Chapter 10: Chapter 10 – It’s All Stone (II)

Clang! The blasting noise of the dormitory's belfry reverberated on the corners of the two dorm towers; it was the morning call for the starting ceremony. The bell was latched on the topmost part of the dorm's tower, making it much louder, at least for Horus' room on the sixth floor.

Disciples had one hour to prepare, and those who were late will not be able to attend the welcoming rite.

'Hell.'

After a bath in his dorm room's bathroom, Horus strapped himself with the academy's uniform. It's a plain white cotton shirt and tie, topped with a layer of a sweater and a knee-long coat with wide lapels. The colors are pretty much deep-tinted gray, and the accent colors are yellow, which signifies the color of alchemy. It's a pretty good uniform, he supposed.

"What's with your black glasses?"

Those were the first words of the alchemy department's senior, who named herself Korina, upon fetching Horus into his dorm room. She wore the same uniform as Horus, but hers had a lot of badges on it.

"They told me to fetch you for some reason. Are you some VIP or something?"

'She doesn't seem to know me.'

"What's with your goggles?"

Without addressing either question, Horus casually asked. He observes the aviator goggles on Korina walking beside him. Undeniably, it matched well on her olive hair's curls.

He was following Korina heading downstairs, along with the horde of rushing disciples who wore the same uniform but different accent colors.

"Oh, this? It's my signature alchemy goggles. It's the figure of my success."

Korina pinches her goggles while showing a proud smile.

"Good for you."

Korina's chattering continues until they reach the ground floor, where other alchemy disciples gather in a cluttered crowd, perhaps waiting for him as he is almost late.

Korina halts and shouts to call, maintaining a proud stance.

"Alchemists, everyone and first-years, gather round! Name's Korina Japellon, your fourth-year senior, an Alchemic Engineering major. Heh..., I know, I know."

The other alchemists would look at her in awe, eyes glittering in sheer admiration. Horus' shoulder dwindled as Korina's arm landed on his shoulder, making him frown, caught off guard.

"And..., this is Mr. Durkton, a second-year but taking his first semester in alchemy. I will be leading you to the main building for the commencement ceremony. Please follow my lead!"

Soon, the group started to move in dissensus, following Korina. Some are muttering things Horus could hear, and some are rock silent, minding their business.

"Isn't that Horus Durkton? The famed swordsman disciple? They said he's a total asshole."

One guy questioned, then one confidently sneered in a whisper.

"Yeah, he shifted. Dunno why, but he's a prick, and let me tell you: he's not going to last."

"Well, I suppose so. The alchemy curriculum this semester's going to be real tough. It now mandated Combat classes to become a licensed alchemist."

"I know. I barely passed my Clockwork II class."

'I could hear them.'

Well, he couldn't blame them. Horus is a total ass, but maybe he, as Clay, could be much of an ass at times. He remembered the time when he once hit a friend for stealing his favorite sweater. He felt awkward thinking of it.

"Wait, you were the guy last night!"

Walking straight, unbothered, hands in his pocket, Horus felt an arm run on his shoulder. He was relieved after Korina withdrew her heavy arm, but he couldn't afford yet another to bother his day.

It was coming from one of the guys from the group of alchemists. Horus frowned at the act, then the familiar guy with navy blue hair and eyes started talking, shoving his words by Horus' ears.

"Hiya, d'ya remember me! You were the guy who had sunglasses at night! I never guessed you were an alchemist, too!"

'Why is this guy so loud and clingy.'

The guy started smiling at him, almost grinningly. The guy wore the same uniform as Horus, but his uniform had a few badges.

"Okay..., no need to shout; I can hear you."

Horus sighed as he spoke, letting the guy's arm rest on his stiff shoulder.

"Aye, sorry. I'm Eren from the Divigron household of Cradell. I'm a second-year Combat Alchemist. It looks like we will be together as Watchers."

'Ah, maybe that's why he looked familiar.'

As he was about to reply, another familiar guy ran towards him. The guy showed disdain, darting eyes in rage at Horus. Well, Horus happened to know this guy.

"Hoky? Ha..., look at you, ditching us. So, you're on alchemy now, huh?"

'Let's see: shiny blonde hair, upturned hooded eyes, body full of jewelry; must be one of the Royal Family of Becketts. Only one Beckett should be on the Gilshire Academy right now: the youngest, George.'

