As the morning sun peeked through the windows, Kael stirred from his slumber, stretching his arms and yawning. He looked around, expecting to see Zerah, but she was nowhere to be found. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and that's when he saw the note on the table.
He got out of bed and walked over to the table, picking up the note. It was written in Zerah's elegant handwriting:
"Dear Kael and friends,
I've been called away on a mission and will be gone for a few days or weeks. Don't worry, I'll be back soon. In the meantime, make sure to attend your classes and take care of yourselves.
I've left breakfast for you on the table. Eat well and stay strong.
May God bless you on your first day at the Priest Academy.
Auntie Zerah"
Kael smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He looked around the room and saw that the others were still fast asleep. He decided to freshen up and wake them up, as they had to attend their first day at the Priest Academy.
He quickly washed his face, brushed his teeth, and got dressed. Then, he gently shook the others awake, making sure they were all up and ready on time.
As they sat down to eat the breakfast Zerah had left for them, Kael couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards their auntie. She had taken them under her wing and was now giving them the opportunity to attend the prestigious Priest Academy.
With full bellies and determined hearts, the group set off towards the Academy, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Kael and his friends arrived at the Priest Hall, they were struck by its grandeur. The large, two-story building was filled with rows of seats, separated by rank, but despite the hierarchy, everyone stood in unison, united in their purpose. The group slipped into their seats just as the Opening Ceremony began.
On stage, a beautiful teacher stood poised, dressed in a stunning black uniform adorned with gold and red accents. Her name, Dabria Crow, was whispered among the students, and Kael's friends exchanged excited glances. Dabria's presence commanded attention, and her confident smile put everyone at ease.
Behind Dabria, the Headmasters sat on a higher platform, surrounded by an elegant table and chairs. The symbol of the cross of The Lord Jesus Christ hung majestically on the wall behind them, a powerful reminder of the Academy's values and mission.
As Dabria began to speak, her voice echoed through the hall, warm and authoritative. "Welcome, students, teachers, and honored guests, to the Opening Ceremony of the Priest Academy. I am Dabria Crow, your head teacher, and I am honored to stand before you today."
The hall fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Dabria as she continued, "Today marks the beginning of a new journey for many of you. A journey of discovery, growth, and service. As members of this Academy, you will be challenged to become the best versions of yourselves, to develop your gifts and talents, and to use them for the greater good."
Kael and his friends listened intently, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. They knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible adventure, one that would shape them into the priests and priestesses they were meant to be.
Dabria's welcoming speech was met with applause and smiles from the students and faculty. She then began her second speech, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
"To all of you who possess Holy abilities, and to those who do not, I extend a warm welcome to Priest Academy. It is not the presence or absence of Holy abilities that defines us, but rather the intentions of our hearts and the sincerity of our souls. As long as your heart and soul are in the right place, in the light of God, you are welcome here."
Dabria's eyes swept across the hall, meeting the gaze of students from all walks of life. "We are not just individuals with unique gifts and talents. We are a family, a community of Priests and Priestesses who work together as a single unit. Not everyone may welcome us, but we stand strong together, supporting and uplifting one another."
Her voice took on a deeper tone, filled with conviction. "Being a Priest or Priestess is not just about possessing Holy abilities or being graced by the Heavens. It is about doing what is right, spreading love and good works, and looking out for one another. It is about finding your purpose and center, and using your gifts and talents to make a positive impact on the world."
Dabria's words resonated deeply with Kael and his friends, who felt a sense of belonging and purpose wash over them. They knew that they had found a true home at Priest Academy, a place where they could grow, learn, and serve together.
As Dabria finished her speech, the hall erupted in applause once more, with students and faculty alike rising to their feet to show their appreciation and enthusiasm for the new academic year.
Dabria's voice echoed through the hall as she began to introduce the esteemed Headmasters of Priest Academy. "It is my pleasure to introduce the leaders of our academic departments. Each of these individuals is a renowned expert in their field, and they will guide and mentor you throughout your time at Priest Academy."
