The Author's POV

"Alright, everyone please be quiet"

—Clank!

Suddenly the doors of the classroom opened up, and Donna entered. Her crisp voice traveled through everyone's ears.

Instantly the classroom quieted down.

Putting her hands on the podium, she solemnly looked at everyone present.

"Okay, have you all received the message? The one about the mourning ceremony for tomorrow?"

[Announcement to all students, due to what happened yesterday at the banquet, Wednesday, from the times 8:00 P.M - 9:00 P.M the academy has decided to...]

Turning my wrist slightly, I pressed on the foremost notification. I quickly skimmed through the long text.

'I see...'

Despite what happened yesterday, classes resumed as usual.

Originally there should've been a week break, but because the incident was handled so cleanly and swiftly, there was no break.

Regarding the fallen professors and students, a mourning ceremony would be held tomorrow night.

That was what the current announcement was about.

"As most of you have been informed, there have been 31 confirmed deaths from yesterday's accident. 15 of which were our very own academy professors"

"I'd like for you all to attend tomorrow as a form of respect for those that have sacrificed their lives for you. It's the least you could do..."

Donna's face was solemn. Even if she was used to death, such announcements were never easy.

Especially since some of the people that died were people that she had talked to as recently as yesterday.

It truly was depressing.

"...enough of that for now"

Finished with all of the depressing stuff, Donna's tone became lighter. Brushing her hair to the side, she checked her watch.

"Alright, with that out of the way it is now time that I introduced you to your new classmates. They should be here soon..."

—Knock! —Knock!

Right on cue, the doors of the classroom opened and around twenty youths came in. They all wore different uniforms.

Instantly the classroom became noisy. Sitting next to me, Kevin's eyes squinted.

"It's that guy"

"Who?"

Curious, Emma turned around and looked at Kevin. With his eyes narrowed, Kevin softly said.

"Aaron"

"You've met him?"

Emma's brows raised.

She had met Aaron a couple of times in the past. She had the worst impression of him.

To think that Kevin went through a similar situation as her.

"Yes, at the banquet. He came at me from out of nowhere. If I don't remember wrong, he said something along the lines of 'you're only so-so' or something of the sorts..."

"That does indeed sound like him. I've had a similar situation happen to me..."

Whilst Emma and Kevin were busy talking, I stared at the incoming students. My eyes instantly paused on a certain few individuals.

Five to be exact.

The Leinfall twins, John Berson, Eleonore Grey, and the man in question, Aaron Rhinestone.

The strongest first years of each respective academy.

Nothing much needed to be said about the Leinfall twins. With their platinum blonde hair, they were easily recognizable. Moreover, their flawless teamwork was what made them so famous.

The same went for Aaron.

black hair and deep blue eyes. His fame and skill were already documented for

on the other hand had a sturdy build with short brown hair. His stature resembled that of Arnold's, however, he

think about it, he shares quite

a shield. If not for John being stronger, I could've easily

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

oval-shaped face. Though she wasn't ugly, compared

were undeniable. Especially since she was a

specialized in casting

'That should be it...'

them, everyone was pretty

knew who they were, but in general, those five people were the ones I had to watch

banquet, for the following

me out of my thoughts was

next to her. Sensing the air of confidence

with

the fact that they were from the Lock or not, it was always gratifying

step to the

banquet or known each other beforehand. In fact, some of

Donna stopped. Redirecting her

guys find yourself a seat.

"Sure"

"Thank you"

the exchange students

separate areas of the classroom, whilst others sat at the front

the commotion, I suddenly found

found the Leinfall twins looking in my general direction. At times they would take glimpses of Kevin

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

naturally didn't refuse. After all, that

they merely just wanted to sit with Kevin

the one that led them around the

I gave them the green light, the twins quickly sat down. Extending his

you, my name is Nicholas Leinfall and this is my

themselves to Kevin and the others, I leaned against the table and massaged my

the hell

I suddenly realized something.

secluded seat far from the prying eyes of others turned out to be the

did I

...

of a shabby three-bedroom

person that came to our

a lady in her mid-thirties pointed towards the TV screen

the investigation

hair and deep blue eyes appeared. Hearing what the anchor had to say about

he was quite a talented youth. To think that he was from the Lock, no wonder he was so

the lady

was him that come to our house, wasn't it? I'm sure

"Um, it was..."

his mom. Blinking innocently and looking at the TV for a couple of seconds, Ryan nodded

we would be meeting someone so important! I

confirmation from Ryan, his mom became quite excited. She had met such an outstanding figure, how could she

controller, she raised the

—Clank! —Clank!

toys. Suddenly,

play with the toys

she could barely hear what they were

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

lowered his head. Taking

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

moved towards

"This should be it..."

of the page, he

making the right

...

"It's so hot..."

blazing sun and the blue sky, enjoying the clear and warm Ashton city weather. With summer around the corner, the temperatures were

at the

"You're finally here"

five minutes, Melissa's figure

white blouse coupled with matching

usually see Melissa

used to this. Sort of felt out of