WebNovels

Chapter 3 - ❖ CHAPTER TWO: Lost in the Halls ❖

Elira stirred gently from sleep, the soft weight of enchanted sheets wrapped around her like a protective cocoon. Morning light slipped through the window, golden and calm.

"That's a relief," she murmured as she stretched. "I actually slept well."

Sliding out of bed, took shower and everything—she dressed herself in the academy's issued casual attire—a refined, long-sleeved ensemble designed for beauty and elegance rather than battle. The fabric was sleek yet breathable, soft against her skin, its pale silver trim giving her the look of a minor noble rather than a student. It wasn't armor. It wasn't plain. It was… dignified.

She stepped out into the shared common room—a spacious area between her room and Sylvaine's. Just as she stepped out, Sylvaine emerged from her own door. Her posture, as always, was straight and unreadable.

"Are you also heading to the cafeteria?" Elira asked.

Sylvaine gave a faint nod. "Yes."

"Let's go together then."

They walked side by side in silence, their footsteps echoing softly in the sunlit halls.

The Grand Refectory was even more impressive in daylight. Vaulted ceilings stretched high above them, with floating crystal orbs casting soft ambient light. Long tables stretched from wall to wall, with self-moving trays gliding gently between them, offering fresh meals. Students talked quietly at scattered tables, the calm atmosphere far from the chaos Elira had imagined.

It's huge, she thought, stepping in. And elegant. Like a banquet hall carved into a spell.

She and Sylvaine took their seats with two identical trays before them—fruits, warm bread, and tea steeped in pale blue petals. As Elira picked at a piece of bread, she noticed Sylvaine reading a book beside her tray.

"Is that the guidebook?" Elira asked, chewing.

"Yes," Sylvaine replied without looking up. "It's filled with information we're expected to know."

Elira smiled sheepishly. "Right… the guidebook. I actually only read the first two pages last night."

Sylvaine raised a brow.

"What? I was tired," Elira said. "There was a mountain of stuff to unpack. I found the book on my desk and skimmed it while resting."

❖ ARC-001: Welcome to Arcanhelm Academy ❖

Student Orientation Handbook | Issued to All First-Year Enrollees

Property of the Arcanhelm Central Archive – Do not remove from dormitory

▣ SECTION I: The Four Pillars of Arcanhelm

Each student is assigned to one of four Divisions upon admission. These Divisions hail from different nations and represent the vital branches of mana in the realm of Eidralis. Though their abilities differ, they share a single purpose: to eradicate the monstrous threats that plague the world.

🛡️ KNIGHT DIVISION – Fortem Arx

"Steel is our oath, and mana our flame."

• Homeland: The martial country of Caerondel

• Role: Close-combat experts, vanguard defenders

• Mana Use: Physical enhancement, reflex amplification, soulblade forging

• Notable Feature: Some soulbound swords grow sentient or develop names

Knights stand at the front lines of every war. Trained in discipline, endurance, and sword resonance, they lead from the front—protecting those behind them.

✨ HEALER DIVISION – Sanctum Vitae

"We mend what others break, and carry what others bury."

• Homeland: The sacred lands of Astravar

• Role: Medical mana users, restoration experts

• Mana Use: Healing, detoxification, mana stabilization

• Notable Feature: Exceptional resistance to demonic corruption

Healers do not break curses—but their presence is life-giving. In hospitals or on the battlefield, they restore what war tries to destroy.

🔮 CASTER DIVISION – Mysteria Lucis

"Mind, voice, and will—aligned in flame."

• Homeland: The magical republic of Veldrien

• Role: Elemental spellcasters, tactical mages

• Mana Use: Fire, ice, lightning, teleportation, arcane sigils

• Notable Feature: High adaptability, often rivaling Knights in raw power

Casters are brilliant, explosive, and dangerous. Their magic is less controlled than a Knight's blade—but no less deadly.

🐾 INVOKER DIVISION – Covenantum Feram

"What we summon, we command."

• Homeland: The wild frontier of Teryndale

• Role: Beast tamers, summoners, relic channelers

• Mana Use: Beast contracts, artifact fusion, ethereal constructs

• Notable Feature: Ability to summon creatures of incredible rarity and strength

Invokers are few, but mighty. With creatures from other realms bound to their side, they are walking legends in the making.

May your path through Arcanhelm be forged in discipline, tempered in wisdom, and sealed in legacy.

———

Elira leaned back. "Whew. At least I remembered something. And it's Noctwyn today, so… no classes. Just peace."

Sylvaine gave a faint nod. "Enjoy it. Tomorrow, everything begins."

After breakfast, they wandered through the academy's outer gardens, taking in the breathtaking structures and distant floating towers. Eventually, their path led them to a quieter side of the campus—almost too quiet.

"…Are we lost?" Elira asked.

"I think so," Sylvaine replied coolly. "We don't have a map."

"Wow. First day and we're already lost in luxury."

A voice cut through the air like a knife dipped in sarcasm.

"Well, well, well… who let the little lambs wander out of the pen?"

They turned.

Five upper-year students stood casually behind them—three guys and two girls, all with smug expressions and the lazy confidence of people who thought they were invincible.

"Hi there," one of them smirked. "You two lost?"

"Or bored?" another chimed in. "Looking for… fun?"

Fun? Elira blinked. Like tag?

Sylvaine answered flatly. "We're just heading back."

"Oh?" one of the girls laughed. "Back where? You've already wandered so far, you might as well stay."

They stepped in closer.

Elira kept her voice calm, but her eyes narrowed.

And then—

"Wow. You guys really practicing your villain arcs this early in the semester?"

A voice floated in from behind the stone column.

A boy stepped into view—tall, with soft lavender hair that curled messily over his brow. His smile was lazy, but his eyes sparkled like someone who knew exactly how good he was. His posture was relaxed, like he hadn't a care in the world.

"Again?" he said, scratching the back of his neck. "You bullies seriously need new material."

"Tch. It's the Top 4 again," one of the guys grumbled.

Elira's mind flicked. Top 4? Oh right… Arcanhelm has a Top 7… so he's one of them?

"Let's go," the girl muttered. They all turned and walked away.

The lavender-haired boy gave them a lazy wave. "Toodles~"

Once they were gone, he turned to Elira and Sylvaine. "You alright? They didn't touch you, did they?"

"We're fine," Elira said. "Thanks for stepping in."

"No problem"

"You're a second-year, I assume?" Sylvaine asked.

"Bingo," he said, with a dramatic bow. "Second-year, certified beauty and slayer of boredom. Hihi~"

He glanced at Elira. "And you two must be brand new."

"We are," Elira said with a small nod.

"Well, stay out of this area. It's where the annoying ones hang out pretending they're scary. You'd be better off exploring the east wing."

"Got it," Sylvaine said coolly. "Thank you."

Without another word, she reached for Elira's wrist and gently tugged her away.

"Wha—hey—wait—" Elira muttered as she was dragged away, her boots scuffing against the stone floor.

She looked back over her shoulder at the lavender-haired boy. He gave her a cheeky grin and flashed a two-finger salute.

Elira gave a small nod in return. Her way of saying thanks.

Back in the dorm, Elira collapsed onto her bed with a groan.

What a day.

She stared at the ceiling, letting her body sink into the mattress.

Tomorrow… everything begins.

She closed her eyes.

Ready or not… here it comes.

———

More Chapters