BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 56: The First Class

The morning sun streamed through the large windows of the academy, casting a warm glow on the stone floors of Eldoria Academy. Today was the first day of classes for the first-year students, and the atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. The students had barely slept the night before, eager to begin their training.

The Walk to Class

Kael, Cassian, and Darius made their way to class, their footsteps echoing in the grand hallway of the academy. Their voices were the only sound in the quiet morning, the usual bustling of students delayed by the fact that most of them were running late for their first class.

"Of course we're late," Cassian grinned, his voice laced with sarcasm. "Isn't that the Veyrin family way? Always fashionably late."

Kael rolled his eyes. "I don't plan on getting scolded on the first day. I'm trying to be a model student."

"Good luck with that," Darius quipped. "Between the two of you, I think you're going to be the one that gets us into trouble, Kael."

"You're one to talk," Kael shot back, but his grin was more genuine than annoyed. Despite their teasing, there was a camaraderie that had built over their shared experiences so far.

As they rounded a corner, they could see the first-year training hall in the distance. It was an imposing structure, its large wooden doors nearly impossible to miss.

The Classroom

When the three of them arrived, the door was already ajar, and the professor had not yet entered. Their timing was almost perfect, but the students already inside were whispering in small groups, eager to get started. Kael, Cassian, and Darius slipped into the classroom, though they could tell they had drawn the eyes of several students. They took their seats at the back, a bit flustered but still eager for the class ahead.

"You're late," a voice rang out before they could even sit down fully. It was Professor Selwyn Draeven, the academy's combat instructor. His large mechanical arm whirred softly as he adjusted the straps on his armor. His eyes were sharp, as if he could see through any pretenses.

"Right. My bad, Professor," Kael said, giving a sheepish grin. Cassian shot him an amused look, while Darius simply shrugged.

The professor's steely gaze moved over them, and he shook his head. "The academy doesn't tolerate tardiness, even for those who are supposed to be the future elite. Get settled, and be ready. We'll begin shortly."

The students quickly sat down, and the professor moved toward the front of the room. He stood tall, his presence commanding attention, and the mechanical arm seemed to hum with purpose.

Mira, the Prince, and the Vanguard Group

Meanwhile, Mira Valcroft had arrived much earlier than the others, sitting quietly in her seat with her head lowered, flipping through a small notebook. She had no intention of being late or unprepared; after all, she'd made a vow to herself to prove her worth.

Prince Lucian Eldoria, who had arrived second, entered with an air of quiet confidence. He didn't look flustered in the least. His cool demeanor and royal status ensured that he wasn't bothered by any minor delay. He gave Mira a brief nod, but there was no time for pleasantries.

Soon after, the Vanguard Hall students began to filter in, followed by the few from Standard Hall. Selene Duskbane and Evelyne Grimthorne entered together, their contrasting personalities making the moment interesting. Selene was calm and composed, her golden eyes scanning the room. Evelyne, on the other hand, had a more playful demeanor, chatting with the students around her.

Damien Nocturne, the one with an air of superiority, arrived alone and immediately took a seat, not bothering to interact with anyone else. He shot a disdainful glance at the few commoners present but didn't bother commenting on the matter.

Cedric Voss, ever the lone wolf, arrived a few minutes after the others. He kept his distance, not engaging with anyone as he found a seat near the back.

The Professor's Teaching

Professor Selwyn stood at the front of the class, crossing his arms and glaring at the students. "I don't care who you are. Whether you're a noble or a commoner, you're all here for the same reason: to become stronger. You will all face the same trials. There will be no favoritism here."

He gestured for them to pay attention. "Today, we begin with the basics: Weapon Mastery, Physical Combat, and Endurance Training. You'll be using these skills every day here, and you will need them in the future if you want to survive and thrive in this world."

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. Then, he turned to Kael, who was sitting at the back with a spark of excitement in his eyes.

"Veyrin, you look like you're ready to ask a question. Go ahead."

Kael blinked in surprise but quickly composed himself. "Professor, I've always been trained in combat, but I've never really had any formal training in weapon control. Can you give us a bit more insight on how to properly wield a sword and shield together?"

Professor Selwyn nodded, a rare flicker of approval in his eyes. "Good question. Weapon control is all about balance. A sword is not just a tool of offense; it's an extension of your will, of your body. The shield is not just to block—it's a way to create openings for counter-attacks. You must learn to use both as extensions of yourself, one always guiding the other."

He gestured to a nearby wooden target. "Darius, Cassian, I want you two to show us. Work together and demonstrate how to wield both in unison."

Darius and Cassian exchanged a glance and stood up. They moved to the target and began demonstrating the combined usage of the sword and shield, their movements sharp and fluid. Kael watched intently, his mind already processing the lesson.

After a few moments, the professor turned to the class. "Now, that was a perfect example. Endurance is not just about physical stamina. It's about mental fortitude. You have to push past the pain, past the exhaustion, and keep going. That's how you get better."

Mira raised her hand. "Professor, how do we balance the use of energy in prolonged fights? How do we know when to use our strength and when to conserve it?"

"Good question," the professor replied, giving her a nod of approval. "You must learn to gauge your opponent and your own body. Overextending yourself is a mistake, but hesitation can cost you. Practice your stamina, build your strength, and learn to recognize the right moments for offense and defense."

End of the Class

The class continued with the professor going over various techniques and strategies. By the end of the session, everyone was exhausted but satisfied. Kael felt a sense of excitement, knowing that this was just the beginning of his training. He was eager to learn more, to improve, and to eventually outshine the others.

Cassian, Darius, and Kael gathered their things and made their way out of the classroom together, already talking about the lesson. Mira stood at the back of the room, considering the professor's words carefully.

As the students filed out, the first bell rang, signaling the end of their first class.