Chapter 35: Arrival at Beastriheim
The long train pierced through the sea waves as it neared the large Island of Beasts, Beastriheim.
It was called an island, but it was not a small place. This island was as massive as the human nation, ’Astera’. The entire nation was enclosed within a giant, towering wall.
The wall was famous by the name ’Great Wall’, as it had once protected the whole nation from the chaotic wars of history. It had stood tall for thousands of years without breaking. That alone was a massive feat; this wall was the true pride of the nation.
As the train transitioned from the water onto the solid ground of the mainland, it slowly decelerated and came to a halt.
Students finally burst out from the long night of traveling, stepping out onto the island in large crowds.
As the students gathered around the open station, several professors stepped out from the front cabins, positioning themselves in front of the crowd.
Professor Carasina stepped forward from the other professors and called for everyone’s attention.
"Students, I hope everyone relaxed during the night. We have now finally reached our destination, Beastriheim."
The crowd cheered and looked around the place in awe. Carasina continued without stopping, silencing the noisy students with her stern voice.
"But! You all need to follow the strict rules and regulations of this nation. Since Principal Alexa got permission from the SS-ranker of this territory, it is our responsibility to maintain semblance and order in another country."
"Rule 1: You will not attempt to fight with people without a specific, unavoidable reason."
"Rule 2: You must stay together with your assigned team. The practical examinations will be conducted whenever and wherever, so you have to prepare together."
"Rule 3: You will not cause any trouble to the locals."
"Rule 4: You will report any suspicious activity to your assigned professor immediately."
"Rule 5: You will not venture beyond the designated training zones."
"Rule 6: Always carry your identification badge with you along with your smartphone, so that we can keep track of you at all times."
"Rule 7: Respect the wildlife and the natural environment."
"Rule 8: Do not engage in any unauthorized trade or exchange with the locals."
"Rule 9: Maintain discipline and uphold the reputation of our academy."
"Rule 10: In case of an emergency, follow the instructions of your professor without question."
She paused, letting her words sink in. Her gaze swept over the assembled students.
"And last but not least, you are going to be assigned a team today. You have to adapt to them. The teams will be fixed until your whole first year is completed. So get used to your teammates without causing any commotion."
The students remained silent upon hearing the main condition of the tour. The teams would decide what their academic ranking would be.
Some hoped they would get a stronger member on their team so they could easily came in top. Others hoped they would get a team with their familiar friends.
"Now, the professors will call everyone’s names, and those will be your teams. After you get your teams, you should all stand with your members."
Everyone nodded. The instructors started calling out names. Carasina stepped back, allowing the other professors to take turns announcing the team compositions.
The air buzzed with anticipation as each name was called. Students shifted nervously or excitedly as their new teammates were revealed. Some embraced, while others exchanged wary glances.
As the teams continued to be introduced, time passed until only a few names were left.
"Team 294: Edwin von Leonhart, Sion Varn, Leon Kaine, Lusa Dusk."
"Team 295: Kaelian von Vorcelis, Sarah von Solaris, Elara Drell, Lucas Drakhar."
"Now, the last group. Team 296: Alicia von Valerion, Ronan Kross, Syrene Eryx, Alden."
As the final teams were introduced, students started to search for their members among the crowds. The area filled with the loud murmurs of students finding their groups.
A few minutes passed as everyone busied themselves. The instructors stepped back, letting them gather with their designated teams.
...
Among the crowd of students searching for their teams, a silver-haired girl stood unmoving from her place. She just stood there, waiting for the others to find her.
Just as she was waiting, she felt a slight killing intent directed toward her. She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
Syrene walked toward her with poised steps and looked at her.
"It seems my luck is pretty bad that I got teamed up with someone like you."
Alicia looked back at her calmly.
"Oh, you should be lucky to be teamed up with me instead. Your life will become much more entertaining now."
Syrene narrowed her emerald eyes and glared at her.
"I want to ask you something. Are you—"
"Hello, I am Ronan... from Class C. We are on the same team."
A boy with light green hair and yellow eyes looked at them. His face was a little nervous after both girls turned their eyes on him. He looked at the two girls standing in front of him, who seemed more like mortal enemies ready to clash rather than teammates.
Syrene pursed her lips and calmed down. She looked at him and replied with a polite tone.
"I am Syrene. I am also from Class C, the same as you. It is nice to meet you."
"I am Alicia, from Class A."
Ronan nodded and looked around the area.
"Where is the fourth guy on our team? Was he not able to find us?" Ronan asked, trying hard to act normal.
Syrene also looked around. Her eyes softened slightly at the mention of him.
"Yeah... I was also searching for him around the crowd, but I haven’t found him yet."
Alicia looked around the gathering. She stood crossing her arms and closed her eyes, expanding her senses to search for his figure in the crowd.
Her eyes snapped open and narrowed when she couldn’t find his presence anywhere.
’Where is he? I just saw him yesterday sleeping on the train floor. I even covered him with a sheet. But now, where is he?’
’Did he fall into the sea? Or did someone try to do something to him? I have to find out.’
Syrene noticed her tense figure.
"Hey, do you know where he is? Did you do something to him?!"
Alicia looked at her with an expressionless face but didn’t reply to the accusation directly.
"He will be back in a few hours. Don’t worry, he is alright."
Ronan nodded, still looking nervous.
Once all the students had gathered with their teams, the professors looked around and continued.
"Now that you have found your teams, we are all going to enter the border city of Beastriheim, Thalvor. It is the place where one of the most powerful military branches of the country is stationed."
As the instructor spoke, they threw a few tiny metallic items onto the ground.
Suddenly, the tiny items expanded and turned into giant buses—the exact same ones the students had traveled in yesterday.
The buses were compressed with spatial magic so they could be carried easily. They were created by a renowned magic engineer from the human continent.
The students then started heading toward the buses, walking alongside their designated teams.
Suddenly, Alicia noticed a boy among the crowds covering himself with a blue sheet, the same one with which she had covered Alden. She narrowed her eyes as she looked at him, her eyes turned cold but she didn’t approach him. Not yet.
The trio didn’t wait. They started walking to take their seats on the bus.
Once all the students sat comfortably in their seats, the buses finally started to move straight down the cleared road. Ahead of them stood a giant, towering gate. It was the exact border gate through which they would enter Beastriheim.
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