Chapter 6: The Academy

When Ersa emerged, Karmela couldn't hide his curiosity.

"How did it go, Ersa? What's your rank?"

Ersa smiled at his father and explained what had happened inside. As Karmela listened, he smiled too. He had always suspected that Ersa could even surpass the Heaven rank.

"Dad, is high-level Heaven rank good?"

Karmela looked at Ersa with a complex expression. "In this country, most of the people who have reached the Emperor rank or higher are typically Heaven-ranked individuals. You're at the high-level Heaven rank, and those at the top of this rank are often the greatest individuals in the world."

"But remember this, Ersa: talent isn't everything. Luck and determination are just as important. If you remain persistent, you can increase your rank, and if you're lucky, you'll encounter life-changing opportunities. Most people don't recognize the chances that come their way. But I know my son is smart and won't miss out. Don't rely too much on your talent—work hard, Ersa."

Even though Karmela knew Ersa was a diligent person, he wanted to make sure his son understood this. Listening to his father's advice, Ersa felt a strange, unexplainable energy filling him. "I'll listen to Dad and won't slack off," he thought to himself.

"No matter what, I'm proud of you, Ersa. Just don't overwork yourself."

In truth, Karmela had very high expectations for his son. Having met so many people over the years, he was sure that Ersa was the most intelligent child he had ever encountered. He had seen Ersa's sharp mind and talent firsthand since he was young. He knew Ersa was both determined and talented, but he also knew that Ersa needed experience, something only freedom could give him.

"Let's go, Ersa. I'll show you around the city and help you find a place to stay. The academy opens tomorrow morning."

Father and son headed into the city together. Ersa eagerly took in the sights. Most of the buildings were three or four stories tall, and the city was bustling with people. Some areas were restricted to the upper class and required special permission to enter, but Ersa was surprised to find that his father had access to all of them. This was when he realized how high-ranking his father truly was.

First, they rented a room at an inn commonly used by tourists visiting the city. Then, they wandered the marketplace, and Ersa watched everything with great interest. Having grown up in a quiet environment, this busy and lively city was a new experience for him. It was his first time witnessing what he had only read about in books.

The marketplace was full of shops selling all sorts of things—books, clothes, weapons, armor, potions, leather goods, and more. Karmela's expression grew serious.

"Ersa, I won't be helping you with money. I want you to earn your own money and buy what you need yourself. It's the only way you'll grow."

Ersa didn't argue.

"I understand, Dad."

Karmela began introducing the various parts of the city.

"This is the middle-marketplace, where general goods are sold. If you're looking for something rare or valuable, there's a building at the end of the marketplace. It's called the Purple Heaven Trading Guild. They have branches almost everywhere, and that's where you'll find special items."

When they reached the building, Ersa admired its impressive architecture. It was five stories tall but took up the space of ten or eleven regular buildings. Even a regular person could tell that experts had designed the structure.

Without entering, Karmela and Ersa returned to the inn. The sun set, the sky darkened, and the moon bathed the land in soft light. Ersa lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. No one knew what was on his mind. Time passed slowly, and the city greeted the sunrise with new energy.

Karmela took Ersa to the academy, hugged him tightly, and said his goodbyes.

After his father left, Ersa stood at the entrance of the academy, gazing at the large gate and the inscription above it. Students were steadily filing into the academy. The gate was protected by a central barrier system, and entry was granted by scanning identification cards. Ersa proceeded, and his card granted him access. His adventure at Blue Cloud Academy had officially begun, and Ersa couldn't help but feel excited.

Once inside, students were directed to the administration building, where they scanned their cards on a rectangular device and received a booklet prepared for them.

Following the others, Ersa retrieved his booklet, stepped outside, and found a peaceful green area where he could sit and open it.

S-Rank Student: ErsaBlock: A1Number: 1542Classes: Free ChoiceLibrary Access: First 5 FloorsMeals: Free

The booklet contained information about his privileges and academy details, along with a small map. Ersa followed the map to Block A1, where the dormitory spanned several hundred meters. He entered, followed the directions to the second floor, and found the door marked 1542.

Opening the door, he entered a spacious room with three beds, three study rooms, a bathroom, a toilet, and wardrobes. The room was bright and airy, with sunlight streaming in through the windows. The beds were clean and wide. After quickly surveying the room, Ersa chose the bed near the window. He placed his belongings on his bed and began watching the other students settling in outside.

