Chapter 3 - Calm before the storm

The amphitheatre was eerily empty and silent as Cagnus entered. It was early in the morning, and only a few students had trickled in. He made his way to the corner, where he found an inconspicuous seat. As time passed, more and more students arrived, filling the rows with their chatter and laughter.

Despite the growing crowd, no one seemed to notice Cagnus sitting quietly in his corner. He watched as Lady Seraphine took her seat in the front row, and a young man with blonde hair sat down next to her. Cagnus couldn't make out his features from his vantage point.

Row B was almost empty, except for a petite girl with short blue hair. The rows behind her were filled with students of varying status, all belonging to youngsters with noble lineage. On the other hand row F was completely empty, while rows G and H had about ten students each. The last row, R, was occupied by a single person - the daughter of the president of the notorious Nori Merchant Alliance, with a mixed noble and commoner heritage.

Cagnus took note of the seating arrangements, knowing that they were a clear indication of each student's social standing. He yawned and stretched.

Cagnus sat in seat Z-01 of the bustling classroom, feeling isolated and alone as the students around him chattered excitedly amongst themselves. Despite the lively atmosphere, he could only muster a sigh as he leaned back in his chair, hands resting on his chin. As he looked around the room, he thought to himself, "Sigh, and here I am sitting in Z-01 with no one to talk to." But as he closed his eyes, a sense of calmness washed over him, a peace that he had never before experienced. It was as if the noisy classroom around him had vanished, and he was completely at ease, lost in his own thoughts.

Cagnus breathed deeply, taking in the moment and allowing himself to go with the flow. "I like it... this way," he thought to himself, feeling a sense of inner peace and tranquillity radiating from within. His doubts, worries, and fears vanished, replaced by a sense of clarity that allowed him to see details that ordinary people would miss. "Such is... happiness," he thought to himself, feeling content and at ease in the midst of the bustling classroom.

Unfortunately, such a state didn't last for long as Cagnus's thoughts were interrupted by someone: "Look at the back, in the corner, at Z-01!"

Immediately after, the entire class's attention was shifted to Cagnus's. Lady Seraphine was no exception as she followed the herd to look at him; perhaps the only person who stayed calm and collected was the young noble with blonde hair in seat A.

A hubbub of conversation echoed after.

"Oh my god, what is that 'thing'?"

"My father redeemed merits to enlist me in this academy; no way I'm studying with a peasant!"

"A lowlife is in this class? Guards!"

All sorts of demeaning comments were hurled at Cagnus; their voices were dripping with contempt. Cagnus stayed calm as though the insults meant nothing to him. Before going to the Imperial Chess Academy, Cagnus had a long talk with his grandfather Kanotoly Arpov.

Both discussed all sorts of things, and how Cagnus should be careful with his words, actions and even his facial expression. Because once he manages to offend a noble, his entire nine-generational family will be uprooted, and perhaps, they will face punishment worse than death.

Coincidentally, when Cagnus was looking at the "performance" in front of him, he accidentally made eye contact with none other than Lady Seraphine.

"Her eyes are so beautiful…", Cagnus thought to himself.

However, before he managed to take a good look and admire those hazel-like eyes, the girl immediately turned her head around and looked the other way.

"Crap, did I manage to creep her out? She's the daughter of a Duke; I have to apologise later!"

Knock. Knock.

"Silence!", a voice echoed out, silencing the entire amphitheatre.

Unbeknownst to everyone else, a woman managed to make her way to the theatre.

She stood tall with an air of confidence and poise. She had a straight back and held her head high, her gaze direct and unwavering. Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a neat bun, with a few strands falling softly around her face.

She wore a light grey blazer over a crisp white blouse and a knee-length dark skirt.

Her shoes were polished, and her glasses gave her a look of sophistication and intelligence.

This was none other than Section A Class A-1's tutor, Professor Elizabeth Harris.

Professor Elizabeth looked at the students with an angered expression. Clearly, she was unhappy with the previous hubbub.

"This is already the first day of the academy, yet you students show no respect for these sacred grounds!"

Then, she pointed her finger at a man who sat in row G. It was the man who called out Cagnus earlier, "You! Stand up and speak; what's the problem?", her voice was authoritative and demanded an explanation.

