Vol3 Chapter 16 Orientations

The buzz over the rankings hadn’t even died down when Vice Principal Rusell lifted his hand again. Slowly, the plaza grew quiet.

"The welcoming ceremony will be starting soon. All students should head to the Grand Auditorium and follow their assigned professors."

Without another word, several professors stationed around the plaza stepped forward, each guiding groups of students toward the heart of Arianne Academy.

***

The Grand Auditorium was a sight beyond anything most first-years had ever imagined. A massive dome soared above, with enchanted crystals drifting beneath it like tiny stars. Towering marble pillars held hundreds of banners bearing the academy’s crest, while endless rows of seats filled the vast hall.

Not only were the three hundred new first-years there, but also the second, third, fourth, and fifth years. Every student at Arianne Academy had gathered inside, and as the freshmen walked in, countless eyes turned their way.

"So those are this year's newcomers."

"I heard this batch is unusually talented."

"I want to see who's ranked first."

Whispers rippled through the auditorium as first-years filled the front rows and upperclassmen took their places higher up. A deep bell tolled once, then again, and finally—silence. The massive academy crest above the stage blazed with golden light. From behind the curtains, an elderly man stepped forward, clad in simple white robes stitched with golden constellations. His silver hair brushed his shoulders, and though his face bore the marks of age, his posture was unyieldingly straight. The instant he appeared, every professor rose, and every student followed suit. Even Vice Principal Rusell bowed his head slightly.

The Headmaster arrived, calmly scanning the crowded auditorium before he spoke. His voice was soft yet somehow carried to every ear in the room.

"Welcome to Arianne Academy."

The words alone carried a strange weight that instantly quieted the enormous hall.

"For over a thousand years, this academy has stood as a place where talent is discovered, effort is rewarded, and legends begin."

His gaze slowly swept across the freshmen.

"Many of you believe your journey started yesterday."

"It did not."

"It began the day you decided not to give up."

Some students unconsciously straightened. Others lowered their heads.

"You’ve already faced countless challenges but remember this: the entrance exams were never designed to find the strongest—they were simply meant to decide who deserved the chance to learn."

A pause.

"The academy will decide everything else."

The Headmaster clasped his hands behind his back.

"In here, your family name means nothing, your wealth holds no power, and your background earns no special treatment. The only thing that matters is what you can do."

Excitement swept through the freshmen, while several upperclassmen exchanged knowing smiles. They had all heard those words before.

"And ability," the Headmaster continued, "is not fixed."

"A student ranked three hundred today could rise above rank one tomorrow. No position lasts forever, no title is eternal. Only those who keep moving forward deserve to stay at the top.."

His eyes briefly rested on the ten highest-ranked students seated together.

"The academy has reopened the Hall of Stars. For those who have earned this privilege, don’t confuse expectation with praise. You’ve been placed where the academy believes you belong, so now it’s time to prove them right."

A heavy silence hung in the air. Then—thunderous applause filled the Grand Auditorium, with even many senior students joining in. The Headmaster gave a brief nod before stepping aside, and Vice Principal Rusell stepped back to the center of the stage.

"Our next announcement concerns your class assignments."

Another enormous crystal rose from beneath the stage.

Golden words appeared across its surface.

FIRST YEAR CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

Class One

Ranks 1–20

Class Two

Ranks 21–40

Class Three

Ranks 41–60

The list continued until all three hundred students had been assigned to fifteen classes. Rusell explained,

"Your admission ranking only sets your starting point. At the end of each semester, class transfers happen. Students who excel can move up, while those who fall short may be reassigned. The academy values hard work over comfort."

Several students instantly appeared determined, while others suddenly seemed far more nervous.

***

When the applause faded, academy staff moved through the room, handing out small velvet boxes to each student. Amos opened his with ease, revealing a sleek black badge that fit neatly in his palm. The academy crest shimmered briefly across its surface before dissolving into glowing letters.

Name

Amos E. Kyros

Year

First Year

Class

Class One

Current Rank (Year)

1

Current Rank (All)

1093

Student Score

0 Points

Academic Credits

0

Merit Points

0

Conduct Record

Excellent

Beneath the information lay a small magical circle, and Vice Principal Rusell lifted his badge.

