..."

Boy 4: "Dude, you had us all fooled! Can you teach me how to do that hair flip thing?"

Maximus couldn't help but laugh at the confusion and excitement that followed his revelation. As the break period ended and the students dispersed for sword training, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief at the prospect of physical activity after the whirlwind of attention.

Maximus entered the boys' changing room, the atmosphere shifting as the other boys couldn't help but notice his well-built physique. Under the loose robe he wore, his muscles were evident, defined and hardened from years of training. Scars and small cuts adorned his skin, a testament to his dedication to physical activity.

One of the boys spoke up, unable to contain his curiosity.

Boy 1: "Whoa, dude, you're ripped! What's your secret?"

Maximus grinned with a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Maximus: "Oh, uh, I'm just really clumsy, you know? Always tripping and falling into a workout routine."

The other boys chuckled at his response, but their curiosity only grew.

Boy 2: "Seriously, though, what's your training regime? You must have some insane workouts."

Maximus shrugged casually, but the boys could see the determination in his gaze.

Maximus: "Just the usual stuff, I guess. Lots of running, lifting weights, and practicing swordsmanship."

As Maximus changed into his training attire, the boys couldn't help but notice the striking tattoo emblazoned across his back. Their curiosity piqued, and they bombarded him with questions about its significance.

Boy 1: "Hey, Max, what's up with the tattoo? It looks badass!"

Maximus glanced over his shoulder, a faint smile playing on his lips as he shrugged nonchalantly.

Maximus: "Oh, it's just something I got a while back. Nothing special, really."

Despite his casual dismissal, the boys persisted, intrigued by the mysterious ink on his skin.

Boy 2: "Come on, man, there's gotta be a story behind it. Did it hurt? What does it mean?"

Maximus chuckled, his demeanor relaxed as he deflected their inquiries.

Maximus: "Eh, it wasn't too bad. As for the meaning... well, let's just say it's personal."

Satisfied with his vague response, the boys eventually shifted the conversation to other topics, chatting as they prepared for their training session. Though the mystery of Maximus's tattoo remained unsolved, their admiration for their new classmate only grew stronger.