When we first stepped through the inner gate—or rather, the entrance to the main campus—it felt like we'd walked straight into a royal palace. The academy stood on a massive piece of land, connected to the surrounding area only by a colossal bridge that seemed to stretch endlessly. And there, in the center of it all, was Eldoria Academy itself, a timeless structure that looked like it had been carved out of history.
I was completely awestruck by the sheer grandeur of it all. Even Friena, who was usually so lively, stood completely still, taking in the breathtaking view. For a few minutes, neither of us could move. It was like we needed that time to fully process the reality of where we were.
After taking in that breathtaking view, I realized it was time to part ways with Friena. I couldn't afford to get tangled up with the main cast. Nor did I want to be part of their story. My only goal is to survive the chaos that this academy will soon face.
"Friena," I said, trying to sound casual, "I think it's about time we go our separate ways. You should go find your friends, and I'll do the same. Besides, the orientation's about to start. You'd want to stick with someone you know during this important moment, right?"
Of course, I was lying. I hadn't had a friend my age since I arrived in this world. But she didn't need to know that.
Her response came with downcast eyes and a tone that felt heavier than I expected. "Okay, if that's what you want. Besides, you probably don't want to be stuck with a duke's daughter, right? It's annoying having someone like me around. I'll take my leave, then."
It felt like a guilt trap—no, it was a guilt trap. I knew I was walking straight into it, but after hearing her words, I couldn't just leave her alone. I'm not that heartless.
"You know what? Never mind. It's fine. I don't think I'd find my friends easily here anyway. So, if you're up for it, want to check out the orientation together?"
The guilt in her eyes was clear, like she knew exactly what she'd done. But at the same time, her usual energy and glow returned the moment I asked. It made me wonder—how exhausting must it be to live like a political machine, always calculating and never truly free? Not that I could ever relate.
"Students of Eldoria Academy, I extend my warmest welcome to all who have proven themselves worthy of attending our esteemed institution. It is both my pride and joy to witness the arrival of such promising individuals, brimming with vitality and determination. You have gathered here, united by ambition and honor, to walk the halls of this sacred academy—where knowledge, strength, and legacy are forged."
The voice echoing through the hall belonged to none other than Evelyn von Ardentis—the student council president, the heroine of the novel, and, of course, yet another duke's daughter. Her tone was formal and commanding, but for those who knew the story, there was more to her than met the eye. Seriously, what was it with the main characters and being offspring of dukes?
While she droned on with her lengthy and frankly boring speech, Friena and I took the opportunity to sneak a closer look at our surroundings. We even tried to wander off and explore some of the other facilities, only to be promptly stopped by faculty members. It was a bummer, but they were just doing their jobs, so there wasn't much we could do about it.
The speech dragged on for a solid ten minutes before she finally dropped the bombshell: a surprise entrance exam would be held in a few days. I already knew what that meant—it was going to be a death trap for someone as weak as me.
Honestly, why was a baron's son like me even selected? My skills are absolute trash. This body had never been trained, unlike the other nobles who'd spent their entire lives preparing for this moment. No wonder my parents had been over the moon when I got in.
"I expect all of you to attend the exam. Good luck on your first school event," Evelyn announced, her voice crisp and final. She left out any specifics about the exam, but I didn't need them. I already knew what was coming—a monster subjugation event where students could choose to team up or go at it alone.
"Hey, Klare," Friena's voice broke through my thoughts, her tone light but with a hint of hope. "Since they didn't say we can't team up, do you want to partner up with me?"
My stomach dropped. 'No, no, no, no! This is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I can't get any more involved with the main cast. Besides, isn't this the event where she's supposed to meet the main character? Speaking of which, where is he? With his status and looks, shouldn't he be standing out like a glowing signpost in a sea of nobodies?'
I forced a polite smile, shaking my head. "Friena, I'm sorry, but I'm planning to go solo for this one. I can't team up with you."
Her face fell, the brightness in her eyes dimming for a moment. "Okay, Klare. See you around, then," she said quietly, her voice softer than I'd ever heard it. Before I could say anything else, she turned and melted into the crowd, leaving me standing there with a weird mix of guilt and relief.
Now, at least, I could focus on what really mattered: survival. My first priority was figuring out how to avoid the monsters altogether. In my current state, I wouldn't last a second against even the weakest slime.
The event was officially called a "monster subjugation," but in reality, it was a test of how well students understood their abilities and used them to survive. That meant there was a way for even someone like me to make it through—as long as I played it smart, stayed under the radar, and, most importantly, avoided any and all monsters.
After the assembly, we were dismissed and instructed to settle into our dorms. The faculty split us up, guiding the male and female students to their respective dormitories. The air was buzzing with excitement as students chattered eagerly around me.
"I can't wait to meet my roommate!"
"Finally, my dream is coming true!"
Voices like these filled the hallways, their enthusiasm almost contagious. For a moment, I felt a flicker of excitement too. After all, the dorms here were designed for the highest echelons of nobility—luxurious beyond imagination. But that excitement was quickly overshadowed by a creeping dread. Roommates.
Nobles, especially those from higher ranks, rarely take it kindly to sharing space with someone of my status. A baron's son? I might as well have been a commoner in their eyes.
'Oh god, what if I end up with a viscount's or—worse—a duke's son as a roommate?'
Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed as we arrived at the dormitory. Lumine Hall. The name alone carried weight, praised by thousands as the most luxurious dormitory in the entire world. Its towering gates and ornate architecture screamed opulence, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it might be like to live there.
But as I stepped forward to enter, I was abruptly stopped.
"I'm sorry, Student Klare," one of the guards said, his tone cold and dismissive. "You're not on the list of students permitted to enter this dorm."
The other guard sneered, muttering under his breath, "Guess they'll let anyone into this academy these days."
Their words hit me like a slap. I should've seen this coming. Of course, things would be like this. In my interactions with Friena, I'd almost forgotten how harsh the discrimination against lower nobility could be in this academy—no, in this world.
But now, a more pressing question loomed in my mind: 'Why was someone like me even selected? And more importantly, where the hell am I supposed to stay?!'
I stood there, absorbing the guards' words and the weight of my situation. My mind raced, scrambling for a way to avoid spending the night in the wilderness. Then it hit me—I'm still a student, right? They can't just kick me out of the academy entirely.
With that shaky reassurance, I made my way to one of the massive hallways of the school. It was cold and impersonal, but it was better than nothing. I laid down on the hard floor, the chill seeping through my clothes. At least the cafeteria would let me eat there, so food wasn't an issue. But the lack of a proper place to rest was already taking its toll. My back ached, and the reality of my situation sank in deeper with every passing second.
Why did I have to be selected? My dreams of luxury had turned into a complete mess. I couldn't help but wish for someone—anyone—to come and save me from this nightmare. It was all just too much.
"..."
And then, as if the universe had a cruel sense of humor, I regretted ever hoping for that.