Book 2- Chapter 3- First day

During the day we spent the entire time in our rooms discussing what to do next. Although

training and honing the student’s abilities is the objective of the academy, it’s vague at best. Those that join the academy are free to take any classes that they want. It can range from a political career to being a guard. The gold dorm, as I called it was located near a forest area.

All the dorms were located in separate complexes near the same forest area. Because of this I

was able to have Sirva along with Bamen and his daughter to be in the same building as us.

After getting settled in we started to discuss on what to do next.

We were both gold but we were in different divisions. I was in the mage section while Shae was

in the warrior division. This way we can cover more ground than us being together all the time.

Later the same gold mage appeared again explaining the academy system along with the

classes we could take, which was everything.

Shae and I eventually decided our courses for the future. My job was to investigate the history

of the empire and how it related back to the Holy Knights guild, along with learning more about the magic of the world. Shae’s job was to learn the more political side of the empire, it also helped that her father was a politician. She was also to document the power of the empire should we need to fight.

Sirva’s job was to investigate the so called secret organization, known as the Black Order. During the day and when we’re out in public, she would act as a slave. At night or free time she would go around and collect as much information as possible.

The whole process took much longer than I thought it would be. As a result by the time we were

finished, it was already late evening time.

After taking care of all the planning and talking with the Lord, I was finally alone. Shae decided

to take a bath while Bamen was cooking up dinner. I lay on the bed with my eyes closed. I was

already tired and was about to drift to sleep until a message popped up.

“Drakus request an echo message.”

I was a bit surprised by the sudden message. I lazily opened it and within a few seconds and we

connected.

Drakus: “Hey Nu, how is it going?”

“So far so good. Right now we’re already in the academy that the princess mentioned. How is it

on your end? You should be near the near the Regios kingdom aren’t you?”

Drakus: “Yes. However we ran into some trouble.”

The moment I heard that I instantly stood up. I already knew what he meant by trouble.

“The Black Order? What happened?”

Drakus: “It happened today. We were resting when they attacked, around ten attacked us. A

couple of them got some sneak attacks in but they didn’t do much damage to me.”

Nu-Ru: “Did you learn anything new?”

Drakus: “Yes. We were able to extract some more info but unfortunately a couple of them got away. I’m sorry.”

I couldn’t help but stay silent when Drakus told me that.

“Well no one’s perfect; it’s not entirely your fault. Whatever this Black Order is, they are big and powerful but so are we. Just watch your back. They now know about you.”

Drakus: “Got it. Anyway we got some info on them but it isn’t that useful. They are a human underground organization, the biggest. They have several branches and sections to them. They have influence over the central continent, even connections in other continents as well.”

“How much? Any specifics?”

Drakus: “No, the guy that I caught was apparently some new lackey. He doesn't know much believe it or not, but apparently he’s part of the Assassination quarter of the Order. Other than that, that’s all.”

“It’s alright. Thank you for sharing this with me. Watch your back, we maybe powerful but if they gang up on us then they still have a chance.”

Drakus: “Got it, tell Shae I said hello.”

With that the call ended and I fell back down on the bed. I let out a sigh while looking at the ceiling.

*Things are just going to get tougher from here on out.*

I was lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even notice Bamun coming into the room.

“Bamun? What is it?”

Bamun: “Ah….Forgive me…..Ms. Shae is at the dinner, and you..”

“I got it, thank you. Let’s go.”

I politely cut her off and we headed towards the kitchen. Shae’s and my room were upstairs while the bottom floor consist of the kitchen and living room. Bamun and Bamen lived in the basement, the slave quarters. although it was in the basement, it was still a comfortable room.

I walked in to see Shae already sitting down with Sirva and Bamen standing at attention near the table. The food that was laid out was quite foreign to me. It looked to be some soup, roasted meat, diced fruits and vegetables among all else.

I sat down on one of the chair and waited.

Bamen: “Umm master, why aren’t you eating.”

“I can say the same for you, why aren’t you sitting down?”

Bamun: “Uhh… we can’t. We can only eat after you all finish.”

