Chapter 20

The face of the guy with the two swords turned visibly pale when he heard the familiar voice. I turned around and saw that the entire student council had gathered at the duel site.

Calmly, but hurriedly, Tess approached us. Behind her I noticed Lily.

Dreil immediately threw both swords into the spatial ring and bowed respectfully, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

- What's going on here," the black-haired boy asked, raising his eyebrows in surprise. His gaze settled on me, and there was recognition in his eyes.

- Yes. Dreyll dueled that apprentice over there," I pointed to the dwarf who was sitting on the sidelines, holding his stomach. - After he won, instead of putting away his weapon, he poured mana into it, intending to strike. I had to intervene to prevent the student from being injured.

- That's how - the student council member shifted his gaze to Nicholas, but before he could say anything, Tessia took the floor.

- You. I think I asked you a question. How dare you? - She stepped closer to the sophomore. I thought the student was one year older than her, but when I looked closely, I noticed two stripes on the ribbon neatly tied under the princess's collar.

- N-no, not at all. I would never dare break the rules. Please forgive me, I think I was too hot-tempered"-he bowed even lower, almost touching the ground with his forehead.

- Go away-she continued to stare at him sultrily until he turned and walked away, and a few of the guys in the crowd followed him. - I'm sorry for what happened and thank you, if it wasn't for you we'd be in trouble.

- It's not a big deal, I just don't like sneak attacks. And no need to be formal, elfish girl. - I smiled at her and waved goodbye, leaving Arthur to talk to his friend. Elijah also stayed behind.

That's what AA-rang adventurer status does, they didn't even question my words. Looks like I'm going to have a lot of work to do in my new position, too much for the people here to dislike other races.

Finally, I reached the dormitory, thankfully without too much trouble. There were two consolidated dorms on campus. Both buildings were segregated for junior and senior students, although the fact that I was put in the senior campus was curious.

The building was clean and well-maintained, but without fancy furniture or decorations on the walls. There was a warm beige interior and stairs leading up to the top floor. Each floor had a hallway and several rooms.

When I reached my room, I walked in, looking around my new place of residence. The room had two closets and a decent-sized bathroom with two sinks, a shower, and a separate toilet, so I could wash up without having to wait my turn. The two beds were separated by a nightstand and a long drawer on which to stack my clothes. The sleeping area was separated by a wall from the work area, where there were tables and sofas set against each other. The far wall of the room was almost entirely glass, offering an incredible view of the campus painted in fall colors.

All in all, I was fine with it. What else could it be? I'm homeless, although that doesn't bother me one bit. I could earn the money to buy a house, so it was only a matter of time. I lay down on the bed closest to the door, since the one at the back was occupied.

- So who's my roommate? I hope I don't have a problem with him.

From the third person.

A tall guy was walking toward the upperclassmen's campus, slightly nervous. He had black hair and brown eyes. His facial features were rather aristocratic, which made him appear to be frowning and looking down on everyone. This guy was Ethan Black, of the most powerful family of artifactors.

"Oh...Father. And why would a freshman move in with an older student!? What if he wasn't comfortable around older students? Although according to his father he was pretty mature for his years." - he sighed as he reached campus.

Ethan was a fifth year combat mage, and was considered the strongest in the academy. An amplifier with a dark yellow core stage and the elements of wind and sound, was already no small accomplishment at his age.

"Also that incident after the ceremony, what if he's out of sorts?" - Because of his new position as head of the disciplinary committee, he was certainly aware of the altercation Aaron was involved in.

"Room 203...here I am," he stood in front of the door and ruffled his hair, trying to gather his thoughts. - "Now I'm going to meet my idol...I've got to prove myself the best I can!" - Sighing sharply, he opened the door, and walked inside. Looking at the white-haired boy, he felt as if he had been completely scanned. From this surprise, all the lines he had learned before entering were forgotten, and Ethan stared at his new neighbor, not knowing what to say.

Aaron grinned, and got out of bed.

- I think it's your father's fault that I was moved to the upperclassmen campus," he said, holding out his hand for a handshake. - Your name is Ethan, you look a lot like Henry.

- And you're Aaron," the black-haired man shook his outstretched hand with a nervous smile. - I'm sorry about your father, and I hope that doesn't weigh too heavily on you.

- No," he grinned. - Henry likes to brag about his son, glad to finally see you in person.

They sat down on the couch, Ethan put two cups on the table, and taking the sweets they had prepared beforehand, they began to get acquainted.

On Aaron's behalf.

As soon as my roommate walked in, I knew from his facial features who was in front of me. Of course, Henry couldn't pass up such an opportunity. Even if it had been set up by him, I wasn't annoyed by it, rather grateful. Oh, and Ethan turned out to be a good guy, and he treated me to tea and sweets, and told me about life at the academy from the inside.

Also, it turned out that he is the head of the DM (Disciplinary Committee), and Claire, was replaced as a deputy.

- It's getting late, I have to get ready for my new duties.

- I have to go to the principal's office. Can you show me the way?

- Sure.

After leaving the dormitory, we walked to the main building of the academy, where I was led to the door of the principal.

# Here, here #

The door opened by itself, and I stepped into a spacious office, where an elderly woman was sitting behind a desk.

- You're here, Aaron," she smiled in a friendly way, urging me to sit down on the couch. Which I did. - It's nice to finally meet you in person.

- Me, too. - Taking a seat behind the comfy couch I replied. - Let's discuss my privileges, Principal Goodsky.

- You can just be Cynthia, my boy," she continued when she saw me nod. - You will be granted access to the private training center. Also, I can give you a free pass to class. You have two higher forms, lightning and gravity, don't you? You'll benefit from attending deviant form classes, as well as a few classes for scholar mages.

- Well, that's fine with me. - I shrugged, happy with the private training center.

- Great," Cynthia took a box out of the ring. - Here's your uniform, wear it proudly, and become the sword of this academy.

I glanced at the box, and tossed it into my inventory.

- And now, I have to go to dinner, if you have nothing else to add," I said getting up from the couch.

- Go dear, a growing body needs to be well nourished.

- Goodbye Cynthia.

When I closed the door behind me and walked a few steps, I froze.

- Where is the canteen around here?