After saying this she took a moment to let her previous statements sink in then she continued to speak.
"I am sure many of you have wondered why there is only one Academy or how can so many different races live in peace, right? Well, let me tell you the world is much vaster than you believe. The so-called peace you all have been experiencing for the last 20 or so years has been nothing more than a facade." As she said these words the students could no longer sit quietly.
One young male human spoke out
"S-so, you're telling us that we have been in danger unknowingly?"
This was one of the questions on everyone's mind right now. Everyone here except of a couple of people grew up sheltered, with only thoughts of growing stronger, in order to make a name for their family. As far as most knew, Kalpa, was a place of peace and opportunity.
Hearing the young male Liora continued her speech
"Although I said that the peace was a facade, that doesn't mean you all have been in danger. It's just that now in current times the situation is becoming more serious. The reason this Academy was built was to ensure that the world of Kalpa always an influx of talented individuals. This is because Kalpa is not the only world in the universe... there are thousands perhaps even hundreds of thousands other worlds. And they are all entangled in a grueling competition for resources." She said solemnly.
Her words caused a mental impact to most of these students. I mean how could it not? They literally just had their entire world view flipped upside down. The plaza was now engulfed in silence.
The instructors simply floated in the sky above the students and observed. They wanted to see how this news would impact them. Would they crumble under expectations or would they rise to the challenge.
All around they seen faces of uncertainty, fear, and determination. These students were all handling this news differently. The top 10 students though?
They all looked hungry! Not a single one of them had a look other than determination. That's because they all knew they were meant for something much bigger. Although they didn't know what exactly, it was just a fleeting feeling.
After the brief silence Liora spoke out once again.
"We will give you all time to digest this information. There are no mandatory classes that you all will have to take. Everything will be left up to you, but whenever you need help there will always be an instructor around. Your badge has everything you need to know. The only thing you must focus on is reach the Rebirth rank. The normal standard to reach this is about 50-100 years. You will receive resources every month and can use any facilities that's not floating. Those are reserved for students in the Rebirth rank or higher. Now you all may depart except the top 10 students."
After she said this the students went on about their day while still trying to deal with the sudden news.
-----
Now left in the Plaza were the top 10 students and also 10 instructors. The students were all gathered and prepared to handle whatever that was to come next. Some even had looks of anticipation.
Liora taking the lead once again spoke out.
"Since you guys are the top echelon of the first-year student, you will be held to a much higher standard. We need you guys to reach the Rebirth Rank within 25 years. This may seem absurd but you all will be personally guided by one of us. We will provide you with resources that will accelerate your growth in order to prepare you. You may choose anyone of amongst us to be your personal teacher, except for me." After she said this each student began to choose an instructor.
After each student had an instructor, they all left along with their teacher. Currently in the plaza there were still six people. Akasha, Raven, Elara, Liora, Riona, and Jax. Looking at the two young ladies who had yet to move from Akasha's side. Riona spoke out
"So, who do you lovely young ladies decide to choose?"
Hearing this Raven said
"Well, I was wondering if I could have the same instructor as him" she said this while pointing at Akasha.
"Yea, what she said" Elara added on. She honestly didn't know why she was so drawn towards Akasha. It was if her very origin was craving him, and she decided to trust his feeling.
"Eh?"
"Huh?"
"Hmm?"
Even Akasha was caught off guard by their response, the instructors both turned towards Liora. She was the only one who could answer that because she personally wanted to train Akasha. And her taking two other students is highly unlikely considering she would now be taking her first student ever.
Liora hearing this was also caught by surprise, but instead of answering she looked at Akasha.
"Akasha, from now onwards you will be my first personal student. So, as the first gift of sorts you can decide whether they can come or not." She gave an answer that neither Jax nor Riona expected.
Akasha grinned as he heard this.
'Well, I don't mind having a sexy teacher.' He thought silently before saying
"Sure, I don't mind their company." he said while shrugging.
Liora nodded her head hearing this.
"Okay, let's go. We have some things to discuss." she said while disappearing along with the three students. Jax and Riona both just simply went along with their day.
------
When they reappeared, they were in a separate realm that was connected to The Academy. They were in front of a modern looking mansion. The interior of this mansion resembled the student's dorm rooms. It contained everything except for technology.
"Come on, why are you looking lost?" Liora asked them as she walked into the living room and sat on a couch.
The three students nodded and followed behind her. They all sat on the same couch directly across from Liora. Akasha sat in the middle with Raven and Elara on each side.
Liora looking at three flashed a light smile before she reached at thin air then pulled out some tea. She poured of them a cup and they all took small sips. Well except for Akasha, he was never a fan of tea if anything he was a wine kind of guy.
Noticing this Liora asked
"Hmm? You don't like tea? her voice had a tone of curiosity. She was truly curious of this being in front of her.
Hearing this question the girls perked their ears up too of course they wanted to learn more about this guy who appeared out of nowhere.
"Actually, I'm more of wine kind of person, but recently I have been enjoying my favorite fruit." He said this as he created a fresh bowl of grapes. Seeing this the girls didn't seem to notice anything strange, but Liora did.
'He has an affinity for creation!' She exclaimed inwardly totally not minding the unknown fruit the guy was eating. While inwardly she was shocked outside she showed no such thing. She simply nodded her head then asked.
"So, what do you guys think of the news from earlier?"
Hearing this Elara spoke first.
"Honestly, it's not all that surprising. Even though my parents or elders never mentioned anything related to the subject we were always trained under pretty tough conditions. Almost like they were preparing us for something."
Liora nodded her head at this then looked at Raven
"Well, I'm mostly the same as her. It wasn't that hard to piece together." Raven said casually
Then finally Akasha spoke
"To be honest I already knew most of the information. Although what I know is only surface level, I was well informed about there being other worlds." He said as if this wasn't supposed to be classified information.
Honestly Akasha wanted to be as transparent as possible with those he intended to add to his group. He didn't want to hide anything from them because in return he wanted their absolute loyalty. Since Liora decided to be his instructor then he would rope her in as well.
Hearing this the girls were all surprised. Liora wanted to know how he was able to know such information beforehand, but she decided to figure that out later because right now she wanted to know something more important.
"Interesting.... So, tell me Akasha, what exactly are you? I mean we have all seen your partial Dragon Form, but currently you just seem.... human. There is information on basically every other student except for you. So, help me understand." After she said this, she took another sip of her tea and observed their reactions.
The two girls seemed as if they wanted to know just as much as she did.
But Akasha? He didn't seem to be bothered in the slightest. It was if he was expecting her to ask this.
'He's interesting indeed.' She thought to herself.
Hearing her ask these questions Akasha smiled slightly before he spoke.
"I thought you would've waited a bit longer to ask this, but I don't blame you." he said before eating a couple more grapes.
"Well, I am a Dragon, just a bit more unique than others. That's all I can say for now." He spoke casually. He could have just simply told her some of the truth, but he couldn't fully trust her yet. Telling someone much stronger than you, your secrets is straight up suicide.
"Hmm?" Liora raised any eyebrow seemingly understanding Akasha's underlying meaning.
"Well, enough of that. Let's focus on some more important things." she said while putting down her teacup.
"Let's talk about your ranks and talents."