Riruru stirred in Skyler's jacket. He looked at her and then at the VP's assistant, who had introduced herself as Lorian.
"Excuse me? Can we first go to the place where we can get a 'Beast ID'? I want one."
Lorian was surprised when she saw a beautiful snake slithering out of his jacket. She was a young and pretty-faced woman, a head taller than both Charles and Skyler.
"Okay, the Beast Tamer division is next to the building that provides student ID cards. We can head there first. That way, you two can get your ID cards as well."
They left the building, and Lorian used the card around her neck to summon a familiar four-wheeler for a ride. She addressed them as they both climbed in and settled into the seats, relieved they didn't have to walk.
"I just used my ID card to call a ride, you guys can do it as well. Your cards will keep track of the star coins you earn here. Food is free. But you can only use your cards to pay your fees or buy anything else here."
Skyler and Charles nodded. It seems the academy tracks what a student earns, and to make sure they don't pay their fees using other sources, they made these ID cards.
As their four-wheeler passed through the bustling academy, Lorian pointed out each building, explaining its name and purpose.
They passed the buildings assigned to the alchemy division. Every window was lit with the glow of bubbling concoctions under the night sky that was darkening further.
Next, they passed by the buildings given to the mech and technology divisions, where the space echoed with the clang of metal.
The talismans, the runes, and even the inscriptions division buildings all followed, each division a testament to the academy's vast and diverse curriculum. They paused briefly before some square structures.
Lorain gestured toward the structures, striving to familiarize them with this vast place. This was the task assigned to her.
"These are the libraries. You two will find many in different areas. But the largest one is in the heart of the academy. It holds the most extensive collection of books."
Next, they saw the area where the weapon division was located, its forge blazing with intense heat. There were even shops within each division run by senior students to earn star coins. These shops offered a variety of materials, allowing students to purchase everything they needed for their studies.
Of course, if students can't find what they need in those shops, they always have the option of going outside the academy.
Charles raised a brow.
It was a loophole. He mused, sure that many wealthy students exploited it.
After all, if they were allowed to buy what they needed from outside, they could just use their families' wealth to purchase it.
This allowed them to save the star coins they earned within the academy and use them solely to pay their yearly fees.
Charles was sure the academy was aware of this. But since they haven't stopped this practice, it's clear they don't care much, as long as the students pay their fees with the money they earned through the academy.
Skyler suddenly raised his hand.
"Where are the regular classes held? Do the students have to run to different divisions every time they are done with a class?"
Lorian chuckled at him.
"Don't worry, joining these divisions is optional for all, and students usually only join one along with their regular classes, which are held near their residences."
Skyler nodded, mumbling.
"What a waste. They have such a good place where they can learn so much, but they only join one of these divisions."
Hearing him, Charles deadpanned.
"Not everyone can learn anything just by reading it once like you. We are ordinary humans with limited capacity to learn."
Lorian rolled her eyes with a smile when Skyler told Charles that he would join many divisions and learn everything available for free in this academy like a sponge.
'Let's see if you have any time to handle more than one division in the future when your schedule is packed with classes.'
By the time they reached the Beast Tamer division, the night was well underway. The area was mostly deserted, except for a few diligent students who were still working.
Skyler secured a beast ID for Riruru. It was a small, square card with her picture and a government-issued stamp certifying her as harmless. Miss Lorian, meanwhile, went to get student ID cards for him and Charles.
He stored Riruru's beast ID in his storage ring, then he and Charles took out snacks from their storage rings to eat with Riruru. After all, they were feeling hungry. While they were waiting for Lorian, a glowing structure far away caught Skyler's eye.
"What's that? We didn't notice it before."
Charles followed his gaze.
"It doesn't look normal..."
Lorian responded to them from behind.
"It's the Evol Pressure Vault. A place where willpower is tested. It was created ten years ago. You two will get the chance to enter that place with your class sometime."
They nodded, and she handed them their cards. Skyler wore his around his neck.
His name, age, and a picture Lorian had taken when she left were present on the ID card, along with the words 'First Year Elite Class A' and student number 102.
"Class A?"
He muttered, and Lorian explained.
"The academy has a large number of students. So, for each class, students are divided into three sections based on their performance: A, B, and C. You two will join section A for now, according to the VP."
"For now?"
"Yes, because students in section C are allowed to challenge those in B, and those in B are allowed to challenge those in A to take their spots. Since Class A students enjoy better living space than the rest."
Skyler chuckled nervously and glanced at Charles, who was at a loss for words.
"I guess VP Doris really wants us to walk out of this academy ourselves. Or else, why would we be sent to Class A when it's clear that both B and C will try to challenge us?"
Charles frowned and looked at Lorian.
"We can decline those challenges, right?"