Chapter 34: Academy day
The first rays of dawn spilled into Dorm Seven, brushing the wooden floor with a soft golden hue. A light tap on his shoulder stirred Eren from slumber. His translucent blue eyes opened slowly, meeting Xīrán's calm, steady gaze.
"Master should wake up and ready for breakfast," she said simply, her tone neither hurried nor soft.
Eren yawned, sitting up with a languid grace. His long fingers raked through his hair as he muttered, "You're persistent. I thought you'd leave me to sleep."
"You promised we'd attend the opening ceremony together," Xīrán replied, already dressed neatly in the academy's simple uniform.
Eren stretched his limbs and rose without complaint. Across the room, the others were also getting ready. Xiao Wu was the most energetic, hopping around like a restless rabbit, while Tang San sat quietly, adjusting his clothes with practiced precision.
Wang Sheng and the other dormmates cast discreet glances at Eren. Ever since last night's events, where Xīrán had defeated Xiao Wu and declared Eren her master, his presence had become a mystery to them, an unspoken weight in the air.
"Let's go," Eren said, fastening his robe lazily. His voice was calm, almost indifferent, yet it carried a sense of authority that made even the noisy Xiao Wu pause.
The group made their way to the cafeteria on second floor. The rich aroma of steamed buns, porridge, and freshly fried dough greeted them. Xiao Wu's eyes sparkled instantly, all traces of last night's sulking forgotten.
"Boss, can I eat extra today?" she whispered to Xīrán, tugging her sleeve like a spoiled child.
"Pay for it yourself," Xīrán replied coolly.
Eren raised a brow, amused by the exchange. He picked a quiet corner and sat down, his posture elegant yet distant. Xīrán naturally settled beside him. Xiao Wu, after pouting for a full three seconds, took the seat across from them. Tang San joined silently, his eyes flickering briefly toward Eren before dropping.
Breakfast passed without incident, though Xiao Wu's cheeks bulged like a chipmunk with every bite, earning her a subtle shake of the head from Xīrán.
After the meal, they moved toward the academy's central plaza, where the opening ceremony was held. The square was bustling with students in crisp uniforms, teachers lined up at the front. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and the emblem of Nuoding Academy glimmered under the sunlight.
Principal Ao stood at the podium, his voice warm as he addressed the crowd.
"Welcome, new students, to Nuoding Academy! From this day forth, you embark on the path of soul masters, the pride of our continent! Here, you will learn discipline, wisdom, and the strength to shape your destiny."
The speech was lengthy, filled with encouragement and rules, but Eren paid little attention. His eyes roamed the gathering, indifferent yet observant.
'So many children dreaming of greatness… unaware how cruel the world truly is, should I pull them in black lotus after they suffer cruelty of world '
When the ceremony ended, the students dispersed to their respective classrooms.
Classroom One was spacious, filled with the hum of chatter as students settled into seats. At the front stood a tall, lean man with sharp eyes and an aura of strict authority. His black robe marked him as an instructor.
"Quiet." His single word silenced the room instantly.
"I am Teacher Mo Wen. For the next three years, I will oversee your cultivation and academic progress. Today, we will start with introductions. State your name, martial soul, and innate soul power."
The first few students spoke nervously, their voices trembling slightly. Most had average martial souls, some barely reaching level 3 innate power. Then came Xiao Wu.
The pink-clad girl bounced up cheerfully. "My name is Xiao Wu! Martial soul: Soft Bone Rabbit! Innate soul power: Level 10!"
Gasps erupted in the room. Even Teacher Mo's brows lifted slightly.
Another innate full soul power?
Before the murmurs settled, Xīrán stood gracefully. Her calm gaze swept the class before she spoke.
"Name: Xīrán. Martial soul: Blue silver grass. Innate soul power: Level 0.5."
Whispers filled the air instantly. Some snickered softly, but none dared laugh outright after recalling last night's rumors about her strength.
Xīrán ignored the noise and sat down without a flicker of emotion.
Next was Tang San. He rose with measured composure.
"Tang San. Martial soul: Blue Silver pig. Innate soul power: Level 10."
Another wave of astonishment swept through the room. Two innate full soul power students in one class? This intake was unprecedented, but what is pig?.
Finally, all eyes turned to the boy who had remained silent at the back,Eren. His crimson eyes met the teacher's gaze without hesitation as he rose slowly, his presence calm yet carrying an invisible weight.
"Eren," he said simply. "Martial soul: Lotus of Life. Innate soul power, Level 3."
This time, the room plunged into complete silence. Two innate full soul power students? And one new healing type, Even the teacher's eyes widened. But what unsettled the class more was not his words, it was his aura. He spoke without arrogance, yet something about him made even the proudest student avert their gaze, like a natural born monarch.
Eren sat down without another word, resting his chin on his hand as if none of this mattered to him.
The class buzzed in hushed tones, but no one dared approach him. Beside him, Xīrán remained composed, her attention fixed ahead, while Xiao Wu pouted quietly, jealous that her own reveal had been overshadowed. Tang San, on the other hand, lowered his eyes, a faint glint flashing within them.
'Eren… what exactly are you hiding?'