Chapter 4 - Part 47 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

Continuing down one of the main paths that led to the center of the Academy, where all the buildings were located, Valessandria couldn't help but smile at seeing all the students happily enjoying the open fields or studiously pouring over the textbooks. She noticed a few flashes of light from students attempting to improve their connection with the mana in the air.

"Though I enjoy exploring the Outer part of the City, there is always something magical upon entering the Academy. There is nothing more that I treasure than this place."

Turning her head to look back at Samantha, Valessandria couldn't help but crack a smile. Even though Samantha was escorting her to the Student Council, it was true that the Academy felt like a unique and magical place that couldn't be replicated anywhere else on the continent. Though Valessandria knew little of the people that lived beyond the endless land of sand south of the Kingdom and the nations they lived inside, thinking that there was a place better than the Academy was difficult for her to imagine. "It truly is a magical place." She nodded.

"I have so much to owe this place since the Academy accepted my sister and me, even if we came from a fallen House." Samantha stared at the students going about their daily activities, likely with classes over for the day. Her eyes then slowly looked sideways at Valessandria.

Valessandria continued to look at the sights of the Academy, feeling it was a common tale. It wasn't unexpected to discover that Samantha was from the nobility. There weren't many in the Special Division of the Academy Guards not from a prestigious family background. Instead, she would've been surprised if the woman was from a commoner family like she had been.

"Lady Knight!" A student waved her hand. Next to her was a classmate whose face was red -- embarrassed by her friend. However, the classmate shyly glanced in Valessandria's direction.

Valessandria happily waved at the student and the classmate. "The two of you paying attention to your classes?" She shouted to the two students.

"Yes, Lady Knight!" The student who had waved said in a loud voice. In contrast, the classmate's voice was significantly lower, as though not wanting to attract attention.

She tried to hold back a giggle, seeing that the two had notepads that clearly had her face drawn on the back. The sight of the notepads was evidence that the two students were fans of hers. Though she never understood the benefit of purchasing items with her likeness on them, it wasn't likely she would admonish the students. Valessandria may not have enjoyed the distribution of such goods, but deep down, she sensed that many students admired her due to her background and what she was able to accomplish, and the items purchased were used as a way to motivate them. A few nobles may be part of her fan club, but she knew that most members were from a simple background.

As they traveled toward the center of the Academy, she looked at the long buildings with windows scattered densely on the sides, the top levels having balconies with a few students unwinding under the sun. Each row of windows indicating the floor where students would be housed. The student dormitories were clustered together and built to circle the Academy. They weren't as tall as many of the other structures or as elaborately designed. But a benefit was how they were sometimes closer to class buildings or other resources often used by the students.

The rooms weren't special, but for many, they would be better than they had before arriving at the Academy. Brushing back some of her hair as the lazy breeze blew past, she fondly remembered the one she stayed at when first arriving at the school as a child. It was a simple unit she was assigned to, with multiple rooms that allowed two students to stay inside each one. There was even a basic kitchen available for them since they couldn't afford to get school meals. Valessandria couldn't help but smile, reminiscing how she'd stay up late giggling with her roommates in the small common area where they also ate their modest meals.

Students emerged from the dorms, many appearing as though they had just awoken. Of course, as students left to head to class, some returned to the dorm to get ready to sleep. The bags under some of the students' eyes hinted at how much time they had dedicated to their classes and other activities.

Along the road were small temporary shops that sold snacks and other food items. A student could be seen behind the counter, taking orders from the line of students, many of who didn't have time to head into the Outer area of the City to pick up food for the morning before or after class. The shops that were dispersed near the basic dormitory area were helpful since they allowed people to avoid taking time out of their busy schedule to shop at the stores in the Outer area of the City.

A few of the students looked to see who was making their way through the dormitory area of the Academy before their eyes widened upon seeing that it was Valessandria and the Special Division of the Academy Guards.

"Good morning, My Lady," Several students greeted her.

Nodding, she greeted them back, waving at a few while passing them by. Compared to the Outer area, where people needed to move out of the way due to how busy the City was in the morning, the roads were relatively empty, with the students mainly using the sidewalks. The few students walking on the side of the road would occasionally look behind them, making sure that no wagons or horses were traveling toward the central area of the Academy.

"I imagine all of you are pretty busy juggling your duties as Academic Guards and being a student?" Seeing all the students, she couldn't help but feel social.

Sighing, Samantha nodded, "I am fortunate to not have too many classes that I have signed up for, but after my shift is over for the day, I will need to head to the library and read up on the chapters." Her shoulder slumped, not enjoying the idea of having more work to do after work was finished.

Valessandria's eyes casually looked at the large building with different sections between the dormitories. The size was nearly double the size of the neighboring structures, with dozens of large windows to let in natural light. A flow of students entered, walking up the steps and entering to reach their class. There were a few that frantically ran towards the building, gently pushing aside other students in their haste. She chuckled as she shook her head, thinking that the student would not have a fun time being late.