“Cough”

The chattering of the students quickly died down. Looking up at the platform, they saw that there were already quite a few teachers standing by attentively on the platform. Standing behind the podium was a rather elderly man. Since when have they been there?

The elderly was the one who had coughed a few seconds ago. He was most likely the headmaster of the school. The man wore a set of dark green robes, and there was small buckler hanging off his belt. Eldon thought that he looked like the typical old doting grandfather, but then he saw his eyes. His eyes were a color of deep gold and had the clarity and clearness of a youth, but also had the sharpness of age. Ladriath probed the elderly man with his soul sense.

“Oh? I’ve underestimated humans yet again. This man knows how to actively refine the impure qi in the air, and the purity is pretty good. Hm…”

If he can refine impure qi, could he be a cultivator? Eldon asked.

“Possibly. Although impure qi and pure qi have great differences, they still are made up of the same fundamental thing in the end. Swordsmen and magicians are not cultivators simply because they only practice a part of true cultivation, and not the whole of it. Nevertheless, his skill of refinement cannot be compared to mine.”

Why don’t people who know how to refine qi teach others? Eldon thought.

“If you had a rare treasure, would you share it with others?” Ladriath replied. “In this world, power is everything.”

The old man cleared his throat and smiled down at the students. "Greetings, new students of the Valis Institute! As you can all most likely tell, I am the headmaster of the school. You can all just call me Mr. Baruch. Well, let’s just keep this simple and concise. After the ceremony, you all will get a schedule of your classes, which you will attend today. For your first year here, everybody has the same classes, but you can request for extra or more advanced classes. As you all may or may not no, there are the intra-school competitions in six months. There are multiple competitions that are usually divided depending on one’s ranks, but everybody here can and will be participating in the same competition, regardless of your rankings. You, the first years, will be attending the Rising Path Competition. You will be able to show off your prowess and skill in front of many people, and you can even be sponsored and supported by powerful people. The top three of the competition will then attend the inter-school competition, but that’s for another day. I know that many of you will become powerful swordsmen and magicians who fight for our Talis Kingdom.”

Applause broke out in the crowd of students.

“I like this guy.” Brien shouted to Eldon while clapping. “I thought that he would go on and on and make me fall asleep.”

“It’s still pretty short for an entrance ceremony, though.” Angus piped in. His claps were booming, causing Eldon’s ears to tingle a bit. Brien frowned and began clapping louder, adjusting his hands for the optimal clap.

“Clap” “CLAP” “CLAP CLAP”

“Clap Clap” “CLAP CLAP CLAP”

Before they knew it, Brien and Angus were clapping at each other nonstop after everyone had already stopped. They froze, finding themselves standing up next to each other with their hands in mid-clap.

…

“Pff”

A few snickers could be heard as Angus and Brien slowly went back to their seats with poker faces.

Mr. Baruch did not seem to notice the disturbance. He looked at the first row of students. “This year, we have many people with great potential. However, you must not become complacent and arrogant with your powers. I hope that you all will be able to lead your fellow students on their paths.” He paused. “Before Rank 7, everybody more or less advances at a constant rate. However, there will always be someone who stands above them all. Whoever wins the intra-school competition will become the first year’s president. I will also take that person as my personal disciple.” Excited murmurs broke out. Everyone knew that the headmaster was the strongest person in the Valis Institute.

Mr. Baruch smiled. “Well, what are we waiting for? The teachers behind me will give you your schedules.”

____________________________________________________________________________

“Hello, Miss Carolina.” Eldon politely said as he went up to her for his schedule.

“Hello, Eldon.” She smiled. Next to her was a small desk with a pile of papers. She took a piece of blank paper. “Give me your badge, Eldon.”

Eldon took his badge off his shirt and gave it to her. Miss Carolina pressed the badge onto the piece of blank paper, and words slowly appeared on it. She gave the badge and paper to Eldon.

“The badge helps us to arrange your schedule with your fellow townsmen.” She said. “After a few days, you will get a few more classes depending on your aptitudes. There are also quite a few electives you can choose from. However, you have neutral aptitudes in all elements, so you are free to choose whichever aptitude classes that you desire and fit your schedule.”

Eldon looked down at the paper.

Eldon Heart: First Year Schedule

Monday-Friday

(Monday, Wednesday, Friday) A General History of Praxus: 8:00 AM-9:00 AM (Room 531)

Basic Magician (Core) Class: 9:05 AM-10:05 AM (LRoom 420)

(Tuesday, Thursday) General Knowledge of Beasts: 10:10 AM-11:10 AM (Room 405)

(Tuesday, Thursday) General Botany: 12:30 PM-1:30PM (Room 610)

Basic Swordsman (Body) Class: 2:30 PM-3:30 PM (LRoom 623)

Basic Training: 4:00-5:30 PM (Training Grounds)

Saturday-Sunday

First Year Combat: 1:00 PM-5:00 AM (Forest Entrance)

“Can you give me a quick overview of the classes, please?” Eldon said.