With a gesture, Dabria invited the first Headmaster to step forward. "Please welcome The Soul King, Professor Everglow, who oversees the departments of Alchemy and Soul Arts. His expertise in these fields is unmatched, and he will help you unlock the secrets of the soul and the art of alchemy."
Next, Dabria introduced Lady Rosewood, also known as The Daughter of Life. "Lady Rosewood is the guardian of our Botanical Gardens, Eden, and she leads the studies concerning life and plant life. Her knowledge of the natural world is vast, and she will teach you the secrets of growth, renewal, and the healing properties of plants."
Dabria then introduced Master North, also known as Adam. "Master North is the master of the Arena of Combat. He will train you in the art of combat, teaching you the skills you need to protect yourself and others from harm."
The next introduction was Madam Sybil, also known as The Celestial Sage. "Madam Sybil is the guardian of the Library of Light, and she oversees the studies of politics, the past, history, anatomy of creatures of the Night, and knowledge of the Heavens. Her wisdom is vast, and she will guide you through the complexities of the world and the mysteries of the universe."
Finally, Dabria introduced the Prime Headmaster, Lord Ael, also known as Humanities Archangel. "Lord Ael is the leader of our institution, and he trains all those who possess flame abilities, except for certain...special cases. His expertise in the art of flame manipulation is unparalleled, and he will help you master your abilities and become the best version of yourself."
As the introductions came to a close, the students applauded, eager to begin their journey at Priest Academy under the guidance of these esteemed Headmasters.
Dabria stood before the students, a warm smile on her face as she began to explain the inner workings of the Academy. "Welcome, students, to Priest Academy. As you begin your journey here, it's essential to understand how our institution operates. We have rules and regulations in place to ensure your safety and well-being, as well as to maintain the high standards of our Academy."
She went on to explain the schedules for classes, meals, and other activities, as well as the expectations for behavior and academic performance. The students listened attentively, eager to learn and succeed.
As Dabria finished her explanation, she took a seat, and Lord Ael stood up, a warm smile on his face. "Thank you, Dabria, for your hard work and dedication to our Academy. I would like to once again welcome everyone to Priest Academy and express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as your Prime Headmaster."
Lord Ael's eyes swept across the hall, meeting the gaze of each student. "It is an honor to be blessed by the Heavens, but it is equally important to praise and serve God. We are not just individuals, but a community, a family, and it is essential that we work together towards a common goal."
His voice took on a deeper tone, filled with conviction. "Working together makes the impossible possible. Having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ makes everything and anything possible, as long as you have faith burning in your core. Remember, it is not just about individual achievement, but about lifting each other up and working towards a common purpose."
Lord Ael's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Competition is allowed, and it can be a powerful motivator. However, it is essential to remember that there is a limit to competition. In some situations, unity is not just desirable, but necessary. We must learn to balance our individual ambitions with the need for unity and cooperation."
As Lord Ael finished speaking, the students erupted into applause, their faces filled with determination and enthusiasm. The Opening Ceremony came to a close, and the students of Priest Academy were ready to begin their journey, armed with the knowledge and inspiration they needed to succeed.
As Kael walked with Arin, Lyra, and Tera towards the Academy Classes, Arin's mind was still on Little Orion. Before Zerah had left for her mission, she had suggested that Arin leave Little Orion with Olrox and his wife to prevent any distractions or worry. And currently, Little Orion was indeed with Uncle Olrox and Aunt Melinda.
Tera, sensing Arin's concern, placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Don't worry, Arin. Aunt Melinda seemed quite formidable. I couldn't grasp how her prowess scales to, but I'm sure she'll take good care of Little Orion."
Arin smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He knew that Tera was right - Aunt Melinda was more than capable of taking care of Little Orion. And with Uncle Olrox by her side, Arin felt confident that Little Orion was in good hands.
As they approached the classroom, Kael turned to the group with a excited grin. "I wonder who our class teacher will be? And what our schedule will be like?"
