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.

blue eyes. His fame

with short brown hair. His stature resembled that

it, he shares quite a lot of similarities with

for John being stronger, I could've easily have

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

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

skills were undeniable. Especially since she was

specialized in

'That should be it...'

from them, everyone was pretty much an

were, but in general, those five people were

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

out of my thoughts was

around, she stared at the twenty students next to her. Sensing the air of confidence and aura coming

were definitely on par with

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

step to the

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

introduction, Donna stopped. Redirecting her attention back to

you guys find yourself a seat.

"Sure"

"Thank you"

exchange students split into many

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

commotion, I suddenly found two shadows

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

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

naturally didn't refuse. After all, that

wanted to sit with

around the academy, they found it easier to just ask

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

meet you, my name is Nicholas Leinfall and this is my

the others, I leaned against the table and massaged my

the hell is going

I suddenly realized something.

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

did

...

of a shabby

that came

lady in her mid-thirties pointed towards the TV screen

the investigation

with jet-black hair and deep blue

like he was quite a talented youth. To think

her son, the lady excitedly pointed at the

to our house,

"Um, it was..."

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

would be meeting

became quite excited. She had met such an outstanding figure, how could she not

controller, she

—Clank! —Clank!

his toys. Suddenly, his mom turned

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

playing so loudly, she could barely hear

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

doing, Ryan lowered his head. Taking his toys, he

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

moved towards her drawer and opened it. Without hesitation, he took out a large file and skimmed

"This should be it..."

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

making the

...

"It's so hot..."

clear and warm Ashton city

currently waiting at

"You're finally here"

for approximately five minutes, Melissa's figure appeared in

with matching black pants, Melissa

that I think about it, I usually see Melissa in either a lab coat

Sort of felt out of