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.

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

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

I think about it, he shares quite a lot of similarities with

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

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

wasn't ugly, compared to the likes of

her skills were undeniable. Especially since she was a

specialized in casting

'That should be it...'

was pretty

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

for the following two months, exchange students

out of my thoughts

air

with the student at the

the fact that they were from the Lock or not, it was always gratifying to know that such talented

step to the side, she

to introduce them as most of you have already met at the banquet or known each other beforehand. In fact, some of

Donna stopped. Redirecting her attention back

yourself

"Sure"

"Thank you"

Donna, the exchange students split into many

to sit towards separate areas of the classroom, whilst others

suddenly found two shadows cast over

looking in my general direction. At times they would take

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

naturally didn't refuse. After all, that would be quite rude

wanted to sit

the academy, they found it easier to just ask

sat down. Extending his hand, the older brother

Nicholas Leinfall and this is my

the others, I leaned against

the hell is

I suddenly realized something.

to be my secluded seat far from the prying eyes of others turned out to be the place with the most attention in

did

...

of a shabby three-bedroom

the person that came to our door last

mid-thirties pointed towards

investigation

Besides him, a picture of youth with jet-black hair and deep blue eyes appeared. Hearing what the anchor had to say about

youth. To think that he was

the lady excitedly

come to our house,

"Um, it was..."

with two plastic toy cars in his hands, Ryan looked up to his mom. Blinking innocently and looking at the TV for a couple

be meeting someone so

She had met such an outstanding figure, how could she

controller, she

—Clank! —Clank!

Ryan kept playing with his toys. Suddenly, his mom turned around and scolded

play with the toys in mom's bedroom. Mom wants to watch the

so loudly, she could barely hear what they were

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

Ryan lowered his head. Taking his toys,

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

moved away from the living room. Turning right into his mother's bedroom, he quickly moved towards her drawer and opened it. Without hesitation, he took out a large file and skimmed through

"This should be it..."

page, he took

making the right

...

"It's so hot..."

sky, enjoying the clear and warm Ashton city weather. With summer around

waiting at the

"You're finally here"

waiting for approximately five minutes, Melissa's figure appeared in the

coupled with matching black pants, Melissa calmly walked in

not that I think about it, I usually see Melissa in either a lab coat

this. Sort of