Back in his room, Elwyn began to unpack and organize his belongings from his bag.

  He meticulously pced his clothes and his wooden sword in the wardrobe, then slid his short sword under the bed, within reach. Next, he arranged his books on a shelf fixed to the wall just above the bed, as well as his small wooden dragon in a sleeping position. On his desk, he set out his writing instruments and his journal, in which he had already recorded the letters to be sent.

  Waiting for the time of the ceremony to arrive, the young boy sat quietly on his bed, his arms dangling over the mattress, and took a well-deserved rest after all the events and encounters of the day.

  "A dhampir, a succubus, a sylph, a Deity, another Nephilim, a half?dragoness of Bahamut’s lineage, a human princess and another member of her family… So much diversity present on such a small isnd, not to mention the elves, dwarves, halflings and gnomes also present in these parts. Mother?Ophélia did say there would be variety here, but I wasn’t expecting so much. However, this diversity does not necessarily mean a harmonious mix of species and cultures. There must surely be tensions within the different groups of individuals. How does the academy manage such a situation? How can so many different people be brought together without it ending in permanent conflict, as at noon?"

  It was on this final reflection that Elwyn was snapped out of his stupor. A small scarlet bird had just changed Pn in his room and began to circle around him, filling the silence of the room with its little wingbeats.

  — I’ve seen you before, in the Deity’s office? What are you doing here?

  The creature alighted softly on the young boy’s stomach before transforming into a screen of scarlet smoke, which quickly dissipated in the air, leaving behind a simple paper folded into four.

  — An ether messenger bird… I suppose this is how Entities can communicate with each other…

  Elwyn then grabbed the message and unfolded it to read it while sitting on his bed.

  Elwyn,I wanted to congratute you on your capture and elimination of the Entity that committed several thefts within the academy. For your information, it was a “Mischievous Goblin,” an Entity belonging to the Domain of Chaos. Mischievous Goblins are born from the desire to py pranks and are generally linked to children. Judging by its "loot," this one was rather attached to young boys.

  I also wanted to warn you of the presence of other Entities in the establishment. Under no circumstances should you disturb them, for they contribute to the management of the academy and daily life. More precisely, there are “Moving Shadows” that wander about. These are Entities taking the form of a staggering humanoid silhouette, moving in jerky motions on the ground and slipping from shadow to shadow in broad daylight. They belong to the Domain of Fear and embody the fear of the dark.If any problem concerning Entities arises here or in town, I will turn to you or Loyd to resolve it.

  Ogme

  — A Mischievous Goblin linked to the Domain of Chaos… Is that connected to the Chaos Boar from three years ago? Moving Shadows linked to the Domain of Fear… That’s starting to be a lot of information for a first day. But at least I have some answers.

  The young boy got off his bed and pced the folded letter at the end of his desk before finally sitting in his chair. He removed his neckce and detached the concealment ring to take it in hand, thus beginning his training in maniputing ether with it.After half an hour of levitating and moving through the air, someone came to knock on the door.

  Knock Knock

  Elwyn quickly grabbed his ring with one hand and slipped it directly onto his right index finger.

  — What’s up? asked Elwyn to buy a little time.

  — It’s for the hour, replied Loyd, after having gone through the door by the Ethereal Pne.

  The young boy suddenly turned to his Nephilim comrade and gred at him.

  — You’d like me to barge into your room like that?

  — Oh, it’s fine, I knocked first.

  — That’s not a reason.

  — You weren’t doing anything anyway, replied Loyd, just before noticing the chain lying on the desk.

  — What’s up? asked Elwyn.

  — You’re not wearing your ring around your neck anymore.

  — I put it on my finger when you knocked on the door, as I was busy maniputing ether with it.

  — Alright, I see. Well, let’s go. It’s time for the ceremony.

  — I’m coming, replied Elwyn as he got up from his chair to join his comrade, who had already started to leave.

  — No patience…

  Once they arrived in front of the two stone columns of the cafeteria, the two Nephilims entered the building. Elwyn then pressed himself against the wall to the right of the entrance, trying to be as discreet as possible, while Loyd entered normally and took his pce in the room.The cafeteria had been arranged in a “U” shape with tables set in the center to make the event more convivial. The luminous orbs hanging on the walls diffused a soft orange glow in the room, creating a gentle and warm atmosphere that was reflected in the crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling and on the gleaming clean floor.On the tables were arranged various fruits, cheeses, breads and cold cuts, as well as jugs of water and freshly pressed fruit juices.

  Elwyn’s gaze swept across the entire room, counting about a hundred people. There were as many girls as boys wearing the academy uniform, grouped into several small homogeneous groups based on the origin and gender of the individuals.

