10 The Academy

Once Ryo finished his breakfast, he headed toward the southern complex with Sebastian, toward the area where the Academy stood majestically.

From a distance, Ryo was able to see the dome of the Main Building, which was the center of the academy's activities.

"We'll have a look from the top of the tower," Sebastian said. He pointed to the tall, large tower in the middle of the clearing.

It didn't take too long for them to reach. They climbed the tower in a super fast elevator and reached the viewing post in less than a minute.

From the top of the tower Ryo could see the entire view of White Raven which was build on 18 acres of land. Ryo was amazed by the architecture design that was both futuristic, modern with a touch of classic Victorian era.

It was said at least 1000 Rifter from all across the globe enrolled per year. But only hundreds of them could graduate each year due to the difficult task given by the academy.

"These buildings are dazzling, aren't they?" Ryo said. He squinted his eyes and tried to not blind himself with the reflection of the morning sun that the walls of the building.

"Yes, Lady Katya chose the name for this piece of land with White Raven, as symbol of hope and the new era. This place was once called White House destroyed by prolonged war, and thus we rebuild it from its very foundation," said Sebastian.

"Instead of rebuilding, she's actually claiming territory for herself, what an opportunist," Said Ryo as he shook his head.

"Haha, more or less so, but that's all necessary to do," said Sebastian.

Ryo took a glimpse of the benign old man beside him. Although Sebastian's face was full of wrinkles, his postures were perfect, sturdy, and well trained.

That feature of him really made Ryo quite intrigued.

"Can I ask something?"

"Yes?" Sebastian replied.

"Last night was quite eventful for me, Elena told me something that might been the secret of White Raven,"

"Ah, I see… you mean Lady Katya and Miss Elena as a vampire kin?" Answered Sebastian.

"Uh-huh… Are you one of them?" Asked Ryo with an adamant tone.

"Not quite, Young Master… My true nature is quite complicated, only Lady Katya and Ryuji know my true form."

Ryo raised his eyebrows, as he thought White Raven were more than an Academy. There were tons of secrets that Ryo must unearth by himself in order to fulfil his destiny.

"Well… as long as you are sided with humanity, I don't have any complaints, even if you are a demon from hell." Ryo said as he crossed his arms on his chest.

On top of the tower, the entire academy area was clearly visible. Ryo's gaze ran to and fro, while he listened to Sebastian explain the function of each building.

After being satisfied with looking around the academy area from the tower, Ryo was ushered into the male dormitory in the west.

The more senior residents of the dormitory looked at Ryo curiously several times when they passed each other in the corridor. But Ryo ignored all of their stares and simply followed Sebastian. The two of them finally arrived at the very end of the room on the fourth floor.

"We arrived at your room, Young Master, anything else?" Sebastian asked after opening the door.

"Nothing, this is enough," Ryo replied.

Very politely Sebastian bowed his head and bade his farewell. Ryo took out the contents of his bag and put his clothes in the closet.

In the afternoon, Ryo took the time to read a book after walking around to get used to his new environment. But that afternoon someone he didn't really know came over to Ryo while he was preoccupied with a book in the dormitory hall.

"Beautiful afternoon, isn't it?" said a man of Ryo's age with a thick British accent. He suddenly appeared behind Ryo's back.

"Yes." Ryo answered briefly with a curious expression.

"Are you a new student at White Raven?"

Ryo didn't answer and just nodded slowly.

"No wonder you don't know the rules around here," Said the man with a mocking smirk.

But Ryo didn't reply, he remained silent to find out the motive of the blonde man in this modern British royal suit.

"Ah, where are my manners? Introducing, I'm Lucas, Lucas Sherwood. British Royal Rifter Rank D," Lucas said as he bowed like a British noble.

"Greetings, Just call me Ryo."

"Ryo, huh? Then I shall tell you this. That chair is my seat, I suggest you to get up and scram from my sight or else!" Lucas said with his sudden haughtiness.

Ryo felt utter sickeny from Lucas, "Or what?" Said Ryo as he replied his taunt with death glare.

Lucas' calm demeanor turned into that of a half mad man in an instant, "You peasant! How dare you look at me with such eyes!"

Ryo was quite amused, when the piglet-like young man cried over his chair, like a baby losing his rattle toy. In his anger, Ryo suddenly remembers the sensation when he was awakened.

Thus suddenly Ryo emitted his jet-black aura and Lucas was utterly terrified, an ice-cold chill ran down his spine and made him stupefied.

"Y-you're lucky! Fights are prohibited in the dormitory! I will avenge this, just you see, I'll remember this mockery!" Lucas said as he walked out from the lounge.

Even though no one cheered for Ryo, he smiled in satisfaction. His old self, who always chickened out when it came to a fight, was no longer.