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

had a sturdy build with short brown hair.

he shares quite a lot of similarities

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

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

had had short black hair and an oval-shaped face. Though she wasn't ugly, compared to the likes of Amanda, Melissa, and the others,

undeniable. Especially

who specialized in casting

'That should be it...'

from them, everyone was

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

banquet, for the following two months, exchange students will be joining us in our

out of my thoughts was Donna's

the air

with the

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

a step to

of you have already met at the banquet or known each other beforehand. In fact, some of them are so

a brief introduction, Donna stopped. Redirecting her attention

you guys find yourself

"Sure"

"Thank you"

exchange students

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

the commotion, I suddenly found

my head around, I found the Leinfall twins looking in my general direction. At times they

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

all, that would be quite rude

wanted to sit with Kevin and

one that led them around the academy, they found it easier to just ask

light, the twins quickly sat down. Extending his hand, the older brother introduced himself

Nicholas Leinfall

the others, I leaned against the table and massaged my

hell is

I suddenly realized something.

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

where did I go

...

of a

came to

on a worn-down couch, a lady in her mid-thirties pointed towards the TV screen

the investigation

of youth with jet-black hair and

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

lady excitedly pointed

that come to our house, wasn't it?

"Um, it was..."

Ryan looked up to his mom. Blinking innocently and looking at the TV for a

to think that we would be meeting someone

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

controller, she raised

—Clank! —Clank!

kept playing with his toys. Suddenly,

with the toys in mom's bedroom. Mom wants

so loudly, she could barely hear what they were

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

was doing, Ryan lowered his head.

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

bedroom, he quickly moved towards her

"This should be it..."

of the page, he took his mother's phone and dialed a

making

...

"It's so hot..."

my eyes, I stood under the blazing sun and the blue sky, enjoying the clear and warm

at the front of

"You're finally here"

approximately five minutes, Melissa's figure

a long white blouse coupled with matching black

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

Sort of felt out of