THE ORIENTATION BUILDING

'How is my three days up?' Kaelen thought with a confused and skeptical expressions mixed up on his face while he slowly began to walk down the altar. It seems like General Cao was able to know what was Kaelen's mind as he suddenly asked with a small smirk on his face.

"You must be wondering how three days just went by in a flash while you were on the altar right?"

"Well yeah" Kaelen answered honestly with a perplexed look on his face.

"Well the reason for that is the altar itself" General Cao answered with the same expression on his face.

"The altar?"

"Yes. Apparently, there seems to be a separate space around the altar that has its time to move slower than the regular time" General Cao explained as Kaelen finally stood right in front of him with a pondering look on his face.

'Well there is no other reason for that strange experience so it must just like General Cao said' Kaelen thought while he slowly nod his head. When General Cao saw this, a satisfied smile appeared on his face as he suddenly spoke up.

"Now then, let's take you back to the academy grounds"

"Aren't we in the academy grounds?" Kaelen quickly asked with a surprised look on his face when he heard what General Cao said.

"Actually we are in the academy grounds. But in the restricted section" General Cao answered with a light smile on his face as he suddenly placed one of his hands on Kaelen's shoulders.

'The restricted section!' Kaelen thought in surprise as he suddenly vanished alongside General Cao out of the cavern.

Where they appeared next is in front a building which is surrounded in strange plants and flowers whereas a crowd could be seen going in and out of the building.

"Where is this place?" Kaelen asked with a curious look on his face when he looked around the place he finds himself in.

"This is the orientation building for new internal students" General Cao answered with a calm smile on his face.

The Orientation building of the Pace Setter Academy stood proudly at the heart of the campus, its architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment yet standing out with an undeniable grandeur. The building was constructed from dark, polished stone that seemed to absorb and reflect the light in an almost magical way, giving it a timeless and formidable appearance. The structure was both imposing and welcoming, with tall, arched windows framed by intricate stonework that depicted scenes from the academy's illustrious history.

The entrance to the hall was marked by a set of massive wooden doors, each carved with elaborate runes and symbols that glowed faintly, hinting at the enchantments laid upon them. Above the doors, a large, intricately crafted crest of the academy was set in relief, its details sharp and precise, symbolizing the prestige and honor of the institution.

Surrounding the Orientation Hall was a lush, otherworldly garden filled with strange and exotic plants and flowers. These botanical wonders seemed to thrive in the enchanted environment, their vibrant colors and unusual shapes creating a surreal and enchanting landscape. Tall, slender trees with shimmering silver leaves swayed gently in the breeze, while luminescent flowers in hues of blue, violet, and gold emitted a soft, enchanting glow that illuminated the paths winding through the garden.

The air was filled with the mingled scents of the strange flora, a heady mix that was both invigorating and calming. Some of the plants had tendrils that moved slowly, almost imperceptibly, as if alive with a deliberate purpose, adding to the sense of magic that permeated the area.

Internal students, dressed in the academy's distinctive black and blue uniforms, were scattered throughout the garden and around the building. Some gathered in small groups, engaging in animated discussions or quietly reading ancient texts, while others practiced their skills, their movements fluid and precise, showcasing the results of their rigorous training. Their presence added to the vibrant energy of the place, their youthful enthusiasm and determination evident in their every action.

The paths leading to the entrance were paved with smooth stones, each etched with runes that glowed faintly as students walked over them, guiding them towards the hall. Small, stone benches and intricate sculptures dotted the garden, providing places for reflection and study.

The Orientation Hall itself was designed to accommodate and guide new students through their initial days at the academy. Its imposing façade and the surrounding magical garden created an atmosphere of awe and inspiration, a perfect setting for the beginning of their academic journey.

Overall, the Orientation Hall, with its blend of grand architecture and mystical surroundings, served as a fitting gateway to the world of Pace Setter Academy, welcoming new students into a realm of knowledge, magic, and endless possibilities.

"Hey look!! It's Venerable Cao!!"

"Venerable Cao!! Where!!?"

