The first pale glow of morning barely touched the Academy towers when Ace's eyes cracked open. His brain argued for five more minutes of sleep, but discipline won.
He groaned softly, dragging himself upright on the thin dorm mattress. "Alright… guess we're really doing this," he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair. "First official day of Academy life."
It was barely 6 AM. Classes didn't start till nine, but showing up late on day one? That was amateur hour.
He shuffled to the communal washroom — thankfully empty — splashed his face with freezing water, and stared at himself in the cracked mirror.
"Still ugly, still broke, still breathing," he told his reflection. "Good enough."
After a quick change into his uniform, he headed down to the mess hall. The breakfast line wasn't too bad this early — just some die-hard early risers and students who looked like they hadn't slept all night.
The food was basic — bread, eggs, some kind of weak juice. Not terrible. Not memorable.
Ace sat by himself, eating in silence, mentally reviewing his schedule.
Air Element Theory, Alchemy, Applied Mathematics. A mix of elemental-only and joint classes.
"Air Theory's first… maybe they'll teach us how to float out of boring lectures," he joked to himself, chewing the last bite of bread.
The Air Element lecture hall was already half full when Ace arrived. He picked a seat midway back, next to the window — perfect for zoning out when the professor started droning.
The room slowly filled with students — some wide-eyed first-years, others already oozing noble arrogance. Ace clocked them all, mentally sorting the loudmouths from the quiet ones.
The professor arrived not long after — older guy, wiry, with a floating white beard that made him look like a wind-blown dandelion. His eyes were sharp, though.
"I'm Professor Zephyrion Gale," he announced. "Let's clear this up early — Air isn't just 'nothing.' It's pressure, force, movement. Used right? You're faster, slipperier, and your enemies? Off-balance and confused."
Ace leaned back, listening with half his brain while scanning the room.
That's when he saw her.
A few rows ahead, sitting stiff as a board, was a girl with long, dark hair and eyes like polished amethyst. Stunning, sure — but tense, nervous in a way that didn't match the usual noble confidence. No jewelry, no smug expression. Just… tightly wound nerves and the kind of face that gets attention whether you want it or not.
Interesting, Ace thought, before dragging his eyes back to the lecture.
Professor Gale rattled on about vortex manipulation and atmospheric control, laying down the basics. The class dragged on until finally:
"One more thing," Gale added as they packed up. "You'll have a practical test next week. It will be difficult. Plan accordingly."
A wave of groans and whispers rippled through the room.
"A test already?"
"Barely survived orientation…"
"They love making us sweat, huh?"
Ace grabbed his stuff as the nervous girl practically bolted from the hall, vanishing into the crowd.
"Little break," Ace muttered, checking the time. "Might as well squeeze in some practice."
He slipped back to the dorm and into the washroom, locking the stall for privacy.
His Arcane energy pulsed faintly beneath his skin as he focused — cycling it, strengthening control. Then came the trickier part — Molecular Disassembly.
His hand shimmered at the edges, breaking apart, particle by particle, before reforming cleanly.
Better, he thought. Not great… but better.
Voices floated in from the common area — classic Academy gossip.
"Did you see Elara Flavosky today? Unreal."
"She wouldn't give you the time of day."
"I heard she's crazy smart. She'll ace the first exam for sure."
Ace snorted under his breath. "First week and the simping's already in full swing."
Alchemy class was already buzzing when Ace arrived. Nobles dominated the front rows, boasting about private tutors and how "basic" this class would be.
Ace spotted Klaus in the middle row and slid into the seat beside him, giving his shoulder a light punch.
"Survive your first class?" Ace grinned.
"Barely," Klaus groaned. "My water element tried to drown my own notebook."
Ace chuckled. "Could be worse. You could've caught on fire."
Before Klaus could respond, the room quieted — their professor had arrived.
Tall, sharp-featured, glasses perched on her nose — Professor Seraphina Crucible. She had that look — the kind of teacher who could kill you with a pop quiz.
"Alchemy isn't about ego," she began, eyes scanning the nobles. "It's about precision, control, and understanding. If you came to show off, you're already behind."
The arrogant nobles deflated slightly.
"Let's see how ready you are," she continued. "Explain the principle of Resonance in Symbiotic Transmutation, and how to synthesize a stable Aether-Infused Verdant Elixir from raw Arcane Quartz and Lumina Blooms."
The room went dead silent.
Even the nobles looked blank. Elara Flavosky — the violet-eyed girl from earlier — sat near the front, visibly frustrated, clearly wanting to answer but coming up empty.
Professor Crucible crossed her arms. "See? Big talk — little knowledge."
Ace raised his hand casually.
Crucible arched an eyebrow. "Well?"
Ace grinned. "Professor, you wouldn't ask something we couldn't answer… well, most of us."
A few chuckles rippled through the room.
Ace launched into a clear explanation — how to synchronize Arcane Quartz frequency with Lumina Bloom's glow to stabilize aether infusion, even mentioning advanced purification methods.
The room froze.
Crucible's mouth twitched — maybe approval, maybe surprise. "Sit down, Dragnell."
The whispers erupted:
"Who is that guy?"
"Low-tier noble, right? No way…"
"Elara looks ready to explode…"
Sure enough, Elara's wide eyes burned into the side of Ace's head.
After class, Ace gathered his books as Elara approached.
Her expression? Pride, frustration, and fierce determination all fighting for space.
"I'll answer next time," she promised, voice low, sharp. "And I'll outrank you on the exam."
Ace smiled, easy, unbothered. "Looking forward to it… madam."
She spun on her heel, crimson hair trailing behind her as half the room watched her go.
"Damn prideful noble girls," Ace muttered, slinging his satchel over his shoulder.
Klaus whistled softly. "You've got a real gift for making enemies."
"Enemies, rivals… entertainment — all the same."
The two of them walked out, gossip and rumors already swirling behind them.
Status Window — Ace Dragnell
Ace Dragnell - Current Status
* Name: Ace Dragnell
* Noble Status: Low-Tier Noble
* Age: 16 (First Year Student)
* Strength: D
* Agility: D
* Endurance: C
* Intelligence: S
* Willpower: A
* Charisma: D
* Arcane Power: C+
* Abilities:
* Unique Ability: Molecular Disassembly & Regeneration (Rudimentary Control)
* Description: The innate power to disassemble one's body to a molecular or even atomic level and reassemble it at will. Can regenerate from a single cell or atom. Can reassemble specific body parts, which will possess the same inherent power as the main body. Ace can now successfully detach and reassemble his hand and foot at will. Further refinement is needed for full limb or body control.
* Elemental Affinities: Fire, Air, Lightning
* Skills:
* Basic Self-Defense (C)
* Survival (Wilderness - from his manor's remote location) (D)
* Weapon Forging (B-)
Reputation:
Known for sharp wit, defiance of nobles, surprising academic talent
Rivalry building with Elara Flavosky
Whispers spreading after Alchemy class
Silver Crowns: 294
Dorm Room: 393