The Entrance Ceremony IV

I stood before the mirror, adjusting the uniform the academy had provided me—a sleek, black tunic with gold accents around the collar and cuffs. It was surprisingly well-made, fitting comfortably while still giving off an air of authority. The pants were of the same material, a breathable yet durable fabric that felt sturdy enough for both classes and training. I slipped into the polished shoes, which completed the look. They had a unique design—sleek, comfortable, and flexible, perfect for long walks or sudden sprints during physical exercises.

Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I took a deep breath and headed out of my dorm, making my way toward the main building for the entrance ceremony. The sun had fully risen by now, casting a warm glow over the campus. The paths leading to the ceremony hall were busy, students like me moving in groups, all dressed in the same uniform, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The building that housed the ceremony was massive shaped like an opera house, with towering pillars and intricately carved designs that hinted at ancient craftsmanship. The exterior was imposing, a testament to the academy's long history and prestige. As I approached, I could already see the crowds of students funneling in through the large, open doors, all heading inside for what was supposed to be a simple but important event.

In the novel, this ceremony wasn't particularly special except for one thing: this was when our class assignments would be revealed. The headmaster—a powerful mage known throughout the world as the "Wizard King"—would give a speech, and then we'd be directed to check our classes on the board from the same place we'd gotten our initial kits. I remembered reading about him—he, like the protagonist, could wield all the elemental powers, a feat considered legendary in this world. Just seeing him in person would be an event on its own.

As I neared the entrance, the sheer scale of the building became more apparent. It was reminiscent of a grand theater, with rows upon rows of seats arranged like those you'd find in a lecture hall. The architecture was awe-inspiring. For a world that hadn't experienced an industrial revolution, they had figured out ingenious ways to compensate. The chairs, for instance, weren't made of wood but some kind of colorful stone, polished smoothly and arranged meticulously. They looked as comfortable as any modern chair back on Earth, yet the lack of plastic was evident.

The air inside the hall was refreshingly cool. I glanced around, noticing strange devices tucked into the corners, softly glowing with faint runes etched into their surfaces. These must've been the source of the cooling effect—probably utilizing heat-absorbing runes. It was fascinating how advanced this world was with its use of magic and elemental manipulation, even without the modern technology I was familiar with.

As I scanned the room, my eyes were drawn to the front row, where I noticed several familiar faces—the main cast. Arthur, the hero, sat among them, his posture relaxed but commanding attention all the same. Beside him were others from influential families, each with their own distinct aura of confidence. They took their seats with ease, claiming the best spots near the front, while behind them sat the more "ordinary" students—those without any notable backing or family names to lean on.

I could see it in their faces, the hesitant glances toward the front, as if they wished they could sit there too but didn't dare to make a move. It seemed like there was an unspoken rule in the academy—those with power and influence claimed the front seats, while the rest stayed back. Not everyone followed this rule though. In the far back rows, a few rebellious-looking heirs from powerful families lounged, seemingly uninterested in the ceremony at all, their attitudes making it clear they didn't care for traditio.

I didn't want to attract unnecessary attention, so I chose a seat somewhere in the middle, off to the left side. It was a decent spot—not too far from the action, but not close enough to make anyone notice me either. Perfect.

After a short wait, the lights dimmed slightly, and the soft murmur of conversation died down. The entrance ceremony was about to begin. A hush fell over the room as footsteps echoed from the back of the stage, and I could feel the anticipation rising in the air.

Then, the headmaster appeared.

The Wizard King. 'Thaddeus Gray'. In the novel Thaddeus gray and the Hero shared a unique relationship as Arthur's father was once the headmasters students. There relationship deteriorated over time due to their difference of opinions but they were good friends.

He was every bit as imposing as I imagined—a tall, dignified figure with flowing silver hair and eyes that seemed to shimmer with the glow of every element at once. His presence alone was enough to silence the entire hall, the weight of his power palpable even from where I was seated. He stepped forward, his voice commanding but calm as he began his speech, welcoming us to the academy.

The headmaster, standing tall and regal on the stage, surveyed the hall with piercing eyes. His presence alone commanded respect, but when he finally spoke, his voice echoed through the room with an air of authority and calm.

"Welcome, students, to the World Academy," he began, his tone both powerful and inspiring. "It is an honor for you to stand here today, and it is no small feat that you've been accepted into this institution. Many have aspired, yet few have earned this privilege. You have already shown great potential by making it this far."

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to settle over the sea of students, before continuing. "As you all know, this academy was founded centuries ago by the Sage of Time and his followers after the great battle with the Demon Emperor. Its purpose is, and always has been, to serve as a neutral ground where all of humanity's potential can be nurtured and harnessed—free from political biases, kingdoms, or interference from other parties. Here, we do not care who you are or where you come from. Be you from an elite family, a prince, a merchant's child, or from humble origins—you are all here on equal footing."

There was a ripple of murmurs in the hall, the weight of tradition and history hanging in the air. "The World Academy exists to prepare you for the dangers that lie beyond its walls. The threat posed by the demonic humans, the dangers of the mostly unexplored Dark Continent to the south, and the dungeons that emerge without warning. These dungeons, as you all know, must be closed before they become an open gateway for invaders. The outside world is not kind, and it will demand much of you."

His eyes swept over the crowd once more, meeting the gaze of each student as though speaking directly to them. "But do not mistake this for a place where we train mindless soldiers. We strive to create well-rounded individuals—humans who are intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced. That is why we offer extracurricular activities and electives, allowing each of you to shape your own path. Freedom is your right here. However," his tone grew more serious, "I advise you to choose wisely. The electives and clubs you select in your first year cannot be changed until your second year, and while changes can be made later, those who alter their paths mostly will be behind their peers."

A soft murmur spread across the hall as students considered the weight of their choices.

The headmaster then held up a small, glowing tome—an intricate book radiating with magic. "After today's ceremony, you will each receive one of these: a skill book. Once you absorb the book it will assess your latent potential in various areas and provide guidance on which electives best suit your talents. It is a tool meant to assist you on your journey here."

There was a moment of silence, then he added, "For those of you from elite families or have special circumstances and those who already have a stat window or high grade skills, rest assured, we respect your privacy. The academic staff is bound by an oath to protect your information. We are not here to pry, but to guide."

The hall fell completely silent, the weight of his words pressing on each student. Then, with a small smile that softened his otherwise imposing demeanor, he concluded, "Remember, this is only the beginning. What you accomplish here will not only shape your future, but the future of our world. I look forward to seeing what each of you will become."

As the headmaster stepped down from the podium, the room burst into applause, a thunderous echo that filled the hall. His speech had struck a chord with many, and for the first time, a palpable sense of excitement buzzed in the air.

A second figure, a faculty member with a calm but firm expression, took the headmaster's place. "Students, please rise. You will now proceed to the notice boards located in the same place you collected your kits, where you will find your class assignments. After checking the class assigned to you, please make your way to your dedicated classrooms. Today's lesson will consist only of introductions to help you familiarize yourselves with the academy, its facilities, and your schedules. Tomorrow, your real journey begins."

With that, the students began to shuffle toward the exit, a mixture of nerves, excitement, and curiosity on their faces. I stood from my seat, feeling the weight of the moment. As we headed toward the noticeboards, I couldn't help but wonder which class I'd be placed in and who my companions would be. The world outside the academy felt distant now, but the headmaster's words echoed in my mind. The dangers were real, and my choices here would shape everything to come.