The long train ride made Uncle decide to sleep first. Meanwhile, I chose to use the time to learn more about this world by reading the books inside the suitcase.
There were three books in it, but one of them was just an empty notebook. I started reading the other two books, but their contents only talked about some old buildings and information that felt unimportant.
After I finished reading, I stared at my reflection in the cabin window. Slowly, a small smile formed on my lips.
The face of a boy with black bangs, black eyes, and an innocent smile. Nothing had changed from my former self.
My body now—so similar to the one in my previous life—honestly made me a little worried. I had my first lung disease at the age of twelve. I wondered, would I experience it again in this world? Even though my body is the same, surely the fate of this body would be different in this world?
After the long journey that stretched until nightfall, we finally arrived at the city station. The city we arrived at was named Vadescera, one of the most important cities in the kingdom. This city is home to the kingdom's best academy—at least, that's what Uncle said. The academy is called Chisavera Academy, and it would be the place where I'll study for the next nine years.
After walking for about fifteen minutes from the station, we finally reached the gates of their proud academy. At least five hundred students enroll here each year. The academy has twelve levels to complete before graduating, as well as dormitories for the students.
But what surprised me was seeing students playing while releasing bursts of fire. I immediately asked Uncle about it.
"Uncle, what is that? Is it some kind of magic trick?"
"Magic trick? What do you mean… That's magic, Vall."
"Magic? But I've never seen it in the village."
"Well, you know, Vall, only talented people can use magic. Of course, you'll only see it in the city."
This is truly a world completely different from my old one.
Damn, just hearing that made my heart race.
I then asked Uncle excitedly,
"Uncle, if I enter the academy, will I be able to do that too?"
But Uncle only chuckled softly and gently patted my head.
"Haha, Vall, entering the academy doesn't mean you'll be able to use magic right away. Many students in this academy can't master it and eventually switch to other fields."
"I see…"
I was a bit disappointed to hear that.
Seeing my disappointment, Uncle continued speaking.
"But don't worry, Vall. Even if you can't master magic, you can still work in other fields after graduating from this academy. Like me, I work as an alchemist."
"Alchemist? Did you study here too, Uncle?"
"That's right. Although there were many bitter memories because I couldn't master magic, I eventually found my destiny in the field of alchemist."
"Destiny?"
Uncle then answered with a bright, confident face.
"Yes, destiny. It's not always a smooth path, but with hard work and consistency, you can find your good fate, Vall. In fact, alchemists have been getting quite well-paid lately, you know, hehe."
I truly admired Uncle. Even though we had only just met, he already showed a great personality.
After completing all the administration, I finally received my student ID card and could start studying next week. I also received some uniforms, textbooks, and a guidebook for new students. For now, I thought it was best to organize my dorm room and prepare for tomorrow.
Uncle and I hugged before we parted.
"Thank you, Uncle. I'll work hard here so I won't disappoint you."
"Don't worry, Vall. Even if you end up being a low-ranked student, I won't scold you. I just want you to experience school life."
We smiled at each other and waved goodbye.
Alright. Time to become someone useful to my family.
Unlike my previous life, in this new life, I will make my family proud.
When I arrived at the dormitory, I was quite impressed by the room. Spacious and equipped with several pieces of furniture. I then began organizing my clothes, books, and toiletries into their proper places.
After finishing everything, my body felt extremely tired and sleepy. The long journey and unpacking had worn me out, and I fell into a deep sleep.
Morning came.
I woke up and planned to go eat at the cafeteria. Although school hadn't officially started, the academy allowed students to eat at the cafeteria. This applied to all levels.
Many senior students didn't go home for the holidays and spent their time in the dorms, so the cafeteria was always open. At least, that's what I learned from reading the student guidebook I received yesterday.
I wore casual clothes—a black turtleneck and black pants. I didn't wear the academy uniform because it would only be used starting next week at the entrance ceremony. Also, I wore this because it was currently winter in the city.
After wandering around and getting lost a few times on my way to the cafeteria, I finally arrived. Damn, I thought I wouldn't get lost after reading the academy map carefully.
As soon as I arrived at the cafeteria, my attention was immediately drawn to the vast space filled with food and drinks. I decided not to waste the opportunity and tried various meals.
But just as I was about to start taking food, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind. I turned around to see who it was. A boy around my age was trying to tap me again. As I was focused on picking food, I felt annoyed by him.
A bit irritated, I asked,
"What is it?"
But he only replied with a warm smile.
I ignored him and took as much food as I could before heading to a table. I couldn't wait to try everything. But before I could take a bite, the boy came and sat beside me with his own food. I asked him again,
"Hey, what's up? Why are you following me? Do you know me?"
But like before, he only answered with a smile.
Annoyed, I ignored him again and continued eating. One delicious bite after another went into my mouth. But midway through, the boy tugged on my shirt again. Now even more irritated, I shouted at him.
"HEY, WHAT IS IT?! WHY DO YOU KEEP BOTHERING ME?!"
But unlike before, this time he finally spoke, albeit with stammering words.
"S-sorry i-if I'm bothering you… When I saw you, I thought y-you were a new student, so I w-wanted to introduce myself… But you see, I'm very shy, so it's r-really hard for me to s-speak. S-sorry again…"
A sad expression appeared on his face. I felt guilty for shouting at him. I then extended my hand to him.
"No, it's okay. I was also wrong for yelling so loudly at you. I'm sorry."
"Ah… okay, sure."
"My name is Vall, nice to meet you."
"M-my name is Audgher Zaphiyer. Nice to meet you too, Vall."
We both smiled and shook hands. This was my first interaction in this world with someone my age.
"Well then, my friend. Isn't it better to finish our food before we continue chatting?"
"F-friend?"
"Now that we've introduced ourselves, doesn't that make us friends?"
"Y-yeah, you're right. Hehe… friend. We're friends now."
"Alright, let's finish our meal."
"O-okay."
After finishing our food to the fullest, we started chatting again.
"Hey, Vall, did you just arrive at the academy yesterday?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well, two days ago, some of the senior students from Level Seven shared information about the requirements to get into the special class for the placement test next week."
"Really?"
"Yes, they posted it on the announcement board and let everyone read it."
Damn. Special class, huh?
According to the guidebook, the special class is an elite group composed of the top-scoring students in the academy.
Those who enter the special class gain many privileges that regular students don't receive.
Now I've set my first goal at this academy—to get into the special class.
I continued my conversation with Audgher.
"So, what kind of information did they give?"
"Oh, it was about the books containing the materials needed to answer the questions in the placement test."
"Have you taken the books already?"
"I already borrowed them from the library and studied some of it."
As we were talking, I realized—when did this boy start speaking so fluently with me? Has he grown comfortable with me?
But the most important thing right now was the book information. I had to get it from him now.
"Hey, um… could you tell me what those books are?"
With a gentle and slightly charismatic tone, I asked him.
"Of course, why not? We're friends, aren't we, Vall?"
I was a bit surprised by his reply, but didn't dwell on it. The important thing was getting the book info.
He then wrote something on a small piece of paper and handed it to me.
"Here, Vall, these are the books you need. Now you just have to find them in the academy library."
"Thank you, my friend. Truly, I appreciate your help."
"Don't mention it. I should be the one thanking you for being my friend."
After getting the information, I immediately rushed to the library before the books ran out.
"Alright, see you! I should get to the library quickly."
"Alright, take care."
"Oh yeah, by the way, what should I call you?"
"Iyer… You can call me Iyer, Vall."
We both smiled and waved at each other before I left.
My first friend in this world. I won't forget him.