Jason just transmigrated into the body of Ethan Nox after falling into that abyss in the Alternate Realm, and now, he was right in Triple A, an arcane academy where young Arcanists are trained and guided to succeed in the path of magic.
The name "Triple A" was just some kind of abbreviation form with the name "Aetherum Arcanum Academy". Due to having three starting letters as "A", they best called it Triple A. The Aetherum Arcanum Academy was the only academy for Arcanists in Albany, and thus, despite the fact that this world was ten times larger than Earth, every youngster who manages to awaken their Mana Core and possessed an affinity for arcane magic must be enrolled into the academy at any cost. The people believed that the mages were the only source of peace and safety in the society and had made sure that everything needed to make these youngsters grow in the path of magic was provided. Although not only Arcanists are mages in this world... In this world, Arcanists, Elementalists, and Spiritualists exist. These are the branches of magic, other aspects are likely to be enemies, just like a set of deadly mutants called The Changed. Right now, Jason — now Ethan — was right in his dorm room staring at his roommate who had just woken him up from his deep slumber. "I told you to stop drinking Kenom Liquor, now look... You have slept for 21 hours and still aren't okay with it. Now I'm going to be late for the orientation because of you!" Ethan's roommate, Jeff, complained, slightly angered. However, Ethan only stared at him expressionlessly, wondering what he really meant. 'Ah, shit! Does this side character guy really drink liquor?! That's too bad for a start.' He cursed inwardly, placing his right hand on his upper head. 'Argh, My head hurts so much.' Ethan sighed repeatedly. "Anyways, just go prepare let's go to the orientation. I'm sure you don't want Principal Bernard to make you go in search of some rare elixir ingredients in the Woodlands," Jeff warned, and upon hearing this, Ethan was called back from his clueless knowledge, as he really knew what he was actually talking about. Principal Bernard was a Magus-level Arcanist, and due to his high order and discipline, he was feared by many... He would never tolerate any form of indiscipline and at most, his usual punishment was to send a student to search for a rare elixir ingredient in a magical mountain forest called the Woodlands. To every student, having to suffer his punishment was their greatest nightmare in the academy, and to prevent being punished, the Adepts had made sure not to mess things up. Ethan quickly got himself prepared in no time and was good to go. Jeff had been waiting for him outside the dorm room, impatiently... "I swear to God, this is the last time I will be waiting for you to get prepared for important things like this," Jeff said with a slight frown, taking the lead. "Sorry... It wasn't really my fault," Ethan tried to convince him. "It would always be your fault as long as you continue spending your hard-earned bucks on Kenom Liquor..." Ethan shrugged. 'I'm just somehow addicted to that thing. But... What the fuck! I'm still too young to take a highly alcoholic liquor like Kenom's... What the hell am I doing to myself?' Slowly, Ethan began wondering, coming to a realization. "Faster," Jeff spoke as he walked... Ethan was too slow at walking, so he had to raise an alarm like always. Soon, they were out of the boarding area of the school and had approached the Educational District. At this location, one could clearly notice the great structure of the Aetherum Arcanum Academy. The academy was a combination of large towering buildings constructed by highly skilled engineers... Mostly, these engineers are Earth Elemental mages, and just with the flow of mana, they could create buildings in the blink of an eye. Triple A's building was a clear indication of their handwork at its best. Twelve lofty buildings stood tall in the heart of the academy, about four belonging to the 1st Year Adepts, four for the 2nd Years, and the other four for the staff board. All buildings were tinted in bold silver, except for that of the highest building — visibly for the staff with the highest order — which had a golden hue. Luckily, Ethan and Jeff came across other students on the route to the General Hall... Although most of these students were 2nd-year Adepts who usually wore black academy shirt uniforms, black jackets, and white trousers made from thick fabrics. The 1st Year Adepts, just like Ethan and Jeff, would wear white shirt uniforms, a white jacket with black trims on the chest and upper arms region with black trousers. This was the pattern of dressing between the two, and for girls, only the fact that they wore skirts made a slight difference... The color pattern was still the same. "I guess we aren't too late," Jeff said after heaving a sigh of relief upon seeing some 1st Year students ahead and behind them. "Oh maybe," Ethan hesitated and said. It took a few minutes before they got to the general hall, and