[Monster Academy —]
The first morning bells of Monster Academy chimed like a chorus of silver winds, The pleasant sound was echoing through every corridor, balcony, and even the tower of the sprawling citadel. The sound was sharp enough to rouse even the heaviest sleepers from sleep.... But not Valkyrie.
While angels and devils alike stirred awake across the academy grounds, Valkyrie was still sprawled across her bed, cocooned in blankets, her hair sticking out like a storm cloud. To her, the bells weren't holy chimes—they were background noise in another dream she didn't want to leave.
On the other side of the room, Soda was already a picture of readiness. Her uniform was gleamed—crisp and neat, her shoes were polished, and her silver colored hair shimmered in the early light. She tapped her foot to an invisible rhythm, checking herself once more in the mirror. She didn't even need the bells, discipline came to her as naturally as breathing.
She turned to her roommate and sighed dramatically.
"Unbelievable. The Academy bells could wake the dead, and you're still snoring like it's summer break."
Valkyrie groaned and rolled over, burying her face deeper into the pillow.
"Valkyrie" Soda's voice took on a playful edge. "I'm going to be nice and give you the news gently—you're late. Not just a little late. But fifteen minutes late. On the first day, too."
That was enough, at least it had effect, Valkyrie shot up like lightning, her eyes were widely opened with panic.
"What?!" Her voice cracked as she clutched the blanket to her chest.
Soda grinned, leaning against her bedpost with a smug look. "Finally. She wakes."
Valkyrie scrambled to her feet, nearly tripping over the blanket as she darted toward the washroom. Her hair was a mess as usual—as every morning when she wakes up, sticking in every possible direction, and her wings twitched with restless energy.
"This isn't funny, Soda! Why didn't you wake me earlier?" she shouted from the washroom, her voice muffled by the sound of rushing water.
"I did," Soda called back, chuckling. "Three times, actually. You mumbled something about pancakes, rolled over, and ignored me."
Valkyrie groaned, brushing her teeth with furious speed. "I thought it was a dream. Oh my gosh!"
"Well," Soda teased, tying her sash neatly, "welcome to reality. Monster Academy doesn't wait for dreamers. You'll learn that soon enough."
By the time Valkyrie reappeared, she looked like a whirlwind had barely let her go. Her uniform was only half tucked, her hair still damp, and she carried her satchel like it was going to explode.
"Do I look…okay?" she asked, breathless.
Soda gave her a long, dramatic scan from head to toe. Then, with a grin, she answered, "You look like chaos in human form. But don't worry—chaos has its charm."
"Not funny," Valkyrie muttered, but she couldn't suppress a small smile.
"Come on," Soda said, grabbing her wrist. "We're already late enough. Let's fly."
***********************************************
The two hurried across the long corridors of the Academy, past angel wings etched into the marble walls and glowing lanterns suspended mid air. By the time they reached their classroom, Valkyrie was panting.
The door slowly creaked open as Soda pushed it. Every head in the room turned. The teacher, a tall angel with silver hair bound neatly behind him, paused mid-sentence. His eyes landed on Soda first.
"Soda." His voice was calm but stern. "It is unlike you to arrive late."
"Sorry Mr waltz, I overslept"
"That is not an excuse Soda, i know you very well, you don't oversleep" Soda couldn't help but keep mute. Then, his gaze drifted to Valkyrie, who stood awkwardly in the doorway. "And who might this be?"
Soda straightened immediately. "Apologies, Mr Waltz. This is my new roommate, Valkyrie."
"SHE DON'T SPEAK?" Waltz fired back.
Valkyrie cleared her throat, forcing herself to speak clearly. "Oh– good morning, sir. I'm Valkyrie Saltsman…I ...am a new student."
The room buzzed with whispers. A few angels exchanged curious looks while others tilted their heads, sizing her up.
Waltz's sharp eyes softened, but only slightly. "You may both take your seats. But remember this— discipline is the foundation of mastery. Do not allow tardiness to be your habit."
"Yes, Mr Waltz," they chorused, heads bowed, before slipping into empty seats near the middle. Valkyrie felt her cheeks burn. First day, and already late? She began to reflect on what her father told her earlier on before she arrived the academy.
Once the room settled again, Mr waltz picked up where he had left off.
"Today," he began, pacing slowly before the students, "we begin with fundamentals. You are angels, guardians, and keepers of balance. Your powers are gifts, yes—but gifts tied to law. And there is no law greater than that of the Book of Hope."
