Three days had passed since Scarlett and I started our journey together, and I found myself silently grateful for how our bond had deepened. She had become increasingly comfortable around me, and I was starting to feel the same. Thankfully, there hadn't been any further incidents since that fateful day. Whenever she shyly recalled how she had cried in my arms, her cheeks would flush a deep crimson, and she'd avert her gaze in embarrassment.
"Young master, we've arrived," Sai's voice broke through my thoughts as the carriage came to a halt. One of my knights opened the door with a respectful bow.
I stepped out first, then, like a true gentleman, I extended my hand to Scarlett. She hesitated for a moment before accepting it, her fingers brushing mine as she climbed out with a soft smile.
After paying the knights a generous sum for their service, I instructed them to return. Scarlett and I made our way to the academy gates, the excitement of finally arriving bubbling within me.
Upon entering, a receptionist greeted us and scanned our ID cards, granting us access to the prestigious grounds. With fifteen minutes to spare before the ceremony began, we sought out a quiet corner in one of the academy's lush gardens. We sat on a bench, each lost in our thoughts yet maintaining a respectful distance from one another.
Breaking the silence, Scarlett's voice was soft, sincere. "Thank you so much, Noah. If not for you, I... I don't know what would've happened."
"Scarlett, you're my friend," I interrupted, smiling gently to ease her discomfort. "You don't need to thank me."
"F-Friends? Yours?" she stammered, her surprise obvious.
I chuckled, my own awkwardness rising. "Yes, friends. You don't want to be, do you?"
Her face softened, and before she could answer, she stuttered, "I— I want to be your friend!"
Her ears turned a bright red as she averted her gaze, and my heart warmed.
"Then please take care of me from now on, Scarlett," I said, extending my hand toward her.
"Yes, take care of me too, Noah," she replied, her voice steady despite the flush of red on her cheeks. She took my hand, meeting my gaze, a smile playing on her lips.
For a brief moment, we held each other's gaze, the world around us fading away. Finally, I broke the silence. "We should get going, or we'll be late."
"Oh! Yes, let's go!" she exclaimed, letting go of my hand and standing to lead the way.
We walked toward the auditorium, taking our seats in the back row as the ceremony began. My eyes scanned the crowd, and my gaze briefly landed on Charlotte, sitting elegantly at the front. A pang of something—regret, perhaps?—flashed through me, but I quickly squashed it. "Focus, Noah. You've moved on," I reminded myself.
The atmosphere grew thick with anticipation as the clock ticked on. Finally, all eyes turned toward the stage, where a man in his thirties stepped forward. His aura of authority was unmistakable, and I immediately recognized him as Rein Shroud, the Headmaster of the Hero Academy. He was an SS+ Rank hero, renowned as the strongest man in the empire, and his gaze swept across the room with an intensity that felt like it pierced right through us.
"Hello, everyone!" His booming voice echoed through the auditorium, making the silence almost deafening. "I see you all looking so serious. Don't be afraid; I don't bite. But let me tell you this— you are here because you possess something that others do not. But that doesn't make you heroes. Not yet. This is just the beginning. Here, you'll either work hard to survive, or you'll be expelled. The ones who remain until the end will be the true heroes. So those of you who think you're hot shots because of your rank, remember this— your rank doesn't matter. Only your effort does. Work hard or be left behind."
With that, he snapped his fingers, and in a blink, he vanished into thin air. A heavy silence followed, and I felt a rush of relief— the pressure had been suffocating. But deep down, I knew the words weren't just a warning; they were a challenge. A challenge I had to rise to.
After the ceremony, Scarlett and I made our way to our classroom. As she entered first, I was about to follow when I felt a gentle touch on my arm. I turned, and my eyes met Charlotte's.
Her gaze widened in shock and disbelief as recognition crossed her face. But before she could say anything, I turned my back on her, stepping into the classroom and deliberately ignoring her presence.
I heard the faint stir of whispers as I walked to my seat. Charlotte stood frozen for a moment, then followed me in, her annoyance simmering beneath the surface. She sat at the front, her gaze occasionally flicking toward me, but I had no intention of acknowledging her.
Just then, the door to the classroom swung open with a flourish, and in walked our homeroom teacher, Miss Elsa. A beautiful woman with an aura of power, she immediately commanded attention. As an S-rank hero in her own right, it was no surprise she was teaching at the academy. Her gaze swept across the room with a practiced calmness before she spoke.
"Hello, my name is Elsa. I'll be your homeroom teacher this year, and I'll also be instructing you in mana manipulation," she announced, her voice smooth and commanding.
"Wow, she's beautiful!"
"Wouldn't mind dating her..."
"Are you serious? Have you seen yourself?"
The murmurs of admiration rippled through the classroom. But Miss Elsa's heightened senses caught every word. With a mere flick of her wrist, she silenced the room instantly.
"Enough," she said, her voice sharp, sending a chill down my spine. She didn't need to raise her voice to command respect. "Let's get to work. I'll start with attendance."
"Arthur de Angelis, Rank 1."
"Present," came the smooth, aristocratic reply from a blond boy with void-like eyes— clearly, the imperial prince, Charlotte's stepbrother.
"Charlotte de Angelis, Rank 2."
"Present."
"Lyra, Rank 3."
"Present," came the curt reply of a girl with raven hair, her gaze intimidating and cold.
"Layla Silvermoon, Rank 4."
"Present." I noted the playful smile of my childhood friend as she raised her hand. Despite her charm, I couldn't ignore the fact that she had a crush on that arrogant prince.
...
"Scarlett, Rank 784."
"Present."
...
Finally, my name was called, and I felt the weight of a thousand eyes turn toward me.
"Noah von Augustus, Rank 1000."
"Present."
A ripple of whispers passed through the room. Some snickered. Others muttered. But Scarlett, ever the supportive friend, shot me an encouraging smile. Layla, too, looked intrigued, though I didn't dwell on it. I sat down and ignored the stares.
Miss Elsa didn't waste any time. "Now, let me outline some important rules and regulations…" She went on, detailing the academy's expectations, but all I could think of was how I would rise above this. How I would prove everyone wrong.
When she finished, she dismissed us. "That's all. Tomorrow, your real training begins. Check into your dorms and familiarize yourselves with the academy. I'll see you then."
Without hesitation, I stood up and made for the door, eager to leave the suffocating atmosphere behind.
"Wait!" A voice called from behind me, and I froze. It was Charlotte, her tone sharp but desperate.