Chapter 9: Sorting

Before announcing the class assignments, Nightspirit led the children to address their accommodation.

They ventured deep into the heart of the ice mountain, traversing vast icy expanses and navigating through winding passages. Finally, they reached the dormitory area.

Upon entering this space, a rush of warm air greeted them, making the previously biting cold seem distant. The dormitories were spacious and well-lit, their ceilings adorned with ice crystals that emitted a soft, intertwining light, as though woven together by ice and fire.

The facilities in each dorm were comprehensive: large beds with soft blankets, magnificent ice crystal decorations hung on the walls. Near the windows, small tables and chairs were arranged, offering a view of the beautiful snowy landscape outside.

Nightspirit explained, "Within the glacier, we provide dormitories of different grades and styles to make the best use of our resources. Due to the variations in your performance, outstanding students are granted priority in selecting. Some dorms are near the warm spring pools, some face magnificent ice waterfalls, while others are relatively secluded and considered lower-tier."

Shadow Warden and Evelyn Anderson had exceptional initial test results, so they had already chosen rooms right next to each other.

Victoria, along with several other students of her level, occupied a single dorm.

When it was Eric Stone's turn to choose a dorm, only those seemingly remote and basic options were left. The large "F" labels on their doors were striking.

At this moment, Mio rushed over and embraced Eric. "Hey, buddy, looks like we'll be roommates."

Mio had given up better dorm conditions for Eric Stone, opting to share a less comfortable dorm with his friend. When they entered their dorm, Mio excitedly said, "Eric, we'll be roommates. It might be a bit basic here, but we'll face challenges together, and that will make it more exciting!"

Eric smiled, nodding with gratitude. "Thanks, Mio."

After unpacking, the voice of the intercom resonated throughout the dorms, alerting the students. Eric, Mio, Victoria, and the others rushed to the main hall, which was already prepared. The trainers were there, awaiting their students in solemnity.

A colossal projection screen adorned one wall of the hall, and seats were arranged at the far end, like a massive amphitheater. The students took their seats anxiously, gazing at the projection screen.

The hall was filled with tension and silence, and time seemed to elongate as they awaited the results.

Eventually, a faint blue light emanated from the screen's center, revealing the students' class assignments. Eric Stone was eager and nervous, despite knowing his test results. He went forward to collect his new ID card. Upon examining it, he noticed a number etched into the card – "0047." This number signified his identity within this special academy, and he understood it would become his new emblem, shielding his real identity.

Despite ending up in class F, the lowest ranking class, Eric was determined to gain more strength and knowledge here. He aimed to rise to higher-ranking classes, making his number more prestigious. He was filled with ambition and ready to embrace new challenges.

Following the class assignment ceremony, the trainers of each class began introducing the training plans and objectives to their students. Eric found himself in class F, seemingly disordered with students of varying abilities, but most were like him, not excelling.

Their trainer, Christopher, was a towering figure with the power of ice. Although he appeared gentle, his gaze revealed determination and resolve. Christopher explained the academy's purpose to his students, preparing them for future battles to defend their snowy nation.

"Don't let your class assignments affect your confidence," Christopher said, "everyone has potential, and with hard work, you can become stronger. Starting now, you are all part of class F, and each of you must strive. You will begin your ice training, which involves not only strengthening your powers but also honing your inner strength."

He continued, "Today, we have made the necessary preparations. Starting tomorrow, you will officially begin your training. Meet on the field at 6 a.m. sharp. Remember, even as class F students, you must never lose hope."

Eric absorbed Christopher's guidance and decided to devote himself fully to his ice training. Despite his initial disappointment with the class assignment, he believed that with hard work, he could surpass his current limitations and embrace greater challenges and opportunities.

Eric Stone, Victoria Vivian, Mio Hyde, Shadow Warden, Evelyn Anderson, and the other children embarked on their training journey within the Ice Palace. Each was placed in a different class, where they would face various tasks and challenges to develop their ice abilities.

That evening, as Eric headed to the cafeteria, the sky was growing dark, and the fierce cold winds pierced through. He clutched his hat, walking down the silver corridors, on icy ground. The hall's light gradually dimmed, and his footsteps echoed in the empty passage.

There were no other students around, but suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded from behind. A stranger, a young man, suddenly appeared at the end of the corridor. He wore a long, pitch-black robe, had a tall, imposing figure, and an air of mystery surrounded him. He hurriedly passed by, never lifting his head.

The young man quickly approached, colliding into Eric. At that moment, he looked up, and his gaze was deep and enigmatic, a quick glance cast in Eric's direction.

Eric felt an icy chill, and his heart began to race. Just as Eric struggled to catch his breath, a strange sound echoed, and the young man quickly departed.

Eric felt deeply puzzled by this unexpected encounter and the stranger's abrupt departure. It all seemed quite unusual. He hurried into the cafeteria, but the uneasiness from the encounter still lingered in his mind.

The cafeteria was bustling with students coming and going, and he joined his friends, including Mio, Victoria, and others. While they shared their experiences of the day, Eric mentioned the mysterious encounter. Victoria furrowed her brow, and Mio displayed concern.

"Eric, are you sure you didn't misunderstand something?" Mio asked. "There's something odd going on here; we should be cautious."

Eric pondered this, saying, "Maybe you're right, but that man seemed to hurry past without any malicious intent. It might just be a misunderstanding."

He took a deep breath, trying to dismiss the unease. Nevertheless, even as he attempted to downplay the encounter, he found it difficult to shake the sense of unease from his mind.