“Well I’m not like that. If we’re together and it’s dinner time then we all eat together.”

At first they were reluctant before finally sitting down, Sirva included. We all ate the dinner the Bamen cooked. Most of the food tasted delicious and similar to food back on earth.

After dinner, Bamun was washing the dishes while Bamen was doing other chores. Finally I recalled the information that I got from Drakus back to Shae.

“So what do you think?”

Shae.Alpha: “I don’t know. We have no idea how strong this organization is. It would be foolish to dismiss Drakus’’s encounter but right now we can’t do anything. At most we just need to be extremely careful should they somehow relate Drakus back to us.”

I nodded my head in agreement as I was practically thinking the same thing as well. We began thinking up some counter measures when Bamen came in.

Bamen: “Please forgive me for interrupting but these were sent for you.”

He held out his hand, holding two large folder looking packages. I grabbed on that had my name on it while Shae grabbed the other. We opened them at the same time and inside each one was a colored armband. They looked much like the ones the testers wore. These however were much more stylish and lavish. The symbol of the empire that was embodied on the entire armband added to its golden appearance.

“Hmm, fancy. So what is this, our identification or something?”

Shae.Alpha: “That would seem to be the case. Hey, since this is an academy, doesn’t that mean we have to wear uniforms?”

“No. So long as you dress appropriately then you’ll be fine.”

Shae: “I see. Hmm, you mind if I modify my armor, wearing this loose semi fancy tunic isn’t all that great.”

“No problem, now that we’re in the academy we can wear what we want. So long as we don’t go overboard. Anyway it’s getting late, I’ll be heading off to bed. Bamen, Bamun, Sirva, you’re free to do whatever you want till night time.”

They nodded in understanding before leaving. Shae and I headed up the stair and into our respective rooms. I got in bed and just lay there as the sun was setting. Soon I was already asleep.

………..

Bamen: “Please wake up master Nu-Ru.”

A voice called out, causing me to wake up. I slowly rose up to see Bamen at the door. I rubbed my eyes a bit before finally getting out of bed. I dismissed her and went to take a shower.

After the shower I decided on what to wear. I opened up my inventory and looked for a suitable armor. Eventually I settled with my some of my old favorite gear.

I had on a light long sleeve tunic with a white jacket over it. Two criss cross belts held together a long brown baggy pants with several small pockets that were filled with items. My hands were equipped with a light leather gauntlets. The boots was a combination of iron and arctic style books.

This gear was my old look before getting my now legendary gear. The reason I still kept these pieces was because I had them for the longest time, and I still think I look pretty badass. I quickly shook off my chuunibyou and headed out.

Bamen was waiting for me outside the hallway. She followed me as he headed down. by the time we got there Shae was nowhere in sight.

“Where’s Shae?”

Bamen: “Ms. Shae has already left.”

I simply nodded as we headed towards the kitchen. There were some left over food with Bamun standing there. I quickly sat down and ate the breakfast that was prepared. While eating, Bamen presented me with a sheet that seemed to function as a schedule.

On it were classes that I chose while discussing with the Lord yesterday. I quickly looked over it to learn where they are before finishing up breakfast. Within a couple of minutes I was out of the complex and on my way to the main campus.

Tons of flower beds and trimmed trees littered the front yard of the building complex. I followed the path from yesterday until I reached a cross road, one going to the main campus the other to the training area.

I followed the path to the campus and hummed all the way there. I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the path there. It was like a giant garden with all sorts of flowers growing around the path. Eventually the path led to main road with other paths connecting to a gate.

I eventually reached the gate where other students were making their way over as well. A mixture of knights and mages were walking about. The knights had on light chain mail and a sword at their hilt. The mages had on the stereotypical looks. Some had on long robes, other had on the large triangle hats, and some even had all of them with small wands or catalysts.

I cast my eyes from one to another, simply looking out of curiosity. Most of them had on either blue armbands or ones of a lower tier. I eventually reached the gate and made my way inside. After some investigation through Sirva, the academy is structure similar to a giant church school.

