The Beginning

To everyone's surprise the nervous kid managed to somehow defeat the ogre demon and pass. He was the final student to be accepted into the academy amongst the forty that were.

"Wow… if that kid can pass… imagine the lot that did not!" Alex scoffed, walking in the front and shook his head.

They were being guided to their dormitories. Their luggages had already been brought over after being taken during the first exam, and waited for them inside their rooms.

Thomas never paid much attention to the academy before this. Only once they exited the main building did he realize how vast it was.

The entire academy grounds were massive. There was an entire forest for practice, a herb garden and different training grounds to the left of the academy.

They proceeded to the right side and walked little over half an hour before reaching the dormitory. The academy itself had multiple floors and appeared like a few mansions had come and merged together. However their dormitory was of a smaller mansion kind, with about twelve floors.

"Your rooms have already been decided. You will find your names and room keys on this whiteboard," the female supervisor informed them.

"Feel free to explore the academy grounds for today," she headed towards the door then turned her head, "And remember to check the schedule for your classes starting tomorrow," she concluded and left the premise.

Thomas waited for the rowdy group up front to take their keys and check their rooms. Albeit, a key was tossed his way and Thomas caught it mid-air.

"Looks like we are roommates," Alex grinned and wiggled his key in front of Thomas' eyes.

"That makes all three of us," A new guy butted in and embraced Alex happily.

It was clear to him the two of them knew each other, and Thomas realized this was the second guy who insulted him in "the past", judging by his voice.

"I am Corbin by the way," he turned and shook Thomas' hand.

The three of them headed upstairs, all the way up to the twelfth floor and unpacked their things. In the bedroom there were three beds, two to left and one to the right. Corbin and Alex immediately leaped into the two beds stationed leftwards.

"Do you mind?" Alex asked and hinted at Thomas taking the right one.

"Not at all," Thomas replied and thought that he actually preferred it this way.

After some time, everyone finished up packing and they looked at each other.

"I am famished, do you reckon the school cafeteria is still open?" Alex yawned and stretched out his arms.

"Should be, it is barely passed afternoon. And how can you be tired already?" Corbin answered.

The two began heading on out then turned and looked at Thomas, both puzzled.

"Are you coming or what?" Alex asked.

"I cannot afford lunch," Thomas responded.

They had not yet received their allotted money from the academy, and it was too early before they could earn some through portal expeditions.

Alex sighed loudly, "Come on, it will be my treat!" He grinned back at Thomas who jumped out of bed and joined them promptly.

Their small group left the dormitory to proceed right back towards the academy. Outside the academy's grounds, everything was covered in green.

There were various kinds of bushes, trees and flowers that Thomas had never even seen before in his life. Even the road leading back was paved in some kind of enriched and enchanted glass with magical empowered lamp posts ranging from both sides.

Corbin and Alex were discussing something up front, and it gave Thomas a small idea to try something.

"Arcane system, awaken," Thomas hushly uttered.

[Arcane System: Activated]

He scrolled down to the passive skills.

[Passive Skill: Lower Analysis]

Then looked at the two guys ahead. Maybe he could see and discover any information regarding the two, just like when the system had hinted at the demon ogre's injury.

[Scanning…]

[Scanning Complete]

[Name: Alexander Keene]

[Appearance: Red Hair. Red Eyes. 5'10]

[Race: Noble Human]

[Ability: Fire]

[Level: ??]

[Vitality: ??]

[Strength: ??]

[Agility: ??]

[Intelligence: ??]

[Stamina: ??]

The race part made Thomas chuckle. Noble Human? The system could even notice their bloodline to a certain extent!

Thomas assumed the rest of his stats and level were hidden since his analysis level was too low for a proper reading. There was a clear level disparity gap between the two.

"Fire ability, huh? Must be nice having a free ride in life…" Thomas commented.

It was one of the more rare abilities for one to possess or awaken if not adhering to one's specific bloodline.

"Did you say something?" Alex turned around.

Thomas waved his hand sideways, "No," he signaled.