  "Most species prefer to stay among simir individuals, rather than take a step into the unknown. How do you bring strangers together? There must be a common point to imagine a first step. Or you must take the first step and hope that it works immediately. After all, who wants to risk facing a public failure?"

  Le?na had so much trouble approaching people. I can’t imagine her in this situation…

  During his reflection, the young boy’s gaze moved from group to group and finally stopped on Arimélia, alone, leaning against the opposite wall, her gaze also scanning the other individuals in the room.

  "The only representative of her species among individuals inferior to her. They fear and avoid her. Their instinct dictates how to behave in order to survive. Dragons are carnivorous creatures, and some even take pleasure in feeding on individuals along their path. However, half?dragons have a diet simir to that of humans, and it is unlikely that a student would be allowed to feed on another…"

  Elwyn detached himself from the wall and turned around to join the young girl. On his way, he noticed Loyd confronting Ezekiel, who seemed to be lecturing him about his behavior at noon.

  "I hope he doesn’t hear about this anymore after today…"

  The students he passed usually noticed him after his presence and always seemed surprised by the color of his hair. Nevertheless, he managed to reach his destination without trouble.

  — Good evening, Arimélia, I hope you had a good day.

  The young girl suddenly turned toward the voice that had addressed her from her right.

  — Good… evening, Elwyn.

  The young boy noticed the half?dragoness’s surprise as her tail, which had been swaying calmly until then, froze the moment she spoke.

  — Don’t be so tense. Otherwise, I’d feel like I’m a monstrous person who means you harm and scares you.

  — What do you mean? asked her, surprised and intrigued by the remark.

  — Well, if you remain as tense as you are now, I’d feel like I’m a bad person who wants to harm you and frightens you, replied Elwyn in a tone too calm and measured to be considered humorous.

  — Oh, I’m really sorry for that, she replied instantly, sincerely apologizing.

  — It’s alright, don’t worry. I was joking. Just, rex, I won’t hurt you.

  — Alright, I’ll… try, replied her voice, embarrassed by the misunderstanding.

  A silence slowly settled between them, and Elwyn decided to break it.

  — How was your day?

  — Fine, I’d say. I spent quite a bit of time at the library and also took a walk outside the grounds. And you, I suppose you toured all the academy’s buildings.

  — Almost, I haven’t yet seen the Study Towers.

  — Oh, I see. You’ll get to them tomorrow then, for the first day of csses.

  — Yes, I hope it will be as good as the rest.

  — Yes, I hope so too.

  A new silence fell for a few seconds, but was broken by the arrival of Loyd.

  — Pfft, they’ll never let me go with this story, he grumbled, dragging his feet toward them.

  — At the same time, you threatened them with death just because they spoke ill of you, replied Elwyn.

  — Tsk, you wanna mess with me? I remind you that I can beat you up whenever and wherever I want.

  — I know, unfortunately. You just need to avoid using violence as a first resort to a problem, that’s all.

  — Yeah, easy for a country kid who knows nothing about life. I’ve traveled, fought monsters and stupid humans. I’m an adventurer, unlike you. And all the problems I’ve had so far, I reduced them to heaps of formless, bloody flesh.

  This discussion against the abusive and exaggerated use of violence generated multiple absurd responses from Loyd, to the point of making Elwyn sigh in exasperation. But this retionship they both had, at that moment, gradually made Arimélia envious, knowing that neither of them had known each other before this day.

  "For them, it seems so easy. They seem capable of ignoring everything around them, without feeling any shame or remorse. Even if it’s not true, Loyd has his own problems and Elwyn must have his too... I wish I could be like them, I wish I could too..."

  — Arimélia, do you agree with me? We shouldn’t beat people up just because they don’t like the way you fight, suddenly asked Elwyn, drawing the half?dragoness out of her thoughts.

  — Uh… yes, well… I think… If we had to hit every person who speaks ill of someone, the person acting that way would make a lot of enemies, she replied with a hint of hesitation and apprehension about Loyd’s reaction.

  — She’s right, if you continue like that, you won’t find a woman to marry, added Princess Syria, who had just joined them by positioning herself to the left of Arimélia.Seeing these three pairs of disapproving eyes on him, Loyd eventually let go.

  — Oh, alright. I get it. Stop giving me a hard time with this story, he excimed, with the veins on his forehead swelling dangerously from annoyance.

  — You started this story. I only gave you my opinion as a country person, retorted Elwyn without the slightest pity.

