Bells rang across the vast campus as trumpets echoed through the sky.
"Welcome, students, to Initium Academy!"
The amplified voice carried effortlessly across the grounds, commanding immediate attention.
"I am Azra Coko, dean of this academy. As many of you already know, Initium Academy stands as the most prestigious institution in the world. Here, you will learn to properly wield your Numa, create or join clubs, and forge bonds that may last a lifetime."
The voice paused briefly before continuing.
"To our new arrivals—take your time exploring the campus. Once finished, report to the student dormitories to receive your assigned room numbers."
Standing before the towering main building, its spires reaching toward the heavens, Saron Alexandros clenched his fist.
"This time…" he murmured, stepping forward, "this time will be different. I swear."
The academy grounds buzzed with life.
Students of every race crossed the open courtyards—elves, dwarves, beastkin, vampires, and humans alike. Colorful banners marked club booths, while instructors observed from shaded balconies.
"Join the Blacksmith Club!" a dwarf shouted enthusiastically.
"Magic Research Club! Seeking new members!" an elf called out.
"Hey! Over here!" a girl waved excitedly, dragging her friend along.
Mael and Rain stared in open awe. They had heard stories from their older siblings and their mother—but seeing Initium Academy in person was something else entirely.
"You three must be from the Alexandros family, right?"
The sudden voice from behind made both twins jump.
"Yes," Saron replied calmly, turning around. "I'm Saron. These are my brothers—Mael and Rain. And you are?"
The girl blinked, then laughed softly. "Ah—sorry! My name is Eda Dershe." She extended her hand.
Saron shook it. "So… what exactly do you want with us?"
"Oh! Right," Eda said, clapping her hands together. "Dean Azra asked me to give you a tour of the campus."
They spent the next hour exploring nearly every corner of Initium Academy—Numa classrooms humming with energy, bustling clubs recruiting members, and expansive training grounds where students sparred and honed their skills.
At last, Eda stopped before a tall, elegant building.
"And here we are—the dormitories," she said. "The upper floors are reserved for students from the prestigious families of the Astrea continent."
She turned to them with a smile. "Any questions?"
Mael and Rain were speechless, still overwhelmed.
Saron, however, spoke up. "When can we use the training grounds?"
Eda brightened. "They're always open before and after classes. However, the dormitories have strict rules—if you're not inside before sunset, you'll have to sleep in the training grounds and miss breakfast."
Saron smirked.
"Mael. Rain. You two head on ahead," he said casually. "I'm going to the training grounds."
The twins stared at him—then at each other.
Without hesitation, both nodded eagerly.
"Good luck," Rain said far too cheerfully.
Five minutes later, Saron stepped onto the training grounds.
[ LOGIN LOCATION DETECTED ]
[ LOGIN? ]
"Yes," Saron replied.
[ LOGGING IN… ]
[ LOGIN SUCCESSFUL ]
[ LOGIN REWARD: SLOINYX'S OBSIDIAN GREATSWORD ]
"Sloinyx?" Saron muttered. "Who's that?"
[ SLOINYX WAS AN ELVEN HERO FROM OVER THREE THOUSAND YEARS AGO ]
"…Okay," Saron said slowly. "But why a greatsword?"
[ LOGIN REWARDS ARE GENERATED BASED ON THE HOST'S IMMEDIATE NEEDS ]
"So I needed a greatsword," he said, staring at the massive obsidian blade. "Does it have any special properties?"
[ DISPLAYING ITEM DETAILS ]
[ SLOINYX'S OBSIDIAN GREATSWORD ]
[ ATTACK: 145
[ DEFENSE: 160
[ SPECIAL PROPERTY: Weight Change— Allows manipulation of the blade's weight. ]
Saron's eyes lit up. "Perfect. With adjustable weight, I can push my training further."
He paused, eyeing the weapon. "But… how am I supposed to hide something this big?"
[ NO PROBLEM, HOST. I POSSESS STORAGE CAPABLE OF HOLDING ALL NON-LIVING OBJECTS ]
"…Neat."
The system window faded.
Saron drew the blade, adjusting its weight until it strained his arms just enough to matter.
And there—Saron began to train. No interruptions. No hunger. No fatigue. Only steel, sweat, and the resolve to rewrite his fate.