ushernet Chapter 109 Cardon Academy (1)
Chapter 109 Cardon Academy (1)
Before they left for the academy...
"The Cardon Academy is the largest and most advanced institution in Trion. It accepts only the most gifted geniuses.
You will be guest cadets there for five days."
This was Ben's announcement to the players.
They had gathered once again in Zephyrion's office after nearly three weeks, and Ben was explaining the process.
"Evan and Carmen should be fine as they are, but the rest of you will need these potions," Ben said, holding up small vials. "They'll temporarily alter your appearance to make you look younger."
"Wow, really? If these potions existed on Earth, I'd have bought a lifetime supply by now," Maria joked.
Rejuvenation, even if only cosmetic, would undoubtedly be the most sought-after product on Earth.
Nora, who had also joined them, handed out the potions and uniforms.
"Cardon Academy is located on a floating island, so there are no conventional entrances or exits," she explained. "The only way to get in or out is through one of two portals."
Being a floating landmass gave the academy a significant strategic advantage during a siege.
Trion's leaders had decided long ago that no physical access points would be built, making it one of the safest places in the world.
To access the academy, staff and students used a portal located in a nearby city. That was the only official way in—except for the one under Zephyrion's control.
Few knew this, but the ruler of Trion possessed a special device capable of opening a portal directly to Cardon. This was the method the players would use to arrive.
"We expect you to be on your best behavior," Ben warned, his tone serious. "Cardon is an elite academy, and its students are the brightest minds shaping Trion's future.
We went to great lengths to get you accepted as guest cadets, so don't make us regret it."@@@@
The preparations had been finalized shortly after the players logged in on Monday. Like every day since their training began, everyone had arrived on time.
After confirming the plan and gathering their supplies, they moved toward the portal Zephyrion would use to send them to Cardon.
It was time to act the part of students.
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Cardon Academy was the first institution established by the ancient heroes.
But Arlon felt like June was talking to him more than normal.
Well, it should be okay. We have been together for a long time.
---
The players found themselves standing before an enormous castle-like structure, its towering spires piercing the sky.
The building was so vast that Arlon was sure it could house an entire country's military personnel and still have room left over.
Massive gates creaked open, revealing a girl sprinting toward them at full speed. Her brown hair fluttered behind her, and her glasses bounced precariously on the bridge of her nose.
Just as she was about to reach them, her foot caught on an uneven stone, and she tumbled to the ground in a flurry of flailing arms and a soft "thud."
The players exchanged glances, unsure whether to laugh or rush to help.
The girl quickly scrambled to her feet, brushing off the dust as if nothing had happened. "Te-te—" she stammered, visibly flustered, before taking a deep breath and composing herself.
"You must be the guest students! I'm Aila. Welcome to Cardon Academy! I was sent to bring you in," she said with a warm, genuine smile that softened the awkwardness of her earlier fall.
The players nodded politely, introducing themselves one by one, though they still eyed her with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
As Aila guided them inside, their first obstacle arose at the gates.
"Aila, who are these people?" a sharp voice called out.
A group of students—boys and girls in pristine uniforms—stood blocking the path, their arms crossed and their expressions skeptical.
"They're guest students of the academy," Aila replied cheerfully. "They'll be staying with us during Hell Week."
"Hell Week?" Evan asked, his brow furrowing.
Before Aila could respond, one of the boys stepped forward, his demeanor openly hostile.
"Guests? We had to endure years of rigorous tests to get in here. Are they seriously letting just anyone stroll in and call themselves guests or students?"
The players bristled at his tone, but Aila didn't flinch. Her expression remained calm, but her tone sharpened suddenly.
"The Head Teacher personally sent me to escort them. Are you sure you want to question her decisions?"
The boy hesitated, his confidence faltering under her steady gaze. With a huff of indignation, he turned back to his group, muttering something under his breath.