  To everyone’s surprise, Loyd did not reply and let those st words from the young Nephilim of Life pass, for deep down, he was somewhat right. Calm then began to settle within the group, and Syria took the opportunity to draw the attention of the two Nephilims.

  — What do you want from us, Princess Syria? asked Elwyn.

  The young girl with long lic hair suddenly bowed before the two young boys.

  — I offer you all my apologies for my cousin’s behavior at noon. He behaved in an inexcusable manner towards both of you and even caused you trouble because of it. I am sorry, it should never have happened, she apologized in a protocol-like tone, reminding Elwyn of what Deity Ogme had said about the death of his parents.

  The two Nephilims exchanged a gnce and Loyd then turned to Syria.

  — Which one was your cousin? There were three at noon.

  Remembering the scene perfectly, it was Elwyn who answered him first.

  — It was the blond one in the middle.Loyd then turned to Elwyn.

  — How do you know that, you?

  — Easy, he had the same cerulean blue eyes as the princess.

  This immediate and unhesitating response surprised the group regarding Elwyn’s insight, but it did not influence Loyd’s opinion, who nodded to his comrade to indicate that it was better if he answered.

  — I’m really sorry, but we cannot accept your apologies. You are not responsible for your cousin’s disastrous behavior. It is up to him to present his apologies, and no one else.

  Syria straightened up slowly. She was surprised by the response and a bit embarrassed to be dismissed like that.

  — By the way, princess, where are you originally from? I come from a small vilge in Esthia? asked Elwyn.

  — I am from the Kingdom of Hercor, just like Arimélia.

  — Oh, I see. Have you known each other for a long time?

  — It’s been six years now. Arimélia has been under my father’s protection since she was five. She is my best friend and like a sister, she replied proudly.

  This affectionate attention toward the half?dragoness made her blush with embarrassment.

  — And you, may I know what you are? asked the princess, wanting to learn about this person so at ease among all these fine people around her.

  — What do you mean? asked Elwyn, curious for more.

  — To be in the special css, you must be someone with advanced aptitudes and knowledge. You have a posture and a way of speaking too proper to be a mere vilger. You are not intimidated by the presence of a Nephilim from the Domain of War, a half?dragoness, and a princess, which means you are used to such individuals being around you.

  Before Elwyn could reply, he was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Deity Ogme in the cafeteria, accompanied by his Guardian. The two characters obviously attracted all eyes as they headed toward the back of the room and were quickly joined by Ezekiel, who positioned himself to the left of the Deity. Ogme then rose about a meter thanks to an ether ptform, preparing to give his speech.

  — Good evening, everyone. Before we begin this welcome meal for our new first?year students, allow me to say a few words. First, I would like to congratute you on your admission to this academy. Some of you may have found it easier to secure a pce, while others may have benefited from a bit of luck. In this world, it is true that not all inhabitants are born equal. Some are born rich, others poor. Some are born with extraordinary abilities, others with more common skills. In establishing this academy, my intention was to give as many people as possible the chance to access the knowledge of our world. For without knowledge, we are scarcely better than animals. It is therefore my duty, as the Deity of the Domain of Knowledge and Understanding, to share the information and experiences accumuted by men and women over time.

  All the students, absorbed by the speech, began to appud the Deity, some even nodding in agreement at his st sentence.

  — When you have finished your studies here, after four fulfilling years, I will entrust you with a very simple task. Please pass on everything you have learned to those around you. Knowing how to read and write are the essential foundations to share. The one who knows how to read can access the knowledge conveyed by writing, contained in the many works of our world. The one who knows how to write can preserve his discoveries, inventions and ideas, which may be enriched, corrected and developed by others. In this pce, you will be surrounded by individuals from all walks of life, so I ask you to respect one another. I am not asking you to love or like each other, but simply to tolerate one another’s presence. There is more than enough room in this world for everyone, so please respect the political and cultural neutrality of this pce. Here, whoever you are, you are all strangers and you have no power.

  The Deity suddenly directed his hand toward Elwyn and Loyd.

  — Next, I would like to point out the presence of two half?Entities in this pce. Their role will be to neutralize the trouble?making Entities on this isnd and to enforce the rules of their respective Domains.

  All eyes then turned to the two half?Entities, and they were surprised to see Elwyn raise his right arm to confirm his status as an Entity. The looks on Arimélia’s and Princess Syria’s faces then showed shock at this unexpected revetion.

  — I would also like to draw your attention to the presence of two students from the special css in this pce. They are recognizable by the white armband worn on their arm, and their mission will be to assist you in your studies, as far as possible.

  Elwyn then kept his arm raised, clearly showing his armband for all to see, and some eyes turned toward Arimélia before quickly averting.

