Chapter 10:

The Beginning of an Adventure

Hoffen: Life in Another World Without End


The sun rose over the grounds of the academy, casting a golden light among the faces of the students. Though the entrance exam ended in chaos, those who passed stood tall—ready to begin their new lives.

For Luciel and the others, it’s a start of their days as students, learning about the secrets of this world, sigils, potions, circles, and many more.

Just then, the headmaster of the school, Herald Carlisle, an old mage, known back in the day as the Great Sage of Earth, specializing in golems, and extracting minerals safely.

“Welcome, new students of Eledale!” the headmaster declared with a proud smile. “I know that what you experienced during the entrance exam was far from ordinary—but today marks a new beginning!”

His voice carried through the grand hall, steady and reassuring. “Each class will be accompanied by a mage personally appointed by His Majesty, so set your worries aside... and prepare to learn all that this academy has to offer!”

Cheers and murmurs spread throughout the marbled walls of the academy. Some students were skeptical, while others smiled with hope. Still, the promise of safety was enough for them to take a step forward to their new life as students.

As the voice of the headmaster faded and students’ scattered applause settled into soft murmurs between themselves, parchment scrolls fluttered magically into each student’s hands—class assignments, freshly inked.

Their murmurs grew stronger, as it echoed throughout the hall, as names were displayed, excitement and tension mixed in the air.

Luciel the skimmed through the list, trying to find for his name, but a soft voice that chimed beside him caught his attention, “We’re in the same class dummy…” Lilith said, a rare smile on her face. Relief washed over him.

He then sighed, thinking that he would be all alone in his class. “Finally I have someone I can lean on!” he added.

“I-I mean… I guess during breaks you can lean on my shoulder…”

“Huh?”

“Ah?”

When Lilith mentioned her offer, both blinked in confusion, and then—a soft blush crept on both of their faces.

“What was that again—?”

“Ah… U-Uhm… Well…” she stammered, “I didn’t mean it like th-that…” Lilith interrupted, turning away with a small huff, her ears tinged red.

Luciel then laughed lightly, tension lifting from his chest, “I’ll take you up on that offer then…”

“You better not drool on my shoulder!”

The two stood there for a moment longer, the list forgotten, their shoulders just slightly brushing. In that quiet pause, the bustle of students around them faded into the background. Somehow, it felt like this was the real start of their journey.

As they walked towards their classroom, a familiar voice welcomed them. It was Anneliese, who seemed to be just in the class next to them.

“Morning Lilith! Getting romantic this early?”

That’s when Lilith and Luciel realized—they were holding hands. Both of them yanked their hands back in sync, faces turning a deep shade of red.

“I-It’s not what it looks like!” they blurted out in unison, flustered beyond belief.

Anneliese snickered. “Oh? Then what does it look like? Enlighten me—”

“Nothing! Anyway, where’s Cedric and Arvan?” Luciel asked, interrupting Anneliese.

“Tsk… Dodging my question, anyway they’re the same class as me. So don’t worry they’re not hopeless.”

Lilith then laughed, amused by her response, “Well those two really like to cause a ruckus…”

“If they ever start one, they better expect a beating…” Anneliese said with a terrifyingly calm smile, the air around her shifting as if a dark aura had leaked out—like a mother ready to punish her unruly kids.

“You’re really scary sometimes, Anne…” Luciel muttered under his breath.

Anneliese gave a proud shrug. “That’s what happens when you’ve had to keep four siblings in line back in our old world. I call it—experience.”

Just then, the bell rang, signalling the start of class. “Oh well, nice seeing you today Lilith, and you Luciel. See you sometime soon!” and she left, troddling towards her classroom.

Lilith then smiled, nudging Luciel slightly, “Let’s hurry you dummy, let’s not be late on our first day!”

“Y-Yeah,” he replied, still feeling the ghost of her hand in his.

They stepped into their new classroom, desks being sunlit, and overall bright atmosphere filled by cheerful students, despite of the previous events. Several students were already seated, chatting, reviewing notes, or simply taking in the novelty of the place.

Floating runes, chalkboards, and an organized sorting system for students are all the craze, as each student tried to discover what each does.

But then, their Homeroom Teacher entered the classroom. She’s a tall, serene, young woman, who seemed to be in her mid-20’s with silver-rimmed glasses and a mana quill tucked behind her ear, was already writing their names onto the board with a flick of her finger.

She didn’t seem strict, but more like an older sister, making the classroom even brighter, and lighter.

“Good morning class, please be seated into seats that you like! Class is about to begin.” she announced, her voice so clear, bubbly, and bright.

The next few days passed like a blur. Each day was a mix of combat, alchemy, and cooking, for some odd reason. Some lessons included world history, how the first Hero defeated and sealed the underworld. The Tyrant King who destroyed kingdoms, including his. And alongside that, were survival skills, and spells that even those who don’t have that affinity, can easily learn.

Luciel found himself awkwardly fumbling through wand techniques, while Lilith naturally excelled in enchanting and herbology—her eyes sparkling whenever the topic turned toward plants and potions.

During breaks, they often sat by the fountain, right by the place where they once gathered as examinees, watching magical birds as they flew, trees swaying with the wind, and listening to the occasional chatter of their classmates.

They shared laughter, long afternoons of studying, and the occasional grumble about difficult assignments, and other school work. By the end of the week, a routine among them settled.

One afternoon, Luciel looked up from his half-polished notes on mana resonance and glanced at Lilith. He smiled faintly, as he placed his head on her shoulder.

Maybe, just maybe… It wasn’t so bad.

YuuZek
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