Xavier was struggling to come up with a fast response.
Luckily, the Aetherion staff member saved him.
"Everyone! We have arrived at the Crimson Dormitory. This will be your home for the next four years, unless you get permission to be given new robes and transfer into a different one. The door is locked, but can be accessed through face identification magic which will automatically allow you through. Once you enter, boys are to the left and girls are to the right."
Without another word, the red doors opened up and all the students started rushing in, giving Xavier enough time to postpone his response.
The doors opened up into a great common room. The theme was apparent. Red. The walls were lined with dark red wallpaper and red banners hung on the wall. A bright roaring fire was present in the fireplace, making the area feel warm. Several couches and chairs formed around the fireplace. A pool table was in the corner and a ping pong table was in another corner.
Stairs were present on both sides of the common room that each had a door. Many of the students started heading up their respective staircase to prepare their dorm rooms.
A few others decided to hang out in the common room for a bit.
Arlen was still at Xavier's side, as Xavier decided if he should try to head up the staircase to avoid the conversation. He knew though running away was never the answer. It was better to get it over with. Xavier was rightful though in feeling hesitant.
After all, Arlen was his best friend in his past life who ended up being the one to kill him.
He wanted to make sure he would change it this time around. Even though Xavier was still a bit confused on why they all turned on him. Deep down though, he knew the answer.
"I am alright. Thanks for asking. By the way, my name is Xavier Bloodstone. What about you?"
"Nice! I know the Bloodstone family. Your father Earl Bloodstone is such a nice guy. He always helped my family even though we were just Barons. Anyways, my name is Arlen Graves," Arlen replied happily as he laughed. He was happy to meet the son of a figure he admired.
Xavier was slightly shocked, but he kept it to himself. He had no idea his father had such a good reputation. He then acted a bit surprised even though he already knew Arlen's name the moment he saw his face.
"Nice to meet you officially, Arlen! Do you know any other people here?"
Arlen shook his head.
"Not many people. The Graves family mostly keeps to themselves except a few people such as your father. I feel, to be honest, a bit out of place in such a prestigious academy. I feel like as a Baron I shouldn't be here. I know though I can prove myself."
Xavier nodded slowly. His previous memories showed him how powerful Arlen was in his first timeline. He was Xavier's right-hand man. Despite coming from a family of Baron status, he managed to become one of the most influential mages and one of the best well-known High Arcanists. Xavier, of course, wasn't going to even hint at any of this to him.
"I believe you can prove yourself with time. I know a thing or two about how this academy works. Would you like to be friends?" Xavier asked Arlen with a smile. It couldn't hurt to establish their friendship again and give Arlen a reason to like him.
He just had to find a way to keep him from betraying him.
"I would love to, Xavier! I know your father is amazing, so you must be as well."
They shook hands as Xavier contained himself from getting frustrated.
He did not like being in his father's shadow. Correction. In his old father's shadow.
The King of Eldrath is a very corrupt individual which everybody seems to not know except Xavier. It seemed sort of like a curse of sorts to know this information. Knowing the future doesn't mean everything is going to work out either.
"Sounds great," Xavier said as he gestured for Arlen to join him at the pool table.
They joined a few other students in the dormitory who wanted to play pool. They introduced themselves to each other. Then they got to playing pool. It was an intense game and it got so heated a small crowd formed around the group that was playing. Fast forward, and Xavier hit the eight ball into the last hole.
"We win!" Arlen said as he threw a fist into the air.
Several of the students cheered as the losers sighed.
It was a fun, peaceful moment that the students enjoyed having.
Xavier admittedly enjoyed the attention himself.
After the game, the crowd dispersed as it was getting late now. The only ones left in the common room were Arlen, Xavier, and a couple of other students. It was getting darker now. After a while, the other students went to bed. Then Arlen headed up the staircase saying goodnight to Xavier who was now left alone in the chair nearest to the fireplace.
The roar of the flames seemed to draw Xavier in.
The darkness of the room cast shadows on his face as he reflected on the day.
It was his first full day in his new life. He didn't know yet what to make of all of it. Why he was given a second chance? All he knew is that he wouldn't waste it. Not even for a moment. Xavier decided to go through everything he knew.
Ariel Icefall is at the Institute. She is a High Arcanist candidate. Arlen Graves is a student in the same dormitory as he. So far, he established a friendship with Arlen. He didn't know when he would create a friendship with Ariel again. Xavier knew that most of his Apostles did come from his academy days.
He did not know though if encountering them was a good idea.
This wasn't just a problem he could simply burn down and run away from.
I hope I can change that.