"Hey, looks like you're my roommate."

Ersa turned around to see a brown-haired, brown-eyed boy with a friendly face.

"Yeah, hi. I'm Ersa. What's your name?"

The boy briefly lost himself in Ersa's striking black eyes. He clearly hadn't expected his new roommate to have such an unusual appearance. "Ersa. That's a nice name. I'm Bailey. Nice to meet you, Ersa," he said, extending his hand.

Ersa shook his hand in return.

"I'm from Alari City. Where are you from, Ersa?"

Ersa was caught off guard by the question. He didn't really know where he was from.

"Let's just say near Blue Cloud City."

At that moment, another boy entered the room. He had black hair and dark brown eyes, with a strikingly handsome face.

"My roommates are already bonding before I even got here."

Bailey and Ersa turned to face him. The new boy locked eyes with Ersa for a brief moment.

"I'm Ray. And you guys?"

Ersa extended his hand.

"I'm Ersa."

Bailey did the same.

"I'm Bailey. Nice to meet you."

After the introductions, Bailey broke the ice.

"Are we all the same age, guys?"

"I'm 10 years old," said Ersa.

"I'm 11," said Ray.

Bailey looked at Ersa.

"I'm 10 too," Ersa added.

Ray laughed. "Looks like you two should be calling me 'big brother' then."

Bailey quickly regretted bringing up age. "Let's not start with the 'big brother' stuff, okay?"

Ray and Ersa laughed at Bailey's reaction.

"Let's grab some food first, guys. We can unpack later."

"Sounds good."

The three roommates headed to the academy's cafeteria. Once there, Ersa grabbed some meat and rice, and the others filled their trays too. They found an empty table and sat down. But Ersa could feel several eyes on him, which made him uncomfortable.

As they sat down, a group entered the cafeteria and immediately became the center of attention. There were whispers from every table, and everyone's gaze was fixed on the new arrivals—a group of seven girls, all dressed in matching white and blue outfits. On their chests, they wore butterfly-shaped badges.

Ray and Bailey stared at them with open mouths. "Ray, are they from the Butterfly Warriors Group? Wow, are they all this beautiful?"

The girls were indeed all quite striking, and it was clear they would only become more beautiful as they grew older. The girl leading them was especially different—though she seemed the same age as the others, her beauty stood out. Even the other girls seemed to admire her.

Her long black hair framed her small face, and her blue eyes gave her an air of authority over everyone.

"Isn't that the most powerful group in the academy?"

Ray confirmed Bailey's question.

"Yeah. It's best to stay away from them. We don't want any unnecessary trouble."

Ersa glanced at the group that had caused such a stir in the cafeteria. The only one who caught his attention was the blue-eyed girl, but after a quick look, he returned to his meal.

The girls took their food and sat down at a table, but everyone's eyes stayed on them until they did. By that time, Ersa had already finished his meal. Since Ray and Bailey were still engrossed in their conversation about the Butterfly Warriors Group and the girls, Ersa decided to leave.

"I'm going to explore the academy. See you guys later in the room."

"We'll finish up quickly and join you," said Bailey.

"No need to rush. Take your time. I'll see you back at the dorm."

Ray and Bailey didn't insist. Ersa left the cafeteria and headed for the library, which he had been eager to visit for a long time. It took him a while to find it, as the academy was large. But when he finally saw it, he couldn't help but marvel. The seven-story building stood majestically, glowing in the morning sun.

As soon as he entered the library, an old man greeted him. There were no other students present—no one else had wanted to study on the first day. The old man smiled warmly at Ersa.

"Young man, are you new here?"

Ersa responded respectfully. "Yes, sir. I would appreciate some guidance."

"Coming to the library on your first day? That's admirable. Let me introduce you to the place. Each floor is divided by subject. The first floor contains general information on plants, animals, and cities; the second floor is dedicated to battle strategy; the third floor covers medicine; the fourth floor is for alchemy; and the fifth floor is all about martial arts."

When the old man mentioned martial arts, Ersa's eyes lit up. He thanked the old man and entered the library.

The old man was impressed by Ersa's attitude. Stroking his beard, he murmured to himself.

"A promising young man indeed."