Most students at St. Freya Academy were orphans whose families had been shattered by the Honkai. Having grown up, lived, and learned within these walls, their early hardships had forged them into resilient individuals.
The academy's nurturing environment and pedagogical approach further refined their characters. When they learned that the group of new transfers were survivors of the recent Third Honkai Eruption, they were tactful enough to refrain from prying.
However, Hua Yi's presence was impossible to ignore. He was the very first male student to ever enroll since the founding of St. Freya Academy. After all, this was an institution dedicated to training Valkyriesa title that, by its very definition, was a female only calling.
"Hua Yi, um... you really are a boy, right?"
Before class started, a few lively, cute students gathered around him, filled with curiosity. The rest of the class watched silently from the sidelines.
"I am."
Hearing his confirmation, the outgoing girls exchanged surprised glances.
"Thenare you going to become a Valkyrie?"
"I suppose you'd call it a Male Valkyrie. I look forward to working with you all."
As part of the same transfer group, Hua Yi and Kiana were seated together toward the back of the classroom. While some questioned Hua Yi, others struck up a conversation with Kiana and her friends.
"You know, the semester is almost over. Exams start tomorrow. Even though we're excited for the holidays, are you and your friends going to be okay, Kiana? You only just transferred in."
The girls here were empathetic, often putting themselves in others' shoes. Unfortunately, Kiana wasn't exactly grateful for the concern.
"Worried?"
The girl wore an expression of absolute confidence.
"I'm a genius. With my talent, passing the exams will be a breeze."
While she didn't think she could match Hua Yi, Kiana didn't believe for a second that she could fall behind these students who had spent their lives sheltered within the academy, never having faced the Honkai in true combat.
Seeing Kiana's attitude, Hua Yi could only blink in silence.
If it were a matter of pure combat, Kiana was undoubtedly stronger than most people in this room. After all, she was a girl who had fought side by side with her father since childhood.
But this was a final exam; it couldn't possibly be restricted to just fighting. Had Kiana been coddled into stupidity by the well-meaning people around her? Had she already forgotten what he told her about the theoretical courses?
"Kiana, having confidence is good, but do not underestimate the Valkyrie exams. As the old saying goes: Pride goes before a fall."
"It's Sister Fu Hua!"
"Sister, you're looking elegant and cool as always today!"
The one offering the warning was a beautiful girl with grey hair and green eyes. Wearing red framed glasses, she exuded an air of cultured refinement. She was the class monitor Himeko had mentioned: Fu Hua.
Through his superior vision, Hua Yi could see something hidden behind those lensesa sharpness that only a seasoned warrior could possess.
If the other students were fledgling birds living in a safe harbor, then Fu Hua was an eagle ready to spread its wings. To Himeko or Theresa, she might look just like that. But to Hua Yi, who knew something of this "girl's" past, Fu Hua wasn't just about to take flight; she was a legend who had soared through the heavens for an eternity and had finally returned to the earth for a rest.
"What did she just say?"
Kiana poked Hua Yi's arm and whispered the question. It seemed Fu Hua's use of "Pride goes before a fall" was a bit too sophisticated for Kiana.
Just as Hua Yi prepared to answer, Fu Hua, who had overheard the whisper, changed her phrasing to clarify.
"You possess extraordinary talent, but you must not let that lead to impatience. Be careful, for haste makes waste."
"Hmph, I knew that."
Kiana seemed to get the gist this time, responding with a confident look. Fu Hua nodded and turned her gaze toward Hua Yi.
"If you encounter any difficulties with your studies, feel free to come to me. That is my duty as the class monitor."
After saying her piece, Fu Hua turned and left, gently dispersing the crowd of students to prevent them from bothering Hua Yi and the others.
The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water, as they saytoo much passion isn't always a good thing.
Watching Fu Hua walk away, Kiana turned back to Hua Yi with a look of utter confusion.
"Hey, was she just cursing me? Something about 'impatience' and that other 'waste' thing."
"She means don't be blindly confident. Take the exams seriously."
Hua Yi explained it in a way Kiana could actually digest, then continued.
"Exams start tomorrow. I've already confirmed the details. Since we're new transfers, we don't have to take the Honkai related knowledge tests only taught here at St. Freya, but we still have to do the combat and theory sections..."
"Combat? Combat is my specialty! Don't you worry!"
Before Hua Yi could finish, Kiana cut him off, convinced she had heard all the important parts.
How many times had he warned her now? Kiana hadn't listened to a single word. It seemed she would have to learn the hard way.
Hua Yi said nothing more and settled into his seat for the lesson. In truth, even if she started listening now, it was likely too late. With the exams starting tomorrow, she couldn't make significant progress in such a short window.
Not long after, the instructor walked in, prompting a wave of whispers through the room.
"Why is it her? I thought A-Rank Valkyries were always busy."
"But if it's Ms. Himeko, she'll be teaching us the most vital Honkai knowledge, right? I can't wait."
The newcomer was indeed Murata Himeko, dressed in a professional teacher's uniform that highlighted her mature and steady charm. Despite claiming to have a mountain of work to handle, she had made it to the classroom after all.
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