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.

eyes. His fame

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

about it, he shares quite

aside, both of them used a shield. If not for John being stronger, I could've easily have mistaken the duo for a pair of

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

Though she wasn't ugly, compared to the likes of

undeniable. Especially since she was a combat

specialized in casting

'That should be it...'

everyone was pretty much an

in general, those five people were the ones

banquet, for the following two months, exchange students

out of my thoughts was

twenty students next to her. Sensing the air of confidence and aura

with

Lock or not, it was always gratifying to know that

a step to the side, she

of you have already met at the banquet or known each other

her attention back to the exchange students, she

how about you guys find yourself a

"Sure"

"Thank you"

the exchange students split into many different

of the classroom, whilst others sat

suddenly found two shadows cast

my general direction. At times they would take glimpses of Kevin and

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

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

wanted to sit with

the one that led them around the academy, they found

sat down. Extending his hand, the older brother introduced

is Nicholas Leinfall

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

the hell is going

I suddenly realized something.

eyes of others turned out to be

did I

...

a shabby

person that came to our door last

worn-down couch, a lady in her mid-thirties pointed towards

the investigation on the

it, a TV anchor relayed the news. Besides him, a picture of youth with jet-black hair and deep blue eyes appeared. Hearing

was quite a talented youth. To think

the lady excitedly pointed

was him that come to our house, wasn't

"Um, it was..."

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

that we would be meeting someone so important! I can't believe

mom became quite excited. She had met

her controller, she raised the

—Clank! —Clank!

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

why don't you go play with the toys in mom's bedroom. Mom wants to watch

could barely hear what

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

lowered his

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

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

"This should be it..."

page, he took his mother's

I'm making the

...

"It's so hot..."

eyes, I stood under the blazing sun and the blue sky, enjoying the clear and warm Ashton city weather.

at the front of the

"You're finally here"

minutes, Melissa's figure appeared

coupled with matching

Melissa in either a lab coat or school uniform...she looks

used to this. Sort of felt out