it didn't take long before the principal arrived after Ethan and Jeff entered the hall. Since three months ago when they entered the Aetherum Arcanum Academy, the 1st Years had been promised an orientation from the principal, but due to some controversies, the principal hadn't had enough time for that. But today, as promised, he would make sure he give them the best orientation they need... Vice Principal Karl's orientation on the first day in the academy wasn't really clear, so today, the students were ready for a long formal orientation from the head of the academy. Upon arrival, Principal Bernard progressed forward to the stage, cleared his throat, and began his speech. "Ahem... Dear students of the Aetherum Arcanum Academy, it's my honor to be in front of great youngsters like you. This orientation should have been done three months ago, but due to the current looming conflicts with The Changed around the Near East, we have been unable to have full focus on academy duties." The principal paused and continued. "Of course, you all might have heard stories about these mysterious beings. The Changed. No doubt, they were once human like us, but after the great seizure, unbelievable occurrences began to happen." "Trust me, The Changed would be the greatest misery in your life if you ever go close to them. They are evil, cruel, and merciless. They aim to destroy the whole of humanity, and perhaps, take down the whole universe." "This is why we are trying our best to stop them from achieving their deadly goals. Thanks to the fact that they couldn't reproduce, this had really been a saving and advantageous factor in our conflicts with these mutants, and yeah, this is why we aren't being overwhelmed up till now." After this speech session, the hall was shrouded in pointless murmurs... However, Ethan who was having full concentration was suddenly distracted by a mysterious screen that appeared in front of him. [Sidekick Assistant System has successfully been directed to its host]. [System merging in progress...] [System merging completed]. [Congrats, Side character Ethan Nox, you just attained a Double Reward System]. [You have been granted The Sidekick Assistant System].'What the heck is this?!' Ethan shrugged upon reading what was written on the screen. Actually, being Ethan Nox, a system was alien to him. But in Jason's point of view, this is the legendary mysterious stuff that helps MCs grow in several novels. Somehow, Ethan's life was a mixture of his and Jason's, so after some realization, he knew what the system stuff meant, but what the hell is the Sidekick Assistant System? Ethan tried to calm down. Below the words of announcement for the system was a pair of phrases written: [Commence Progression]. Ethan quickly muttered "Commence" with a very low tone, not wanting anyone to notice anything weird. Somehow, he noticed that he was the only one who could see the screen, and at least, that was a relief. The only thing that could get odder is if he was noticed doing some strange communication with an invisible entity. Then, everyone would think the Profession Detector had a glitch by revealing that he was an Arcanist instead of a Spiritual
Ethan Nox felt an intense pain around the right side of his chick, due to the punch he just received from a male 2nd Year. Placing his left hand on his left chick, he cast a fierce gaze at the 2nd Year Adept, the urge to retaliate lingered on him, however, Ethan forced himself to avoid trouble."Ethan, are you okay?" Jeff who also saw the 2nd Year punch Ethan was stunned. Seeing Ethan's pained look, he couldn't help but ask. "Let's... Let's just get outta here," he quickly said and pulled Ethan out of that scene. However, Ethan still stared death into the cruel senior's eyes, as they both began a staring session.They kept exchanging promising gazes, indicating that a red line had been drawn between them. Soon, Ethan had no sight of the 2nd Year student, as they entered the boarding area of the academy."Ah, that was a massive bang, Ethan," Jeff teased as they approached the building where their dorm room was located. Apart from the towering buildings in the main part of the academ
After the apocalypse, not only The Changed were the threat that humanity had. There was a sudden existence of spiritual beasts. Although this wasn't the main threat that humanity had, they could only be seen in deserted, lonesome areas. This was why anyone who was sent into the Woodlands was given a vital weapon to ensure safety. Actually, that was why Mason was dressed in thick armor and was with a longsword.But..."Why does he stink so badly," Jeff complained, covering his nose."He smells like rotten fish," Ethan couldn't help but comment, disgusted."No, it smells more like the corpse of a Changed," Jeff corrected Ethan who suddenly glared at him upon hearing his statement."Huh? Have you got to see one before?" Ethan asked, extremely curious. "Not really... Just a dead one slain by my father. A Spark-tier Changed to be precise."Ethan found it hard to believe. Although he nodded positively, he was still curious, so he asked."Your father, what's his rank?" At first, Jeff was
