First Day

"Would you like to order, sir?"

In a cafe at Starfall Academy, a dark-haired male student was ordering drinks.

"I would like a black coffee, please"

"Certainly, sir."

"…"

While he was waiting for the drink, people stole glances at him.

The morning sunlight of the dazzling sun entered through the window and made the cadet's hair shine like a raven's wing.

Resting his chin on his hand, he leaned his head onto the window and gazed outside with a distant expression, seemingly lost in thought.

As per usual, people blankly stared at him or stole glances.

"Hey, do you see his uniform…"

"Yeah, it's completely white."

"He's from Class S…"

"Wow, I'm jealous… To be in the same class as the Princess and the Saint, he's one lucky guy…"

"Yeah, lucky bastard…"

"But he's probably very strong."

"Obviously…"

Whispering to each other the cadets didn't even care whether the dark-haired student could hear them or not.

They only stopped when the barista arrived with the black coffee and placed it on the table in front of the dark-haired student.

"Here you go, sir."

She gave him a polite smile before walking away.

The cadet simply nodded and took a sip of his coffee, savoring the flavor of the black drink.

"Bitter…"

He set down the cup with a frown.

The taste of the drink was the same even in the game world.

…

A few days have already passed since the Entrance Ceremony of the Starfall Academy.

It just so happened that the event was scheduled on the day before the weekend, so I had some free time on my hands.

During those days, I explored most of the city surrounding the Academy, the capital of the Shadowblight Empire.

I also managed to find a specific cafe within the academy grounds, which had a good atmosphere for enjoying a quiet coffee break.

It was fun while it lasted, but, unfortunately, the weekend came to an end.

Today was actually the first day of the new semester and before going to my first lecture, I've decided to stop by that specific cafe for a quick cup of coffee.

"…"

Looking outside the window, I watched as other cadets passed by.

I didn't even notice that my fingers were rhythmically tapping on the table until I almost accidentally spilled my drink.

'Curses…'

I was a bit nervous.

Or maybe excited, I don't know.

Despite the calm exterior I maintained, a whirlpool of thoughts churned within me.

My head was overheating.

It felt as if I was trying to solve a complex equation.

'Relax…'

I bit my lip, glancing at my reflection in the window.

My eyes automatically went towards the clothing I was wearing.

The white uniform made me feel like a walking beacon and obviously drew more attention than I was used to or comfortable dealing with.

But there was no changing that now.

What's done is done.

"He's one of them…"

A voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned slightly to see a group of cadets at a nearby table, whispering amongst themselves.

Their curiosity was palpable and I couldn't blame them.

The white uniform marked me as an elite among elites, but it also made me a target of scrutiny and envy.

Ignoring the stares, I took another sip of my coffee, letting the bitterness jolt me back to the present.

I needed to stay focused.

The first lecture was about to begin and I couldn't afford to be late.

With a final glance outside, I stood up, smoothing down my uniform.

The barista, who had been watching me, gave a small nod. I returned it with a brief smile and left the cafe, stepping into the bright sunlight.

The academy grounds were bustling with activity.

Cadets of various classes were hurrying to their respective lecture halls. I navigated through the crowd, my mind already on the day ahead.

As I approached the main building, the grandeur of Starfall Academy never ceased to amaze me.

Towering spires, intricate carvings and the emblem of the Shadowblight Empire adorned the entrance.

Inside, the halls were just as impressive, filled with portraits of notable alumni and historical artifacts. I made my way to the lecture hall designated for Class S. It was larger and more opulent than the others, befitting the best of the best.

The room was already filling up when I arrived. I even spotted a few familiar faces.

One of them was Arthur, who sat in one of the middle rows, looking at the front with a deadpan expression.

Just out of curiosity I also peaked in the direction he was looking and there was…

Absolutely nothing.

'Weird guy…'

Shaking my head, I turned my attention to the next person I knew.

Aveline Shadowblight, the princess.

Her crimson-red eyes were fully absorbed into the book she was reading, her brow furrowed in concentration.

She seemed to be too deeply engrossed into the tome to even notice that I had entered the classroom.

"…"

Directing my gaze elsewhere, I fully scanned the entirety of the room.

There were other students present already, but I paid them no mind as I had no interest in 'unnamed' characters.

Tap… Tap…

Taking my seat in one of the back rows, I folded my arms and embedded my eyes into the clock hung on the wall.

[ 7:51 ]

There were nine more minutes until the lecture was scheduled to begin.