<Prince George Henry Beckett>

Prince George was the third prince of the Beckett Royal Family - the Golian Kingdom's ruling family for almost six centuries. He was arguably the least favored among the other princes; perhaps the current queen despised him for being a concubine's son.

In the novel, Horus and George have a strong connection personally and politically. Despite George's outside arrogance, Clay knew very well that George was a sharp, meticulous young man. By that qualities, he will become the future crown prince despite having no noble backing.

By this time, George is in crucial need of an influential ally - which became Horus' role in the novel.

'Ha... I have to be careful. I can't afford to make this guy an enemy.'

"Looks like ye have a mad friend here."

Ignoring Eren's comment, Horus turns to George coming closer to him. On contact, George pushes Horus on the chest with sheer force, which almost staggered Horus if it wasn't for Eren's arm supporting him. Simultaneously, a cluttered crowd started to form around them, making Horus uncomfortable.

'Hell, that hurts.'

"Woah! Chill, man-"

With Eren stepping in, Horus composed to stand and face the furious George while dusting off his robe.

"At the end of the day, you are just an all-talk too, huh? You promised to build a knighthood with me, then shift to alchemy without a word?!"

George managed to get past Eren, scowling deep as he yanked Horus' lapel close, glaring daggers at him. His eyes and Horus met close, about to give a firm punch until Korina broke the seemingly one-sided fight.

"Mr. Beckett, drop your fist. Breaking rules on the first day of the semester is not a good idea."

Korina warned off, dispersing the crowd interested in the rising commotion.

"Tsk. I will not forget this day, Hoky."

George abruptly released his pull, almost making Horus stagger, then strode away with his fists balled. Horus sighed as he stood straight, rubbing his messy hair.

'I feel sluggish. Ha..., I need more sleep.'

"Are you okay, Mr. Durkton? Are you hurt? You look sleepless."

Korina prompted, waiting for him to say something.

"I am. Thanks."

After passing hallway after hallway, they reached the vast, loud dining hall with tall, arched ceilings supported by pillars with Gilshire banners. Above were hanging lamps emitting colors of yellow and white.

There were five long tables around, spread vertically in parallel, where other students were already seated in disarray.

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In the front of the hall was an open elevated platform, where two empty stone podiums stood.

"Looks like we're almost late."

Korina mumbled in relief as they headed to the leftmost table, where other alchemists were already waiting. They then sat together in uneven spaces.

'It's all stone.'

It was Horus' first thought. From the tables to the seat - all made of polished stonework. Well, he had no excuse. They may be stone, but they are somewhat comfortable.

"Korina, you're almost late."

Said the young man beside Horus. Based on stature alone, Horus was confident that the young man was majoring in Combat Alchemy.

"Don't start me, Zek. I had just stopped a fight."

"Haha, you sure had it rough, huh."

Horus notices that the alchemists' seats are more spacious than the others. Unsurprisingly, he knew alchemy was not the forte of the academy and was still in its early phase. Hence fewer disciples would enlist in alchemy.

If he could count all the enlisted alchemists in the academy, they would be less than a hundred but more than a fifty - which makes one over sixteen of the overall disciple population.

[ Tremor ]

Boom! At that moment, the earth shook for a quarter of a second. It did not cause any casualty on the stonework, but it made everyone turn to the Headmaster standing on the stage with his palms clapped together. By that, the instantaneous earth element spell dispelled the chaos in the hall.

"Looks like I can speak now."

Headmaster Viscador started to speak, hands on his back. There were also other professors behind him, but they looked unsurprised as if it was the Headmaster's way of putting everyone to silence.

"Ahem... yet another year in the Gilshire. For first-years, I humbly welcome you to the family. As you may have known, I am Garon Jour Viscador, the current Academy's Headmaster and Lead Supervisor."

Sighing heavily, the Headmaster continues as the crowd remains stone silent.

"Unlikely, this year was different, to tell you. We have received reports of dungeon activity by the Glimp Forest. The cause of the unusual occurrence was unknown, and it's been almost a century since the last dungeon outbreak."

'As expected.'

The murmurs started to rise, causing Horus to unconsciously observe each table until his eyes accidentally met Axel, who glared at him sternly, making his hair stand on end.

'That p-punk...'

Quickly, Horus withdraws his eyes close as the Headmaster continues grimly, without shutting the murmuring disciples.

"Hence, to accommodate maximum safety, I had personally..., invited particular individuals to join the Watchers Assembly."

'Invited my ass.'

