The entrance ceremony III

"Woah!!!"

I shot up, my breath coming in short gasps, drenched in sweat. The lingering images of the dream clung to me—the masked men, the fire, the sharp pain in my side. I glanced around my bed, feeling disoriented for a moment before realizing it was just my dorm room. The panic slowly faded, but my heart still pounded, and my mind was racing.

Checking the time, I saw there were still three hours before the entrance ceremony. My mind was still racing from the vivid dream, and I needed to shake off the unease clinging to me. But first, a shower. I grabbed some fresh clothes from the wardrobe and headed toward the bathroom, still feeling the dampness of sweat clinging to my skin.

The bathroom was simple, like the rest of the room, but functional. I turned the knobs and let the water run until steam began to rise, the sound of the spray filling the quiet space. Stepping in, I let the hot water wash over me, the warmth easing the tension in my muscles. I stood there for a moment, closing my eyes, trying to focus on the sensation of the water rather than the unsettling images from the dream. The dream had felt too real, but this—this was tangible, calming.

After finishing up, I grabbed a towel and dried off, feeling more refreshed. Once dressed in something comfortable, I figured I should eat something before heading out. My stomach grumbled slightly, reminding me that I hadn't had much the night before.

In the corner of the room, a cauldron-like object sat atop a small stone pedestal, inscribed with glowing runes. It was part of the academy's food system. Curious, I approached it and placed my hand on the side. The runes flickered for a moment before the lid of the cauldron lifted with a soft hiss of steam. Inside, an array of simple but hearty food was arranged—stews, breads, and fruits, all seemed freshly prepared.

I grabbed a bowl and spoon, ladling out a portion of the stew. The aroma of spices and meat filled the air, and I could see small pulses of mana woven through the broth, enhancing its flavor and nutritional value. The food wasn't extravagant, but it was warm and comforting. I sat at the small desk, taking slow bites, letting the warmth settle in my stomach. With each spoonful, the tension from the dream began to ease, my mind becoming clearer.

Once I'd finished eating, I washed up the dishes. After Feeling more grounded, I checked the time again. Still two and a half hours before the entrance ceremony. There was plenty of time left for a jog to clear my head even more.

The academy provided us with a few sets of uniforms for different activities, each meticulously designed for comfort and practicality. The regular uniform, intended for classes and more formal settings, was made of a lightweight, breathable material that felt similar to cotton but had a distinct texture—a blend of mana-infused fibers that kept the wearer cool, even during warmer days. The deep navy jacket, embroidered with the academy's crest on the chest, had a sleek, fitted look, while the white shirt beneath it was soft against the skin. The trousers matched the jacket, with reinforced stitching along the seams to ensure durability, though they were flexible enough for ease of movement. Everything about the uniform gave off an air of prestige and professionalism.

For physical training, we were issued a different set of clothes: a tracksuit-like outfit designed for heavy, sweat-inducing activities. These training clothes were made of an advanced, cotton-like material, but much more breathable and quick-drying. The fabric was interwoven with mana threads that allowed for enhanced airflow and moisture control, keeping us dry even during the most intense workouts. The academy emblem was subtly placed on the left shoulder, and the tracksuit came in a neutral shade of gray, with black stripes running down the sides of the arms and legs.

The shoes were equally well-crafted. Designed for both durability and comfort, they were made from a sturdy, lightweight material that felt almost weightless when worn. They adjusted perfectly to the shape of my feet, offering support while allowing freedom of movement. Like the training clothes, the shoes were infused with some simple runes, enhancing traction and stability. Even on uneven terrain or during high-speed sprints, they are supposed to be responsive, giving students the edge needed to perform at their best.

Grabbing my shoes, I laced them up quickly, the fabric stretching just enough to fit snugly without being too tight. The moment my feet settled into them, With my training gear on and shoes securely in place, I stepped outside, heading into the cool morning air. The academy grounds were bathed in a soft glow as the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting long shadows across the stone pathways. The calmness of the early hour was a stark contrast to the usual bustling energy that would soon fill the academy.

As I ran through the quiet academy grounds, my thoughts kept circling back to the strange dream. "Could it be connected to my powers?" I wondered, recalling the unusual abilities I'd gained—the way my eyes could sense time and energy. The dream felt too vivid, too detailed, almost like a premonition. Something similar had happened to me before, right after I first arrived in this world and escaped from the bandits.

The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I became. 'What if this was more than just a dream? What if it was some kind of vision?'

