Section D opened into a massive arena that drew gasps of amazement from our entire group.
"The arena serves multiple purposes," our guide explained with obvious pride. "Students may reserve time to settle personal disputes through formal combat, though such conflicts must be approved by faculty supervisors. Additionally, monthly ranking competitions are held here, where the top one hundred students can earn substantial rewards based on their performance."
The fighting space was enormous, easily large enough to accommodate aerial combat or large-scale magical battles. Protective barriers shimmered around the perimeter, designed to contain even Transcendent-level magical attacks. Tiered seating surrounded the arena floor, capable of holding thousands of spectators during major events.
Magical scoring systems tracked combat statistics in real-time, displaying them on floating displays visible throughout the venue. The arena floor itself could transform to simulate different combat environments. I watched as sections shifted between rocky terrain, swampland, and open plains in a matter of seconds.
Section E felt more familiar and comfortable after the intimidating grandeur of the previous areas.
"The dormitories," our guide announced as we entered a more residential district within the academy grounds.
The buildings were elegant but practical, constructed from the same white stone as the main campus but with warmer architectural touches. Gardens and courtyards provided peaceful spaces for study and relaxation, while enchanted walkways ensured safe passage during any weather conditions.
Each dormitory building housed students from different year levels.
Section F bustled with activity as we entered what could only be described as an elaborate shopping district.
"The mall operates on a point system," our guide explained. "Students receive monthly point allocations based on their academic performance, combat rankings, and contribution to academy projects. These points can be exchanged for equipment, supplies, recreational activities, and various services. You will learn more about this during your first class, you don't have to worry about it now."
The variety of available goods was staggering. Weapon shops displayed enchanted swords, staffs, and armor that glowed with magical properties. Restaurants served cuisine from across the kingdom, while entertainment venues provided spaces for students to relax and socialize.
I noticed point values displayed prominently next to every item and service. The system clearly incentivized academic excellence and competitive achievement.
Finally, we arrived at Section G, housed within an enormous square building that dominated the horizon.
"Our training facilities," the guide announced with satisfaction.
Combat training areas stretched far beyond what should have been possible.
Weapons training halls echoed with the sounds of clashing steel and shouted instructions. Magic practice chambers contained residual energy from countless spells.
Advanced simulation rooms used illusion magic to create completely realistic combat scenarios against virtual opponents that responded with genuine intelligence and adaptation.
"Questions?" our guide asked as we completed the tour.
The academy was even more impressive than the novel had suggested, and I was beginning to understand why it produced such exceptional graduates.
One of the nobles raised his hand, breaking the respectful silence that had followed our tour. "Excuse me, sir. How are students placed into classes? Will we be grouped with others of similar... backgrounds?"
The guide's expression remained neutral as he responded. "All nobles and sponsored students will initially be placed in the top-tier classes based on your demonstrated potential and family standings. However, you will only remain there if you perform according to the minimum academic and combat standards. Failure to meet these requirements will result in immediate reassignment to lower-ranked classes."
His words carried an unmistakable warning. Noble blood might open doors, but it wouldn't keep them open without genuine merit.
"Classes are organized by demonstrated ability rather than social status later on," he continued. "The academy recognizes talent."
I absorbed this information carefully, cross-referencing it with my knowledge from the novel. The class system was indeed merit-based, creating a competitive environment where even noble heirs could find themselves demoted if they became complacent.
In the original timeline, Kyle would rise immediately through the rankings. He never bothered hiding his strength or playing political games, his raw talent and determination would place him directly into the highest-ranked class within the first day of enrolment.
This year, there were two elite-level classes, and I hoped to be placed in the second one. Despite being an elite class with excellent resources and instruction, the second class rarely encountered the dangerous situations that seemed to follow Kyle wherever he went. The protagonist's presence had a way of attracting trouble that I wanted no part of.
Although I hoped for that placement, I knew things rarely went according to plan in this world. Even if I ended up in Kyle's class, I had strategies for managing the situation. I would focus on building my strength quietly while cultivating relationships with the right people, those who could provide opportunities without drawing unwanted attention.
While I wanted to maintain distance from the protagonist, that didn't mean I was willing to sacrifice my education for the sake of avoiding him. The difference in treatment and resources between elite classes and lower-tier ones was substantial. Elite classes received superior instruction, access to advanced training facilities, and opportunities that could determine my entire future.
I wasn't about to waste those advantages just to be away from a character I don't like.
"Here are your dormitory assignments," the guide announced, producing a stack of enchanted cards that began floating toward their intended recipients.
My card was elegant and practical, it would serve as both identification and room key. The dormitory number and basic access permissions were etched in flowing script that glowed softly when touched.
Throughout the tour, I had felt Seraphina's eyes on me.
Her gaze carried a mixture of curiosity and wariness, probably still processing my unexpected behaviour during our engagement dissolution. However, I paid her attention no heed, focusing instead on gathering information and preparing for whatever challenges lay ahead.