I headed to my room, and Tiago went to his.
In front of the door, I saw the usual smart reader and tapped my bracelet against it for identification.
A mechanical voice followed:
[Alex Henzell, room authorized.]
The door opened, revealing a two-person dorm. It featured a modest common area with a small kitchenette, a compact three-seater sofa, and two private bedrooms.
One bedroom had a red light above the door, indicating it was occupied. The other displayed a green light.
I placed my bracelet on the reader by the available door, triggering another voice prompt:
[Personal room unlocked. Registration completed.]
As the door slid open, I got my first look at my new space.
A large double bed rested at the center, covered with soft sky-blue sheets and two fluffy pillows. A small desk stood nearby, with a computer and chair, and a shelf hung above it stacked with empty compartments. Next to the bed was a bedside table, and beside the desk, a wardrobe presumably meant for personal belongings. At the far end, another door led to a private bathroom equipped with a shower and everything else I might need.
Pleased with the setup, I decided to personalize it—at least within my own room. I removed three empty ceramic vases from my space storage. I placed two on the table and set the third atop the wardrobe.
Closing my eyes, I focused and quickly retrieved three different seeds. Planting them gently, I stepped back, shut my eyes again, and reached inward to draw on the strongest power within me.
From both hands, a radiant green light emerged—an energy overflowing with life, nature, and vitality.
Guiding that energy with my will, I directed it into each of the vases. Within seconds, the seeds responded and bloomed. On the table, two beautiful lilies unfurled—one a vibrant pink and the other a brilliant white—radiating enchanting floral scents and wrapped in gentle vines.
Above the wardrobe, a larger plant burst to life. Its broad, vibrant leaves spread across the surface and stretched out along part of the wall, its vines crawling gracefully through the room. Tiny, delicate flowers blossomed from those vines, adding charm and softness.
A strong aura of life and nature filled the space. The atmosphere shifted instantly, giving the room a soothing, natural feel.
"Refreshing... just the way I like it," I said with a light smile.
I can adapt to any environment, but I've always preferred places that are filled with greenery and the serenity of nature. Maybe it's because of my past lives—particularly the one where I lived almost entirely alone in a forest, becoming one with it.
To complete the decor, I pulled out some artwork from my storage.
One was a feat of calligraphy I created when I served as Minister of Economy during a life in the Chinese Dynasty. The second was a realistic painting of a fantastical kingdom with a wide river flowing through it, birds soaring in the sky. The third was a cubist piece, abstract and vivid, made of broken images and colorful squares.
After arranging them around the room, I felt a sense of contentment with the space I had created.
I then walked over to the desk and pulled out a small device I had built—wires designed to connect my smart bracelet directly to the computer.
"Andromeda, connect to the academy's network. Access it slowly—stay under the radar. Your top priority is not getting caught."
"As you wish, Master," Andromeda replied.
I stretched my body lightly.
And that's when I heard the door open. My roommate must have arrived.
Curious, I stepped out to greet him—and saw a tall figure entering the shared space.
He stood about six feet tall, with light bluish-green hair, a handsome yet quiet expression, and a lean frame.
I observed him thoughtfully. Hight Selvagian are usually paired with the same race, and Selvagians-with Selvagian—so it made sense to assume he was a Selvagin.
"Hello," he said calmly. "I'm Arno, a Selvagian wolf. I imagine we'll be sharing this room."
There was no trace of hostility in his voice, and I sensed no negative intent—yet something about him didn't quite fit. There was an incongruity I couldn't place.
Regardless, I returned the greeting with the same politeness and a smile.
"A pleasure. I'm Alex, squirrel Selvagian."
We exchanged a few words and agreed on some basic arrangements regarding the shared space and our daily schedules.
Arno was very quiet. From experience, I could tell he was hiding something. I have a natural sensitivity to people's emotions, and while he harbored no resentment toward me, I could feel something buried inside him. It reminded me of certain people I'd met in previous lives—those carrying silent storms.
Still, it didn't concern me directly, so I decided not to pry.
Just then, I heard another sound at the door—and I had a good guess who it was.
Sure enough, when I checked and opened it, it was Tiago. But he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was a young woman—strikingly beautiful, with long white hair that shimmered like a dream, giving her the aura of a rare legendary creature I once encountered during a life as an archmage.
"Older brother! How's your room? I just finished setting up mine!" Tiago grinned.
I smiled back and ruffled his hair affectionately.
Then I turned to look at the girl beside him. Her expression was sincere and calm, radiating a quiet honesty.
Seeing my gaze, Tiago seemed to realize he'd forgotten something. A little flustered, he spoke up.
"Oh right! Alex, this is Lívia—my roommate."
With that, she stepped forward and offered her hand.
"I'm Lívia. It's a pleasure."
I shook her hand and returned the smile.
"Likewise. I'm Alex."