"I-I w-was about t-to.", the man stammered, clearly frightened by the professor's behaviour.

"Miss.", a young man with handsome features in row C raised his hand, wanting to speak out. Professor Elizabeth's gaze landed on him as she permitted him to speak.

The handsome youngster stood up, tidied up his clothes and spoke in an eloquent tone, "Previously, I and the class were discussing the 'anomaly' that is the man in seat Z-01."

Hearing the word 'anomaly', Cagnus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he questioned the man silently: "What do you mean! I'm an innocent man!"

Professor Elizabeth nodded as she said: "Continue."

As though he was imbued with courage, the handsome man continued: "As you can see, he is nothing but a peasant, a dreg of society, the lowest of lifeforms. How can we permit such an insect to study the profound domain of Chess with us, high nobles?"

"I hereby request Professor Elizabeth and the upper echelon of the Imperial Chess Academy to verify the man's identity and origins."

His classmates exploded in an uproar, happy to have their thoughts spoken out. They encouraged the handsome youngster enthusiastically.

The man in row G heaved a sigh of relief as though he dodged a bullet, he gave the handsome student a thumbs-up and then looked at Cagnus with a face full of hate and resentment.

To Cagnus's surprise, Professor Elizabeth agreed to the student's request as he called for the disciplinary guards outside to come and verify Cagnus's identity.

The doors of the amphitheatre opened as five armoured knights entered; they held spears and maces as they surrounded Cagnus in the corner.

It goes without saying that big beads of sweat were profusely trickling down Cagnus's forehead, "Hey! Hey! Hey! What is this??? Don't tell me my grandfather used exploitative and illegal ways to get me enlisted?", he lampooned as he frantically searched his pockets for the identification badge.

His face quickly turns pale as a scene surfaces in his mind.

His one and only identification badge were on the ground, right next to the luggage that was tucked under the bed.

"When I threw my luggage on the table, I accidentally threw my badge alongside it!"

When the students saw Cagnus's pale face, they seemed to find joy in his misfortune as they sneered haughtily: "Haha, I knew it! He is nothing but an impostor; it's a miracle that he managed to make it this far!"

"No way a peasant like him is able to afford enlistment in the number one academy in the world; now he will suffer consequences for his impudence!"

"Hmph, the guards should be punished for allowing his entry!"

"Flay him alive, so we set a precedent for all the lowlifes in the empire."

Similar comments could be heard as the amphitheatre descended into a chaos of chatter.

Lady Seraphine had a disappointed expression as she sighed. Who knew what was going on in her mind. As for the man next to her, his thoughts were unknown as he distanced himself from the hubbub.

The silver-armoured knights seemed ready to plunge their weapons into Cagnus's body, one of them even took the initiative to stab forward with his spear.

Instinctively, Cagnus closed his eyes as he prayed for a miracle.

The knight's spear seemed super close; in fact, Cagnus could feel the heat from the spear's friction heading towards his head. He felt the shadow of death looming over him, and getting closer inch by inch.

Just when the spear was an inch away from his forehead, the miracle that he had been waiting for finally arrived.

"Wait!", Professor Elizabeth said, "You, this is your final chance for redemption. Speak, where is your identification badge?"

Seeing Professor Elizabeth stand up for the Z-01 peasant, some nobles voiced out their protests. This matter didn't sit well with them.

"Professor, this is too merciful. We have to set a precedent!"

"Professor, don't tell me you are going to abuse your powers and forgive this peasant?"

Hearing the students' complaints, Elizabeth's eyebrows couldn't help but twitch as she spoke loudly: "Silence!"

The entirety of the amphitheatre went silent; the knights stopped in their places, as though they were nothing but mere statues.

Cagnus took in a deep breath as he marvelled at how precious life is, he vowed to himself that from now on, he'll meticulously keep his important documents on him at all times.

He opened his eyes, taking in the intricate armour of the knights that had many patterns on them. He looked at Professor Elizabeth with grateful eyes, and then he opened his mouth and spoke:

"Professor, uhhh, I forgot my badge over in my dormitory. If you would like, you can come with me and inspect my room together."

Once again, the entire class descended into chaos as the male students' eyes reddened with anger, disbelief and other complex emotions.