บท 1: Peerless Academy

Alternate Earth, Gaïa, Year 705 of Player Calendar.

Known as the mother of talents, the Peerless Academy was the number one magical institution in the world, located on the All Stars Continent and founded by the First Player to assess and groom the new generations of Players. Bound to the strongest guilds, it also served as an information-gathering machine enabling the strongest guilds to hold precise knowledge of the various countries' top talents.

The King of the Knights of Round Tabless, the King of Death, and the Duke of War—all were graduates of the Transcend Academy. Of course, their performances and gains vastly differed. Ares von Klassen, the first Player, was the mightiest.

His magical powers were such that with a spell, he could obliterate an entire country.

....

As an institution located on an island northeast of Angel's City, the Peerless Academy welcomed new students.

Applicants from foreign nations typically made the trip in flying vessels, frigate-shaped aircraft powered by mana reactors, and used for both offensive, defensive, and recreational purposes.

A new semester had begun. The school buzzed with students sporting their uniforms: black pants for boys, paired with ghost-white long-sleeved shirts under light jackets and playful narrow ties dangling amidst unbuttoned chests. Girls donned tiered lilac skirts, revealing calves adorned with crisscrossed socks and brogue shoes in apricot and lilac accents. Both sported long-sleeved shirts tucked into skirts and covered by long jackets, with ties mirroring the girls' skirts and a line of school colors bordering all jackets. While accessories were optional, many students used them to stand out.

The students were heading toward the auditorium for the welcome ceremony before going to their designated class.

Among them was Noah Adler, a young man of eighteen with a slim build belying years of training. Standing tall at 6.2ft, his light gray hair bordered on silver, framing strikingly beautiful golden eyes. While handsome, his face did not demand undue attention.

Noah, enrolled thanks to his hard work and his father's connections, carried the memory of his late mother and the crescent moon-shaped pendant she gifted him on his twelfth birthday. He believed it held a key to his upcoming class awakening.

In this era of Players, where everyone dreamt of power and a prestigious class, Noah was no exception. As he pondered his future and his mother's cryptic gift, a smile unconsciously graced his lips, and he quickened his pace towards the auditorium.

Minutes later, Noah found himself in the ten-thousand-seat auditorium, settling into the front rows reserved for new students. Unlike others, he avoided socializing, finding it bothersome. "Better alone than in bad company," he often thought.

However, Life will always try to screw you somehow. If you don't socialize, it doesn't mean others won't do it.

Just as Noah closed his eyes, he was awakened by someone's voice. He was a little bit irritated.

''Greetings, my fellow student.''

Although Noah wished to act like he hadn't heard the man he knew in situations like these it would be counterproductive so he opened his eyes and glanced toward his left.

''Wow!"

Being stared at by those golden eyes somehow put pressure on the young man despite his background and he inadvertently exclaimed.

Noah's eyes landed on the young man whose age did not seem that much different from his.

Blonde, coily hair awkwardly hangs over a full, lively face. Ocean blue eyes, set deep within their sockets, handsome face but not as good as his.

''Nice to meet you, I'm Noah Adler.'' He took the opportunity to introduce himself much to the other boy's joy.

''Arthur Kaamelott. Nice to meet you too.''

Arthur extended his hand asking for a handshake but Noah ignored him even after hearing his last name, he only said the following words.

''Good luck, better focus, the principal is already here.''

Noah directed his eyes on the stage, completely ignoring Arthur feeling awkward.

It does take a genius to understand that Noah didn't wish for more interaction.

Arthur could only sigh when he finally registered Noah's last name and his eyes widened in saucers. Who does not know the famous retired Player Logan Adler? He wondered what is his relationship with the man. He would later ask, thinking of becoming friends with someone related to that man brought immense joy to Arthur's face, however now wasn't the time to dwell on such a matter, like Noah said the principal was coming.

A few seats away from the two was a pair of amber eyes and a head full of white hair looking at the duo, especially Noah, the owner of this otherworldly appearance nodded expressionlessly. This person was giving the vibe of a hunter who had found its prey.

''Found you!" The owner the amber eyes mumbled.

Back on the stage, the principal walked in.

White, frizzy hair slightly covers a skinny, charming face. Bloodshot amber eyes, set lightly within their sockets, watch affectionately over the students he had nurtured and the new ones who just arrived and were about to embark on a new journey.

Smooth skin handsomely compliments his cheeks and leaves a compelling memory of his fortunate destiny.

This is the face of Kade Evangeline, a true powerhouse among Players. He stands tall among others, despite his strong frame.

There's something bizarre about him, perhaps it's a feeling of anguish or perhaps it's simply his sense of humor. Nonetheless, people tend to listen to him as he gave them a sense of security.

''Welcome fresh blood to the Peerless Academy, I'm Kade Evangeline your principal for the next two years. In this Era of players, it is always a pleasure to welcome new blood, without further ado let's start.''

The following discourse was your typical one, not worth mentioning. The students listened to it half-heartedly, and later the student council president took the stage to share a few words before some teachers came to the stage to say a few words as well. This marked the end of the entrance ceremony, next the students were assigned to their respective classrooms depending on their scores during the entrance exam held a few days ago.