Lyra's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I hope we get a good teacher. Someone who's knowledgeable and experienced."
Tera nodded in agreement. "And I hope our schedule isn't too packed. I want to have some free time to explore the Academy and get to know our fellow students."
Arin chuckled. "I think we'll be fine. We'll just have to wait and see what the day brings."
As they entered the classroom, they were greeted by a warm smile from their class teacher, who stood waiting for them. The group exchanged excited glances, eager to begin their academic journey at the Priest Academy.
The teacher stood before them, a unique and striking figure. His curly hair was a mesmerizing blend of white and blue, a color combination that seemed almost otherworldly. Perched on the end of his nose were a pair of glasses, which gave him a slightly bookish and intellectual air.
His body build was average, neither particularly muscular nor slender. He wore the same uniform that Dabria had worn earlier, but with a few subtle differences. The base color of his uniform was black, and the inscriptions that adorned it were a mix of faint silver and red. The overall effect was one of understated elegance, and the group couldn't help but be drawn to him.
As they took in his appearance, the teacher smiled warmly, his eyes twinkling with kindness. "Welcome, students," he said, his voice gentle and soothing. "My name is Professor Azure, and I will be your class teacher for the duration of your time at the Priest Academy. I must say, I am delighted to make your acquaintance, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you."
Professor Azure smiled warmly as the students greeted him with enthusiasm. However, he noticed that not everyone shared the same level of excitement. Some students looked a bit apprehensive, while others seemed downright skeptical. Azure's expression remained unchanged, and he didn't seem to mind the varying reactions.
"Welcome, everyone, to our class," Azure began, his voice clear and confident. "Over the course of our time together, we will cover a wide range of topics, from the basics to more advanced techniques. We will start with the fundamentals, such as understanding the weaknesses and strengths of the Creatures of the Night."
Azure paused, surveying the room to ensure he had everyone's attention. "We will also learn about the different types of weapons that can be used against these creatures, as well as how to choose the right weapon for the job. Additionally, we will cover the importance of having a substitute or backup plan, in case your primary weapon is destroyed, melted, disabled, or taken."
Azure's eyes sparkled with intensity as he continued. "We will also delve into the art of combat, teaching you various techniques and strategies for taking down the Creatures of the Night. Furthermore, we will cover the basics of forging and crafting weapons, so that you can create your own tools and equipment, should the need arise."
The students listened intently, some looking more engaged than others. Azure's passion and expertise were evident, and he seemed to be genuinely enthusiastic about teaching the class.
Professor Azure's calm and steady demeanor made him seem approachable, and his words were laced with a sense of reassurance. "You see, magic is not just about casting spells or wielding powerful abilities. It's also about being resourceful and adaptable. By learning how to use magical inscriptions and runes, you'll be able to imbue your weapons with magical properties, even if you're not a skilled mage yourself."
He paused, surveying the room with a gentle smile. "Imagine being in a situation where you're facing a formidable foe, and you're running low on magic. With the knowledge of magical inscriptions, you'll be able to create a temporary boost to your abilities, giving you the edge you need to turn the tide of battle in your favor."
Azure's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, but his tone remained calm and measured. "Of course, this is just one aspect of what we'll be covering in this class. We'll also delve into the theory behind magical inscriptions, as well as the practical applications of using them in combat."
As he spoke, Professor Azure began to pace slowly around the room, his movements fluid and relaxed. His calm and steady personality made him seem approachable, and the students found themselves feeling more at ease in his presence.
As Professor Azure finished his introduction, he asked the class if they had any questions. The room fell silent for a moment, before a girl with long, golden hair and amber eyes spoke up. She was a stunningly beautiful girl, with delicate features and a confident air about her.
"Professor Azure, may I ask what's your rank?" she asked, her voice clear and melodious.
Professor Azure smiled lightly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, a question that gets to the heart of the matter," he said, his tone amused. "But before I answer, may I ask your name, young lady?"
The girl smiled, her amber eyes sparkling with intelligence. "My name is Eliana," she replied, her voice confident and self-assured.