"I told you, Ethan! This plant is so precious!" Mason was so delighted that he forgot that he was in a library. Of course, all libraries have got one typical rule: every visitor must be quiet at all costs."Do you forget that you are in a library?" After staring at Mason for a while, Ethan asked with furrowed brows.Hearing what Ethan just said, it was as if his reminder was a mouth-shutting spell. Mason froze, as well as his mouth being shut."Ah shit, I was just too excited," Mason said. "So, how huge is the strength we are talking about?" Ethan asked as he tried to study what was on the page.Mason hesitated a bit. "I don't really know... I can just read further since everything about the elixir is written here."Ethan nodded. "I'll just hang around then."They both agreed and Ethan left that spot. He walked around the first floor library, looking for books associated with The Changed but found no one.There were over a thousand books as said by the librarian on the first floor,
There were four lengthy ranges of tall shelves lined in the vast room, the books shrouding every space. Out of these four, Ethan hid behind one, the second one. There was a lengthy space that looked like an aisle by every shelf's compartment. But out of all, Ethan's hiding spot came to be the widest aisle. What's worse? Ethan sighted a door from the near distance... He was taken aback. He just heard the librarian speaking to the principal about the third floor. Glancing around, Ethan didn't seem to notice any other entrance unit in any part of the room, making it clear that this was the path they would take upon going to the third floor. The entrance was just a tiny distance away from his hiding spot. *Thud. Thud. Thud.* Soon, Ethan heard bold footsteps approaching his direction, well, he didn't hesitate before finding a way to get himself outta there. If he got caught by any chance, he would be fiercely punished. Ethan made a promise to himself... "No matter what happens, I
Ethan and Mason ran out of the second floor and out of the library building. Although they knew that they were in trouble, they just didn't want to be caught red-handed by the principal. At least, maybe they could spend some time preparing for their greatest nightmare in their dorm room before being summoned.Mason had this urge to cry. He had just returned from the Woodlands a few hours ago, and now he just got himself into trouble again."I can't believe I would be going to the Woodlands again," Mason said, his face painted with a dismal hue. For a moment, Ethan was silent while staring down at the concrete floors. He was lost in thoughts, imagining what version of "hell" the Woodlands would be. Many who had journeyed into the Woodlands have had different yet complicated experiences. Generally, it was known that only strong and smart individuals could enjoy the good side of the Woodlands. For people like Ethan who couldn't even learn simple martial arts for self-defense, his succ
Martin's face had a sad picture as he stared down to the ground, deeply ashamed. He couldn't even dare to raise his head to look at his fellow offenders... His acts were giving something far from boldness. "Hey! Keep working," one of the disciplinary officers shouted after noticing that Ethan's pace had lessened. Ethan was lost in looking at Martin's sorry ass and how he acted. Martin was someone with low self-esteem and wasn't bold, and this did much to make him a silent, bullying figure. Even by looking at his face, one could notice slight bruises due to assaults from stronger students. A part of Ethan was deeply sorry for him, but...'I hate him because I'm going to suffer his miseries in double fold.'Ethan mused inwardly and hastened his steps forward. Martin was later taken to join them as they progressed to the principal office. When they got to Principal Bernard's office building, he came out from his inner chamber and met them in the office compound space.As usual, his f
At first, Ethan felt a ringing sound in his head, his brows furrowing in confusion.'Extract what?' This was the second question he asked after the Sidekick Assistant System sounded in his head. Ethan slowly switched his gaze below and attempted to take a look at the hard substance he had just stepped on. Just as his gaze landed on the substance, he shrugged. 'Is this the remains of the Giant Monkey Beast?' He was pointlessly asking himself this question inwardly when the system voiced again in his head. [Yes, host. There are bones, almost rotten flesh, and meats in it. Extract the Valuables to gain more Mana Points].Hearing this, Ethan could not help but broaden his eyes. He wasn't only shocked by how one could extract Valuables from the bones and meats of a dead beast, the fact that he could gain Mana Points made him stunned. The Giant Monkey Beast was a very large beast that seemed to be exactly the size of an old gorilla. Although most parts of its body were already rotten,