The classroom was already lively with the chatter when Adam arrived.
Rows of the polished desks gleamed under the soft glow of the hovering crystal lamps, their light was reflecting across the walls lined with yall windows.
Beyond those panes stretched the sprawling academy grounds, the gardens, courtyards, and spires touched by the morning sun.
The air carried a faint thrum of mana, the very walls of the classroom was reinforced with runic patterns that pulsed like veins under the surface.
The students of Class S had already filled the room, their uniforms crisp, their expressions ranging from excitement to feigned confidence.
Some of them were huddle in groups of 2, whispering in low tones. Others just sat alone, eyes fixed in notebooks or the floor, their anxiety worn plainly.
As Adam stepped through the doorway, silence then rippled for a moment. Their heads turned, eyes followed, whispers rose almost instantly.
"Silver hair..."
"Violet strands..."
"Is that really him... The?"
"He looks so calm—it's eerie."
Adam just ignored them. His boots clicked softly against the stone as he moved further inside, his gaze flickered briefly over the seats.
Most of them were already claimed even through the was only 10 seats for Class S, he drifted towards the back, choosing a desk near the window where the sunlight spilled across the floor in warm patches.
Sitting down, he then set his satchel aside and then leaned back, folding his arms loosely.
The whispers did not fade, if anything they spread like ripples, students leaning towards one another to share quiet speculation.
But he remained unmoved, his expression unreadable.
Then—
"Oi! Over here!"
The voice was bright, careless, and far too loud. The voice cut through the murmurs, drawing attention.
Adam turned his head just slightly, his silver strands catching the light, to see a hand waving energetically from a few rows away.
The source was a boy with messy golden hair, his uniform worn with just enough casual disregard to suggest either rebellion—or both.
His grin was wide, boyish, and utterly unbothered by the stares around him, this was Duke.
Beside him was a girl with the same golden hair, though hers was neatly tied in a ribbon that allowed it all to fall gracefully over her shoulder.
Where her twin brother's grin was reckless, hers was composed, her posture elegant, her expression calm but welcoming."
"Hey don't just yell like that," she murmured, elbowing him lightly. Then she lifted her gaze meeting Adam's directly. "But yes, the final duel was really impressive, come sit with us Adam."
For a moment, he just studied them with a smile. Twins. The resemblance was always unmistakable, though their personalities always seemed to split in opposite directions. One was bright and loud, the other was measured and poised.
These two were the Third Prince and Second Princess of the human continent, his two children best friends.
Adam stood, collecting his satchel with a quiet motion, and crossed the room.
Conversations hushed as he passed, curious gazes trailing after him.
Sliding into the desk besides them.
Duke leaned forward instantly, his grin widening. "Bro! That duel was awesome and also when you put Kael him his place yesterday. Honestly you stole the whole show l."
"Don't exaggerate too much Duke," Selena sighed, though her lips curved faintly. She then looked towards him with grace. "But yeah you were awesome Adam, truly living up to your name as the Apex."
"You guys was too much that was nothing really." Adam just chuckled lightly as he talked with his two friends
"Don't he modest I'm pretty sure your stronger than anyone in this class" Selena said.
"Yeah but I still have a long way to go Selena," Adam replied evenly, his tone neither boastful not modest—just calm.
Duke blinked, then just laughed. "See, Selena? I told you Adam acts like the mysterious sage type haha!"
Selena just shook her head, though amusement flickered in her eyes. "Don't mind him Adam. You know he rarely thinks before he speaks."
Adam just allowed the faintest hint of a smile. "Yeah I know."
The twins just chuckled, three friends have reunited once again.
It wasn't long before others edged closer, curiosity outweighing shyness. A tall girl with fiery red hair leaned across the aisle. "I always wondered, you've got violet strandsm is that natural?" This was Amy.
But before Adam could answer, Duke cut in with a grin. "Of course it's natural! You think he's dyeing to impress anyone? Look at him—does he seem like the type to care who people's opinions?"
Amy just laughed conceding. "Well your right about that."
Another student, a boy with round glasses, spoke hesitantly. "Um.. if you don't mind me asking, Adam... Is space your only elemental affinity?" This was Finn
The question also made the nearby students perk up, ears straining. Dual Affinities were always a topic of interest.
Adam's gaze flickered briefly toward Finn. "I dom"
"And...?" Adam urged, leaning forward eagerly.
Silence stretched just king enough for tension to rise before Adam spoke simply: "Ice"
For a heartbeat, no one spoke. Then whispers erupted all at once, louder than before.
"Ice and Space!? That's... Impossible."
"One affinity that only appeared once in History, and a behind rare!?"
"Only one in history—!"
Selena's eyes widened slightly l, though she quickly composed herself, she didn't know he had another affinity.
Duke on the other hand, nearly chocked. "You're kidding right you also have the ice affinity?"
Adam titled his head faintly. "Do you think I'd joke about that?"
Duke just let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Alright new plan, make a new noble house and be my right hand as I rise for the throne! And my enemies you just freeze and snap your fingers and toss 'em into the void, sounds good good?"
Selena pinched the bridge of her nose. "Don't say things like that. And beside's it's not simple as you think."
Still, the mood had shifted. Interest burned brighter in the gazes around them.
Some looked in awe, others in envy, a few in thinly veiled hostility. Prodigies of various guilds and high noble houses drew admiration and others with resentment in equal measure.
Adam felt it all, though he gave no outward sign. He had grown used such gazes long before he was exiled from the Dragonis Duchy.
"Instead, he turned his focus back to his friends, the twins.
"Well you also both wield two affinities right?"
Selena smiled faintly, her posture straightening with pride. "I wield Water and Lightning."
Duke puffed his chest. "And I wield, Light and Wind, we've got the heavens covered."
Their banter drew chuckles from other students. Even Adam allowed himself a quiet exhale of amusement. Their energy was... disarming.
Gradually, the classroom was filled with more conversations, students introducing themselves, Names, nobles houses, rumors, and whispered ambitions floated through the air. The tension eased into a current anticipation.
Yet beneath it all still lingered the hum of competition. They were not just classmates, they were also rivals, each carrying the weight of their awakening, each vying for a place at the top.
And soon, they would learn just how heavy the tittle of Apex was.