Admin Hall

We walked down the hallway, our footsteps resonating on the polished marble floors. On either side, rows of doors stood, each adorned with plaques bearing the names of the students and their dorm numbers.

Finding my designated door, I touched the screen, and with a whoosh, it obediently slid open, revealing the futuristic interior of "Antaeus Mustafa - Room 347." Everley, too, discovered her room and waved goodbye before disappearing behind her door.

Inside, my private dorm was a blend of advanced technology and luxurious comfort, a perfect synergy of the future and modern convenience. The open-space kitchen greeted me, boasting advanced food replicators capable of recreating any dish from a vast database of recipes.

An orb-shaped kitchen assistant hovered nearby, ready to assist in my culinary endeavors. The countertops, made of self—cleaning material, gleamed under the ambient light, promising resilience against wear and tear.

Moving toward the bedroom, I marveled at the floating king-sized bed, hovering gracefully a meter above the floor, supported by anti-gravity technology.

To my right, an integrated wardrobe blended seamlessly with the wall. With a press of a button, drawers slid open, revealing neatly folded clothes.

Despite their meticulous arrangement, I knew I'd be wearing my uniform most of the time.

Curiosity led me to a door on the far end, which opened to reveal a luxurious bathroom. The shower offered programmable water settings, from a refreshing waterfall to a gentle mist.

The mirror, doubling as a health monitor, displayed my vital signs. To ensure privacy and security, I decided to replace the dorm's AI with my own.

"Fran, replace the room's AI," I commanded.

"Replacing AI," Fran responded.

"AI replaced. How may I assist you, Antaeus?" The cat-eyed face in the mirror looked back at me.

"Scan my body's vitals and log them into the Royal Database instead of the school's," I instructed.

"Are you sure, Antaeus? It might trigger alarms at the Admin Hall."

"I prefer the Royal Database; I don't want anyone from this Academy accessing such data without my consent," I affirmed.

"Affirmative. It will take 10 minutes, during which I won't be able to scan your body."

"That's fine. Switch to mirror mode while you process the data," I directed.

As the mirror switched to mirror mode, I saw my reflection—an immature yet handsome face with short dark hair, eyes shimmering with a purple light that often led others to perceive arrogance. At 5'6", I still had time to grow, but my royal robes bespoke my distinguished status.

Exiting the bathroom, I proceeded to explore the remaining rooms. The meditation room emanated tranquility, with holographic mandalas shifting colors in response to my breathing patterns.

Calming melodies played from the sound system, harmonizing with subtle floor vibrations, enhancing the meditation experience. Biofeedback sensors provided real-time data on my mental and physical state.

Finally, the study room awaited, a haven for learning and research. Holographic displays covered the walls, projecting interactive lessons, 3D diagrams, and simulations. A neural interface chair stood in the corner, promising direct mental interaction with digital content.

Augmented reality glasses lay on a sleek table, offering immersive virtual experiences. Smart fabric curtains adjusted their opacity, optimizing natural light while preserving my privacy. Intelligent climate control systems hummed softly, adapting the room's temperature and airflow to my preferences.

The room almost rivaled mine at the royal palace, but I couldn't help but consider the responsibilities that came with such privilege. Having 500 AGCs per month at the age of ten was a substantial amount, but it also meant managing resources wisely, especially considering the additional costs for specialized class materials.

I found myself back in the living room. Knock knock. Hearing the knock I open my door and theres Everley. Changed into a floral white dress that did wonders to her already beautiful presence.

"W-wow Everley, you look beautiful." My gaze sized her up with genuine appreciation. Her face flushed with a hue of red.

"You think so ? That makes me happy Ant." A smile graces her lips, "Lets go get our uniforms at The Sentinel Citadel. Nailah and the rest have already left."

I nodded and walked out, "Alright, we also need to collect our Sunstones."

As we ventured out of my private dorm and into the bustling hallway, the energy of the academy surrounded us. Students were in various states of readiness, some hurrying to classes, while others engaged in animated conversations.

"Do you know where the Sentinel Citadel is Antaeus ?"

Everley's question about the location of the Sentinel Citadel was valid, considering that it was our first day. "I have a general idea of where it is, Everley, but let's ask someone to be sure. We wouldn't want to get lost on our first day."

Spotting a group of what looked to be senior students walking by, I decided to approach them for directions. "Excuse me," I called out to a young woman with blue hair and striking green eyes. "Could you tell us how to get to the Sentinel Citadel? It's our first day, and we're a bit disoriented."

