Chapter 37: (XXXVII) Freshman (Day One)
Ling'er, her steps light and purposeful, guided Leon through the academy, the number of students dwindling with each turn. Finally, they reached a dead end, and she paused, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any prying eyes. With a swift, secretive motion, she pressed a seemingly ordinary brick.
The stones began to emit a soft, ethereal glow, revealing a hidden doorway. The distant sounds of gears turning within the walls added to the mystery. Ling'er led him down a dimly lit hallway, their footsteps echoing, until they reached a door with a sign in bold, red letters, 'RESTRICTED.'
"Based on your performance in the second test, I assume you knew how to manipulate your aura?" Ling'er asked, turning around to the young man. Aura is a manifestation of one's inner energy, and its manipulation is a crucial skill that requires many years of training and dedication.
"Yes." Leon nodded, raising his hand as a soft golden liquid-like aura coated his fingers.
"Good." She nodded, turning back to the sign as she raised her hand. A small pink flame sparked from her fingertip before she pressed it against the counter of the second 'R.'
The sign began to bounce rapidly against the wall before it flipped around, and a portal appeared before the two. Ling'er turned to him and waved, "Come on!"
She stepped through the portal, vanishing as Leon followed closely behind her. His surroundings distorted around him before he landed inside a cozy dormitory hall.
She smiled softly at him, turning halfway and extending her arm, "Welcome to the Kirin Dormitory!"
Upon entering the common room, Leon was immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invited him to stay a while. The room was a delightful blend of colors, textures, and patterns that worked together harmoniously to create a cozy and inviting ambiance. The walls, painted in a soft cream color, exuded a sense of calm and tranquility, while the polished wooden floors added a touch of rustic charm that made him feel right at home.
The seating arrangement had been thoughtfully planned to ensure maximum comfort for all. Several plush couches and armchairs were arranged around the fireplace, providing the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The couches were made of soft, plush material, and the armchairs were upholstered in a luxurious fabric that made him never want to leave. The fireplace was the centerpiece of the room, its crackling flames casting a warm and inviting glow across the space, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
The large bookcase standing against one wall was a bibliophile's dream, filled with educational books of all genres. The books were arranged in a meticulous and organized manner, making it easy to find exactly what you were looking for. The shelves were adorned with various trinkets and keepsakes, adding a touch of personality and charm to the space.
The decorations in the room were a feast for the eyes. The tapestries displayed on the walls were intricate and detailed, showcasing Kirin's visage. The paintings were a mix of landscapes, portraits, and abstract art. Each painting had been carefully selected to complement the room's color scheme. The potted plants were strategically placed throughout the space.
Ling'er led him down one of the two hallways to a dead end with two doors before she turned around to face him, "This is your dorm room and restroom. Only staff and the Head Boy and Girl are allowed here, so please be mindful of your surroundings when you are returning, as you will be expelled if anyone else enters."
"Okay." Leon nodded, walking past her. He opened the door to the restroom, revealing a decently sized room with a large sink vanity, toilet, and shower with a massive round bathtub. He closed the door and walked toward the bedroom.
"One of the biggest benefits of this dormitory is the presence of the professors. If you have any questions, they are typically ready to answer them and assist if necessary." She explained as the young man entered his bedroom.
The large dormitory bedroom was designed to be a sanctuary for rest, study, and recharge. The room was spacious, with high ceilings that created a sense of airiness and openness. The walls were painted in a creamy beige hue that matched the common room, while the plush carpeting underfoot felt soft and luxurious.
Leon approached the window and pulled the curtains back, revealing their position high within the academy's center building. He looked around and noticed two of the towers.
The large windows let in plenty of natural light, providing a refreshing view of the surrounding campus. The curtains were made of a soft, flowy fabric that added a touch of elegance to the room. The windows were also enchanted with an energy-efficient treatment that helped regulate the temperature, keeping the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The room's centerpiece was the comfortable king-sized bed, dressed in soft, high-quality bedding. The bed was positioned against the wall, with two nightstands on either side with lamps and a small stack of books. The headboard was upholstered in a luxurious fabric and was flanked by a cozy armchair.
Across from the bed was a large wooden desk with a comfortable chair with plenty of drawers and shelves to store books and stationery. A lamp on the desk provided ample lighting for late-night study sessions. Above the desk was a corkboard for pinning notes, reminders, and important papers.
A spacious wardrobe was placed in the corner of the room, with ample storage space for clothes and shoes. The wardrobe doors were made of frosted glass and had a full-length mirror, making it easy to check one's appearance before heading out. Inside the wardrobe were shelves and drawers, providing additional storage space for linens, towels, and other personal items.
The walls were adorned with beautifully framed paintings and photographs that showcased the academy's rich history and culture. One wall featured a large painting of Kirin, the academy's namesake, while another showcased a collection of photographs taken by students and staff members. The lighting was strategically placed to highlight the artwork, creating a gallery-like feel.
"Alright!" Ling'er exclaimed happily, clasping her hands together loudly, prompting Leon to turn around as she asked, "Are you ready to begin your first day?"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone