The night had already fallen when I arrived at the Luminaries dormitory. Soft lights illuminated the walkway, but the atmosphere still felt… boring. I dragged my luggage, staring at the door of the room that would become my new base.
The door opened, and inside… a silver-haired boy was sitting casually on the bed, grinning dramatically. His eyes were unique: one green, one red. His blood aura pulsed gently, but it was clear he wasn't weak.
> "Ah! You must be Gren Solstice!" he exclaimed cheerfully, bouncing slightly. "I'm Vellion Marbal! I've heard about you—especially during the class test! Crazy… seriously impressive!"
I stared at him for a moment, slightly holding my breath. Then I remembered—oh right… Marbal. Another Grand Duke.
> "Hm… so you're from the Marbal family? Another Grand Duke, huh?" I asked casually, marking the hierarchy.
Vellion nodded eagerly, his smile widening:
> "Exactly! And I can't wait to see your abilities in person, Gren!"
I sighed quietly.
> "Damn… my roommate is weird and… extremely loud," I muttered.
Vellion laughed loudly.
> "Loud? Great! I like confident roommates. Don't tell me you're scared of me, Gren!"
I tapped my chest arrogantly:
> "Listen carefully, kid. In this room… I'm in charge. Remember that."
Vellion raised an eyebrow, holding back a mischievous laugh.
> "Hah, the room leader? Okay, let's test that a little, yeah?"
Suddenly, he channeled his red Blood Affinity. The blood aura flowed around him, somewhat intimidating but still… silly because of his wide grin while doing it.
I sighed, looking calm. With a single hand movement, I released a light Solar Authority—just a small warm-up, not Celestial level. Vellion's aura was immediately pushed back several steps.
> "Ehh?! That's just… a warm-up?!" he shouted, half surprised, half amazed.
I shrugged, smiling faintly:
> "Hmph. Don't forget, kid… I'm the room leader. Remember that."
Vellion laughed even louder, hands on his hips:
> "Hahaha… amazing! So you're… the universe, and I'm… the earth. I love it!"
I shook my head lightly, tapping my luggage to the floor.
> "Damn… my roommate is a battle maniac, and his ego and enthusiasm are a hassle."
> "Ready, great leader! But don't think I'll back down just like that. I'll challenge you anytime! Tonight… or tomorrow… or even now!"
I looked at him, trying to suppress a smile but failing.
> "Hm… alright. Let's see who gets tired first: me or this maniac kid."
---
The next morning, the sun had just pierced through the large windows of the Luminaries classroom. The room was spacious, desks neatly arranged, and the atmosphere… tense for ordinary students. But for me? Too easy.
Professor Vermal, a young man with neat black hair and dark eyes, stood at the front. He introduced himself seriously, explaining the curriculum, class structure, and Luminaries rules. Some students bowed their heads, taking notes with tense faces. Me? I only jotted down a few notes in my slim notebook, mostly suppressing boredom.
Next to me, Vellion Marbal—my overly enthusiastic roommate since last night—watched me with half-glimmering eyes.
> "Wow, Gren… seriously, this class looks tough for most people, but you… so relaxed, huh?" he said, barely able to sit still.
I leaned back in my chair, glancing briefly out the window.
> "Hm… easy. This professor is like… giving a warm-up exercise. Beyond that, it's just about seeing who can catch up with the others' abilities."
Vellion chuckled, shaking his head in admiration.
> "Hahaha… damn, you're really… cheeky. But cool, Gren. I want to learn a lot from the way you see this class."
I smiled faintly, calm. This kid was hyperactive and talkative, but somehow made the atmosphere livelier.
After introductions, students were allowed a short break. I closed my notebook, stretching my arms.
> "Well… enough for today. I'm more curious about the other students, but it seems… too easy."
Vellion nodded, his red-green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
> "Hehe, got it! I'll follow you, Gren. I want to see how the strongest Luminaries student spends his first day."
I shook my head, smiling faintly, a bit cheeky. Somehow, having Vellion beside me—energetic and admiring—was actually kind of fun.
---
The afternoon sun began to dim, but the academy cafeteria lights spread a warm glow. Vellion and I walked in, carrying a few notes—just paper and pens. Vellion was still bright-eyed as usual, glancing curiously everywhere.
> "Ah, Luminaries cafeteria! Sacred place for refueling… or just gossip!" he exclaimed cheerfully, almost bumping into some students while looking at me.
I sighed deeply.