The senior student smiled warmly at us, her aura carrying a sense of confidence and knowledge. "Of course, you're newcomers, right? Welcome to Alkebulan Spirit Academy. The Sentinel Citadel is just a short walk from here. You head northeast from this dormitory building, past the Elemental Training Towers, and you can't miss it. It's a grand, majestic building with tall spires and ancient battle carvings."

"Thank you so much for your help," I replied with gratitude. "We really appreciate it. By the way, I'm Antaeus, and this is Everley."

She nodded and introduced herself, "I'm Amina, and this is Tariq," gesturing to her companions. "If you ever need assistance or have questions about the academy, don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your time here!"

We exchanged pleasantries and With Amina's directions in mind, Everley and I set off towards the Sentinel Citadel, our steps filled with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The academy grounds sprawled before us, vibrant and alive with the energy of aspiring Jorin practitioners.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the diverse array of students around us—some deep in conversation, others practicing elemental manipulation in open spaces, and a few engaged in friendly sparring matches. The atmosphere was charged with determination and the pursuit of knowledge, creating an inspiring backdrop for our journey.

The path to the Sentinel Citadel led us past the Elemental Training Towers, where students honed their control over various elemental affinities. We observed as bursts of fire, gusts of wind, and cascades of water filled the air, showcasing the students' dedication to mastering their respective elements.

Finally, the grand silhouette of the Sentinel Citadel came into view, its imposing structure commanding respect and admiration. The intricate stone carvings depicting ancient battles and legendary spirits adorned its walls, hinting at the academy's rich history and the legacy of Jorin cultivation.

"Here we are, Everley," I said, gesturing toward the Citadel. "Let's head inside and collect our uniforms and Sunstones. Nailah and the others should be waiting for us there."

"Wow, it looks imposing." Everley sized it up. Her eyes filled with wonder. As her mouth hung open.

As we entered the Citadel, we were greeted by the sight of students bustling about, each occupied with their tasks. The atmosphere inside was one of efficiency and purpose, with instructors guiding students and staff members managing the distribution of uniforms.

We approached the designated Admin Hall and Mission Centre area, we were met with an impressive sight. The Admin Hall was a grand, dome-shaped building made of polished marble, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the academy's emblem—a majestic phoenix encircling a mystical orb. The golden accents on the facade shimmered under the sunlight, adding to its regal aura.

Next to the Admin Hall stood the Mission Centre, a structure of equal grandeur but with a slightly more modern touch. Its walls were embedded with enchanted crystals that emitted a soft, iridescent glow, creating a captivating play of colors in the surrounding area. A large emblem of crossed swords and a shield, representing the academy's commitment to training formidable warriors, adorned the entrance.

Inside the Admin Hall, the atmosphere was both formal and welcoming. Ivory pillars supported the domed ceiling, and large windows allowed natural light to illuminate the space.

The Mission Centre, adjacent to the Admin Hall, was a hub of activity. Holographic screens displayed various missions and assignments, ranging from Spirit Beast extermination to artifact retrieval. Instructors and staff members moved with purpose, coordinating missions and providing guidance to students.

As we waited in line, Nailah, with her fiery determination, couldn't hide her impatience. "Antaeus, Everley, you made it! We're just about to collect our uniforms and Sunstones. I was getting so bored waiting," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious.

I smiled in response, appreciating the camaraderie among us. Together, we joined Nailah, Tenzi, Imani, and Kazi in the line. The process of collecting our uniforms and Sunstones was efficient, and soon we were equipped with the official academy attire.

The uniforms were both elegance and practicality.

The academy's uniforms were meticulously designed to strike a balance between tradition and functionality. For male students, the attire included tailored black pants made from a durable, breathable fabric.

The pants provided ease of movement, essential for their rigorous training sessions. Paired with the pants, a white blazer with gold embroidery along the lapels and cuffs. Under the blazer, a crisp white shirt added a touch of formality to the ensemble.

On the other hand, female students wore short black skirts, allowing for both comfort and freedom of movement. The skirts were paired with a matching white blazer adorned with intricate silver embroidery, accentuating the female form while maintaining a sense of elegance. Beneath the blazer, they wore a pristine white shirt, complementing the overall look.

Both male and female students had the option to wear the academy's emblem—a phoenix encircling a mystical orb—pinned to the left lapel of their blazers, symbolizing their affiliation with Alkebulan Spirit Academy.

The enchantments woven into the fabric provided protection against various elemental attacks, ensuring their safety during intense training sessions and real-life challenges.

With our uniforms and Sunstones in hand, we felt a sense of unity and purpose. As we stepped out of the Admin Hall and Mission Centre.

"Hey, stop !" A dark gruff voice came from behind bringing us to a halt. "Did you juniors just collect your Sunstones?"