Ruvian took a mont before answering, partly because the question itself caught him off guard, and partly because he truly could not fathom why Noelle of all people had suddenly decided to drag him into the conversation.
He replayed the last few seconds in his mind, trying to understand why she did that.
Noelle did not seem like the type who enjoyed cornering anyone.
If anything, she looked like soone who instinctively filled awkward gaps before they turned into sothing uncomfortable.
’That’s probably her intention here.’
’How botherso.’
Yet the entire group was now watching him.
Even Corwin and lia, who had barely spoken since they began walking, seed to have followed suit.
There was no crevice left to slip through now.
’Whatever.’
"Honestly," he said at last, trying to keep his tone level for appearance’s sake,
"I’m curious about what happens after choosing our weapons. I doubt any of us can claim to be prodigies who perfectly mastered the weapon we just picked."
He let the comnt linger, then continued with a casual calm.
"So I’ve been wondering what the academy’s training program will look like. Whether they plan to shove us into sothing as brutal as the higher classes receive or if Class E has its own program."
In truth, he already knew exactly what awaited them.
He just needed the conversation to wander far enough away from him so that he could quietly stay in the shadows, just like he preferred.
Noelle and Griffer traded a brief glance, as if they were contemplating his remarks.
Then, Noelle answered first.
"That does make sense," she said, nodding lightly.
[You have earned 10 Plot Points!]
"I have wondered about it too. Class E should have a different regin from the advanced groups.
Most of us barely know how to hold our weapons properly, let alone wield them with any real proficiency. It is not the sort of gap anyone closes overnight."
Griffer humd with great confidence, a broad grin spread across his face.
"Well, I still think I can go toe to toe with soone from the higher classes," he proudly declared.
One hand was hooked behind his head as he walked, his entire posture made Ruvian seriously consider whether the boy was blessed with courage or cursed with ignorance.
Either way, Griffer looked thoroughly satisfied with himself.
Ruvian felt a sharp urge to roll his eyes so hard he might strain sothing, but he kept the reaction internal.
His steps slowed as the corridor widened ahead of them, revealing the structure they had been heading toward.
The Training Grounds rose before them, a sprawling complex of interlinked halls and broad arenas.
The sight shifted the group’s attention instantly. Even Griffer fell silent, his next boast dissolving into nothing as the reality of their destination took hold.
Ruvian let the mont pull the others forward, grateful that the sudden distraction neatly swallowed whatever expression he might have worn.
The timing, for once, had decided to be rciful.
*****
The academy staff continued leading their group through the long stretch of corridor until they arrived at a chamber positioned along the outer edge of the Training Ground facility.
According to the briefing, this room would serve as their private hall for weapon testing throughout the orientation week.
As they drew nearer, Ruvian noticed other Circles from Class E filtering into similar rooms along the passage.
So had been punctual enough to claim their spaces early, disappearing behind their doors without a single wasted movent, while others were only now shuffling in.
When the staff mber accompanying them opened the door, the group stepped inside the chamber and imdiately noticed a woman standing near the corner of the room.
Her presence commanded attention in an effortless way.
Her soft pink hair had been styled into an elegant side updo, tied up by the red ribbon to form a refined accent.
Her deep purple eyes were srising, resting in an expression that was calm and difficult to read.
She was dressed in the academy’s instructor uniform, the deep navy coat layered over a crisp white ensemble that included fitted trousers and polished boots.
The staff mber who had escorted them bowed politely, her tone respectful as she addressed the woman.
"Instructor Airin, I have brought your Polaris Circle for their first session."
The instructor acknowledged the greeting with a slow nod.
"Ah, thank you for your assistance. You may return to your station, Stelly. I will take care of their orientation from this point onward."
The staff mber dipped her head once more, then slipped out of the chamber, allowing the heavy doors to close behind her.
Ruvian watched the exchange, taking in the poised figure before them.
’So that is our supervisor.’
Ruvian scanned the interior of the hemispheric chamber. The walls and the ceiling seed to be reinforced tals, deliberately austere.
Everything was dark grey, except for the floor, which was white marbles.
Instructor Airin took a few steps toward them, she lifted her hand in a small, welcoming gesture, waving her hand.
The scholars turned their attention to her, forming a loose formation instinctively.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Airin Rosvy, and I will be your supervisor for the Polaris Circle for this sester."
She offered a small, ward nod.
"If you ever feel lost in your studies, or unsure about your training, you can always approach . That is what a circle supervisor is for. I will be watching your growth, and I will also be supporting it."
"So know that my door is always open should you need assistance at any point."
Airin rested her hands together as she went on.
"Before we begin any testing, I would like to properly welco you to the Circle system. I believe that Instructor Edvoss didn’t go into much detail about it. As expected of him."
She sighed with a tired grin.
"Anyway, every scholar in the academy belongs to one, and each Circle functions as a small academic unit that will remain together for both theoretical studies and practical training."
"You will spend a considerable amount of ti with the mbers beside you, so familiarity will naturally play an important role in your overall developnt."
She turned slightly, glancing around the chamber as if to fra the space as part of her explanation.
"This structure is intended to give a sense of direction as you begin forming the foundations of your abilities."
Airin then lifted her eyes again.
"And now, since we will be spending a great deal of ti together, I hope that while we train with our weapons, all of you try to get to know each other as well. It would be detrintal for your developnt as a Circle."
With that, she folded her hands behind her back and nodded lightly.
Finally, out of curiosity, Ruvian decided to use his [Character Sheet] skill on all of them.
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[Chapter 40: First Day of Orientation (5)]
PP= 11230
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