It is basically a giant main building with several sub-buildings connecting to it. There are different gates all over the academy as the school encompasses all of the Empire’s potential best. I walked in to see a wide space before me. Students were scattered about, talking with one another. I was about to head inside the building until I heard a commotion.

I looked behind myself to see a cluster of students standing and sitting around. I moved in closer where the students stood near each other. Three people were the center of attention with a person on the ground.

XXX: “You bump into me, so this is payback for dirtying my clothes.”

XXX: “I did not! You moved in front of me at the last second.”

The kid on the ground voiced his complaint back but was meet with a kick to the stomach by what seems like his lackey.

XXX: “Don’t get high and mighty commoner. Just because you’re a blue rank knight doesn’t mean you are equal to us.”

The ringleader held up his hand as an orb started to form.

XXX: “Learn your lesson!”

Before he could activate his spell I stepped in and stopped his hand. I grabbed his hand before he struck it down. It took a moment before they realized I was there. He quickly broke free and backed up.

XXX: “Who the hell are you?”

“My name is not important, a better question is why you’re bullying him.”

XXX: “Don’t act so tough! I’ve never seen you before, that means you’re not from the nobility side are you?”

“And if I‘m not?”

XXX: “Not only are you a commoner but you’re ignorant as well! How dare you treat your senior like that!”

“Senior? You’re no older than me. How can you be a senior?”

XXX: “Are you stupid, I expect nothing else from a lowly commoner. The rank you have determines your standing. Check it.”

He held out his left side to show a purple armband.

*A purple one huh?*

XXX: “Learn your place. Also, where’s your armband? You’re supposed to have it on everyday. What’s wrong, embarrassed of your rank?”

He spoke in a tone that was condescending that most likely tried to embarrass or get a response out of me. His lackey, along with the other students started to join in on the laugh.

“I see. I didn’t know that. Well I believe introductions are in order. My name is Nu-Ru –“

I stopped mid-sentence and opened my inventory and grabbed out the gold armband. I quickly fashioned it to my arm.

“-and I’m a gold rank.”

As if someone pushed the mute button, everyone got quiet instantly. They all stared at me and the golden armband.

I could see in their eyes, utter displease at the sight in front of them. I could already see it in their eyes, they don’t believe what I said was true. But the armband was authentic, that fact was irrefutable.

As if time restarted everyone backed in fear at the revelation. Everyone started to whisper amongst one another.

XXX: “Gold rank?! When was there one?”

XXX: “I actually heard a rumor about a gold rank. Apparently he fought Lord Dewa.”

XXX: “Yeah, I heard about him to, I heard from some of the other lords that Lord Dewa even used his full power to fight him. He won without attacking.”

XXX: “Are you kidding me?! Are you saying he might be as strong as them?!”

*Them? Who the heck is ‘them’?*

That one statement caught my attention in that there were others who were at least a gold rank just like Shae and I. However, it wasn’t just one or two but ‘them’ as in multiple people. I shook my head and brought my attention back to the matter at hand.

“Is that how you treat your senior?”

My sudden statement brought everyone's attention back on me. The bully looked at me with nervous expressions while backing up.

“If you’re done then leave. Today’s the first day of class we can’t have you be tardy. Especially if you were to be involved in an ‘accident’.”

I spoke those lines in a low threatening voice that caused them to jump a bit. They all scurried away like scared children. The others started to walk away in fear as well. When most were gone, I turned my attention back to the kid.

I extended my hand to help him up. He was reluctant at first but eventually grabbed it and he was on his feet.

XXX: “Thank you...Thank you.”

“No problem. Don’t let them get to you; you’re strong, much stronger than those guys who were born with that power. You got here through hard work. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

The boy was in a small daze at my speech before thanking me again and walked away. I headed back to the main building. Following the provided map I eventually reached my class.

The room was structured similar to how a university classroom was. Several long desks curved pointing towards the front of the classroom. Several students were standing about talking while others were sitting. The moment I stepped in, everyone got quiet, eyeing me.