"Oh My God!! What is such an elusive person doing here!!?"

"Look!! He is with someone!!"

"Who is that person? And why is that person wearing the uniform of the external students of the academy?"

Not too long after General Cao and Kaelen appeared in that area, the crowd in that area instantly caused an uproar as they all placed their attention on General Cao and Kaelen.

But it looks like both General Cao and Kaelen didn't seem bothered by it as the former suddenly said to the later.

"Here take this" and in the next moment, a token suddenly materialized right on the right palm of General Cao.

"What is this?" Kaelen asked with a confused look on his face when he saw the token on General Cao's palm.

"This is my personal identification token for people who want to seek my audience" General Cao answered with a light smile on his face.

The identification token for General Cao was a small, elegantly crafted medallion made of gleaming silver. It was circular, fitting comfortably in the palm of one's hand, with the academy's crest embossed on one side. The crest featured intricate details, showcasing the academy's emblem—a stylized sword and book crossed, encircled by runes symbolizing knowledge and power.

On the reverse side, the token bore the student's unique identification number and name, etched in a flowing script that glowed faintly in low light. Around the edge, a delicate pattern of interwoven lines and symbols served both as decoration and an additional layer of magical protection.

Attached to a sturdy chain, the token could be worn around the neck or clipped to a belt, ensuring it was always within reach. Its weight was reassuring, a constant reminder of the student's connection to the prestigious academy.

"But I don't want to seek your audience, so why I are you giving me this?" Kaelen asked with a more confused look on his face. But when General Cao heard him, he initially was stunned before he suddenly brought a glowing look on his face as he thought.

'Seems like my instincts was right again'

"Just take it you brat. You might need my guidance in the future so just take hold of it till the right time comes" He eventually said with an annoyed look on his face.

"O.. Ok Venerable" Kaelen replied wryly as he accepted the token and hanged it on his neck.

"Good, whenever you feel like you need guidance, he token will automatically direct you to me so you don't have to worry yourself to know where I live. Goodbye" General Cao said in a more warm tone before he suddenly vanished from that area.

'What is his motive for treating me in such a way?' As soon as General Cao left, Kaelen thought with a doubtful look on his face as he held the token with his right hand.

"Hey! You over there!! I would like to see what our great Venerable gave you" But Kaelen didn't dwell on that thought for long as he suddenly heard a commanding tone behind him.

'Seems like these category of people are everywhere' Kaelen thought indifferently as he turned towards where he heard that statement from and saw three boys coming towards him.

Amongst the three boys, the two at the side just have plain looks with brown and black hair while the one in the overshadowed them greatly.

The boy in the middle in question was a tall, broad-shouldered boy who exuded an air of arrogance and entitlement. His dark hair was styled in a deliberately messy fashion, as if he wanted to look effortlessly cool without trying too hard. His eyes were a sharp, piercing blue, often narrowed in a look of disdain or condescension. His features were strong and well-defined, with a chiseled jawline and a smirk that rarely left his lips, giving him a perpetual look of smugness.

He wore the Pace Setter Academy uniform—a black jacket with blue trim and matching trousers—but with a casual disregard for the rules. His tie was often loosened, his shirt untucked at the back, and the top buttons of his shirt were usually left undone. The uniform, meant to symbolize unity and discipline, looked more like a prop to him, something he wore out of necessity rather than pride.

He carried himself with a swagger, his movements exaggerated and cocky, as if every step he took was meant to draw attention. He was often seen leaning against walls or lounging in a chair with a bored expression, his body language broadcasting his belief that he was above it all. He spoke loudly, his voice carrying a tone of superiority, and he rarely missed an opportunity to belittle or mock his fellow students.

Despite his unappealing demeanor, there was an undeniable charisma to him, a magnetic presence that drew others in even as he pushed them away. He was the kind of person who thrived on conflict and drama, always looking for ways to assert his dominance and prove his worth, no matter the cost to those around him.

While looking at this particular boy right in the eye, Kaelen calmly and indifferently asked.

"Who exactly are you talking to?"