Chapter 5: First Day II

Arthur Grey's first day at Astarcus Academy had been a whirlwind of impressions and new faces. The following morning, the sky above Astrea was clear and bright, a perfect start to what promised to be another significant day in his new life. The grandeur of Astarcus was evident in every aspect of its design, from its towering spires to the meticulously manicured grounds. As Arthur made his way to the academy, he felt a renewed sense of anticipation and determination.

The modern and lavish design of Astarcus Academy continued to impress Arthur. Inside the grand entrance hall, students and faculty moved about with purpose. The architecture seamlessly blended contemporary sophistication with magical elegance, creating an environment that was both inspiring and imposing.

Arthur's steps led him to Class 1, where he was once again met by the familiar faces of his peers. The classroom itself was a marvel of luxury and function. Plush, comfortable chairs were arranged in a semi-circle around a central platform. The walls were lined with magical scrolls and enchanted displays that flickered with moving images of various arcane symbols and historical figures. The lighting was soft yet radiant, creating an atmosphere of both refinement and focus.

As Arthur took his seat at the back of the room, he observed his classmates. They were already engaged in quiet conversations, their whispers punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter or intense debate. The energy in the room was a blend of nervous excitement and competitive edge. It was clear that Class 1 was a microcosm of Terra's elite, each student a product of their prestigious backgrounds.

At that moment, the door to the classroom swung open, and a group of teachers entered. They were distinguished figures, their attire combining traditional robes with modern, enchanted accessories. Their presence commanded respect, and the room fell silent as they took their positions at the front of the class.

The lead teacher, a tall, imposing figure with a regal bearing, stepped forward. His robes shimmered with a subtle, shifting glow, reflecting his mastery of high-level magic. He cleared his throat, and his voice resonated with authority.

"Good morning, students. I am Professor Kael, and I will be your instructor for advanced mana manipulation. Today, we will begin with a brief introduction session so that we can get to know each other better. In Class 1, it is essential that we understand not only the academic abilities of our peers but also their backgrounds and ambitions."

Arthur glanced around the room. The students' faces ranged from curious to apprehensive. It was clear that this exercise was more than just a formality; it was an opportunity for the students to gauge each other's potential and form preliminary judgments.

Professor Kael gestured towards a large, ornate pedestal that had been set up at the front of the room. "We will proceed with introductions. Each of you will step up to this platform and tell us a bit about yourselves—your name, your background, and what you hope to achieve during your time at Astarcus."

The students began to stand up one by one, stepping onto the platform to introduce themselves. The process was a mix of formal presentations and casual revelations, providing insights into each student's personality and ambitions.

Arthur observed closely as his classmates spoke. The frosty girl with the distant demeanor was introduced as Elara Frost, a scion of a powerful family known for their mastery of ice magic. Her presentation was brief and to the point, reflecting her reserved nature. Despite her minimal words, her presence commanded a quiet respect from her peers.

The bubbly girl from the previous day, whose name was revealed to be Liora Sun, spoke with infectious enthusiasm. She was from a renowned family of light magic practitioners and was passionate about using her abilities to bring positivity and change to the world. Her energy was a stark contrast to Elara's, and she quickly won the sympathy and admiration of many.

The girl with the sharp aura, whose name was Seraphine Blade, introduced herself with a disciplined and measured tone. She came from a family of renowned swordmasters, and her focus was clearly on perfecting her combat skills and magical prowess. Her presence and demeanor suggested that she would be a formidable rival.

As each student spoke, Arthur listened intently, taking note of the dynamics and relationships that were beginning to form. When it was finally his turn, he rose from his seat and made his way to the platform. The room's attention shifted to him, and the air seemed to crackle with anticipation.

Arthur cleared his throat and began. "Good morning, everyone. My name is Arthur Grey. I come from a prominent family in Astrea, and I'm here to further my understanding and mastery of magic. My goal is to explore the full extent of my abilities and contribute to the advancement of magical knowledge."

Arthur's introduction was deliberately concise. He wanted to present himself as capable and ambitious without revealing too much about his personal background or his true motivations. He could sense the curiosity in his peers' eyes, and he knew that his mysterious aura would provoke both interest and speculation.

As he stepped down from the platform, he noticed Clair watching him from the corner of her eye. Her presence at the academy was a reminder of their previous encounter, and he couldn't help but wonder about her reasons for being here. Her interest in him had been evident from their conversation, and he was intrigued by the possibility of learning more about her.

The introductions continued, and Arthur took note of the subtle shifts in the room's energy. The students were sizing each other up, forming alliances, and identifying potential rivals. It was clear that the competitive nature of Astarcus was already beginning to manifest.

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as Professor Kael, a tall man with sharp features and an aura of authority, stepped forward. His eyes gleamed with interest as he addressed the students of Class 1, the elite of Astarcus.

"Now that you've introduced yourselves," Kael began, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of seriousness, "it's time to evaluate your magical potential. This will determine your place not just in this class but in the wider world. The scale runs from E, the lowest, to S, the highest. However, there are rare cases—anomalies—who surpass even S-class. Such cases are extremely rare, but they do exist."

A murmur rippled through the room, the students exchanging glances. Some were excited, others anxious. Arthur remained calm, his expression unreadable, though inwardly, he was curious to see how these mortals measured power.

Professor Kael waved his hand, and an orb appeared on a pedestal in front of the class. It was a swirling mass of silver and blue light, humming with energy. "This orb will react to your mana, giving us a clear indication of your potential. When I call your name, come forward and place your hand on the orb."

The first student, a boy with a confident air, was called up. He placed his hand on the orb, and after a few moments, it glowed with a soft blue light, displaying a solid "B" classification. He nodded, satisfied, and returned to his seat. The process continued, with most students receiving A or B classifications, their reactions ranging from relieved smiles to disappointed frowns.

