After everyone was done with their weapon selection, most of the cadets began to examining their weapons. Some of them curiously wielding it and checking for it's compatibility. A few stood apart, either unconcerned about it or they're inherently confident. Delphine was one of them. She stood at the front, looking entirely composed.
Across the massive training arena, cadets completed their weapon scans. Some cheered upon receiving something exciting, while others looked disappointed or confused. The anticipation in the air was slowly transforming into tension.
Bruce watched them from the front. He said, "If any of you don't understand your weapon, or if you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
Saurai looked around, but no one stepped forward. He also did not want to stand out so he remained where he was. Seeing this, Bruce announced, "You all have a 15-minute break to check and get comfortable with your weapons. After that, we'll begin combat practice."
Saurai stood quietly, adjusting the grip on his newly assigned staff. It felt cool in his palms, though the leather handle was already warm from his touch. Faint vine-like patterns ran along the shaft which was pulsing subtly and almost as if the weapon was breathing with him. Though he had never been someone who dreamed of battle or glory, a small part of him wanted to test it and not for violence, but for understanding and maybe For better control of the weapon.
He turned the staff in his hands and afterwards taking a few slow swings. The balanceof the staff was excellent. The weight was light but present. As he shifted his stance and practiced a few movements, something clicked into place. It was as if his body remembered how to fight, even if his mind did not.
Saurai began glancing around and He noticed that Murphy and the man who had been with him earlier were no longer on the viewing platform. Only Cassius Ray remained, watching the cadets with a distant and also uninterested gaze.
Next to him, Bryn was swinging his hammer with childlike excitement. It had a very dense alloy head with a thick energy conduit running through the shaft. Every swing landed with a satisfying thud. It clearly required significant strength to wield this properly.
Then, a black-haired girl with a soft bun approached Saurai timidly. She stared at him and said, "Hello, Saurai. I'm Vani."
To Saurai, Vani appeared to be the shy type. She had a pretty face, but not the kind of beauty that stood out in a crowd. Being naturally observant, Saurai recognized her from class 1-E. otherwise, she was the sort of person who would go unnoticed unless called upon.
He remembered seeing her in Class 1-E, the same class he was in. Saurai nodded and replied, "Hello," then looked at her questioningly.
Vani said, "Delphine is calling you. Please come with me."
Saurai stiffened. He didn't want to attract attention Atleast not before he fully understood his situation and this world better. Confused and slightly nervous, he glanced at Bryn, but Bryn also seemed unsure why Delphine would call for him.
Vani had already begun walking and called to him again. With a quiet sigh, Saurai followed her, even though he didn't want to.
They reached the area where Delphine was standing. Around ten students were already gathered before her, standing respectfully without speaking. When they noticed Saurai, a few looked at him, then quickly turned their attention back to Delphine.
Delphine also looked at Saurai briefly before returning her focus to the group. Saurai let out a breath of relief because at least from her expression it suggested they weren't familiar with eachother.
It was the first time Saurai had seen Delphine up close. She looked elegant. The uniform suited her perfectly. There was something about her presence that compelled respect from those around her.
It seemed like some sort of meeting. Vani stood beside Saurai, silent. Then Delphine spoke in a commanding voice, "As all of you know, I've been tasked with choosing representatives for the six first-year classes. I'm not interested in some drawn-out election, so I've called the top two students from each class based on the entrance exam scores.
"The top student from each class will be the Class Representative. The second-ranked student will be the Vice Representative."
The students began glancing at each other. Saurai was shocked. He hadn't known he was one of the top scorers. He kept his face neutral, masking his surprise. He acted indifferent. Then he looked at Vani since she was the only other student from Class 1-E present, she was either the top scorer or second-ranked. He wasn't sure which of them ranked higher.
Delphine gave them a moment to process the information. Some students weren't surprised and it seemed they had expected it.
She continued, "I've been given a week to finalize the list of representatives. Since the next two days are holidays, I expect your final decisions after the two days break."
A few students whispered among themselves. Then a blonde boy stepped forward confidently. "I totally agree with the princess. We shouldn't waste time with useless elections. I'm Andy from Class 1-C, and I'm ready to follow the princess as Class 1-C's representative."
His words caused a stir. Calling her "princess" was considered inappropriate. Especially when an actual royal family existed. The term could be taboo if used for someone not in the line of succession. But Delphine didn't react. She simply nodded and ignored his flattery.
Like falling dominoes, the other students began to agree with Delphine's decision. Saurai grew uneasy. He had tried so hard not to attract attention since his transmigration, yet fate kept pushing him into the spotlight as if he were some kind of stage actor.
He still wasn't sure whether he had ranked first or second. But from the very beginning, he had noticed that it appeared that Vani stood beside him but in reality she also just stand one step behind him. That suggested he might be the top scorer of his class but he wasn't sure. Since it didn't matter. What mattered was that he didn't want any leadership role and not until he fully understood his own situation.
Just then, as if fate answered his silent prayers, a red-haired boy stepped forward casually.
"I'm not interested in being some representative." he said lazily. "I don't like dictatorship. I'm a big fan of democracy. Not like some dog."
He shot a look at Andy.
Andy was furious. He pointed at the red-haired boy and shouted, "You—!"
But he couldn't say more things
But the red hair boy ignored him completely and continued, "Delphine, if you give me your position, Maybe I'll happily conduct an elections in all six classes for you and can take that heavy responsibility for you." He chuckled.
Delphine's expression tightened, but she controlled herself. She asked calmly, "Kevin, are you sure you don't want to represent Class 1-B? You'd rather hold elections in your class?"
It was clear they knew each other sice she had called him by his name without even asking.
Kevin nodded silently and turned away, walking off towards his class group with lazy indifference.
Delphine said nothing more but turned her gaze toward Saurai. Since he was the last person left who haven't decided anything yet.
Saurai felt like Kevin had paved a path for him. He decided to follow it.
Trying to appear a bit flustered, Saurai said, "I'm still adjusting to the academy and I don't know if I'm the right person to lead Class 1-E just yet. I'll give you my answer after the holiday."
He gave a slight bow to everyone and turned around to leave.
Inside, Saurai felt proud of how he handled the situation.
Kevin paused mid-step, glancing back with a curious smile before bursting into laughter.
For some reason, Andy, who had stayed silent when Kevin called him a dog indirectly was unable to stay quiet this time. He sneered
Andy said "Lady Delphine deserves leaders, not some trembling stray who got lucky on a test."
Saurai just stayed silent.
Andy got more angry since he didn't got any response so he said "Coward! You won't even be able to touch a bot in Combat excercise! "
Saurai looked at him and then turned around then Saurai murmured the word "dog" under his breath. He hadn't meant for anyone to hear it, but the people around him had sharp senses, and the word carried farther than he expected. Kevin burst out laughing, unable to hold it in. A few others, who had grown tired of Andy's arrogant attitude also smirked quietly, their amusement barely hidden.
Andy's face flushed crimson with the embarrassment and rage warred behind his eyes. If looks could kill, Saurai would've been struck down a hundred times over.
Saurai didn't paid any attention anymore and simply walked back toward his own class group,He already turning his thoughts toward the upcoming combat exercise.