Chapter 7: NOVA [1]
I stood infront of the mirror, adjusting the collar of my black shirt. The uniform of NOVA was simple yet elegant—Black from head to toe, from the fitted shirt and pants to the belt at my waist where a small dimension pouch was securely attached. On my wrist, a sleek looking Wrist band embedded with micro computer, its surface engraved with complex designs. And finally, a Black trench coat having NOVA's Emblem engraved on its left chest, symbolizing my status as a NOVA Academy student.
All the accessories are enchanted.
I ran a hand through my dark hair, tilting my head to study my reflection. The uniform wasn't bad—but there was something off. Maybe it was the way the dark color made my already pale complexion seem even more crisp. I couldn't quite tell.
"You look ridiculous," I muttered to my reflection before smirking faintly. "Well, better get used to it."
I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs. The aroma of freshly baked bread spread through the air as I entered our café. My parents were serving the customers at their table, chatting about something I didn't bother to catch.
"Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad." I greeted both of them, taking on an empty table.
"Morning, Zane," my father greeted.
"Morning," my mother said, placing a plate of eggs and toast in front of me. "Elise already left; second year classes starts earlier than yours."
'That's why it's quite today.'
I nodded, keeping my focus on my food. Breakfast was delicious as always—just the usual chatter. My mind was already racing ahead to what lay ahead me.
Todays marks my very first day as an official NOVA student.
. . .
The train station was bustling with people, but it seems even amidst the crowd, I stood out. Or rather the uniform did. I could feel the stares of pass byres as I walked down the platform.
"Look, he's from NOVA," someone murmured.
"He must be a genius. And he is kinda hot!" some girl said to her group of friends.
"Oh! He looked at me."
I kept my gaze forward, pretending not to notice.
NOVA has its benefits and one of them is all the transportation are free of cost for their students.
The [Aetherail] to Frostvile City was smooth. Outside the window, the snowy landscape stretched endlessly. Frostvile City was the main capital of the Frostvile Kingdom, the city was a sight to behold.
Keeping a check on time, I arrived at the campus of NOVA, The academy looked more like a fortress than a school, its stone walls streched with glowing runes.
Checking my Watch which displayed:
First Year – Class A.
After cross checking the info on the bulletin board I made my way toward my classroom. The students passing by wore similar black outfit as mine, the uniform was same even for the opposite gender. You can't even tell the difference.
Standing infront of the classroom was a gigantic wooden door, as I can hear faint chatter sound from the opposite end.
Pushing open the door, I made my way in. All the chartered halted, everyone's eye landed on me as I walked past the front row. The classroom was your typical lecture hall seating arranged on a climbed stairs. The interiors were all wooden furnished which gives quite the aesthetic look to the classroom.
After scanning the area, I found a quiet seat at the very back, But there's already a girl seating, looking outside the window.
"Is the seat taken? Can I sit he—"
And then , our eyes met.
Shocked.
Crimson hair framed her face, It took me a second to recognize her—Anna Ashborne. The girl I have saved from those kidnapper not too long ago.
'Just my rotten luck.'
"You!" She recognized me too, her lips parted, I quickly looked away pretending not to notice. "You're– Hey! Wait! Why are you leaving. "
Due to her loud remark all the gazes earlier intensified as murmur began to spread.
'No time running I suppose.'
"Miss can I sit here?"
"huh? Umm… yeah! Please." Anna said moving slightly.
"Umm? Wh—"
"The class's starting, we can talk later." I whispered to her lightly.
She hesitated, then nodded. But the brief exchange seemed to spark even more whispers. I ignored them.
The teacher entered the room shortly after, her presence commanding intense attention.
"Alright Class, quiet down." She began, "I'm your History of Elemental teacher as well as your homeroom teacher for the entire four year you will spend at the academy. My name is Monica Montessa."
She was a silver-haired lady in her late thirties, her sharp blue gaze swiping across the class as if memorizing every face.
"Due to the late admission process to fill the empty seats, we've had a few individuals join us recently. As a result, today's class will be a recap of the material we've covered over the past two days."
Without wasting any minute, she began her teaching, I stayed quiet, observing my surroundings and listening to her, The material she covered was undoubtedly fascinating, but it was nothing new to me—I had already mastered this knowledge.
Anna however, was entirely focused in the lesson scribbling down every words Miss Monica says.
