INDUCTION

The interior of the hall looked just as elegant as the it's exterior.

High vaulted ceilings, tall windows. A raised platform at the front that served as a stage, flanked by rows of comfortable seats arranged in semicircles. Floating holograms displaying a Phoenix Crest.

There were already numerous students occupying the hall, with most of them engaged in socializing with their peers, while a few remained seated alone.

Stare chose a seat in a row towards the back, where he wouldn't need to engage in much social interaction. Despite this, he still attracted a few stares from other students, likely due to his appearance. He had encountered similar situations in his previous schools.

Luckily, he had dyed his previously white hair black, so aside from his good looks, there was nothing else particularly unique about him that would draw much stares or keep their attention, especially considering there were other handsome and beautiful students in the hall as well, making their stares fleeting.

Stare wasn't bothered by the stares from the start; instead, he was focused on finding Y-204. After all, that was his primary reason for being in the Academy. Moreover, gatherings like this often served as the stage for his and Y-204's first meeting.

Unfortunately, despite scanning the hall several times, Stare couldn't spot anyone who resembled his counterpart.

'Weird.' He thought.

The attention of everyone in the hall was soon drawn to the stage as they noticed someone finally enter.

It was an average-height, middle-aged man, dressed formally in a white shirt, black trousers, a tie, and medicated-looking glasses.

At first glance, he appeared to be an ordinary office clerk or someone with a white-collar job. However, Stare instantly sensed a shift in the atmosphere of the hall.

The entire hall fell silent as students took their seats, alert and with their eyes sharply focused on the man on stage. Some fidgeted nervously in their seats.

Stare wasn't familiar with the man on stage, but he could sense from the sudden shift in the students' demeanor that he held a high position in the Academy, likely the Rector.

Honestly, Stare had expected someone more imposing as the Rector of the highest-ranked Hero Academy in New Earth. However, as he observed the unassuming appearance of the man on stage, he couldn't help but recall that it was often the seemingly harmless ones who proved to be the most perilous.

The man quietly scanned the hall for a few seconds before flashing a small smile and adjusting his glasses.

"I am Osiris Dovian, the Rector of this esteemed Academy, and I extend a warm welcome to all of you, the future protectors of New Earth, to Phoenix Hero Academy."

"As some of you may already be aware, your academic session will last for a year. During this time, our goal is to shape you into some of the greatest Primes and Heroes of this generation."

"Honestly, not all of you may stay until the end, but during times when you may need inspiration to persevere, always remember the positive impact you will have on others' lives as a Hero."

"The Academy will provide for your basic necessities during your stay here: food, clothing, and shelter."

"The rules here are simple: you are to obey all orders and instructions given by superiors. You are not to violate the Academy's curfew. You are also not to intentionally harm yourself or your fellow students. Offenders, when caught, will be punished accordingly."

"Your lectures would begin accordingly from tomorrow."

"The watches on your wrist contain the Academy's own special artificial intelligence, Paraclete. It will serve as your companion during your stay here, possessing all essential information about the Academy and acting as your guide. The AI can be activated by simply saying the word 'Paraclete.'"

"That will be all for today. You can locate your respective hostels with the assistance of the AI. Any further questions can be directed to a nearby superior or official, or preferably to the Academy's AI, Paraclete. Once again, welcome to the Academy."

With that, the man stepped away from the podium, leaving the newly inducted students to absorb the information they had just received.

After a few minutes of silence, the whispering and socializing resumed.

While some students stayed in the hall to continue socializing, the rest gradually departed, either to explore the surroundings further or to find their dormitories. Stare was among those who left.

He had no intention of lingering in the hall, as it might lead to unnecessary socializing or encounters with individuals associated with the Oracle Path, something Stare wished to avoid for the time being.

He had no intention of doing anything that might further trigger the Oracle Path. Just socializing or accidentally encountering the wrong person here could potentially deepen his involvement in the Path, something he was determined to avoid at all costs. In fact, he planned to keep his involvement with the academy to a minimum; his sole reason for being there was to find Y-204, not to become a main character to a shitty plot.

He activated the AI, Paraclete, and sought its assistance in locating his dormitory.

While on his way to find his dormitory, Stare's attention was suddenly drawn by what appeared to be a scuffle nearby—or, more accurately, bullying.

"So soon?" He muttered with a frown.