Behind the bronze door were stairs, stairs leading down through an archway, lit up with burning lanterns held closely by the walls.
'You've seriously got to be kidding me!' He yelled within himself as he saw the number of stairs he would be climbing any day they were summoned to the assembly hall.
"Why are we going down? Is every dormitory built below the academy?" A certain person behind him asked, curious just as he was.
'Man, good thing he asked because I'm curious as well. What kind of architecture does this academy have?' He thought mindlessly, descending the stairs as others did.
"Good thing you asked" the senior giggled briefly, glancing at the individual behind who asked the question.
"Well, you see. The academy dormitory is divided into different sectors, and each depends on the tier of your ability. Each tier ranking decides your dormitory, starting from the highest Ex tier having the dormitory at the top of the plateau and the S tier follows next." He explained, navigating through the archway as easily as he had made it seem.
Cheryl paid close attention to the landmarks, and they proceeded to avoid losing their way when going through this corridor while listening to the words of the senior.
'So practically, the E tier users are in the lowest dormitory, that's why we're descending and not ascending. So, the academy rides on hierarchy as well.' He nodded, noting down all the information he was receiving.
"So you understand why we're descending and not ascending? Because we all awakened E-tier abilities, and if you want to live in any of the dorms above you, you have to level up and attain that rank yourself or you continue living in your current dormitory." He further explained.
"As of the moment, the next semester, I'll be ascending to the next rank because I've levelled up to D tier. So I'll only be with you all for one semester, afterwards you have to level up in order to meet me or even talk to me as per the rules."
Cheryl shook his head at the information. He couldn't believe his ears. Even the academy, which he thought would be different, was no different from his family and the society he lived in.
But what exactly was he expecting? They were all Aurelians, after all, no different from each other. That's why the poor always hated the rich. Because of these rules, they created to tie down the weak.
'No different, but overall, it's what I need. Any system different from this would make me lazy. This system will do just fine, so long as they don't overdo it to us weaklings, then I don't mind the challenge.' He smirked, still listening to the conversation between the senior in front of him and the student who asked the question.
"The academy is open for all classes of families in the country, so even the poor are welcome. Their logo is to train the next generation of ability users and produce elite combat specialists, strategists, researchers, and administrators for the Empire."
"So you might understand why most high-ranking individuals seek to gain their child's admission into this academy. Their expulsion rates are above 40%, so it's either you level up or get your ass kicked out."
"Lastly, it serves as the gatekeeper of influence. Which practically means your division here decides your standing for life. If you do well to graduate from this academy with a high-tier ability or influence then you're sure to be safe in society."
"That's why every student strives every year to level up to the next rank before they graduate or they end up being stuck at their current standing in society unless they are from a wealthy or influential family." He further explained, finally arriving at an underground dome.
"Wow!" Everyone exclaimed as he slid open the door, featuring a high-tech, well-designed dormitory.
"Note, this isn't your permanent dormitory, your permanent dormitories will be given to you after the orientation as explained by the Deputy headmaster, so do well to enjoy it while it lasts."
The dormitory looked empty but well tidied, as if they were expecting this particular situation to occur and had prepared ahead.
'Well, I have to get settled down and enjoy it while it lasts as he said. I don't know what he meant by that, but as a senior who's been here before me, I should adhere to his warnings.' He nodded to himself.
He tapped his shoulder to make sure his bag was still strapped behind him, before continuing his journey.
"This dormitory is for guest students, but you guys get to use it since you haven't been assigned dormitories yet. After the officials take care of the situation, you'll all get your permanent dormitories until you level up." The senior explained, opening the door to the main dormitory.
"The area you saw is where you'll be meeting your dormitory heads every morning by 6 am, and for no reason should you be late or be ready to bear the punishments for that day and I'm being serious when I say, you won't like it." He warned, staring at them with an emotionless face.
"Now this is your main dormitory, your beds are in that direction. Bonk beds by the way, no separate bedrooms or stuff like that, your kitchen is that way, pick one person who is good at cooking or you can just wait for the cook to come down here which is usually two hours after each food time."
"Your toilet is that way," he pointed to the left, not slowing down with his words.
"And for no reason should it be found dirty, any day at all because a hygiene check happens unannounced every week or day, depending on who's conducting it." He said with a frown.
"Besides I don't know why you'll feel comfortable in a dirty toilet, that's a health hazard and can cause fatal damage to your body."
"Is there any other thing I left out? If so you'll figure it out yourself and by the way, stay away from the store room. Good luck, I have classes to attend." He waved, rushing out of the room quickly.
'I see why he was rushing now,' Cheryl stared as he walked out of the room.
Then he turned and glanced at the room, taking in the sight before him.
'Enjoy it while it lasts..' he sighed.