Rebirth-Transcending All Beings-Chapter 79: Academy [2]

And like that, a week had gone by.

The marble corridors, once empty and echoing, now buzzed with footsteps and voices from every corner of Eternia.

Prodigies, nobles, commoners — all answered the call of the academy — streaming in through the pearl white gates each day.

Eleanor, now known as Elle remained in the east wing of the girl’s dormitory with Elena.

A tall crescent-shaped building made of white-stone, its balcony overlooked the moving students below.

The silhouette of the west wing, reserved for male students —was barely visible across the garden path and the central area of the campus.

Inside, Eleanor sat on a chair, sipping tea from a thin porcelain cup. Her expression remained unreadable.

Across the room, Elena sprawled herself on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "One week left," she exhaled. "And still not here."

Eleanor didn’t respond, taking another slow sip of her tea. "Worrying won’t do us any good," She spoke. "Knowing him, he’ll make it in time."

Elina rolled onto her side, propping her cheek with one hand. "But what if something happened? What’s if he’s in trouble?"

"He’s not," Eleanor cut in with a cold and monotonous tone. "He’s never been easy to kill."

Something in her voice, flickered slightly. As if remembering what Vergil truly was.

Elena looked away. "Still... what if he ends up dead somewhere?"

Eleanor rose quietly, walking towards the balcony. Outside, the perspective students who were allowed early entry walked passed.

Beyond them, the sun also titled upwards towards the horizon, painting the academy walls in a shade of colour.

"We just have to wait and see," Eleanor said quietly. "Instead of worrying, you should be preparing."

Elena sat up. "I know. I know."

The silence lingered until Elena attemptss to change the subject. "You don’t seem interested in anyone here."

"I’m not."

"Not even that girl who knocked on the door? She looked strong."

"She’s a prideful person, too curious. People like her don’t live very long," Eleanor turned her gaze to meet Elena. "Dont get too attached."

"Even you?"

"Even me," Eleanor chuckled. "Especially Vergil." The memory of his sins grazed her mind. Especially what he pulled during ’Morvax’.

"Why not him?"

Eleanor didn’t answer. The silence did.

"Do you think he’ll show up," she gazed with puppy-dog eyes. "Really show up."

"I’d bet on it," Eleanor moved to the table, drinking the rest of the tea in a gulp.

While Eleanor remained in quiet anticipation of what was to come, the academy outside movied without pause.

At the grand white-stone entrance of Vaeloria gleamed vibrantly under the sun. The arched gate, laced with ruins glowed a cerulean blue as students poured in from across the continent in carriages. And even a few airships passed over.

Uniformed staff guided special arrivals inwards, directing them into registration lines before pointing towards the campus with an almost linear nature that felt safeguarding.

Yet among the throng of students, a particular group began to draw attention from the crowd.

Vaelric Stormveil leaned against one of the many marble pillars inside the main entrance. His golden hair flowed like sunlight that brushed against his tailored clothes of golden white.

"You know," said Kieran, moving to stand beside Vaelric. "You look like the academy mascot. Did they hire you?"

Vaelric didn’t glance at him, only chuckling. "That would be you. But I’ll be taking your place."

Kieran, brushed his silver hair. Unlike Vaelrics tailored clothes, he wore more simple clothes, along with a long red scarf — swaying as he adjusted the sword strapped on his back.

"Arrogant. I’ll humble you—like last time." Kieran cracked his neck

"It’ll be different this time."

Footsteps echoed from the reception as two more figures approached with confident grace.

"Veltharaia, Arieth." Kieran waved.

Veltharia, drapped in midnight blue robes, trimmed with obsidian embroidery, walked slowly. Her cyan blue eyes held storm clouds — calm, cold and dangerous.

Arieth, by contrast was warmth incarnate, his long amber hair gloaed under the sun — waring a introcate pattern of white and crimson.

"Still brooding with Kieran? Or are you waiting for an audience to show off in front off." Arieth smiled.

Vaelric blinked once before clicking his tongue. "Just making it easier for everyone to find the best view — of this handsome face."

Kieran sighed. "I swear, he rehearses these lines to the mirror."

Veltharia crossed her arms. "If your both done with the useless bravado. We’ve got a schedule. Entrance exams are in a week."

"You think they’re going to let us coast just because we’re ’prodigies’? Arieth added. "This place is different."

Vaelric straightened his back, brushing dust from the back. "Yeah — my family was adamant to come here."

The four stood in a loose circle as more students filtered in. Some cast nervous glances. Bold one tried to eavesdrop. One student even approached, trying to introduce himself.

"Um, excuse me, are you—"

"Walk away," Vaeltharia said coolly, not even looking at him.

