782 Grand Tour
Just as Mi'ja promised, Rey and Lucielle experienced a very immersive school tour.
They were shown around the building that all students of their Stage—containing Classes A–F—enjoyed, while also pointing out the other buildings meant for the other Stages. She also didn't fail to mention the Advanced and Final Academic Rounds that could be taken in the Academy once a student was done with the base rounds.
The buildings for those existed in a separate compound from the main one, so they didn't get to see them.
Instead, Mi'ja made up for it with lots of stories and detailed information about the school grounds. By doing so, Rey and Lucielle were bound to feel welcome and not lost at all in the new community they found themselves in.
From the cafeteria, to the leisure halls, to the library—to wherever else that existed on the campus—Mi'ja spared no detail in her tour.
This continued, until finally… they arrived at the last tour venue.
"This is the Practical Hall."
A massive building—the second largest thus far—stood right in front of the students, as she introduced it with child-like glee. It was clear that she had a lot of memories with this place.
The building was at least four stories tall, with a width that was incomparable to other buildings within the same campus. Not even the library or main classroom building was as wide as this… and for good reason.
"This is where Magic and Combat is practiced." Mi'ja spoke, walking towards the building. Rey and Lucielle obediently trailed behind her as she went over the details. Apparently, the first three floors were for the First, Second, and Third Years of the Basic Stages, while the uppermost floor was reserved for guests, instructors, or seniors from the more advanced Stages.
For their purposes, she was only supposed to show them around the First Year Hall.
Once they entered the building, they were met with two reception desks, and behind them were rather strict-looking women who were supposed to take the records of those who came to use the Hall, and those who were done using it.
Mi'ja handled the process by explaining the tour, and all they had to do was sign in with a facial scan. Right before they ventured in, one of the strict-looking receptionists leaked out a rather sly smile and said something strange.
"He's also inside, you know?"
Upon hearing that, Mi'ja became flustered for some reason.
"Y-you didn't need to tell me that!" She even went as far as loudly protesting, before reducing her voice and mumbling nearly unintelligible words to herself.
"I already know…"
Rey and Lucielle remained still and didn't comment on this, though they were observant enough to recognize the two receptionists exchanging knowing smiles with each other.
There was clearly a story behind this.
"A-as I was saying…" Mi'ja made sure to divert attention from the rather weird scene by continuing her talk as a guide. "Most of the people that use this place are from lower classes, since they're trying to get to higher classes."
Once again, she mentioned how the rank system in the Academy operated.
"Right now, we are at the top of the food chain among those in the First Year or Stage. To reach Class A, you'll have to accrue enough weekly points, or get a considerably high score in any school event." "I see. So that's why 1-A members don't really come here."
"Well, it's not just that. I don't want you to get the wrong idea and think that our classmates are slacking off." Mi'ja quickly interjected.
"They're not?"
"It's just that there are a lot of resources available to us at Class 1-A, so it's enough to do well and maintain the current points we have. You might not know this, since you two are exceptions, but everyone in that class had to advance from a lower class at some point in time. You don't get from a lower class to Class A without being dedicated."
Mi'ja spoke with such pride about her classmates, which went to show how highly she thought of them. This was yet another reason why she was a solid Class Representative.
"Are we really that exceptional?" Lucielle asked with a raised brow and a bright smile—clearly welcoming some type of praise as a response.
Well, Mi'ja did not disappoint.
"Indeed. It's rare for people to do that. The last time it happened was years ago, and the person has already advanced to Stage 2."
"I see… I see." Her smile only broadened upon taking in the information.
"I'd say it's also very difficult for people to get to Rank A through weekly points. Since they were already placed in their appropriate class after the Entrance, think of it as their cap at that point in time. To increase their cap, they'd have to train very hard and surpass their limits. Even then, the competition is so high that it's almost impossible to get through with just weekly points unless the student suddenly becomes exceptional."
According to Mi'ja's explanation, there was only one sure way to advance to another Class, and it was obvious to all three of them.
"Academy Events provide an opportunity for students to shine in respective ways, which gather them a lot of points, or downright promotes them at the go. It's why everyone here is so excited for them, and why participation is always high."
"I see… I see…" Both Rey and Lucielle nodded.
This happened as soon as they entered the general training hall dedicated to the Stage 1 Students.
"W-whoa!" Those words forcefully left the lips of both Rey and Lucielle as they took the expanse in.
It was akin to a massive auditorium, with people busy with respective weapons or items as though they were in a gym. There was more than enough space for people to train their Martial Arts, Magic, Skills, etc.
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Dedicated items, such as training dummies, target posts, and a bunch of other equipment, were all available for use, making this a place that hundreds of people could properly train in without any interruption or discomfort.
Amidst this crowd of people, though, there was a particular golden-haired boy that drew attention to himself with his intense training, and the multiple broken equipment that lay by his side.
He was also given more than enough space by the other Dragon Students, making him pop out even more. Some people were even distracted by their training by just watching him.
His form was exquisite. Every motion he made was immaculate. His dedication was flawless.
And, his consistency… it was a marvel.
As Rey and Lucielle entered the vast room, they instantly recognized him—though only the former knew him for who he really was.
Mi'ja also noticed him, and her cheeks instantly flushed pink as she tried to look away.
His sweat sprayed all over the ground as he shattered another weapon he wielded, rubbed himself with his towel, and went for another weapon hanging somewhere on the wall.
His chiseled abs showed a little as he did this, and his perfectly toned muscles were also on full display—such that both Lucielle and Mi'ja couldn't keep their eyes off him.
Rey as well… though his reasons were completely different.
'What are you doing here, Adonis?'
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[A/N]
Thanks for reading!
I apologize for yesterday's wrong upload! Forgive me…
Also, I am serious about the Mass Release. It will happen for at least ten days… like that last time. Be prepared!