I ignored them and looked around for a seat. Most were taken but they were far away, not to my standing. I soon spot an empty table at the front with one person sitting. I walked closer to see the elf from last time.

“Als was it, do you mind if I sit next to you.”

Als, like the others eyed me the moment I walked in until I came over to her. She stayed quiet for a bit before answering yes. I thanked her and sat down. The class soon began to talk with one another about me and the elf.

I had a much better look at her. Her clothes now consisted of a light green and brown silk outfit. The clothes were a bit revealing with the midriff and arms visible. I shook my head and turned away before I start being called a pervert.

Within a couple of minutes, the professor walked in and class started. The beginning of the class was a small introduction. The latter went onto the subject of the course. It was about magic and the basics of magic, how the world works, the way magic is applied, the history, the different ranks, etc…

Most of my previous theories proved to be true regarding the new world. The same explanation back in Eternia applied to this world as well. Of course I learned some new interesting facts as well, namely just how strong the world is compared to us.

The previous heroes of the Empire and the leaders of Holy Knights Guild were to the citizens of this world, the pinnacle of power. The magic rank still applied to this world, with rank 12 being the highest. However after listening in the highest threshold of magic according to the teacher were ranks 9 and10. That was no doubt due to Ayato of the Holy Knight guild who was a swordsman and a powerful mage as well.

There were also other individuals that achieved that high rank of magic. Most of it was chopped up to legends. I, myself can cast up to rank 12 magic though. The rest of the class wasn’t that interesting so I focused most of my attention to the new knowledge.

Soon the class ended while I was lost in my own little world. Students were starting to stand up, Als stood up. When she was packing up, something caught my eye, namely an injury.

“Where did you get that wound?”

She stayed silent, ignoring me while packing up.

“It’s rude to leave some someone hanging when they ask a question.”

Als: “.....I fell down some stairs.”

*What kind of cliché response is that?*

I kept the thought to myself and packed up as well. We left the room at the same time, and I followed her for a bit.

Als: “Why are you following me?”

“You got those injuries because some people were bullying you right?”

Als: “......”

“I’ll follow you everywhere until you answer my question. I’m a gold rank, I’m sure they won’t voice their displeasure at me.”

Als: “...Yes. Are you happy?”

“That wasn’t so hard. Here, |Heal|”

I activated my spell and healed her wound without everyone seeing it. Once again she looked at me with a weird expression at my action.

Als: “Why are you doing this? Talking to me, helping me?”

“Do I need a reason to help a person? That’s how I am.”

Als: “Cut the shit. You’re a human just like everyone else. Are you after me? I saw you with that dark elf from yesterday. If you are I’l…”

“I have no ulterior motive. I’m trying to help you because …”

Als: “Because?”

“Because I don’t want anyone else to go through the same thing,”

Als: “Huh?”

I answered her question and finally left her to go to my next class. For the rest of the day I just sat through the class, taking in new knowledge about the world. I chose classes that would provide a wide range of knowledge.

Most were new but very negligible in the overall scheme of things. The day went by in a blur when it was finally time for my last class. A class recommended by the Lord, a class for powerful and special individuals.

Shae and I decided to take it as it would provide us a class to discuss some matters. The class was set in the back part of the building. I made my way there until I caught up to Shae who was waiting for me.

“Sup. How was school?”

Shae.Alpha: “Pretty boring. Half of it was sitting in a classroom while the other half was exercising and PE courses. I’ve already passed high school and now I’m going to school in another world.”

This time I could hear Shae’s frustration in her voice while her face remained monotone. I let out a slight chuckle and we made our way towards the building. On the way there we saw another person walking towards the same designation.

After catching up, I realized it was Als.

“Als? Are you heading towards the special class as well?”

Als: “Is that such a surprise?”

She was clearly mad at my rather offensive comment. I panicked a bit before Shae managed to calm the situation down before we walked together.

“Sooo, what made you take this course?”

Als: You’re really nosey aren’t you? I was recommended by it by my assigned Lord.”

Shae.Alpha: “Was it because of your special magic? Those crystallization spells.”

