Hileya fussed with Vel's uniform at the lodging's iron gate, fixing the fabric with meticulous attention to detail. He stood perfectly still in his prepared Academy attire, watching several other students emerge from the same building—more than he'd realized lived there.
"There," Hileya said, stepping back to examine her work. "Now you look proper."
Before Vel could respond, he spotted Celia approaching. She wore her duelist uniform, the asymmetrical mantle flowing elegantly over her left shoulder. The uniform looked perfectly pressed, as if she'd spent considerable time preparing it.
"Did you sleep in that?" Vel asked as she neared, raising an eyebrow.
Celia rolled her eyes. "Of course not. I just... got up extra early." Her defensive tone suggested otherwise.
"You're practically glowing with excitement," Vel teased.
Celia's cheeks flushed slightly, but she lifted her chin defiantly. "Can you blame me? After everything we've been through since Elnor—this is our new beginning."
Vel's expression softened. "You're right. We should go," he said, adjusting his collar one final time. "Better early than late."
Celia nodded in agreement. They waved goodbye to Hileya and stepped through the gate, beginning their journey through the mist-dampened streets. As they walked, Celia pointed out various shops—an alchemist, a blacksmith, a restaurant with city views—clearly familiar with the area thanks to her roommate's guidance.
Vel glanced at her, surprised. "Since when did you get to know all this?"
"My roommate showed me," Celia replied with a casual shrug.
Almost as if summoned by her words, a young lady approached as Celia waved her over. She had vivid blue hair tied in a ponytail that bounced with each step.
"Konomi, this is Vel—my friend from Elnor that I mentioned," Celia continued.
Vel noticed her uniform had slight modifications compared to Celia's—longer sleeves and protective cuffs made of what appeared to be heat-resistant fabric.
Konomi bowed slightly in greeting. "A pleasure to meet you. Celia has spoken highly of your abilities."
"All exaggerations, I'm sure," Vel replied with a smile.
As they rounded the final turn, the Academy emerged from the morning mist—ivory towers rising against the sky, its grand façade gleaming in the early sunlight.
Vel noticed students from all directions converging toward the main gates, forming streams of uniforms that merged into a single flowing current. Some walked briskly while others ran, all funneling through the imposing entrance.
A stern-faced gatekeeper stood vigilant beside the gate, checking timepieces and observing the incoming students with practiced scrutiny. His weathered face barely moved as he tracked each person entering.
"Guess he'll be the one to give us trouble if we're ever late," Vel muttered, noting the man's unwavering attention.
Beside him, Celia adjusted her mantle. "This is where we part ways, I think. My homeroom is in the west wing."
Konomi nodded in agreement. "You should hurry. Instructor Caldwen doesn't appreciate tardiness."
"Yeah, better hurry," Vel said, scanning the crowd. "I don't want to stand around waiting for Thornwood to come over and give his typical comments."
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GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation
FantasyWhen renowned game developer Giri meets his untimely end, he awakens as twelve-year-old Vel in the magical realm of Aeonalus-his own creation. Five hundred years have passed since he crafted the world, and Vel finds himself in the village of Oakhave...
