Lorian smiled. These two at least weren't foolish enough to overlook their well-being. Normally, students label those who refuse challenges as cowards to provoke them. So, she hoped Skyler and Charles would stay level-headed even in those times.
"You can decline. However, you have to accept the challenge if the challenger files a complaint and the professors deem it okay. This is to foster competition."
She leaned in slightly and whispered.
"A friendly piece of advice: fighting in campus is forbidden. Students can only fight in the arenas in the academy. So, if you two avoid those who challenge you, maybe you will stay in Class A longer."
Charles nodded and muttered a thanks.
Skyler sighed in relief. He was shameless, so he knew he could avoid fighting until he got strong enough to beat the challenger.
He started checking his ID card as they climbed back onto the four-wheeler.
It was quite late already, and Miss Lorian informed them that their final destination was the Elite students' living quarters, the rooms assigned to them by the academy.
Skyler noticed a mark on the back of his student ID. When he pressed it, a floating hologram materialized before him. Charles could see it too; it was similar to the one they saw when Lorian used her card.
_______
Star coins: 00
Voice command to:
- View your timetable
- Check available missions
- Summon an automatic ride
- View and pay your fees
- To transfer star coins
_______
Skyler and Charles noted the five options shown on the hologram. Technology was convenient. Lorian had registered them in the academy database, so their timetable was updated with the regular classes they had to attend every day except sunday.
Regarding the optional divisions, she had registered them for the talismans division for now, as they had told her to register for the division with the most students.
Of course, Skyler wanted to join more divisions, but Miss Lorian, with the most polite smile she could muster, advised him to explore the rest of the divisions first. His days would be packed with regular classes. How could he possibly find enough time to study for more divisions than one?
Nevertheless, he could always register for more divisions later on. He just needed to visit the same place where she got their ID cards to register for additional divisions.
Skyler glanced at Charles' ID card.
"Student number 101? I am 102. I guess Class A has 100 students, excluding us."
He caressed Riruru as their ride finally stopped before the rows of buildings that comprised the students' residences. The area was divided into three parts, with the buildings in the central part being more luxurious than those in the other two.
Lorian quickly led them inside one of the luxurious buildings, stating that this whole area was only for the first-year Elite class. The residences for the students of other years were located in different areas.
Skyler and Charles noted that on the first floor of the building, multiple chairs were lined around tables. Lorian told them that this is where they would get their daily meals, provided they arrived on time.
The building was eerily silent, bathed in darkness except for a few flickering lights. After all, the students living there were probably sound asleep at this hour.
They finally came to a stop outside two rooms on the fourth floor. Lorian seemed fine, but the youths were dead tired and wanted nothing more than to rest.
Skyler noticed that, unlike the rest of the rooms around, the metal doors of these rooms were not marked with numbers.
Lorian asked them to put their student ID cards on the doors' digital locks. They both parted ways and did as she instructed.
The moment their IDs touched the locks, their student numbers materialized on their room doors. Skyler let out an 'Oh', staring at the number 102 that appeared on his door.
"Now I understand why these two rooms didn't have room numbers before."
With a click, the metal door to his room creaked open. He glanced over at Charles, whose room was next to his. Just like him, Charles's door had also opened, and it was now marked with his student number 101.
Lorian gathered their attention before they entered their rooms, forgetting about her.
"These are your living quarters while you both are in Class A. They are safe, and no one can get in except you. So make sure you don't give your ID to anyone else."
She checked her watch and sighed softly, realizing how late it was. In an hour or two, the new day would begin.
"I have texted the workers on the first floor. First thing in the morning, you two will need to give them your measurements, and they will provide you with your uniforms."
They nodded, and she smiled.
"Alright, that's it. My job here is done. Now, you both have a basic understanding of the academy. I hope this will be enough for you to adjust here. Only a few hours are left before sunrise. Rest until then."
With that, she turned and left. Charles and Skyler didn't even exchange a final glance before entering their respective rooms.
After the longest and most tiring day of their lives, they were completely drained.
As Skyler stepped into his room, the lights lit up automatically. The first thing he saw was the medium-sized bed on his right.
Across from him, a study desk with a chair and a closet rested against the wall. Facing the bed, one corner housed a small kitchen area equipped with a freezer and essential supplies, while the other held a bathroom.
A window above the study table, adorned with curtains, offered a view of the outside. The room wasn't small; in fact, it was larger than the one Skyler had at home. Moreover, it was well-maintained and clean.
He removed his jacket and it dropped on the floor before placing Riruru on the bed. She looked around before closing her eyes again, eliciting a sigh from him.
"You have been sleeping a lot lately."