"This is your Academy Identification Badge. It serves as your identification, dormitory key, library pass, dining authorization, training permit, examination record, and personal student record."

A ripple of surprise spread through the hall.

"The badge is tied to its owner. It can’t be lost, stolen, or forged. If it’s destroyed, it will simply rebuild itself."

Several students stared at the badge in amazement.

Rusell continued,

"More importantly, the badge continuously updates your Student Score."

A larger projection appeared above the stage.

Student Score

This score reflects your overall performance throughout your time at the academy.

You gain points through:

• Academic excellence

• Combat performance

• Practical examinations

• Research contributions

• Club achievements

• Tournament results

• Community service

• Outstanding conduct

Points may be deducted for:

• Rule violations

• Academic dishonesty

• Unauthorized combat

• Damage to academy property

• Excessive absences

• Failure to complete required assignments

"Your Student Score influences scholarships, academy privileges, competition eligibility, resource priority, and certain special opportunities."

"Every point matters."

Amos looked down at his badge.

"Neat."

He pressed the surface with one finger. The display changed instantly.

"Very convenient."

Beside him, Estelle studied hers with quiet curiosity, while Aurelia was already reading through every function. Chester seemed more intrigued by the rankings than the badge itself, and Elodie busied herself pressing every glowing button in sight. Meanwhile, Edith silently jotted something down in her notebook.

Please don't break it.

"I wasn't planning to..."

***

Following the ceremony, professors guided the freshmen outside once more.

"The Orientation Tour will now begin."

Groups departed in different directions. Their guide was a cheerful middle-aged professor.

"Welcome, Class One. I'll be introducing the major facilities you'll be using throughout your first year."

The group spent the next two hours exploring the academy’s many wonders. They visited the towering seven-story Central Library, filled with books from across the continent, and the massive, enchanted Combat Arena, capable of simulating endless battlefields. The Mana Research Laboratories buzzed with magical experiments, while Alchemy Hall was rich with the scent of herbs and bubbling potions. In the Grand Forge, weapon craftsmen and artificers worked side by side, and the Medical Pavilion could treat even the gravest injuries. They saw the Beast Habitat, home to numerous magical creatures for practical lessons, and the bustling Student Exchange Hall, where commissions and missions were posted. Finally, they reached the vast Dining Pavilion, large enough to feed the entire academy at once.

Finally, they reached an elegant white building perched on a small hill with a clear view of the academy. Its design stood out from all the others—gold-trimmed windows, lush private gardens, and individual training courtyards.

"The Hall of Stars."

The professor smiled.

"Residence of this year's Top Ten."

Even after seeing it, Amos' first thought remained simple.

"...That room is definitely big enough."

***

As the tour came to an end, the freshmen were guided into one of the academy’s lecture halls, where several professors awaited them. An elderly woman stepped forward from the group.

"Before classes officially begin tomorrow. There are several rules every student must understand."

A magical screen appeared behind her.

ACADEMY REGULATIONS

1. 1. Attendance is mandatory unless officially excused.

   2. Unauthorized combat outside designated areas is prohibited.

   3. Academy property must not be intentionally damaged.

   4. Cheating during examinations results in severe penalties.

   5. Dangerous experiments require professor approval.

   6. Students must carry their Academy Badge at all times.

   7. The Hall of Stars is restricted to authorized residents.

   8. Unauthorized exploration of academy ruins is prohibited.

She allowed everyone a moment to read before continuing.

"Now."

"The Academy Point System."

Another screen appeared.

Merit Points

Awarded by professors for exceptional performance.

Can be exchanged for:

• Rare books

• Advanced training rooms

• Private tutoring

• Artifact rentals

• Research materials

• Special academy privileges

Demerit Points

Issued for misconduct.

Accumulating too many results in disciplinary action.

Repeated serious violations may lead to suspension or expulsion.

The classroom became noticeably quieter. One professor chuckled.

"Don't worry, if you just behave like decent students, you'll hardly ever run into problems."

Another professor smiled.

"Although our experience suggests first-years rarely make things easy."

Laughter filled the room as Amos leaned back in his chair. Orientation was finally done, and tomorrow their real academy life would begin.