The details of the ballroom stuck with me—the opulence of the hall, the luxurious gowns and suits, the flickering flames growing at the edges. It didn't feel like a normal event. It was rare, something high-profile. Based on the clothes and the lavish decoration, it had to be a very special function, maybe one reserved for the elite or royalty. But the strangest part was the voice I'd heard right before the masked men attacked: "If only I had my weapons."

The thought kept nagging at me. Why would I, or anyone, walk into a place without weapons? In this world, it wasn't common to go anywhere without some form of defense. Then it hit me—some important events required attendees to surrender their weapons at the entrance. It was done for security reasons, to protect the guests. Perhaps that's why I had been unarmed in the dream.

The more I considered it, the more it seemed like a possibility. 'If what I saw is really going to happen, I need to be prepared. 'But how? How could I be sure? And when would it happen?

As I continued jogging, my mind worked through various scenarios. 'If my dream was a vision of the future, I needed to start thinking of contingencies—ways to avoid being caught off guard. Maybe there was a way to hide a small weapon, something that wouldn't be confiscated. Or perhaps I could rely on my abilities to see the danger before it struck.'

The uncertainty gnawed at me. I had been in this world long enough to know that danger lurked everywhere, and trusting my instincts was often the best course of action. 'If that event was real, and the threat was as severe as it seemed, I couldn't just sit back and wait for it to happen. I had to prepare, plan, and stay vigilant.'

The cool morning air did little to soothe my growing anxiety, but one thing was certain—I wasn't going to let this catch me off guard.

As I roamed around the dormitory grounds, I couldn't help but take in the peaceful atmosphere of the academy. The morning air was crisp, and the soft glow of the rising sun illuminated the intricate stone pathways, making the place feel almost serene. It was clear that the academy wanted its students to have a comfortable and relaxing experience at their dorms, a stark contrast to the grueling nature of the world outside. The tranquil environment made it easy to forget about the looming challenges we'd face once the real training began.

While jogging, I noticed a few other students up and about, most of them moving with purpose. Some of the students, particularly those who had struggled or saved for years to get into the academy, seemed more motivated, their determination evident in their focused expressions. Among the few early risers, I spotted a lone figure jogging at a steady pace. As I squinted, I realized it was Arthur—the hero of this world. It wouldn't hurt to strike up a conversation with him, considering his significance. It was always good to stay on the hero's good side, and, well, it might also benefit me in the future.

I increased my pace, trying to catch up to him. Despite Darius' well-trained body, it was a challenge. Arthur was fast—much faster than I expected—but I was surprised by how naturally Darius' body responded to the effort. It seemed that the hard work he put into his physical training was paying off. If it weren't for his discipline, I doubt I would've managed to win the duel during the entrance exam. I allowed myself a small moment of internal praise, glad I could keep up, even if it was a struggle.

As I closed the gap, I called out, "Arthur!"

Hearing my voice, he slowed his pace and glanced back, his eyes sharp yet not unkind. "Hey, you're that kid I met in the waiting area, right? How have you been?"

I nodded, breathing heavily but steadying myself. "Yeah, I'm Darius. I've been good, thank you for asking."

Arthur nodded in return. "I saw your duel. You've got guts, I'll give you that. Although…" He paused for a second, measuring his words. "I can't say I agree with your approach entirely, but I respect your determination."

I let out a small chuckle, feeling the weight of his words. "I appreciate that. I wasn't exactly planning on making a scene, but I figured I'd just try my best."

Arthur smirked slightly, his expression lightening. "Well, you held your ground. That's more than most can say. The academy's only going to get tougher from here."

"I'll remember that" I said, appreciating the advice more than I let on. I didn't want to come off as overly eager but hearing that from Arthur—a hero—made it feel like a significant moment.

We jogged side by side for a few more minutes, the conversation tapering off into a comfortable silence. Eventually, Arthur gave me a nod before speeding up again. I watched him pull ahead, his pace unwavering, before deciding it was time for me to head back to my room and freshen up.

As I made my way back to the dorm, I couldn't help but replay the conversation in my head. Arthur wasn't just some overpowered, unattainable figure. He seemed grounded, more perceptive than I'd expected. He'd acknowledged my efforts, and that gave me a sense of validation, something I hadn't realized I needed.

Once back in my room, I quickly hopped into the shower, letting the cool water wash over me, calming my thoughts and cooling the heat from the jog. The academy's facilities were certainly a step above what I'd been used to back on earth. Afterward, I dressed in the academy's formal uniform, feeling the fabric comfortably settle against my skin, and checked the time again. Still some time left before the entrance ceremony.

I took a deep breath, feeling much more composed now. The entrance ceremony was the next big event, and I needed to be focused. It was the first real step into this new life, and I wasn't about to let anything catch me off guard.