"Now," Miss Monica said, pausing to survey the room, "tell me this: Is it possible and if so, What would happen if a kingdom were to lose its Elemental Essence completely?"
The question hung in the air, few raised their hands Anna including.
'Interesting question…' I thought leaning against my seat.
"With the right answer," Miss Monica added, her lips curling into a faint smile, "you'll earn credit points."
"Julius, you may speak."
At Miss Monica's prompt, Julius—whose jet-black hair mirrored my own—stood up with a smug expression.
"With all due respect, Professor Monica, it's entirely impossible for a kingdom to suddenly lose its Elemental Essence, at least according to known theories." His smirk widened as he continued, "And even if it were to happen, such a kingdom would lose all its value. The people would eventually perish, as a kingdom's Elemental Essence is directly tied to its living creatures. In the end, only the four great kingdoms would remain standing."
'What a shitty answer.' I thought unimpressed.
Miss Monica too seemed unpleased. "Well Julius you hypothesis is full of loop holes. You may sit. Anyone else?"
All the hands that had eagerly shot up moments ago, now hung limply by their owners' sides.
"You with the black hair," Miss Monica said, her sharp gaze locking onto mine, a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Care to share your answer?"
'Just my rotten luck.'
I stood up glancing at her.
Miss Monica intrigued me. She seemed more like a genuine researcher than just a teacher, someone with a solid grasp of her field. Her teachings held a certain depth, and I couldn't help but feel a pull to share my knowledge with her, to exchange thoughts on Elementals with her.
Let just go for it.
Raising my head with confidence in my voice I explained, "The short and simple answer your question is: 'The whole world would perish.'"
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Miss Monica's brows arched slightly, her interest clearly piqued. "And what makes you say that, Mr…?"
"Zane Skylark," I said without hesitation. "According to my hypothesis, the Elemental Essence of one kingdom is closely connected to that of the others. If one were to collapse, the balance dictated by the laws of equivalence would cause the others to fall as well."
I was preparing to present the full breadth of my theory, but Miss Monica quickly interrupted me, holding up a hand.
"S–Stop stop! Tell me Mr. Skylark, are you the one who got a full marks in his written examination?"
The classroom erupted into a flurry of murmurs.
"Is she serious? Did he actually answer the final question?" someone whispered.
"Even professors struggle with that one!"
"Silence, class!" Miss Monica commanded, bringing the chatter to a halt.
"Yes," I replied calmly.
"Hmm…" She studied me for a moment before nodding. "It seems we're out of time. Mr. Skylark, if you're available, I'd like to discuss your hypothesis further one day."
"I would love to have your opinion on my theories Miss Monica." I said, offering her a small smile.
As the bell rang, the classroom roared into bigger murmur, I ignored them gathering my things, as the class room door burst opened.
A man dressed in a butler's uniform stepped inside, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on mine.
"Zane Skylark," he announced, his voice formal. "The Headmistress requests your presence in her office."
The murmurs grew louder as I stood, my confusion mirrored in my curious faces.
'Why would the Headmistress want to see me?'
Walking down the academy's wooden corridors, I mulled over the possibilities. The interior of NOVA was elegant, its craftsmanship a testament to the academy's prestige.
Standing before the massive wooden door of the Headmistress's office, I felt my mind race.
Was it about the written test?
Maybe I shouldn't have answered that last question… but I couldn't help myself. The moment I saw an unsolved question about the world's Elemental Essence, my curiosity had taken over.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in." A sweet voice called from the other end.
The Headmistress's office was as grand as I'd expected. Shelves lined with books and artifacts filled the space, a large desk sat in the center, framed by a massive window that overlooked the academy grounds.
Behind the desk stood a woman looking outside the window as if overlooking the entire NOVA. She was tall, with sharp features and a confident posture. Her crimson hair, a shade darker than Anna's, fell in loose waves down her back.
She was a beauty no less around her late twenties.
'Is this the Headmistress?' I wondered. She seemed far too young, likely in her late twenties, to hold such a position.
With a quick glance I could tell that she is strong—far too strong, if I have to point out how strong? Then without a doubt I could say: Currently in NOVA no one can come close to her.
Excluding me of course.
"Zane Skylark," She said, turning around, her voice smooth and commanding. "Or should I call you… Hope."
My blood froze.
End of chapter 7.
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