  — With all this information at your disposal, I hope things will go well for each of you. Together, we can help advance our world and build a better future for everyone. I therefore wish you an excellent evening and a fruitful academic year. May the quest for knowledge and the transmission of understanding guide your steps on this new adventure. Thank you all, concluded the Deity, before lowering his ptform and stepping to the ground.

  All the students appuded the Deity one st time before beginning to settle around the various tables and attack the banquet.

  Elwyn and Loyd sat at the st table of the “U” positioned just in front of the rge buffet table and facing the entrance. They were followed by Arimélia and Syria, who sat opposite them. They then began their meal in a deathly silence, listening to the various conversations at the surrounding tables, before being interrupted by someone who had just come to his senses.

  — A half?Entity, seriously? asked Syria, still a little shaken by the news.

  — Yes, I am one. Does that pose a problem for you, princess? asked Elwyn, perfectly calm.

  — No, but it’s very surprising. You’re a Crow fallen from the nest and a half?Entity, it’s too… improbable.

  “Oh, if only she knew…” thought Elwyn and Loyd.

  — But that expins everything, especially if you have an Entity’s personality, she added.

  — That is the case; I am an Entity and Loyd is a human, replied Elwyn, serving himself a bit more of everything.

  — Which Domain do you belong to? then asked Arimélia, who had recovered from her surprise long before the princess did.

  — Unfortunately, I cannot say. Deity Ogme thinks it is best for me, for now.

  — For now? asked Syria suspiciously.

  — Yes, until I have finished my studies. After that, I might be free to be an Entity. If I use my powers here, I will have problems, and no one likes that.

  Loyd nodded in agreement and then turned his attention to a discussion among the girls not far from them.

  — I see, replied Arimélia, a little disappointed not to have an answer.

  — By the way, Elwyn, what do your parents do for work? asked Syria with a slight inquisitive air.

  — My parents died when I was still a baby. I was adopted by a couple of former adventurers. It was a silver?ranked healing magician and a fighter managing the vilge’s defense.

  The atmosphere at the table colpsed suddenly, just after the revetion of the young boy’s parents’ death.

  — I am truly sorry, murmured the princess with a note of desotion in her voice.

  — It’s nothing, I’m quite used to it now.

  — That’s no excuse! angered Syria, without drawing the attention of the other tables.

  Arimélia pced her hand on the princess’s to comfort her, but her face also showed a mencholic expression.

  — Really strange story… murmured Loyd as he turned toward his comrades.

  — What do you mean? asked Elwyn.

  — From what I’ve heard, there have been thefts in the academy, including one today in the girls’ dormitory. All the stolen objects have been recovered by who knows who, and the thief was neutralized. It is still strange, this ck of information; Deity Ogme is practically aware of everything that happens here.

  — Ah, it’s for this story…

  — Do you know anything? asked Loyd insistently.

  The looks of Arimélia and Syria then turned toward Elwyn with apprehension.

  — Well, it was a theft orchestrated by an Entity from the Domain of Chaos, a Mischievous Goblin. I eliminated it in the byrinth.

  — I see. Why didn’t you tell me anything and what did it steal?

  — We had just separated after training and you weren’t really in shape, not to mention I did not expect what happened next. As for the theft, it was weapons and training outfits, chalk and rags and, finally, women’s underwear.

  At these st words, the faces of Arimélia and Syria turned pale, while Loyd’s flushed, after he noticed the change in the dies across from him. All tried to imagine the scene.

  — No way… Why a boy? asked Syria, covering her face with her hands.

  — It will be alright, tried to reassure Arimélia.

  — Is there a problem? asked Elwyn, who did not understand the reactions around him.

  Noticing that the young boy was completely lost in this story, the half?dragoness tried something to crify the situation.

  — It’s nothing, they’re just… underwear… There is… nothing wrong… with that… she replied, blushing as she spoke with difficulty.

  — Indeed, it’s just underwear. I merely checked the contents of each stolen bag before returning them all to Vice?Director Nalinaya.

  — And on top of that, he saw everything…added Syria in compint.

  Right next to him, Loyd began to ugh at the situation while clearly imagining the scene.

  — He’s just too innocent, that idiot. It’s not possible. Nothing can touch him, added the Nephilim of War amid a fit of ughter.

  Elwyn, still lost and receiving no help from the others to understand, decided to let it go.

  "It must surely belong to a subject I cannot understand without a 'Heart'…"

  The meal continued in a warm atmosphere and ended in the middle of the evening. Everyone went to bed quickly to be in shape for the first day of csses.