The Hall of Admissions buzzed with the fading echoes of announcements, the newly assigned students beginning to filter out towards their designated house common rooms. Before anyone could truly settle into their new allegiances, however, a stern-faced instructor at the dais cleared her throat. "Students of the Academy," she boomed, "your dormitories can wait. Your first order of business is to attend your inaugural classes. Report to your assigned lecture halls immediately." A collective groan rippled through the hall, quickly stifled by the instructor's piercing glare.
Ace, with his newfound acquaintance, Klaus, at his side, felt a familiar mix of resignation and quiet amusement. "Well, that's one way to ensure we don't get too comfortable," Ace muttered to Klaus, a sarcastic edge to his voice. "Heaven forbid we actually unpack before being subjected to the joys of arcane theory."
Klaus, who was meticulously re-tying the drawstrings of his worn book, merely chuckled. "Less time to get into trouble, I suppose. Though I can imagine some of the highborns are already planning their first 'study breaks' at the nearest tavern."
"And probably sending their valets to handle their luggage," Ace added, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Wouldn't want to exert themselves before mastering the art of levitating a goblet of wine."
They walked together, a subtle current of distinction marking them apart from the grander students. Ace, a low-tier noble, and Klaus, a commoner, found a quiet solidarity in their shared outsider status. As they navigated the bustling corridors, Klaus occasionally pointed out a particularly impressive arcane display etched into the walls or a strange, glowing artifact in a display case. His genuine curiosity was a refreshing contrast to the haughty indifference of many others.
"So, Aquaris for you, then," Klaus said, as they approached a branching corridor, their paths diverging. "Sounds… watery. Lots of splashing, I imagine."
Ace shrugged. "Hopefully more than just splashing. I'm hoping for some actual power. Though, knowing my luck, it'll be a master class in how to efficiently wring out a wet towel."
Klaus laughed. "Well, good luck with that. I'm off to Terras. Probably learn how to make moss grow on a stick faster than anyone else." He grinned. "See you around, Ace. Try not to drown in arcane theory."
"You too, Klaus," Ace replied, a genuine smile replacing his usual smirk. "Try not to get too rooted in your studies."
As Klaus headed off, Ace made his way towards the Aquaris lecture hall. His mind, however, was already turning to the challenges that lay ahead. He was a low-tier noble in a world of high-tier power, and a commoner, no matter his potential, was even lower. They were both outsiders, but Ace knew his unique power, hidden beneath layers of practiced indifference, was his true ace in the hole.
Ace Dragnell - Initial Status
* Name: Ace Dragnell
* Noble Status: Low-Tier Noble
* Age: 16 (First Year Student)
* Strength: D
* Agility: D
* Endurance: C
* Intelligence: S
* Willpower: A
* Charisma: D
* Arcane Power: C
* Abilities:
* Unique Ability: Molecular Disassembly & Regeneration (Untrained - some basic control achieved)
* Description: The innate power to disassemble one's body to a molecular or even atomic level and reassemble it at will. Can regenerate from a single cell or atom. Can reassemble specific body parts, which will possess the same inherent power as the main body. This ability is currently raw and unrefined, its full potential unknown even to Ace, but he has begun to exercise rudimentary control over it.
* Elemental Affinities: Fire, Air, Lighting
* Skills:
* Basic Self-Defense (C)
* Survival (Wilderness - from his manor's remote location) (D)
* Reputation: Unknown / Low-Tier Noble (among students)
* Silver Crowns: 300
* House: Aquaris