New Life

A month had passed since the awakening ceremony, and the students who had successfully awakened were now returning for the new semester.

The academy, nestled in the heart of Pyronis, was an architectural marvel—a fusion of dwarven craftsmanship and advanced technology. Towering stone structures lined the campus, their surfaces etched with intricate carvings and glowing runes, reinforcing them against the region's harsh conditions. Enchanted archways stretched high above the students, their ancient symbols pulsing with faint energy. Roaming through the grounds were mechanical constructs, designed by Mechavaris engineers, assisting staff with luggage, maintenance, and security.

For the next three years, all awakened students were required to live on campus. Their education would shift from standard academics to rigorous combat training and mastery of essence. Parents gathered in the drop-off zones, some lingering with parting words, while others left their children with quiet pride. Among the students, friendships were rekindled, and alliances were already forming.

Then, a sudden outburst cut through the crowd.

"Oh my god, is that Roy Clifford?!"

Excitement spread like wildfire, turning heads toward the academy's entrance.

"Damn, he's even better looking in person!"

"I can't believe we're in the same school as him!"

A growing crowd swarmed toward a tall, blond-haired boy stepping off a sleek hover bike, his helmet tucked under his arm. Roy Clifford, the academy's only A-grade awakener, had become a celebrity overnight. His golden Soul Key was the kind of rarity that made legends, and now, every student wanted to be associated with him.

Beside him, Denwen hopped off his own bike, watching the spectacle unfold. He leaned slightly toward Roy.

"Looks like someone got himself a fan club."

Roy sighed, already dodging students attempting to take pictures. "You think this is funny? It was cool at first, but now it's exhausting." He ran a hand through his hair. "I swear, I might have to start wearing a disguise."

Then, he gave Denwen a sidelong glance. "Honestly, I wish I was more like you."

Denwen raised an eyebrow. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"What? You're basically invisible." Roy flashed a smirk.

Denwen rolled his eyes, but before he could respond, an authoritative voice cut through the noise.

"Alright, enough gawking. Move along, you'll have plenty of time to mingle later."

It was Zara, one of the academy's instructors. Dressed in a crimson-trimmed uniform, her sharp gaze swept over the students. She stood flanked by other teachers, their presence alone enough to restore order.

"You should be focusing on your training, not crowding around a single student," she added before turning and leading them inside.

—-

After escaping the commotion, Roy and Denwen headed toward the administration block to sort out their dorm assignments. They hadn't gone far before a familiar voice called out.

"Roy, enjoying the attention?"

Mellissa stood in their path, arms crossed, smirking as she looked him over.

Roy chuckled, flipping his hair dramatically. "With a face like this? It's inevitable." He placed a hand over his chest, flashing a cocky grin. "But what's more surprising is you coming up to me first. You had your chance, Mellissa, but now? The line's long."

Mellissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, keep dreaming."

Then, her gaze shifted to Denwen. Amusement flickered across her face as she stepped closer.

"You know, Roy, a little advice?" She leaned in slightly. "You should really consider letting go of certain burdens."

Denwen remained indifferent. Roy, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow.

"Bro, I think she just called you a burden," Roy said, bumping Denwen's shoulder.

"Yeah, she did," Denwen replied casually.

Roy blinked. "And you're just gonna let that slide?"

Denwen smirked. "Tell me, do you think I'm a burden?"

Roy frowned slightly. "No. Why would you even ask that?"

Denwen shrugged. "Then why should I care what she says?"

Mellissa scoffed when she didn't get the reaction she wanted. "Tch. Whatever." With that, she turned and walked off.

Roy let out a low whistle. "Damn, she really tried to get under your skin."

Denwen stretched. "She's just a troublemaker. Not worth my time."

Then, without warning, he picked up his pace.

"Oi, what's up?" Roy asked.

"If we don't hurry, all the good dorm rooms will be taken."

Roy blinked, then cursed. "Shit, you're right! Move your ass, Den!"

—-

The academy's male dormitory was a fortress in its own right. Crafted from essence-infused stone by master dwarven artisans, it stood as an imposing structure, its entrance guarded by two automated constructs with glowing mechanical eyes. The massive gear-operated doors rumbled open, revealing a vast interior.

The dorm was unlike anything found in an ordinary school. Moving staircases connected multiple levels, hallways branched off into training grounds, recreation areas, and living quarters. Everything was designed with one philosophy in mind—only the strong thrived here.

Unlike other institutions, room selection wasn't based on rank or status. Instead, strength dictated everything. If a student wanted a better room, they could challenge the current occupant for it—a tradition that had been upheld for generations. The only exception was Roy, whose A-grade status had granted him a private suite at the top of the building.

For now, the best rooms had been assigned to the most outstanding students from the awakening ceremony. The rest were first come, first served. This order would last for a week before challenges could begin, ensuring a fair starting ground for everyone.

—--

As Roy and Denwen stepped into the main hall, the air buzzed with excitement. Groups of boys had already started settling in, discussing training plans and scouting for potential targets to challenge. However, the moment Roy entered, the noise died down.

Whispers spread instantly.

"That's Roy Clifford."

"The only A-grade in the entire academy."

"I heard his Soul Key was pure gold."

A small group approached, led by a tall, brown-haired boy.

"Hey, Roy. Name's Jared," he said. His tone was friendly but curious. "So, what's it like being an A-grade?"

Roy smirked, leaning against the wall. "You want the truth?"

They all nodded.

"It's suffocating as hell."

A few students exchanged confused looks.

"What do you mean?"

Roy sighed. "Before I awakened, life was simple. Now?" He gestured vaguely at the lingering crowd. "I can't take five steps without someone treating me like an exhibit. Everyone either wants to challenge me, befriend me, or study me like some damn experiment."

Jared chuckled. "Never thought an A-grade would complain about attention."

Roy shot him a look. "Try dealing with screaming fans every morning and see how you feel."

Laughter broke the tension, but before it could settle, a voice cut through the lobby silencing the crowd.

"Tch. Look at this."

Denwen didn't need to turn to know who it was.

Angus stood near the entrance, arms crossed, his gaze locked onto Denwen. His uniform was slightly disheveled, and his smirk carried nothing but contempt.

"All these people are crowding around Roy, but no one gives a damn about the loser next to him."

Silence reigned as he approached slowly like a predator approaching it's prey/.

Denwen remained unreadable, hands in his pockets.

"Didn't realize I needed to feel anything about it," he said flatly.

Angus scoffed. "Still pretending, huh? Must be exhausting, acting like you don't care."

Roy stepped forward. His usual laid-back demeanor vanished.

"Enough."

Angus faltered slightly careful about his actions towards Roy.

Roy's blue eyes sharpened. "If you want a fight, challenge him properly. Otherwise, shut the hell up."

The room tensed. Everyone knew the rules.

Angus hesitated. Then, with a click of his tongue, he turned and walked away.

Denwen watched him go.

"Coward."