The morning bell echoed across Notting Junior Spirit Master Academy, pulling Ayan out of a light sleep. Below him, Tang San was already tidying his bed, calm and precise as always. Xiao Wu, on the other hand, groaned dramatically from her bed near the window.
"Ugh… mornings are cruel," she muttered, rubbing her eyes.
Ayan slid down from his bunk with an easy stretch. "Depends on how you use them," he said lazily. "Some people train… others just complain."
Xiao Wu shot him a half-awake glare.
After breakfast in the bustling cafeteria, the three made their way to their assigned classroom. It was a modest room, wooden desks in neat rows, sunlight spilling through the windows. A group of students were already seated, chatting in low voices.
The homeroom teacher, a middle-aged man with a simple robe and calm demeanor, began with introductions. Students stood one by one, stating their names and martial spirits.
When Tang San's turn came, he simply said, "Tang San. Martial Spirit: Blue Silver Grass." His calm tone drew little reaction from the class — just a few uninterested murmurs.
Ayan followed right after. "Ayan. Martial Spirit: Doppelganger Soul." He didn't bother elaborating. A few curious eyes turned his way — 'doppelganger' wasn't a common term, and it sparked whispers.
Good, he thought. Let them wonder.
Xiao Wu bounced up next. "Xiao Wu! Martial Spirit: Soft Bone Rabbit!" Her enthusiasm drew giggles and raised eyebrows, but her confidence silenced any snide remarks.
The teacher explained the basics of spirit cultivation and academy rules, but Ayan's attention was divided. While Tang San listened intently and took notes, Ayan watched his classmates — how they moved, how they whispered, who glanced at who.
By midday, class ended, and students spilled into the training yard for physical drills. The older students ran laps and practiced spirit skills under the watchful eyes of instructors.
Ayan didn't bother showing off. He jogged at a steady pace, saving his energy, while quietly timing how long others lasted before tiring. Tang San, as expected, finished his sets without breaking a sweat. Xiao Wu… somehow managed to make even running look playful.
When the day ended, the three returned to the dorms together. Tang San carried a stack of borrowed books, Xiao Wu chattered about lunch, and Ayan walked in silence, his mind already planning how to use the academy's resources without being chained to anyone's tutelage.
This was just the first day — but in Ayan's mind, it was the first step in his training… on his terms.