Valer Borne walked into the wand section with an annoyed expression. She was fuming as she registered their name cards, then threw badges into the air. The badges floated and pinned themselves to the students' clothes.
Rick opened his eyes and looked around. "There's no one here," he muttered, sitting up on the bed.
He smiled. "Damn, that milf is so good at kissing. If not for that half-giant, I would've tasted the professor." He floated into the air, placed his feet on the floor, and blinked—appearing right in front of the door.
Looking out at the academy building, he murmured, "So I'm outside the academy." He noticed everyone taking their luggage up the steps while the half-giant woman guided them.
Once everyone had gone upstairs, she looked back at the infirmary for a moment, then followed them up.
Later…
When the students settled into their rooms, Rick walked toward the stairs, sensing the entire academy. He felt everyone moving toward a large room, so he walked straight ahead, then up the stairs to the first floor.
As he walked, he noticed dead spirits floating and chatting like they were alive.
He frowned. "If people in my world saw them, they'd have turned those spirits into slaves by now."
He passed many portraits on the walls, each one displaying past events and tournaments at the academy. Students could watch the entire event by just standing before the painting.
"They're all interesting…" Rick said, pausing. "How the hell are they able to do this?"
Suddenly, he heard the same voice he had heard when the train arrived at the academy. Realizing it was time for dinner, he hurried upstairs and walked straight ahead into a large hall.
About 600 students were finding their seats. Rick stepped inside and immediately sensed Ben's magic, so he walked toward the second large table.
As he walked, many girls started murmuring. In Rick's dreamy mind, he imagined himself running in slow motion, pink roses flying around him, his silver hair bouncing gently.
Ben and his sisters were already seated. Rick joined them, sitting beside Ben.
Ben looked at him curiously. "Rick, where were you? We didn't see you when we got to the academy. And… why is your body glowing like the world is highlighting you?"
Rick glanced at the half-giant woman. She simply smiled. Rick smiled back, then turned to Ben.
"Where's your room? How is it?"
Ben shrugged. "Well… not sure why, but they gave me a double-bed guest room. And apparently, you're my roommate."
He grinned. "See, Rick? It's not just about beauty or brains. You need luck to get good things too."
Rick played along. "Then we're roommates from now on." He noticed the badge on Ben.
"What's that badge?"
"Oh, this? Professor Borne gave it to everyone. Here, take yours." He handed Rick a fire-symbol badge.
Rick pinned it to his clothes, then—
"Hello! Mic testing. One, tw—" A tall, slim guy got punched down by the half-giant woman mid-sentence. She dragged him outside and returned with a smile on her face.
Valer then walked onto the stage. Everyone turned to her.
"Hello everyone! Since this is your first day, you might not get along with the senior students. So, every day, you will eat with them to build rapport."
"We've divided you into groups. Your seniors will guide you to earn more points and help you win the semester."
"They'll also push you to learn and interact if you're weak at magic."
She continued, "Now, about those badges—fire, water, earth, and air. These will earn points in class and during games, especially tournaments."
"What's the point of winning the semester?" She looked sharply at Rick.
"The group that wins gets ten extra holidays."
The room erupted in cheers. Even Ben made monkey-like noises in excitement.
"But…" she said in a mysterious tone. Everyone went quiet.
"This time, we're adding something new." She looked at a paper. "Those who earn the most points will get to watch the inter-academy Aqua Surf Ball match."
Cheers grew louder. The students buzzed with excitement. Valer smiled at their energy.
Rick leaned over to Ben. "What's this Aqua game?"
"You don't know?" Ben was practically bouncing with joy. "It's one of the most famous games in the world!"
His excitement was overflowing—he nearly ripped his robe in celebration.
Rick smiled slightly.
Valer continued. "Many seniors have noticed that none of our academy students have been selected for the city-level tournament lately. That's because our academy team has been weak."
"But this time, anyone who qualifies for the city-level tournament will get a full scholarship and a VIP room—we just finished building them."
"I hope you all remember this. In two months, we're hosting a tournament between academies. Only fifteen students will be selected. Prepare well."
"Alright then—go ahead and eat."
Students dove into their meals. Rick, now in the Golden Core Realm, didn't feel like eating, but—
"Rick! Try this biryani and hotdogs, they're amazing." Ben handed him a bowl.
Rick took it and ate until he was full.
Many senior students were whispering while watching him. Rick could hear every word.
"Hey, look—he's cute."
"His lips must taste sweet."
"He's totally my type."
"But you said you don't like men!"
"Damn, he's adorable…"
Rick ignored it and kept eating. Ben, noticing the attention, leaned over.
"Rick, can you give me the love letters you're gonna get? Please?" He was practically begging.
Rick smiled, eyes closed. "I already got a milf on day one. Let's see who comes next."
After dinner…
Rick walked with Ben and his sisters up the stairs—four floors in total. They turned right into a section labeled Guest Rooms.
Rick paused at the door. A voice came from the lock.
"Hello roommates! Who's the fairy boy?"
Ben rolled his eyes. "Look at his badge number."
The lock scanned Rick's badge. "Oh! You're that extra roommate."
The door opened. Inside were three cozy couches, a fireplace, two side-by-side bedrooms, wardrobes, and a dining table.
Ben's sisters left after confirming their room numbers.
Rick walked toward another room and opened it, anticipation rising.
He saw the beautiful moon above and a lake below, shimmering with reflected moonlight.
"Ben! This room… is amazing."
Let's see what happens tomorrow…
Which class will Rick attend?
Who will he meet?
What will he learn?