Chapter 24: Entrance Ceremony

Over the next few days, Alex had a clear routine set up by Headmaster Hartley that aimed to improve his skills and help him understand magic better.

In the mornings, Alex had intense sword training with Maximilian, his instructor. The sessions combined rigorous physical exercises with precise sword swings. Alex worked hard, getting used to the demands of his instructor. He practiced basic and swift sword moves, sweating and getting beaten in the name of training. The clashing of swords filled the training area, making him determined to become stronger and give Max a taste of his own medicine.

Afternoons were spent in the cozy library, where Alex immersed himself in books on magic. He delved into stories of old battles, forgotten places, and the challenges faced by adventurers. Through reading, Alex learned about the history of magic and its impact on the world he lived in.

In the evenings, he practiced his water spells, using the knowledge he gained from his readings to make get to know various ways of using a spell and test his control by implementing them. As he repeated the moves, his body grew stronger, his mind sharper, and his magic more refined. This routine helped him grow not only as a mage and fighter but also as a person. In these days of learning and practice, Alex was also becoming a more skilled and confident person.

Early in the morning on the first day of the Academy, Alex attended the entrance ceremony which is usually for new first-year students. While Alex will be attending the second year for some reason, he was asked by the Headmaster to come because every new student needs to attend the entrance ceremony.

Now it was time for Headmaster Hartley to get on stage and make his speech.

"Welcome students, My name is Oliver Hartley, the current headmaster of nexus academy.

In Nexus Academy, you're about to embark on an incredible journey. Getting here wasn't easy, and I applaud your efforts. Now, you're stepping into a place where magic comes alive and adventures await.

But remember, the competition here is tough. Inside these walls, you'll meet others who are just as talented and driven as you are. Whether you dream of being a battle mage, an expert in creating magical items, a skilled duellist, or something unique, know that the road ahead won't be simple.

In history, heroes have faced challenges and grown stronger. General Mike defeated the monsters with bravery, Gandalf guided his friends through tough times, and Girdhart made a name for himself by making the Eclipse Warden's Arsenal. Like them, you're at a turning point."

The speech went on for a while. While I tried to listen attentively at the start, it was starting to make me sleepy. It was as uninteresting as the opening ceremony back in my old world.

I looked around and found that not all students and instructors were humans. According to the books I read, some races which were present included beastkin, dwarves, and Tieflings. But the majority of the students and instructors were humans. As I sat there and looked around, the speech was ending.

Once the speech ended, Headmaster Hartley returned to his seat. Following his earlier instructions, I left the hall and went to stand beside him through the back door.

A teacher was speaking to the students on the stage.

"Now, let me explain the class assignment test. Since you're all taking different courses, your test will match the classes you chose. The tests are of three types: magic, physical, and craftsman examinations. The test times are already sent to your Myst-link."

After a brief pause, the instructor continued,

"Please stay put, we have a final announcement to make."

After which Headmaster Hartley went forward to speak and gestured for me to follow along.

"Today, I announce that I will be taking Alexander Hawthorne as my last disciple. He will also be given the status of a special student at the academy. Now he will come forward and say a few words."

Hearing the words, Alex was bewildered that he would have to say something on stage, but mustering courage and thinking of how can just saying a few words be difficult, he went forward.

As soon as I started walking forward and saw the gazes of the students, I felt nervous.

I started remembering some of Mr. Johnson's ramblings to calm down. Among many others, one piece of advice he gave me stood out:

"If you're worried about others judging you, treat them like cats or dogs on the street. Whichever you like more. I prefer cats because they're cute."

I started speaking while looking straight ahead, not thinking of anybody in front of me. I just imagined speaking to myself and thinking of my past.

"Hey, I'm Alexander Hawthorne, but you can call me Alex. These past few days have felt like a dream, but I know this is my reality now. Life hasn't been fair – losing my parents while still young, relatives taking my inheritance, leaving me homeless at 14. I scraped by with odd jobs and a few kind people supported me along the way. Their small acts showed me goodness still exists. Now, I'm here to build myself up so that if I ever see anyone in need, I won't be among those who exploit them. Instead, I'll extend my hand to help, just like others did for me. Life's been tough, but it's made me determined to make a difference. Let's move forward together and prove that even in challenging times, there's a lot of good we can do. Thank you."

After Alex's speech, there was a brief moment of silence as his words settled in. Then, a warm round of applause spread through the room, acknowledging his candidness and determination. Alex, slightly taken aback by the positive response, offered a modest smile and backed away from the podium.

He positioned himself just behind Headmaster Hartley, feeling a mix of relief and accomplishment. The headmaster gave him an encouraging nod.

Following Alex's speech, the instructor stepped forward to the podium once more. With a friendly smile, he addressed the students, "Thank you, Alex, for sharing your story. Now, as we move forward, I'm pleased to let you know that you're all dismissed. Enjoy the rest of your day, and remember to check the time of your class assignment test."

With those words, the students started to gather their belongings, chatting and exchanging smiles as they exited the hall, filled with a sense of anticipation.