Chapter 30: First Day at the Academy

【Eksu PoV】

I arrived at the academy, feeling like I was starting a brand-new life. The old stone walls and tall towers promised a fresh start away from all the chaos. Every step on the cobblestone path filled me with hope.

At Elizabeth’s house, nothing was peaceful. My innocence was always in danger. Elizabeth would often barge into my room, and her crazy parents would even support her wild ideas. I grew tired of running and hiding. Now, I was finally free to leave all that behind. I was especially happy about the dorms—separate rooms meant I wouldn’t have to worry about unwanted visits in the middle of the night.

The journey to the academy was both exciting and a little scary. I walked along a long, winding road, leaving the noisy city behind. The open fields and quiet sounds of nature gave me the feeling of being safe. I hoped that here I could finally train my special skill—my Absolute Defense—and maybe become a true hero.

The campus was huge and full of energy. Tall buildings and neat gardens stretched out before me. I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as I stepped through the big wooden gates. The place felt like a new beginning, far away from the messy life I had known.

I soon reached the dormitory building. It was a small, simple building with brick walls and narrow windows. Inside, the halls were quiet yet busy with students talking, laughing, and getting ready for classes. I felt a warm sense of belonging, and the thought of having my own space filled me with relief.

Finally, I was led to my room. I had dreamed for so long of a room that was just mine—a quiet space where I could study and think without any interruptions. I opened the door with a racing heart, expecting to be alone.

Instead, I found someone else already there.

On a small bed near the window sat Siegfried. I stood frozen, surprised that I would have to share my room with him. In the past, we were fierce rivals. Now, our lives were forced together in this strange new place. The shock of it made my heart beat faster.

I stepped closer, and I could see the tired look in Siegfried’s eyes. He seemed as surprised as I was. It was a bitter irony that someone I had once seen as an enemy would now be my roommate. Yet, in this new chapter, our fates were linked, whether we liked it or not.

I began to unpack my few belongings. I had a small bag with some books, a cloak, and a few personal items that reminded me of my past struggles. Slowly, I changed into my new academy clothes. The simple, sturdy outfit felt comfortable and like a promise of a fresh start.

As I dressed, I looked around the small room. There was a narrow desk, a shared bookshelf filled with some textbooks, and two small beds placed side by side. It was clear that privacy would be limited, but at least I had my own space now—no more interruptions from Elizabeth in my private moments.

I sat on the edge of my bed and took a deep breath. The calm of the room and the quiet sounds in the corridor helped me forget, if only for a moment, the chaos of my old life. I thought about all the nights I spent running away from unwanted advances and the constant stress of living with crazy family members. Here, in the silence of the dorm, I could start to rebuild.

Looking over at Siegfried, I saw that he, too, had come to terms with our new situation. There was a silent understanding between us, a hint that maybe our past rivalries would eventually turn into something like mutual respect. Even if sharing this small room was not what I had dreamed of, it was a step toward a quieter, safer future.

I folded my new clothes neatly on the desk. Each piece of fabric felt like a small step away from my troubled past. I knew that, at the academy, I would have the chance to focus on my training and studies without the constant fear of being disturbed by unwanted guests. My heart felt lighter as I imagined a future where I could finally be free.

I took one last look around the room. The space was modest, but it was mine now—a clean slate where I could write a new chapter of my life. My past was full of chaos and unwanted advances, but here, in this small room, I had the chance to start fresh. I was ready to face the challenges of the academy and to learn what it truly meant to be a hero.

With my new clothes on and my mind full of hope, I stepped away from the desk. I took a deep breath and looked out the window at the peaceful view of the campus grounds. The gentle light, the quiet corridors, and the promise of my own space filled me with a sense of relief.

Although I had to share this room with Siegfried, I knew it was a small price to pay for the freedom I was about to gain. I closed the door behind me and stepped out into the corridor, ready to begin this new journey.

The first day at the academy had started, and I was determined to make the best of it. Every step I took was a step away from the troubled past and toward a future of peace and learning. My life was finally mine to shape, and I was ready to face it, no matter the challenges ahead.