“Of course. In the Valis Institute, knowledge is as important as power. You will be learning various things about the world in the general classes. In the magician class, you’ll learn how to absorb magical energy into your core and transforming that energy into the form of spells and enhancements. In the swordman class, you’ll learn how to use the magical energy in your core to enhance your bodily strength. In basic training, you just take what you learn from these two classes and put them to practical use. Usually, you’ll spend the first hour working your body out, so prepare for that. After that, you can spend the rest of the time with a swordsman or magician teacher and further your strength by sparring with them or sparring with a fellow classmate. In First Year Combat, you’ll start off with fighting against weak creatures and slowly make your way up to stronger beasts in the forest."

“Where are the training grounds?” Eldon asked.

“It’s to the north when you exit out of the main door of your residence.” Vernis piped in from behind. Miss Carolina stared at him, and he hastily retreated behind Eldon.

“Also, today is Sunday, but classes start tomorrow.” She said. Eldon thanked her and stepped off to the side to wait for his friends.

“Go to the training grounds today.” Ladriath said. “We begin training.”

Yes. Eldon said anticipatingly.

“Let me see your schedule, Eldon.” Angus said while walking over. Eldon passed his schedule to Angus, who briefly scanned it. “Cool. We have the exact same classes!”

“We actually begin training tomorrow…” Brien complained from behind Eldon. “Sleep well tonight.”

“Who’s that fellow near the girls?” Nikolas frowned.

…

Near the Aramore girls was a young male noble, who had quite a few other girls around him. He was well built and of medium height, and had short black hair. There was an air of power around him, but there was also a hint of arrogance in his dark eyes. Nobles were always sought after to be befriended, but many would reject commoners. However, this particular noble was Lazus from the Slytha Clan, and he enjoyed the company of beautiful women ever since he was young. As a result, he was much more experienced and mature than the average boy of his age. He had spotted Serene, and liked what he saw.

“Hello, my name is Lazus.” He said while giving a confident smile to Serene. The other girls who were around him gave her nasty glares, but she ignored them.

“Hi, I’m Serene.” She replied smiling. Lazus was quite handsome.

“I haven’t seen your lovely face before. Are you a noble?” He asked.

“No, I come from a fairly small town in the southeast.” She said.

“Really? Well, the men in your town must be lucky indeed to have such beautiful women like you.” He gestured towards Serene and the other girls. They giggled.

“You’re quite a smooth talker.” Alera noted.

“I don’t deny it.” Lazus replied. He greeted the rest of the girls. Serene saw Eldon and the others looking at them. Angus didn’t seem too happy.

“Hey guys! Can we see your schedules?” Serene beamed as she and the other girls made their way over to Eldon and the rest, causing envious stares from many people around. Lazus promptly followed.

Serene quickly glanced at the Aramore boys’ schedules. “Wow, looks like all of us from Aramore have the same schedule.”

“Who are you?” Angus said to Lazus, and not too friendly.

“Oh, hello! I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Lazus from the Slytha Clan.” He offered a handshake to Angus. “I suppose you are from Aramore also. You’re quite lucky to be friends with these girls.” Angus continued to glare at Lazus. Eldon fidgeted. He himself did not look forward to meeting new people so suddenly, but he was not in a mood for a quarrel. Fortunately, Brien hastily went to take Lazus’s hand. Lazus didn’t seem to mind.

“Sorry, Angus is shy when it comes to meeting new people.” Brien lied. Angus stepped on his foot, but Brien didn’t react. “I am Brien; it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I can say the same back to you.” Lazus followed right up. He shook hands with the rest of the boys except for Angus. Vernis gave Lazus a long stare.

A worthy opponent, he thought.

“Although we’ve just met each other, I’ll like to invite you all to lunch with me; how about it?” Lazus asked.

“Lunch with nobles will take a long time.” Ladriath said. “You’ll end up being too full for training.”

However, before Eldon could speak up, the others had surprisingly agreed. Although Angus did not like this Lazus person, he would never deny a chance for free and delicious lunch.

Eldon hastily made up an excuse. “I would like to join you guys, but I have something important to do right now.”

“What on earth would require such importance before classes have even started?” Nikolas said mockingly.

“He probably can’t wait to go to the library.” Brien rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, there’s a book I’m looking to borrow and I’m afraid someone else will take it before me.” Eldon fibbed.

“Ha, I was right!” Brien snorted.

Karis laughed; her voice caused Eldon’s heart to flutter. “You can still eat lunch with us though, Eldon.” Karis twirled her red hair with a finger. “I’m sure the book will still be waiting for you.” Eldon looked at her.

“Eldon…”

Training can wait, no? Eldon asked Ladriath.

“We either go now or I won’t teach you anything this week.” Ladriath harrumphed. “Once you become powerful, all the girls will come flocking to you.”

Eldon sighed. “Sorry, I really have to go. It was nice meeting you, Lazus. I’ll see you all later.”

Eldon reluctantly departed and headed for the training grounds.

“Skipping lunch is bad for your health, Eldon!” Angus shouted from behind. Eldon waved his hand.

____________________________________________________________________________

Took me forever trying to come up with classes…:O

I might add some classes later...I feel like I’m missing some essential classes.

I’ll format the table thingy for the class schedule later :D