[Name: Corbin Emsworth]

[Appearance: Blonde Hair. Azure Eyes. 5'10]

[Race: Upper-Class Human]

[Ability: Water]

[Level: 3]

[Vitality: 15]

[Strength: 15]

[Agility: 15]

[Intelligence: 15]

[Stamina: 15]

"What are you doing back there? Come join us in the front!" Corbin pestered and gestured with his hand.

"Coming!" Thomas joined them and walked next to Alex who was in the middle of their group.

Thomas pondered about his luck, both of his roommates appeared to be of either noble or upper-class background. This could either mean trouble or that good fortunate lied straight ahead. Maybe he managed to luck out and acquaint the right people?

Once inside the academy, they proceeded past the entrance lobby and ascended to the first floor. The school cafeteria was stationed just right of the stairs and they entered a large canteen area.

The canteen even had an upstairs floor. However there was a specific sign just below it.

<Only royalties and nobles allowed. Others may enter if accompanied.>

Thomas scoffed at the sign and both Corbin and Alex turned their heads.

"Do not worry, we will allow you safe passage," They both joked together and smiled to assure Thomas it was alright.

The cafeteria had a large and wide menu. One could order all kinds of soups, steaks, fries, rice and anything else someone could possibly think of. They had no shortages of food or orders here, the academy was well-endowed and took care of its students.

Thomas noticed one thing though, the prices were absurd for the premium menus. Alex clapped Thomas' back once more like at the door of the second exam and looked at him.

"It is my treat, remember? Order whatever you want!" Alex laughed, "Money is not an issue here!" he gave a thumbs up and a wink.

"I will take your word for it," Thomas mischievously grinned and ordered the premium menu right away.

"Why you little!" Alex put his arm around Thomas neck and roughed up his hair.

Once all three of them received their trays they proceeded straight to head upstairs and sat at a quiet corner location. The canteen was rowdy at this hour and a lot of noise was coming from downstairs, but once they sat down Corbin pushed an orb right in front of them.

A magic bubble began forming, coating their entire sitting area before turning invisible. Immediately after, there was no longer any sound coming from their surroundings.

"Alright let's dig in!" Alex did not waste a second.

For Thomas being in a high-class area was something new, it was nothing he could even begin to dream of nor fathom that it was happening. Corbin and Alex were perfectly used to it and dug in without any worries.

"Dig in before your food gets cold," Corbin smirked.

"Ah, shut up!" Thomas replied and all of them laughed, then began discussing random topics.

Corbin looked all serious towards Thomas for a second.

"Alex mentioned you were from one of the poorer quarter areas, is that correct?"

Thomas gulped and thought for a second. It was clear to him that Alex managed to deduce that based on his wooden sword and clothing alone.

"Yes, why do you ask?" he felt like it was some sort of interrogation.

Then Alex and Corbin looked at each other for a second, right before tapping a shoulder each off Thomas.

"Do not sweat it, we will take care of you," Corbin kept his smirk and Thomas relaxed.

"Yeah, if anyone gives you any trouble, let us know. Especially if the entire school hierarchy kicks in and all," Alex said with his mouth stuffed.

"Wha…" Thomas was interrupted by a loud knock against their invisible bubble.

A girl was standing outside of it with an upset face.

"What can we do for you, Princess Olivia?" Alex sarcastically spoke.

This made her even angrier.

"Do not take that tone with me! Know your place Alex! And you know the rules here" Olivia fussed around and pointed at Corbin and Thomas.

Alex put on a perplexed face, "But I invited them, did I not?" He smirked knowing her next move.

"It is one per royal or noble! And from what I can tell, these two are neither, especially him!" She pointed at Thomas.

"No signs of any magic whatsoever," Olivia was clearly disgusted in her eyes by his lack of magic.

"Give it a rest Livvy, and stop bothering me! If you have nothing else to say, you may be excused, okay Liv?" Alex changed his tone ironically and her name as well.

The girl walked away then turned around for a second, "Do not think you will get away with this so easily here," she sneered and left.

Thomas stared at Alex for a second.

"What was all that about?" Thomas asked and Alex exhaled slowly.

"Liv prefers things in a certain way. The royal chicks are really stuck-up man!" Alex explained semi-annoyed.

"Told you," Corbin grinned. "The hierarchy is calling," he laughed and Alex joined in seemingly as if it was nothing to be worried about.