As soon as I entered the central building's auditorium, I became overwhelmed by the number of people who were present here.
Most of them were first-year students; these clueless students were bouncing here and there trying to fit in, while some of the third- and second-year students were the ones who were arranging the whole area.
Apart from them, there were a handful of teachers who were moving around the hall, keeping the students in silence and disciplined. in which they were failing miserably as most of them were still chatting with their friends or classmates.
I started moving towards the front seat, walking on the red carpet that was neatly arranged in the middle of the hall, covering a large path that leads towards the stage in front.
The most notable thing was that, nobody from the core members of the academy was not present here.
On the stage, a few of the student council members were present, including some important characters.
Quite a few of them were staring at me from the stage, as I was the last person to enter the hall, and also because of my looks.
As they observed me, I also took note of them. Most were third-year students with minor roles in the game, while the second-year students played a more significant role, influencing the hero's journey later in the game.
As I proceeded, I noticed that it wasn't just the student council members on stage staring at me; the entire auditorium seemed to have their eyes fixed on me.
With every step, their gazes followed me, and for a moment, the hall fell silent. Soon, however, the silence gave way to a new round of energetic gossip, and now I became the hot topic of their discussions.
With every step it took, I looked around at the first-year students, trying to remember their role and behavior in the game; most of them were recognizable, while quite a few of them were just extras.
Soon, however, my gaze landed on a brute looking guy who had grabbed my callor in the morning. He was still looking at me with hate filled eyes, and now I know why because of Angelina.
I also looked at my so called sister and brother, who were looking at me with wide eyes. It looked like they were not expecting me to be here.
I also noticed Emily and the others with Berg sitting in the middle row of the hall. Berg even tried to signal me to come towards him, but I just ignored him. I need to be infornt so I can be ready for the upcoming event.
As I arrived, I glanced around me trying to find any empty seats, but the whole auditorium was packed. Having no luck finding an available seat among the crowded auditorium, I muttered a nonchalant "Whatever."
Instead, I directed my attention toward the stage, where I noticed a few vacant seats. Without hesitation, I leaped onto the stage, effortlessly clearing the height that reached my waist.
And in front of the astonished students and teachers, I grabbed a chair and started dragging it with me towards the edge of the stage.
*Scratch*
The sound of the chair scratching the ground resonated throughout the hall, promoting another round of silence.
But before I reached my destination, a crisp voice halted me in my tracks.
"That seat is reserved, Eden."
I turned back to find a girl who I had been desperately trying to ignore ever since I got Eden's memories.
She had striking blonde hair and intense red eyes, looking at me like they could see my soul. She had an air of authority surrounding her. She is the daughter of the current chancellor.
Once My closest childhood friend and the [Villainess] of the First Game: Grace Leoine Fabiana
momentarily caught off guard. I just stood there, staring at her, until I replied nonchalantly.
"Oh, is it? My bad. I didn't see any signs or anything."
And with that, I resumed my walk.
The girl replied in an emotionless voice as she said. "It's reserved for student council members. Can you please find another one?"
Without looking back at her, I replied, "Don't worry, I am sure they won't mind."
But how could she let me be? She walked faster and grabbed the chair as she said it informally, which she rarely does.
"If you really want a seat, go down or find another one. Your actions are against the rules, you know?"
I grinned, tightening the grip on the chair as I replied. "Nah, it's alright. I am sure one seat won't cause trouble. I will find a corner or something to sit down in. I'm not picky."
"Let...go...Eden."
"Destiny brought me together with this chair; you should be the one to let go."
"Destiny can wait," she replied, grabbing the chair with both her hands. "Leave the chair."
We were both at a standstill. A calm voice cut through the commotion. "What on Atlantis is going on here?"
Both Grace and I turned to see a third-year student with a Student Council President badge approaching us. He had a handsome face with slightly long hair.
I do know him; he is the heir of a Marquis and a well-known genius in the third year who has maintained his position as the president since his early days of the second year.
"Miss Grace, you do know that you are on the stage in front of the whole first year," he said as he started lecturing Grace.
"I lost my composure; I apologize," Grace replied before the guy could say more as she returned back on her seat well, not before giving me death glare.
Her words brought a bitter frown to his face, but knowing her position, he kept his mouth shut as he shifted his focus on me.
With a disgusting grin, he came forward in front of me, craning his neck. He said, "Are you trying to grab attention towards yourself?"
"No," I replied bluntly as I looked down on him. My gaze, however, seemed to make him even angrier.
"So why are you here, you pathetic excuse for a man!" he shouted, letting his arrogance get to his head. His words resonated throughout the hall, making the hall go silent again.
As I looked at him, I thought, 'Ahhh, he is that kind of guy.'
My name and reputation are at rock bottom right now, and even though I hate to admit it, if a random dog barks at me, no one will come forward to help. And he is that random dog.
"Why so serious, man?" I said it with a smile as I walked away. "Work on your attitude, or you'll die because of that."
"Hey, you basta—," he began, ready to start a fight, but his words were cut off by a voice.
"We should start the Entrance Ceremony," Angelina declared as she stepped onto the stage followed by Aeloria, addressing the guy.
"But—," he tried to argue, only to be interrupted again.
"We don't have time for all this," she stated firmly as she took her seat on the stage.
As for me, I arrived at the edge of the stage, strategically placing my chair so that I could observe the students below without being easily seen. From this vantage point, I could clearly observe both the audience and the stage.
The Entrance Ceremony followed the typical pattern found in every academy – the welcoming of first-year students by their seniors, with speeches emphasizing the significance of the academy.
However, there was a subtle difference this time. In this academy, whenever a member of the royal family enrolled, they were automatically appointed as the student council president without any further qualifications.
It is pathetic way of the royal family to keep themselves in power.
"Welcome everyone!...."
The current president started to give his speech, which most of the students listened well to, except for me, who was eagerly waiting for the [Turning Point].
".....And I hope for all the first year student to have a wonderful academic year."
*Clap! -Clap! -Clap! -Clap!*
The president ended his speech with a little bow as he moved back, and the whole hall resonated with the sounds of claps.
Then it was Angelina's turn to give the speech.
"Hello everyo―",
Just as the first words left her lips, a sudden disturbance rippled through the very fabric of space. The air crackled, causing a collective gasp from the audience.
Before anyone could comprehend what was happening, a translucent sphere materialized, enveloping the entire hall in a dome of shimmering light.
Confusion and whispers swept through the assembly as the students exchanged perplexed glances.
The faculty, equally bewildered, turned their attention away from Angelina, who stood frozen mid-speech.
In the center of the stage space disoriented, a man materialized out of thin air.
His sudden appearance sent shockwaves through the gathering.
The man surveyed the audience with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance.
"Hello there, ladies and gentlemen of this esteemed academy," he said. His voice resonated within the sphere, commanding attention.