"Ahem... as you may have known, they are the disciple body advocating concord and discipline on the campus. Since the gatekeepers will need a hand, we are in crucial need of members. Hence, if you are interested in joining, you can reach out to Professor Sallow. Without further ado, let's welcome this year's new set. If you hear your name, please head up here. The professors will distribute the Watcher badges."

On the adjacent podium, another professor started calling the names of one disciple and another. Soon, Axel and Effelia climb to the stage, showing their distinct presence.

'As expected of the main characters. The vibe they emit is different.'

As usual, Axel looked more like a young mercenary in a uniform. He had a passive arrogant look, but still proper nonetheless. For Effelia, however, many disciples would gape at her, captivated by her unique appearance.

It made Horus wonder how the novel usually over-describes her looks as:

<Even porcelain skin and hair, it is not an overstatement to say Effelia's appearance is the zenith of 'human' beauty. She stood at a height most ladies couldn't fathom with sapphire blue eyes that brim zeal but don't look down on one.>

'Well, I know one of her secrets. Her race was an elf, but she procures ear-changing potions to disguise herself as human. Only Axel and the Headmaster know her real identity.'

After a call to more disciples, Eren's name got called, then Horus as last.

"Mr. Divigron, Eren, and lastly, Mr. Durkton, Horus."

Expectedly, there were mutterings when his name got called, but he ignored it, closing his eyes as he stood beside Eren and the other sixteen Watchers on the stage.

After receiving his Watcher badge, Horus spent half his day in class after class. He had no alchemy class for the day for some reason, but he expected there would be soon.

Taking his Mana Theory class, which happened to be the last one of the day, Horus felt iffy. Well, it didn't make him pleased since Axel's seat was behind him, and he couldn't sway away the thought of Axel's eyes darting his back.

"Second-years, understanding the concept of mana is critical, whether you are mana- or aura-inclined."

Professor Malwint declared, rounding the aisle made by two clusters of seats. She then casually motions a finger to shoot a wind bullet at the sleeping disciple, assuming she can't let anybody sleep in the first fifteen minutes of her class.

[ Wind Bullet ]

It landed on the disciple's head, causing his hair to rumple as he woke up in shock. She then continues without halt, seemingly unbothered.

"After all, mana is the vital energy we humans had harnessed for generations after generations. Having mana knowledge when fighting a magical creature, or I hope not, against a mage, would not hurt. It could even put you at an advantage."

Professor Malwint walks towards the front, then writes 'Energy Core' in the Kruman language on the board.

"Energy core. As you may have known, 'one is born with innate prowess in either mana or aura.' But this statement is fairly contradicting on the surface. Why are there dullints if that is the case? Anybody..., in this class knows why?"

The professor rounded the aisle of the hushed classroom until one student took the initiative, raising a hand confidently.

"Mr. Baker."

"I believe the statement is technically valid, professor. All people are born with a core of mana or aura. It is just that certain people are incapable of controlling either energy."

Slowly nodding in agreement, Professor Malwint proceeds.

"Good, but your point is partially correct. Nonetheless, you got two points for that, Mr. Baker."

The professor continues to stroll down the aisle, showing dissatisfaction on her wrinkled face.

"Anybody else had a perhaps... more fitting idea?"

At that very wink of time, Horus yawned unconsciously, stealthy but enough for Professor Malwint to notice him. She then speaks, almost sneeringly.

"Oh, what about you, Mr. Durkton? We can't have you sleep again in my class."

Eyes all over him, Horus had never felt this awkward since day one he transmigrated. He knew he should have restrained his urge to yawn, but his current state could put him to sleep at any given moment. He's getting more tired and sluggish as every minute passes by.

"Uh... ahem."

He coughs, trying to console his tired voice. Organizing all the pointers he remembers about energy cores in his head, he finally utters the awaited answer.

'Ah, it should be Corogallon's Principle.'

"The answer is simple: limits. Each individual's core has a respective bounding limit - Corogallon's Principle."

Those words had put everyone in silence. Horus could hear Axel's faint chuckle on his back, but what's more concerning was Professor Malwint's pale face, perhaps in sudden astonishment.

"Heh... Excellent. It is indeed the precise answer it could be. I didn't expect you would point that out easily - ten points for you, Mr. Durkton."

After a brief stillness, she beams a satisfied smile as she heads back in the front to write the exact words Horus had spitted out. The scraping noise of the chalk would inhabit the muted room as the eyes of the other disciples linger on him.

'I think I had overdone it.'

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