Dong! Dong! Dong!
The bell rang three times in a row, the sound could be heard throughout the entire hall.
After hearing the bell sound, all the members who were in the food hall quickly finished their meals.
This bell meant that the class was beginning. Everyone needed to attend.
Everyone walked out of the food hall one after another. Among them were also Marcus and his friends.
They walked among the crowd. All of them had the same destination. It was a combat class.
While walking, Marcus could not help but sigh. "It is combat class again."
"Yes, I hate that class, not because of the class but because of the professor," James murmured while putting both hands behind his head.
Lilian did not make any sound. She just walked silently, listening to the two of them while thinking:
Seriously... these two always act like protagonist from novels, They always think they are superheroes, yet they do not want to study combat.
"Those professors are too much. They know nothing and only tell us to run and push sandbags. It feels like we are in a foundation class instead of combat class," James said, his expression somewhat helpless.
"I wonder when we will learn a real combat technique. It must be very cool when I finally learn one," Marcus said.
Before this, Marcus thought combat class might be the place where he could become a main character. But reality shattered that imagination.
In the First Area, the castle was divided into six grand sections, each one connected by long and narrow corridors that stretched like silver threads between them. When viewed from the sky, the entire structure resembled six majestic towers standing proudly together, forming a powerful and awe-inspiring shape across the land.
This was the inner area of the First Area. It was built to train generation after generation of new magicians, shaping them from childhood into masters of combat and war arts. It also served as the central command, overseeing and controlling everything within the entire First Area. The inner area also has another name it was West palace.
Surrounding it was the Outer Castle, a vast defensive ring built to protect the inner area. Its walls were thicker, darker, and lined with battlements, constructed for only one purpose: defense. In times of peace, it stood silent and unmoving, but when war erupted, the Outer Castle became the frontline, the shield that faced every threat before reaching the core of the First Area.
The combat class was located at the eastern side of the castle. It was like a huge tower standing there like an unmoving giant. It was connected by a corridor, and beside the corridor was a garden filled with green. It looked fresh, and combined with the majestic tower, it made the place feel lively and full of life.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived at the corridor connected to the combat class.
"Phew, we finally reached the class. It is very tiring just walking here." After finishing the sentence, Marcus took a deep breath.
"This castle is very big. I wonder what the Second Area looks like," James said while letting his imagination run wild.
Lilian was still silent. She just listened quietly.
There were also other students like Marcus and James. They also sighed and cursed the people who built the castle.
Without any more thoughts, they continued walking toward the door leading to the combat class.
From far away, the door looked small, but when they walked closer, it became huge. The door was six meters tall.
It was built from wood, mottled in brown color. Its borders were silver, and when the sunlight hit, it shone brightly and reflected the blurry images of the students standing in front of it.
In just a few seconds, they reached the door. But no one opened it. They simply stood there talking with each other. They seemed to be waiting for someone.
"This professor is too much. Not only does he not open the door for us beforehand, he even closes it and makes us wait outside," James frowned.
They were already used to this. Every time they arrived, they still had to wait for the door to open before they could enter.
No one knew how long it would take. Sometimes it was long, sometimes it was short. It felt like waiting without knowing how much time had passed.
Marcus sighed. "What kind of combat class is this? It is better to change it to foundation class."
"I hope he can teach us combat techniques soon," James said.
Lilian, who was standing to the side, said nothing. She just leaned against the wall and looked at the beautiful garden outside. No one knew what she was thinking.
"I want to learn combat techniques and learn how to fight. Then I can become powerful like a superhero," Marcus said. His mood became better as he talked about this.
Marcus always wanted to become a superhero, and so did James. Sometimes they even used wooden sticks to spar with each other, and James always made things he saw in superhero novels.
Red glasses, a red cape, wooden swords, wooden shields, and many more.
They even made a base for themselves in James' room. There they researched, read novels, and created things.
Since they wanted to become superheroes, they needed a base. And without thinking, James' room was the most suitable place.
If they used Marcus' room as their base, Bella might not agree.
"Yes, I hope so," James replied.
"Speaking of that, have you finished The Fallen Hero novel?" James asked.
"I only finished the first book. I do not have the second one yet. I still have to wait," Marcus said, unsatisfied.
The feeling of reading the best novel right at the climax, but then the book ends and you do not have the next one, was very frustrating. It felt like eating a delicious meal and being told that the next part of the meal requires time to gather the ingredients.
It was very unsatisfying for Marcus.
Upon hearing this, James' expression turned gloomy. "I hope we can get it soon. Even though I have not finished the novel yet, I can already tell it is the best novel I have ever read."
"Hopefully, we can get it soon," Marcus sighed.
The noise in the corridor increased as they waited for the door to open, but the door remained shut tight, not letting even a tiny bit of air escape.
They waited patiently outside, talking to each other.
Some students discussed why the door was not opening. Many guessed silently in their hearts.
After patiently waiting for a long time, the door still remained shut, like a heavy wall without any movement.
More time passed, and finally people started to realize something.
"Do you notice that the door has still not opened? It feels longer than usual this time."
But they still did not care too much. They thought the professor simply wanted them to wait longer today.
Time continued to pass. The door still shut tightly without any movement.
"It is almost noon."
"Yes. Did the class get cancelled?"
"That should not be right. If the class was cancelled, they should have told us beforehand."
.....
The corridor once again became chaotic, the sound of discussion filling the entire hallway.
Marcus frowned slightly. He turned to James and asked, "Do you think the class is cancelled?"
James frowned as well. "If the class was cancelled, they would have told us beforehand."
"Maybe there is some problem?"
"I do not think so." A voice rang out.
They turned toward the source of the voice. It was none other than Lilian.
Lilian, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke. She moved her gaze away from the garden and looked at the two who waiting for her to explain.
She continued, "If the class was cancelled, they would have told us beforehand. Also, do you really think there is only one professor? Each class has two professors. If one cancels, the other can teach. And if there is a problem, there are many other professors, and even the Lords can handle it. So in my opinion, they just want us to wait. Maybe this is also some kind of test."
After saying that, she couldn't help but cast her gaze at the still-closed door.
After hearing this, Marcus and James exchanged looks. It felt like they had been lectured by a professional.
Tsk. She is only good when it comes to studying, but when it comes to creativity, I am far better than her, James thought silently.
This girl is only good in academic matters. When it comes to understanding the world, I am like an elder and she is like a child, Marcus thought.
More time passed. Nobody knew how long.
Eventually, someone among the crowd lost patience.
A man stepped forward silently and walked toward the door.
His actions attracted everyone's attention. All eyes turned toward him, including Marcus, James, and Lilian.
The entire hallway became silent. Everyone watched as he walked.
Step by step, his footsteps echoed until he stood before the door.
His hand trembled slightly. He seemed hesitant, nervous under everyone's gaze.
After a moment, he seems to finally suppress his nervous. He took a deep breath and raised his right hand to knock.
Just as his knuckles were about to touch the wood, the door suddenly opened. Slowly, it revealed the inside.
Everyone's attention immediately shifted from the man to the opening doorway.
As the door opened wider, they did not look at the interior of the room.
Their eyes went straight to the man who stood inside.
He wore a black shirt with a fitted black vest, black trousers, and polished black leather boots. On his head was a black top hat. His eyes were deep brown and calm. His expression was steady and unreadable. Yet his aura covered the entire hall. On his face, an arrogant smile briefly flashed by.
He spread his hands slightly and faced the members with a blooming smile that was almost a grin.
"Welcome to combat class." His voice echoed throughout the entire corridor, sending a chill running down everyone's spine.