> "Damn… my roommate really is endlessly weird," I muttered, but Vellion just laughed.
We took a spot at a long table near the window. From afar, my eyes caught a figure… making my breath catch slightly.
Lunia. Alone, sitting at another table, and—of course—Damian had already approached her first. They seemed to be chatting happily, occasionally laughing softly, their glances occasionally meeting.
I straightened my back, suppressing a bit of annoyance—or whatever it was. There was an urge to go over, but Damian's presence forced me to swallow it.
Vellion glanced at me, red eyes squinting mischievously.
> "Hm… so you've got a 'special business' with that girl, huh? Lunia Draken?"
I gave him a cold look, voice short.
> "What do you mean?"
> "Don't pretend, Gren. You've been staring but not moving. That's clearly special attention," he teased, smiling widely.
I sighed deeply, glancing once again at Lunia and Damian, swallowing hard.
> "…Hmph. I'm Gren Solstice. I'll be standing at the top, so such a trivial thing… doesn't matter. I don't care."
Vellion patted my shoulder, trying to comfort me with his over-the-top but warm style.
> "Okay, okay… relax, Gren. But don't pretend you don't care when your eyes clearly show it."
I stared at him flatly, but a faint smile appeared—though I wouldn't admit it.
> "…Hmph. Shut up, Vellion. I'm not in the mood."
> "Hehe… alright, but seriously. I know Lunia. Every year there's a Grand Duke family event, and I always attend. I know her from there," Vellion explained, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I looked at him, slightly confused.
> "Hm… so you know her? I… never attended those events. No time for small talk."
Vellion chuckled softly, shrugging.
> "Exactly! You're always silent, but people already know you, Gren. Damn, you always impress without realizing it."
I sighed again, glancing at Lunia who now seemed to be looking down, smiling at Damian. My lips twitched, but that annoyance… felt strange, hard to explain.
We walked to a quieter part of the cafeteria to get food. Vellion bounced beside me, eagerly picking bread and soup. I just grabbed some vegetables and water, simple as usual.
As we walked with trays to the table, Vellion was too excited and… bam! His tray bumped into someone, spilling hot food on their clothes.
The person was a muscular man, broad-shouldered, with a sharp glare and a fierce aura that made anyone slightly bow: Hood.
> "Eh—!" His voice boomed, making several nearby students stare with wide eyes.
Vellion immediately ducked, panicking.
> "Sorry! Really sorry! I didn't mean it! Truly, sorry!"
But Hood frowned, his voice deep and intimidating.
> "Hmph. I don't trust reckless fools like you… kid!"
Some students nearby held their breath, whispering:
> "Crazy… that's Hood… don't mess with him."
"Eh, that kid has no idea who he's facing."
Vellion, not losing spirit, grinned back:
> "Oh, don't worry… I just 'decorated' your clothes a little. More stylish, right? Eh, don't be mad, we're new friends here!"
Hood growled, clenching his fists.
> "Enough! I don't like joking with fools!"
He stepped forward, ready to punch Vellion. Some students backed away, watching carefully, fearing a fight.
Before his hand reached him, I stepped in front of Hood.
> "Don't bother our meal, you fat pig," I said flatly. Lunar Authority began to envelop me, soft but pressuring, making everyone feel the tension.
The air changed instantly. Some students stepped back a few steps, some swallowed hard, and some curious froze.
Hood stopped, frowning. His eyes widened, feeling slightly intimidated. That aura… made the air around him heavy, as if a far greater power was present.
He exhaled, lowering his shoulders slightly but still trying to look fierce.
> "…Hmph. Damn… fine, you win this time."
Hood stepped back a few paces, but his gaze remained sharp, showing he was still not satisfied. Nearby students clapped quietly, some whispered:
> "Crazy… Gren Solstice is seriously scary."
"Hood too… but seems like he lost this round."
Vellion placed his tray back on the table, looking at Hood with a mischievous grin.
> "Heh… see, Gren? No one dares anymore. Your Lunar Authority is amazing! I'm impressed… and a little scared, haha!"
I just shrugged, unconcerned, but secretly smiled seeing Hood's slightly intimidated expression.
> "Hmph. Don't cause trouble during meals again," I said shortly, then sat down.
Vellion sat next to me, still sparkling-eyed.
> "This is awesome! Even eating can be a show. I love the first day so much!"
Some students who had been watching began returning to their tables, but whispers and curious glances continued to follow us. The first day at Luminaries was already colorful… and it felt like it had only just begun.