Chapter 777 A Quirky Welcome
"Settle down in your respective seats. Over there." The Instructor pointed Rey and Lucielle in the direction of their seats, to which they nodded and obediently walked towards. Since the chairs and desks were arranged in five rows and four columns, there was sufficient space for Rey and Lucielle in the fourth and fifth column. Per the instruction of the Instructor, though, they ended up seated right beside each other.
It was a very convenient arrangement, and Rey found both himself and his partner sighing in relief as they ventured to their seats.
Once they settled in their respective chairs, the three-horned man proceeded to speak.
"Welcome to Class 1-A, which I already assume you've already been briefed about in your Orientation. We're the best among Stage 1 Students, which is why both the number of available seats and students here are the smallest."
Indeed, Rey and Lucielle already knew all of this.
The other Classes, from B–F, had a lot more students in their classrooms. They were also doing their very best to ascend to Class A—though such a venture was nigh impossible.
"Consider it a privilege you made it here. But, also remember not to be too conceited and get comfortable. We have weekly assessments that get to determine a student's compatibility with their present class. If you fall short in overall points, you'll be demoted. And if a student gets sufficient points in a lower class… they can take your place here. Hence, it's important not to underestimate anyone or feel invincible in your elevated status."
As the two heard this surprisingly insightful message from the Instructor, they nodded slowly and gave him all their attention.
"Now then… why don't we all introduce ourselves to the new students since they've been so courteous as to introduce themselves to us? I'll start first."
With a hand on his forehead, and one on his stomach, he bent slightly as he uttered his name.
"My name is Isra'il, a designated Dragon Commander and former war veteran. I chose education after serving the Empire for decades and paid my dues to the Emperor. I consider this a much more impactful and fulfilling occupation, which is why I am here now."
It was amazing how Isra'il wore his heart on his sleeve in his introduction.
He spoke with a warm smile, with a look of pride on his face as he listed his past accomplishments, as well as the honor he felt to be an educator to the current generation of exceptional talents.
Everyone in the class was also smiling as he spoke, which meant he wasn't exaggerating about anything. Their reactions also displayed that he was both beloved and respected by his wards—something that wasn't easy to accomplish.
"You'll find your stay here amazing, as long as you do not slack off. I certainly hope you maintain this prestigious position and continue to soar high as you were always meant to be. As your Instructor, I hope to inspire you and contribute greatly to that journey of yours. R'ai and Luc'ia… welcome once again."
A round of applause echoed in the classroom, causing Instructor Isr'ail to get a little flustered.
"H-hey, that's enough!" Their exaggerated claps made him slightly blush, but he quickly controlled himself and sighed.
Once they ceased the loud applause, he was finally able to get another word in.
"It's time for everyone else to introduce themselves."
Just like that, each of the thirteen other students in the classroom rose to their feet and began to introduce themselves.
"Call me Y'ama. It's nice to see new faces." This first guy seemed like a model student, with smooth black and grey hair, and a very neat uniform, and a polished demeanor.
He had a serious face, and it was clear he took education as his top priority.
"My name is Mor'ucho. I hope we can be friends!" Having a sharp contrast to the first guy, this guy had spiky blonde hair, with what resembled whiskers on his cheeks.
He had a playful smile, but everything about him screamed of sincerity and kind-heartedness.
"They call me G'eraiya. Consider it an honor to be in the same class as me. Don't worry… I'll make sure to look after you two."
This one just looked like an entitled asshole.
"M-my name is Din'ah! I-I think you're both really pretty… I mean… pretty amazing!" She was very pretty in her own right, but her flustered speech made it so she swiftly got her word out and returned shyly to her seat.
"I am Ph'irabel." Yet another girl—her appearance as plain as her introduction—spoke up, before returning to her seat.
"Chi'go is my name… balling in swag is my game. I suppose I should also look out for my juniors, so come ask me anything if you need anything." He had chains, earrings, and all manner of piercings on his body. Apparently, that was allowed in the Academy, so he didn't get into any trouble.
Still, despite his best attempts to act cool, he just felt a bit weird.
"A'manda." The female version of Y'ama spoke up, with her serious demeanor and her round glasses. Her no-nonsense attitude instantly caused the air to stifle a little bit.
"I am called Lu'ffa. My dream is to be the strongest Dragon Lord in history, and serve the Emperor on his right hand! Remember my name!" For some reason, this guy was wearing a straw hat indoors, with strands of his white hair leaking out of it.
His energetic crimson eyes nearly matched Lucielle's, though he simply appeared goofy.
"My name is Ad'oni… and it's a pleasure to meet you all." He was easily the most handsome person in the room, with golden hair and sparkling golden eyes.
As soon as he was done with his rather brief and courteous introduction, he returned to his seat.
For a moment, there was silence… but the introductions soon continued.
"Hi. I'm Mi'ja, and I'm the Class Representative. It's good to have new faces, and I hope you excel greatly here." A rather sweet-looking girl spoke up.
Her short pink and lime green hair swayed as she grinned brightly at the newbies.
"My name is Cyn'dy. Please go out with me, R'ai!" An oddly energetic girl said loudly, bowing and smiling creepily at Rey.
"My name is Man'dy. Please go out with me, Luc'ia!" An oddly energetic boy said loudly, bowing and smiling creepily at Luc'ia.
Yes… they were twins.
"Forgive the ramblings of my classmates, will you? I'm Geo'rge, and it's a relief to finally have normal classmates for once." This one in particular had glasses, and he flexed them while he spoke, having a mysteriously distant smile on his face.
Something about him—perhaps even more than that—seemed far from normal.
"Haha! Well, I hope to get along with everyone." Rey said with a smile, and his words were followed by Lucielle's voice practically reiterating what he said.
Thankfully, the class received their response well, so there was hardly any awkwardness present.
And so, after the rather interesting names burst forth, and each student exhibited their quirky personalities—enough for even Rey and Lucielle to nearly cringe at times—the rather lively welcome by the most elite class in their Stage came to an end.