While walking, Awelistein glanced at the digital map displayed on his wristband, checking the five famous gardens Tyler had mentioned.
And Tyler was right — each garden was located in the four university's corners.
Garden of Eren sat in the south, Garden Rossette in the east, Garden Palvista in the west, Garden Reina in the north, and Garden of Ossini was behind the Faculty Building, in the southeast center of the campus.
Each garden was named after the first wives of the five rulers from the original five continents — a subtle but powerful connection to the world's ancient history.
They stopped in front of a large, elegant building with four tall towers. At the top of each tower was a glowing emblem, representing each of the great Familias.
"This is the school dormitory," Tyler explained. "Students who live far away stay here. I know you won't be needing it since your application says you live nearby… but I thought I'd show it to you anyway. Who knows, maybe you'll change your mind someday," he added.
Awelistein simply nodded. "Okay."
It was a practical suggestion. Living in the dorm could cut down on travel time and expenses. But he didn't like the idea of mingling with other Spectres. He preferred his distance.
"And that's the end of our tour," Tyler said cheerfully. "I'll walk you to your class since I'm heading to mine anyway."
Awelistein didn't respond. He simply followed silently.
The tour had taken nearly an hour. He had definitely missed his first subject — Philosophy of Astronomy I. Thankfully, he had already gotten the textbook and had read almost half of its 2,500 pages. He was confident he could catch up.
As they walked toward the Spectre Building, Tyler turned to him.
"You know, Awelistein… it's rare to have new students from District Seven. Commons and Spectres over there usually attend their own institutions."
He wasn't wrong. Adarna University wasn't the only school in the region. Each district had its own institutions, both private and public. Awelistein himself had come from Evanescence Common Institute, where he completed his elementary and secondary studies.
"I suppose you already know why," Awelistein finally spoke. "Graduating from this university offers greater opportunities. That's why you're here too, aren't you?"
It was the longest sentence he had said all day.
Tyler's smile widened, clearly pleased.
"You're totally right! Haha. Sorry for being nosy. I guess I just couldn't believe a scholar of Adarna happens to be the godson of the Headmistress herself."
So that was what he had really been curious about.
Awelistein sighed inwardly.
Yes, he was the Headmistress's godson — though they weren't related by blood. But that wasn't the reason he was here, and certainly not the reason he was given a scholarship.
In fact, how many scholarship offers from Adarna had he rejected in the past?
Too many to count.
He gave an unimpressed grunt. Let Tyler believe whatever he wanted. After all, Awelistein had only agreed to enroll here because of his godmother's condition.
There was a long silence after that. Tyler seemed to realize he had said too much. Not that Awelistein really cared.
They arrived at the Common Spectres Building, and instead of elevators, they used the stairs — mostly because this building didn't have elevators. That feature was only in the elite wings. Thankfully, his classroom was only on the second floor.
Room 1-A, Riverdale Spectre Common Class.
"This is your stop," Tyler said. "Nice meeting you, Awelistein. See you around."
With a wave, he left for his own class.
Awelistein adjusted the strap of his backpack and ran his fingers through his white hair. He could feel that the second subject had already started. The door was closed, and inside, his sixteen classmates were already paying attention to the ongoing lecture.
He took a breath and opened the door.
"The human skeletal system has evolved greatly in the new era. While our ancestors had 302 bones, due to evolution, that number has— Oh?" The professor paused. "Looks like the last new student has arrived."
The man speaking was in his mid-thirties, wearing a white lab coat with a silver pin on the chest — Dr. Welbert Frasico, a renowned BioMagic scientist.
Awelistein stepped inside and gave a small bow of apology for the interruption. He recognized the professor from science magazines he had read before. While he wasn't exactly a fan, he respected the man's knowledge — enough not to be intimidated.
"No need to apologize, Mr. Ingrid," Dr. Frasico said kindly. "I was informed ahead of time about your late attendance, along with your absence from your Philosophy class. Honestly, I expected you tomorrow. But since you're here, come to the front and introduce yourself."
There was no lie in the professor's tone. It was clear his godmother had arranged everything.
As Awelistein walked forward, whispers broke out among the students.
"He's cute."
"That hair… those eyes…"
"I can't feel anything from him."
"He's kinda scary."
"Silence, class," Dr. Frasico called out. "Go ahead, Mr. Ingrid."
Awelistein stood before the class and gave a respectful bow.
"My name is Awelistein Ingrid. I'm 17. I'm from District Seven and a former student of Evanescence Common Institute."
He straightened his posture after the short introduction.
"Wow, a scholar. He's wearing a blue tie."
"ECI? Isn't that the school for geniuses?"
"Another prodigy, huh."
"Maybe… but he might not even have a real Spectre."
"Yeah, true. Brain without power."
He could hear their voices — curious, judgmental, impressed, skeptical. It made him roll his eyes.
These people suck.
Then, finally, a girl raised her hand and asked what everyone else was clearly wondering.
"What's your Spectre?"
Awelistein sighed.
"I'm an Empath."