At the mention of the sacred book, the room hushed. Even Soda's playful air seemed to settle into reverence.
Mr Waltz raised a hand, and with a soft shimmer, a massive tome materialized before him—its cover white as snow, gilded with golden runes that pulsed faintly as if alive. The Book of Hope.
"It binds us," he said, his voice was steady. "It defines us. Without it, there is no order. And its laws are not to be questioned, For centuries both angels and devils have lived under one roof, both species uniting the multverse with equal order and chaos. The book of hope has made it possible for this balance to not be shaken on any circumstances." He began reciting them each word for word.
"No angel shall corrupt their gift. No angel shall betray the mortal realm. And above all…" He paused, his eyes narrowing. "No angel shall consort with a devil in intimacy or love. You cannot fall in love with a devil, order and chaos cannot be tested, the result is disaster." He paused. "The punishment… is banishment and the council will take all your powers. You shall be turned to mere human and sent away to leave among the mortal"
The room stiffened immediately. A murmur spread across the students. Some nodded grimly, others avoided each other's eyes. Valkyrie shifted uncomfortably. The words carved themselves into her mind like an unshakable warning.
Mr Waltz closed the book, and it vanished in a ripple of light. "Remember these laws well. For they are not mere rules—they are the boundaries between harmony and chaos."
Just as the lesson deepened, a loud yawn broke the silence.
Everyone turned. An angel boy slumped at his desk, his chin was resting on his palm, his eyes were half-lidded with boredom. He hadn't even bothered to hide it.
Mr Waltz's silver brows lifted ever so slightly. "Ah. I see we have among us a dreamer who believes himself too wise for the Book."
The boy blinked, realizing too late that every eye in the class was now on him. His cheeks reddened.
"Would you care to enlighten us," Mr Waltz said smoothly, "on why the sacred laws bore you so?"
The class snickered. Soda covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Valkyrie pressed her lips together, caught between secondhand embarrassment and amusement.
The boy stammered, "N-no, sir. I wasn't—"
"Silence," Waltz interrupted, though not unkindly. "Since you are so restless, perhaps a visit to the principal's office will sharpen your focus. Report at once."
The room erupted with laughter. A few students clapped mockingly as the boy winged out, muttering under his breath.
"Let this be a lesson," Mr Waltz said, turning back to the class. "Reverence is not optional here. It is demanded. And those who cannot respect it will quickly find themselves without a place."
As the lesson continued, Valkyrie scribbled her notes feverishly, though half her attention remained on the weight of the laws she'd just heard. She couldn't shake the unease in her chest. Why did those words—the one about angels and devils—sting so strongly, as if they were meant for her?
"Hey."
Valkyrie blinked, she was startled and then turned her head slowly to see who was calling her. Jasmine, the girl sitting beside her, was leaning slightly over the desk, her expression was calm but warm.
"You should loosen up a little bit," Jasmine whispered, her voice gentle yet playful. "You're sitting like the Book of Hope just declared war on you."
Valkyrie let out a nervous laugh, realizing how stiff she must have looked. "Am I really that obvious?"
"Like a beacon," Jasmine said with a small grin. "But don't worry, everyone looks like that on their first week." Jasmine whispered with a sly smile. She tilted her head toward Mr. Waltz, who was still pacing dramatically.
"Honestly, he could make brushing your teeth sound like a sacred ritual. The way he reads the Book of Hope, you'd think the world might explode if someone sneezed during class."
Valkyrie bit her lip to keep from laughing, but a small chuckle escaped anyway. "If that's the case, then I'm doomed—I almost sneezed twice already." they both chuckle with slight laughter.
"I'm Valkyrie, by the way."
"I'm Jasmine." Jasmine replied.
"Nice to meet you, Jasmine."
Jasmine leaned back, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "For the record, I'm the angel of ideas and creativity. Which basically means, if you ever need someone to get you out of trouble with clever ideas—or to draw you a masterpiece on the back of your homework—I'm your girl."
Valkyrie laughed, genuinely this time. "That sounds… actually really useful."
"It is," Jasmine agreed, her lips curving. "But it can also be annoying. People expect me to have the answer to everything. Some see my gift as useless cause they think is has no benefits during war or battle. But little did they know.....you know...sometimes I just want to sit back and be normal....like?"
"I get that," Valkyrie said softly. "Everyone expects something from you… even when you're still figuring yourself out."
Their eyes met for a moment, and there was an understanding there. Jasmine tilted her head with a small approving smile. And they both turned towards Mr Waltz to continue listening to what he was saying.