Julian POV
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I didn't expect the academy dorms to feel like… this.
I mean, I knew Gurukul Academy was rich. Like national-budget-is-a-suggestion rich. But walking through the student residential zone made that fact hit me square in the face.
The dormitory complex stretched like a small city of its own—clean stone pathways, glowing runes embedded into the ground for lighting, and buildings rising in neat, confident rows. Each structure screamed status, and not even subtly.
Ranks mattered here. A lot.
Lower-ranked students stayed closer to the outer ring—still decent, still better than anything I'd ever seen in my previous life, but clearly "standard issue academy luxury." As you moved inward, the buildings grew larger, cleaner, and more… arrogant. Like they knew only the talented were allowed inside.
Male and female dorms were separated, of course, with a wide courtyard between them. Guards stood at the entrances—not tense, but alert in that relaxed, veteran way that said try something stupid and regret it immediately.
And then there it was.
An entire building.
No—an entire compound.
Dedicated solely to Class S students.
I stopped walking without realizing it.
The building wasn't just bigger. It was different. The architecture was sharper, the mana density thicker, the air itself quieter—as if the place demanded respect simply by existing.
"So that's where the monsters live," I muttered.
"Talking to yourself again?"
I flinched and turned.
Alicia stood there, arms folded, expression calm as ever. Student council badge pinned neatly to her uniform, posture perfect, presence overwhelmingly competent. Honestly, if the academy had a physical embodiment of "get your life together," it'd be my sister.
"…How long have you been standing there?" I asked.
"Long enough," she replied. "Congratulations, Julian. Top ten. That wasn't easy."
I scratched the back of my head. "Ah. Thanks. I was aiming for unnoticed mediocrity, but fate had other plans."
Her lips twitched. Victory.
Then I tilted my head and looked around exaggeratedly. "Wait a second. Is it allowed for ladies to roam around the boys' dorms this late?"
She stared at me.
"…Do you want to repeat that sentence?"
I immediately raised my hands. "Joke. That was a joke. Please don't write my name into some secret student council blacklist."
"Too late," she said flatly. "It's already laminated."
We walked a bit, the academy lights casting long shadows across the path.
"Tomorrow's the official entrance ceremony," Alicia said. "Morning event. Attendance is mandatory. And there's a freshers' party in the evening."
"Party?" I raised an eyebrow. "With this many geniuses in one place? Sounds dangerous."
"Try not to embarrass the family," she added calmly.
"No promises."
After a few more reminders—most of which boiled down to behave like a human being—she left, heading back toward the main building. I watched her go for a moment before turning toward my assigned room.
Dorm Room: S-10
I opened the door.
…Okay. Wow.
The room wasn't a room. It was a suite.
Spacious living area, clean minimalist design, high ceiling, and—was that a personal training hall attached to the side? The floor there was reinforced, the walls layered with defensive formations. I could throw cards, swing kama, or accidentally blow something up, and the room would just… take it.
A soft chime echoed.
"Personal AI system activated. Awaiting command authorization."
A faint holographic interface shimmered into view.
"…You only listen to me?" I asked.
"Confirmed. Primary user: Julian Morvain."
I leaned back against the wall, letting out a slow breath.
"If tenth rank gets this," I muttered, "what kind of absurd palace does first rank live in?"
Daniel probably had his own mountain by now.
I flopped onto the bed, pulled out my phone, and dialed home.
The moment the call connected—
"JULIEEEEN—"
I pulled the device away from my ear just in time.
My mother's face filled the screen, eyes shining like she'd just won the lottery twice. "Top ten?! Do you know how proud we are?!"
Behind her, Joshua was practically bouncing. "Brother! You're amazing! You're gonna be famous!"
My father smiled quietly, pride obvious even without words.
We talked for a while—about the dorms, the academy, the ceremony. My mother insisted on sending food. My brother demanded souvenirs. I promised both, knowing full well I'd forget half of it.
After the call ended, the room felt quieter.
I lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Tomorrow.
From tomorrow onward…
The academy life begins.
Daniel. The geniuses. The chaos.
The story I once read from the outside—
Now I was standing right at its starting line.
I smiled.
"Guess there's no turning back now."
And with that thought, I let sleep take me—
right before the real story finally began.