"Elara Frost," Kael announced.

Elara, the girl with a frosty demeanor, rose from her seat. The room seemed to grow colder as she approached the orb. When she touched it, the temperature dropped noticeably, and frost began to form on the orb's surface. The light within the orb intensified, and after a few moments, it displayed an "S" classification. A collective gasp echoed through the room.

Elara withdrew her hand, her expression as cold and indifferent as ever, and returned to her seat, ignoring the awed and envious looks directed her way. Arthur observed her quietly, noting the way her power seemed to chill the very air around her. Her frosty demeanor and immense control over her emotions intrigued him. She was a mystery wrapped in cold detachment, and Arthur recognized in her the potential for immense strength. He also couldn't help but notice her alluring figure—tall, with a curvaceous body that was especially busty for her age, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her already enigmatic presence.

"Liora Sun," Kael called next.

Liora, the girl with the bright, warm smile, practically bounced up to the stage. Her presence seemed to warm the room back up, dispelling the cold left by Elara. When she placed her hand on the orb, it responded immediately, glowing with a warm, golden light that filled the room with a comforting heat. The orb displayed another "S" classification.

The students were in awe; two S-class students in the same room was unheard of. Liora beamed as she returned to her seat, her warm energy making her seem even more radiant. Arthur found it interesting how someone so full of life could harness such power without being consumed by it. Her ability to balance strength with compassion was rare, and it caught Arthur's attention. Just like Elara, Liora had a striking figure, her curves accentuated by her bubbly personality and vibrant energy. Her joyful nature only made her more attractive, and Arthur couldn't ignore the physical allure that complemented her formidable power.

"Seraphine Blade," Kael announced.

Seraphine, the girl with the disciplined, sharp aura, stepped forward. As she touched the orb, the atmosphere in the room changed, growing tense and sharp, like the edge of a blade. The orb pulsed, and the light inside it seemed to cut through the air. The orb displayed a third "S" classification.

The class was stunned. Three S-class students, each with a distinct and powerful aura. Kael was clearly impressed, though he kept his emotions in check. Arthur noted Seraphine's aura as one of a disciplined warrior. Her presence cut through the tension in the room like a blade through air, and Arthur could sense the determination in her—a drive that likely matched his own. Seraphine's tall, athletic build, coupled with a busty figure, exuded strength and grace, making her as physically captivating as she was powerful. Arthur couldn't help but feel drawn to her confident, commanding presence.

As each of the girls returned to their seats, Arthur couldn't help but feel a flicker of interest. These three were not just powerful; they were unique. In this world of Terra, where power and influence could shift the balance of nations, individuals like Elara, Liora, and Seraphine were rare gems. Their combination of beauty, strength, and mysterious auras intrigued him, though he knew better than to act on this interest too soon. For now, he would observe, gather information, and continue to play the role of the unassuming student. His journey had just begun, and there was no need to rush.

Next, Kael called, "Adam Thorne."

Adam, a muscular young man with an air of arrogance, swaggered up to the stage. He grinned confidently as he placed his hand on the orb. Almost immediately, the orb began to glow with a fiery red light, the heat so intense that the students began to sweat. The orb displayed another "S" classification, though the flames within it continued to burn brightly.

Adam withdrew his hand and smirked at his classmates. "S-class, of course," he muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear. The other students looked at him with a mixture of awe and irritation, while the three girls seemed largely unfazed. Arthur, however, noticed the way Adam's gaze lingered on him, a challenge in his eyes.

Arthur didn't react, maintaining his calm facade. But inwardly, he was amused. These mortals were so caught up in the classifications, so concerned with proving themselves. Little did they know how insignificant their power levels were in comparison to his. Still, Arthur was content to let them play their games for now.

As the evaluations continued, Arthur's thoughts kept returning to the three girls. Their beauty and power made them stand out, but it was their potential that intrigued him the most. Each of them had a role to play in the grander scheme of things—he was certain of it. But for now, he would watch and wait, letting them reveal their true selves in time.

Finally, Professor Kael called, "Arthur Grey."

Arthur rose from his seat, his movements graceful and unhurried. The students watched him intently, some with curiosity, others with envy. The three S-class girls also seemed to focus on him more intently now, their interest piqued by the calm, confident aura he exuded.

Arthur approached the orb, placing his hand on it with a practiced ease. For a moment, nothing happened, and then the orb began to glow—a light so intense it nearly blinded everyone in the room. The orb vibrated violently, the energy within it escalating to an unbearable level. Suddenly, with a sharp crack, the orb shattered into countless pieces, scattering across the stage.

The room was deathly silent. The students were frozen in shock, staring at Arthur with wide eyes. Even Professor Kael, who had seen many things in his years of teaching, was at a loss for words.

Arthur, however, remained calm. He glanced at the shattered orb, then at the stunned faces around him. "It seems I've broken it," he said, his voice smooth and unbothered.

Kael finally found his voice, though it was shaky. "This… this has never happened before," he stammered. "Even those who surpass S-class… the orb has never broken…"

The students began to whisper among themselves, the room filling with a mix of awe and fear. Adam's face twisted with anger and jealousy, but he kept his mouth shut. He knew better than to challenge Arthur openly, especially now.

Arthur returned to his seat, feeling the weight of all the eyes on him. The three girls—Elara, Liora, and Seraphine—watched him with renewed interest, their earlier indifference replaced with curiosity. Arthur could sense their intrigue, and it amused him. They were powerful, yes, but they were still unaware of just how far beyond them he was.

As the room slowly returned to order, Arthur leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. The evaluation had revealed much—both about his classmates and about himself. And as the day's events played out in his mind, he couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning.

The true test was yet to come. And Arthur Grey was more than ready