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 and skill were already documented for

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

I think about it, he shares

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

Lastly, there was Eleonore.

face. Though she wasn't ugly, compared to the likes of Amanda, Melissa, and the others, she

Especially since she was a combat

who specialized in

'That should be it...'

everyone was

those five people

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

me out of my thoughts

air of confidence and

were definitely on par with the student at

the Lock or not, it was always gratifying

to the

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

a brief introduction, Donna stopped. Redirecting her attention

how about you guys find yourself a seat. Just sit

"Sure"

"Thank you"

the exchange students split

separate areas of the classroom, whilst others

commotion, I suddenly found two shadows

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

"May we sit here?"

"...Sure"

didn't refuse. After all, that would

wanted to sit with Kevin and the

them around the academy, they found

gave them the green light, the twins quickly sat down. Extending his hand, the older brother introduced

name is Nicholas Leinfall and this is

and the others, I leaned against the

the hell is

I suddenly realized something.

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

did I

...

of a shabby

came to our door last

her mid-thirties pointed towards the TV screen

investigation on

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

To think that he was from the Lock,

lady excitedly pointed at the

it was him that come to our house,

"Um, it was..."

cars in his hands, Ryan looked up to his mom. Blinking innocently and looking at the TV

meeting someone

had met such an outstanding figure, how

controller, she raised the

—Clank! —Clank!

with his toys. Suddenly, his mom turned around and

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

so loudly, she could barely hear

"...Okay, I'm sorry"

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

"Thank you, Ryan"

"No problem"

from the living room. Turning right into his mother's bedroom, he quickly moved towards her drawer

"This should be it..."

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

I'm making the

...

"It's so hot..."

enjoying the clear and warm Ashton city weather.

was currently waiting at the

"You're finally here"

minutes, Melissa's figure

long white blouse coupled with matching black pants, Melissa calmly

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

wasn't used to this. Sort of felt