“Yea, I’ve never seen magic like that before. What exactly is it?”

Als: “You sure ask a lot of question.”

“Come on, just the bare minimum? I did heal your wounds. I just want to know what it is.”

Als: “...... It’s a sublevel of magic. It’s called crystal magic. It is a rare magical ability that very few have.”

“Well that makes sense. What else can you do?”

Als: “There are many applications but I could only use a few… That’s all you need to know.”

“One more question, can they be used to create crystals? Crystals that can be used for monetary value?”

Als: “No. Unlike normal crystals that made from condensed mana deep underground, I can only create ‘unstable’ crystals that can only be used for attacking. Like any other spells, they will eventually wither away into mana.”

Shae.Alpha: “That’s interesting.”

The conversation ended and we continued on our way. We eventually reached a corridor that lead straight to a single door. While walking, a thought occurred to me.

“I know that this ‘special’ class is to train those who have high capability but who else?”

Shae.Alpha: “What do you mean?”

“Earlier today, I learned about others just as powerful as ‘us’. If so then that means they might have this special class as well.”

Shae.Alpha: “Hmm, I see your point.”

Als: “Do you not know who they are?”

Both Shae and I turned to Als who finally spoke up, but also at her knowing who we were talking about.

“Who are they?”

We reached the door and made our way in --

Als: “They are among the strongest families in the Empire, they are the six chos--”

--and we were ambushed from both sides. The moment we opened the door, two individuals rushed us from the left and right. Als didn’t finish her sentence as they caught her off guard but no us.

“|Counter Barrier.|”

Shae.Alpha: “|Iron Defense|”

Shae and I activated our skills, defending ourselves against our attackers. A hexagonal, yellow barrier appeared and blocked my attackers attack. But that wasn’t it, the moment he made contact with it, it let out a small electric shock that knocked him back. Shae brought up her arms to defend against her attacker before knocking him back.

We didn’t have time to relax as two more individual jumped towards them straight on.

“|Spiraling Wind Barrier|”

The air around us accelerated and formed a small tornado barrier to protect us. However it also obscured our vision until one of them jumped through towards us.

*He jumped through my defensive attack?!*

I was shocked that I didn’t even have time to defend but luckily Shae had my back. She got in front of me and knocked him back.

I canceled the barrier to get a better view of everything. The attackers gathered around and stood around on what looked like an elevated steps bleacher. There were a total of six individuals looking down on us.

“Identify yourselves now! It’s against the rules for any and all students to engage in combat in a noncombat zone.”

As the barrier dissipated I got a better look at them.

One had short spiky blond hair and blue eyes and stood at about 1.9 meters tall. The chest-plate on his silver armor had the same insignia as the wielder of Gram Siegfried.

Another who stood at a striking two meters tall, with raven black hair that went down to shoulders and whose black eyes seemed as cold as ice. He also had a great-sword strapped to his back. He wore black armor with a red insignia on the chest-plate that matched that of Durandal’s wielder Roland.

Two of them seemed somewhat similar standing at 1.8. Both had long black hair tied into a ponytail in the fashion of a samurai and black eyes (Think Seijirou from Log Horizon). They both also wore red samurai armor with a katana strapped to their waste. The only major difference between them was the insignia on their breastplate: one which belonged to the kusanagi blade wielder Seijirou and the other belonging to the Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi wielder Ayato.

One had long straight crimson hair that went to his lower back and stood at about 1.85 meters tall. His cold blue eyes gave off a feeling of seriousness. On the chest-plate of his armor was the insignia of the wielder of Tyrfing, David.

The last one stood at 1.85 meters tall had short, chestnut brown hair and green eyes. Unlike the others, he gave off a feeling of friendliness. He wore shining white armor with the insignia of the wielder of Hauteclere, Oliver in Gold on the chestplate.

Back to the story:

Shae: “Nu-Ru, do you see those insignias”

“Yes, I have an idea who they are.”

The one with the insignia of Roland speaks up

“So you realize who you are speaking to peasant. We are the heirs to the original six duke houses of the Holy Empire.”

End

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