The student flinched before scurrying off.

Kieran looked at her. "That’s one way to ruin our image — at least try to be nice."

She flicked a strand of hair from her face. "Why? They’re not our equals."

From the top of the gate, a bell tolled. Students that funneled into the reception were called by staff if they had a recommendation, giving them their dormitory.

One called Arieth, East wing Room 12. He glanced at the others. "Already splitting, I wanted to talk a little more."

"Only temporary," Vaelric said. "We can catch up later."

Kieran stretched his arms. "If you survive that is."

They turned towards the central area, the observing eyes of the academy — an enchaning crystal attached to many of the walls glowed faintly.

The academy was always watching.

And high above, in a chamber where runes pulsed like heartbeats. The principal himself spun slowly in his velvet chair. A half empty cup hovered near him, waiting to be sipped.

"One... two... three... and — spin."

The air stirred at his command.

Books hovered midair. Quills wrote on parchment without hands — the teacup trembled slightly at the vibration, caught between obedience and defiance of the man’s will.

Aldric stretched lazily, watching it all with a crooked smile. "Genius," he murmured. "Or madness. They’ll never know."

The heavy oak doors creaked open as the vice principal entered. His robes were a steel grey tint, his expression grimmer than a thunderstorm in winter.

"You called?" Alren sighed, looking at the messy room.

Aldric halted with one leg over the armrest. "Yes, yes!"

Alren didn’t even blink. "I assume this is about the influx of new students."

"Correct!" Aldric stood and clapped his hands. "A most fascinating group this year. So many unique signatures, I thought the stones would crack under pressure."

Alren conjured a floating crystal orb and held it out — it revealed images of some of the many students. "Vaelric Stormveil arrived first as expected. And then Kieran from Soldara — I expect many from these two."

"Veltharia and Aerith from Thaelon. Both of opposite natures."

"This might be our best year yet," Aldric said with a whistle.

"But," Alren continued, frowning slightly, "there was one more another anomaly I’m concerned of.."

"Ah. The east wing," Aldric said, his tone turning curious. "Tell me what your orb says."

Alren hesitated. "Nothing unusual. No strong mana signatures. Or anything exceptional. Just two girls. One calling herself ’Elle Vayne’, the other her servant. Average readings. Completely unremarkable."

Aldric grinned. "That’s where you’re wrong."

"I sensed them," Aldric said softly. "They’re... interesting. The servant too."

A faint smile touched his lips. "Hiding in plain sight. Perhaps someone of fallen nobility."

Alren raised an eyebrow. "They suppressed their signatures?"

"Unlikely, or maybe they’re naturally forgettable."

Alren summoned a scroll and unraveled it midair. "There is one detail of note. The girl ’’Elle’ was accepted through a recommendation letter. Unusual, considering we never reviewed her name through formal channels."

"Oh? Who sent it?"

"Elvira," Alren said softly.

Aldric froze. "Elvira?"

He rose up slowly. "The same old vice-pricipal who retired after ’that incident.’

"She swore off involvement with the academy ever since."

"is the seal—" Aldric asked.

"Authentic," Alren confirmed. "It bears her distinct mana residue. I can guarantee it isn’t forged."

Adlric stepped towards the arched window gazing at the sprawling campus below, now bustling with students — carrying luggage, laughing in groups and murmuring about the curriculum.

"They aren’t prodigies," his tone shifted dark. "Not like Kieran or Aerith. But... the letter changes alot."

Alren nodded. "We cross-referenced their background. Nothing alarming from Elena Velcraft but Elle Vayne has no ties anywhere."

"I guarantee it’s a fake name." He added.

"Which is why it bothers me," Aldric muttered. "Someone like Elvira would never recommend student, unless..." he didn’t finish.

Alren folded his arms. "Should I assign the familar?"

"Leave it there," Aldric grinned. "Let’s not scare the mice yet. Besides they are normal, If they pass the exam. We’ll know if Elvira saw something we didn’t."

Alren tilted his head. "And if they don’t?"

"Then we toss them back into the wind like dandelion seeds," Varrick said with a shrug, "and keep watching the real storm."

He returned to his seat and began spinning again. "Watch the east wing," he added curiously.

"But you said—"

"Not with force, just lightly."

Alren turned to leave. "Very well. I’ll adjust the mirror enchantments."

"Oh, and Alren?" Aldric called.

"Yes?"

"Tell the cafeteria to stop putting starfruit in my pudding. It tastes like shit."

Alren shut the door without a word.

Alone again, Aldric leaned back, eyes glittering with mischief and thought.

"Average girls... fake names... and a ghost of a letter," he murmured. "Let’s see what the future has for us."