บท 14: Uniform

After the class ended, everyone stood up and made their way to the back where the portal was located. They arrived at the same spot as before, and the man in black and gold armor was still standing there. He then directed the rest of the class toward another portal. When they entered it, they arrived in a large square plaza with a big fountain in the middle.

The fountain was located at the center, with paths heading toward ten buildings in different directions. The area had arches, trees, bushes, benches, and small pagodas, where some people were already sitting and chatting away.

Emery noticed that the edge of the plaza seemed to be an empty space, except for the fences. When he went to the edge, he discovered that they were in a location where everything was floating.

"That building over there is building seven. Classes 70 to 79 will be staying there for the next seven days," said another man in the same suit of armor.

Emery counted the number of buildings in front of him. "...Six, seven, ten. Looks like we'll all be living in this place together."

"Wow, this place is so beautiful," said Klea as she sat on one of the stone-white benches beneath a nearby tree that provided shade.

"Let's go!" said their guide.

They were led to one of the floating paths. After entering, a large hall with a long table welcomed them.

A person who didn't look much older than they were greeted the new arrivals. He wore a tight black suit that covered up to his neck, appearing to be some sort of uniform. "Welcome, new acolytes, to Sky Island Seven. Call me Uriel; I'm a rank 6 acolyte.

"All the facilities here are open to you. That includes a place to eat, baths, training rooms, and beds. All are provided for free. In return, we ask that you do your best in your classes for the sake of humanity. Uniforms are required to be worn at all times, and you will find them once you've arrived in your rooms. The residence is divided according to the information visible in the symbol on the palm of your hand. Access to the institution of your choice will be opened tomorrow morning."

Hundreds of young people began to move toward a hallway, ascending several stairs and passing through passages until they finally arrived at their residence.

They followed the directions provided by the symbols on their palms. Emery and his friends soon came to a large door. Julian stepped forward, placing his palm on the surface of the door; it glowed and hissed open. Inside the room were an additional five rooms with beds that had a simplistic design. Each room had a large window offering a beautiful view of the sky.

"Wow, I love it," said Klea.

[Welcome.]

A small crystal descended from above the ceiling of the room and floated in the center.

[I am your room attendant, I can answer all questions about this place or prepare your needs according to the level of your access.]

The five young people couldn't help but marvel at the new world they were entering. It felt like they were in a place built by the gods.

[Kindly wear your acolyte uniforms first.]

The empty space in front of them was slightly distorted, and a cloak appeared. It was the same cloak that Uriel was wearing, but it had a badge on the side with different numbers.

"We have to wear this – this weird dress?" said Thrax, as he waved it around.

"Typical barbarian, you'd certainly want to go around naked," replied Julian.

Emery sighed as the two began arguing again. However, they suddenly stopped as their eyes widened in surprise. Chumo also cleared his throat slightly.

"What's up, Chumo?" Emery asked before shifting his gaze to where Chumo, Julian, and Thrax were looking.

Then he found Klea casually removing her accessories and dress. She had her back to them, but the three boys were transfixed as they stared at her smooth, flawless bronze skin and curves while she tried on the clothes provided by the room attendant. The room fell silent; only their breathing, gulping, and the rustling of Klea's clothes could be heard.

"Wow, what a beautiful outfit. The fabric feels so cool, and the air passes through easily. You guys should also try it," said Klea after finishing putting on the clothes.

Julian and Thrax were used to living in a vulgar environment, but what they had seen couldn't compare to Klea's natural charm. As for Emery and Chumo, they were still flustered from the sight they had just witnessed. Klea acted as if this were a normal occurrence for her.

The other boys went inside their rooms first, changed clothes, and returned to the middle of the room, where the little crystal explained common things as well as information about all the institutions they could attend the next day.

Even though Emery had access to participate in the four elemental institutions, he did not receive any invitation from the Destiny Path.

The same was true for Julian, Thrax, and Chumo. None of them had received any invitations yet, except for the elemental path school. It was their first day, after all, so their expertise had not yet been assessed by the Destiny Path school.

"You'll be fine, Emery. Why don't you come with me tomorrow? We both have an affinity for Earth?" asked Julian.

"Huh for me combat is everything! but I should try fire first" exclaimed Thrax.

Chumo remained silent; he didn't say much, even though everyone noticed that he was following their conversation closely.

"What about you Klea?" asked Julian

"Actually" Klea looks confused while checking the information from the crystal

She was a little surprised to see she had five invitations from five different Destiny Path institutions. With the three elemental institutions she had, that totaled eight institutions in seven days. She was confused about which ones she should attend.

"..."