Chapter 216: First Day
Within a vast chamber, on an Alaskan king-sized bed, a boy lay sleeping peacefully as though the entire world beyond those walls held no weight upon him. Through the tall windows at the side of the room, rays of the early morning sun filtered in, spilling across the floorboards and curtains. The golden light washed away the darkness that had once held dominion over the room, illuminating everything with gentle brilliance. The atmosphere carried an air of serenity, as if time itself had slowed to preserve the tranquility of the moment.
[Ding]
[Host, wake up. It’s already eight o’clock]
The crisp voice of Asher’s personal alarm system echoed inside his mind, dragging his consciousness away from the dreamscape and back into the land of the living.
Asher’s eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes of deep purple that gleamed faintly beneath the morning glow. Those purple irises seemed almost ethereal, as though they were crafted not for the mortal realm but for something beyond. With a faint yawn, he stretched out his arms and legs upon the wide bed, his body savoring the lingering comfort of sleep.
Lazily, he rubbed his groggy eyes with his fingertips, as if attempting to banish the remnants of slumber. Then, with deliberate care, he rose from the plush mattress and shifted into a seated position.
A smile slowly formed across his lips as his thoughts settled. Today was not just another morning, it was special.
The first day of school at the Star Academy.
For the very first time in his life, Asher looked forward to attending classes. But this was no ordinary school, and its classes were far from mundane. This was the academy where prodigies gathered, where legends were shaped, where the extraordinary became the standard.
Still smiling faintly, he swung his feet to the edge of the bed and pushed himself upright in one fluid motion. The day’s first class was Astra Control, scheduled to begin at nine o’clock sharp. From everything he had learned, tardiness was treated with the utmost severity. To arrive late was equivalent to absence, and within the Star Academy, absences were unacceptable, stripping away precious points that could mean the difference between privilege and punishment.
With that in mind, he removed his nightclothes and strode into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of water filled the tiled chamber, the cascade streaming down his back in soothing rivulets. The refreshing sensation awakened his senses fully, clearing away the final haze of drowsiness. Within minutes, he stepped back into his room, toweling himself dry.
"I forgot to hang my clothes in the wardrobe," Asher muttered softly, his eyes falling upon the luggage he had left neatly packed by the wardrobe’s base. He sighed faintly, then tightened the towel around his waist before moving briskly and swiftly to the task.
In less than two minutes, the clothing and personal things were meticulously arranged. Shirts, trousers, shoes, and other essentials found their rightful places with military precision. Only when he was satisfied did he dress himself, each movement efficient yet unhurried, reflecting his calm disposition.
His gaze drifted toward a small button on the polished table near the wall. Asher stepped forward and pressed it without hesitation.
According to the orientation guide, this button was a privilege reserved solely for the top ten students, a symbol of their standing. With it, they could order meals delivered directly to their rooms instead of joining the masses in the bustling cafeteria below. Their food was not only delivered but also enhanced in quality, richer in flavor and nourishment compared to the standard fare.
Of course, ordinary students could request superior meals or order from outside the academy’s set meal plan, but such luxuries came at a price, payable in points. And points within Star Academy were a currency more valuable than gold.
Moments later, a knock sounded at his door. Opening it, Asher found a man in a butler’s uniform standing tall and composed, a silver dish held firmly in gloved hands. Without a word exchanged, the butler presented the meal, and Asher accepted it with equal silence. Closing the door softly behind him, he set the plate on the desk and began to eat.
As he ate, his thoughts stirred.
’How much time remains, system?’ he asked inwardly.
[Half an hour, Host]
The system’s calm, mechanical chime resonated within him.
Asher nodded faintly. There was no need to hurry. Thalric and Stephanie had already given them a thorough tour of the Star Academy’s grounds, including the exact location of the Astra Control classroom. Unlike some of his peers, he would not be wandering aimlessly or worrying about directions.
"Though I imagine some may have forgotten," he muttered, lips quirking faintly at the thought.
The minutes passed as he continued his meal. Finally, with the plate empty, he rose from his chair, straightened his clothes, and moved toward the door.
The hallway outside was deathly silent, like a tomb. Not a single voice echoed, not a footstep disturbed the calm.
"It seems everyone has already left... even William," Asher murmured. The thought didn’t surprise him. On the first day, none of the students would dare risk lateness.
But Asher held no such concerns. Even if he were to run late, his teleportation ring ensured that he could simply teleport directly to class. He exhaled softly, a calm smile brushing his lips as he placed a hand on the staircase rail. Then, without hesitation, he vaulted over the side, his body plummeting in free fall from the upper floor to the ground below.
As the ground neared, the very fabric of space twisted around him, locking his body in midair for the briefest instant before releasing its grip. He landed gracefully, the impact absorbed with effortless poise. Without pausing to glance around, he strode forward, his footsteps echoing faintly against the polished floor as he exited the building and began heading toward his class.
’I wonder how chaotic the cafeteria must be right now,’ Asher thought idly, imagining the crowded hall, the chatter, and the rush of bodies.
Though the morning was still young, the academy’s grounds were already alive with activity. Students moved in every direction, some jogging, others walking in groups, laughter and conversation rippling between them. A few of his own classmates passed nearby, their expressions ranging from nervous anticipation to carefree excitement.
Asher observed quietly, purple eyes flickering across the lively scene. He walked at an unhurried pace, his composure unshaken amidst the atmosphere of bustling energy.
’I wonder if anyone overslept,’ he mused. ’After all, the Academy never placed clocks within the rooms. If someone relied only on their instincts, they might already be late.’
He shook his head lightly, dismissing the thought. Speculating about the failures of others served no purpose. His path was his own, and distractions were of little value. With steady steps, Asher continued toward the Astra Control class, his figure cutting calmly through the vibrant flow of students as the day truly began.