Professor Azure's smile deepened, and he nodded his head in approval. "Ah, Eliana. A lovely name for a lovely young lady. And now, to answer your question..."
Professor Azure's smile grew wider as he replied to Eliana's question. "As for my rank, I am a Master Elite, which is second only to the peak of ranks. The Inscriptions on my uniform," he gestured to the black uniform with faint silver and red markings, "indicate my rank and status as a Master Elite."
The class looked at Professor Azure with renewed respect and admiration, impressed by his high rank and achievements. Eliana's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned forward slightly, eager to learn more about Professor Azure's experiences and expertise.
Master Elite was a rank that commanded respect and awe, and the students couldn't help but wonder what kind of accomplishments and challenges Professor Azure had faced to reach such a high level of distinction.
Professor Azure's eyes twinkled with amusement as he continued, "Now, I know that some of you may be curious about my adventures and achievements as a Master Elite. And I'm willing to share some of those stories with you... but in exchange, I expect you all to work hard and strive for top grades."
He paused, surveying the room with a serious expression. "I want to see each and every one of you push yourselves to be the best you can be. Don't just aim for passing grades or getting by. I want to see you all excel, to see you reach for excellence and achieve it."
Professor Azure's expression softened, and he smiled again. "If you can do that, if you can show me that you're committed to learning and growing, then I'll share some of my stories with you. I'll tell you about the challenges I faced, the battles I fought, and the triumphs I achieved."
The students looked at each other, and then back at Professor Azure, their faces set with determination. They knew that they had a lot to learn, but they were eager to rise to the challenge and prove themselves.
Professor Azure's eyes sparkled with interest as he continued to learn more about his students. He was particularly drawn to Kael, Arin, and Lyra, sensing a strong bond between them.
As he turned his attention to Kohen, he was struck by the boy's unique appearance. Kohen's black short hair with purple strands and piercing purple eyes gave him an edgy, emo look, but there was something about his athletic build and quiet demeanor that suggested a deeper complexity.
"Tell me, Kohen," Professor Azure said, his voice gentle and encouraging. "What brings you to the Academy? What are your goals, and what drives you?"
Kohen's response was soft-spoken, but Professor Azure detected a hint of mistiness in his voice, a sense of quiet contemplation. He nodded thoughtfully, making a mental note to keep an eye on Kohen, sensing that there was more to the boy than met the eye.
Next, Professor Azure turned his attention to Celeste, who was a stark contrast to Kohen's quiet, misty personality. Celeste's long silver hair and eyebrows shone like a beacon, and her Moon-colored eyes sparkled with warmth. Her cute appearance and petite body belied a sense of vibrant energy, and Professor Azure couldn't help but be drawn to her peaceful, yet lively demeanor.
"Ah, Celeste," Professor Azure said, his voice filled with delight. "Tell me, what brings you to the Academy? What are your passions, and what do you hope to achieve?"
Celeste's response was like a breath of fresh air, filled with enthusiasm and warmth. Professor Azure listened intently, his eyes shining with pleasure, as he sensed a deep connection to the girl's vibrant energy.
Professor Azure finished his introductions and conversations with the students, feeling satisfied with the connections he had made. He stood up, his movements fluid and relaxed, and smiled at the class.
"Well, I think that's enough for now," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "I'm going to step out for a bit, but I expect you all to behave and get to know each other. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
With that, Professor Azure turned and walked out of the classroom, leaving the students to chat and mingle among themselves. He made his way to the roof of the building, where he lit a cigarette and took a long drag.
As he exhaled, a slight smile played on his lips. "This class is going to be quite interesting," he murmured to himself, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Professor Azure leaned against the railing, taking in the view of the surrounding landscape. He felt a sense of contentment wash over him, knowing that he had a talented and diverse group of students to work with.
As he smoked, Professor Azure's mind began to wander, thinking about the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. He was excited to see how his students would grow and develop over the course of the year, and he was eager to play a role in their journey.