The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 189: Orientation

Chapter 189: Orientation

As they settled in, Adeline couldn’t help but notice the diversity among the students. There were nobles like herself, their polished appearances and impeccable manners giving them away instantly.

Their carefully chosen clothes and accessories sparkled under the light pouring through the grand windows. Then there were the commoners, whose simpler attire lacked the grandeur of nobility but carried an air of quiet determination that Adeline found admirable.

Some of them looked nervous though. In the academy, social standing did not matter. Only merit. Even if some of the nobles paid their way in if they did not have anything to show for they would be shunned. Only academics mattered here.

Because of the new, unfamiliar environment, she could understand why the commoners would feel that way. Before she became Adeline, she was just a simple girl too.

Adeline knew that this month’s orientation was specifically for students with powers. Those without powers—both nobles and commoners—had joined the academy a month prior and were already well into their separate curriculums.

The two groups had distinct learning paths, at least during the first year. Integration of courses and activities would come in later years. For now, students like Adeline, who possessed magic and elemental abilities, would be focused on mastering their powers.

Adeline was excited to take in all this information. She heard a few things about the academy but her brothers would not go too deep into it.

Every time they would they would say, "Linny, I have only one day break from that place, I do not want to spend my holiday talking about it." Which was fair, so she didn’t pester them too much.

The chatter in the room died down as a procession of faculty members entered the stage. At the centre of the group was the Dean of the Academy himself. Adeline straightened in her seat, her curiosity piqued.

She had expected an old man with a long, white beard—a quintessential scholar steeped in years of wisdom. Instead, the man who took centre stage looked young, perhaps no older than thirty-five or forty. His confident stride and piercing gaze commanded immediate respect.

Taking centre stage, he started to talk. Adeline was pleasantly surprised to hear his voice loud and clear. Magic artifacts have been in the process of research and development for a long time. Wind power has been used to create artifacts that carry a person’s voice far and wide... Essentially a microphone and speaker.

She knew that this was procured from the Mage tower. The thought of it made her sad again. Dimitri... She remembered that he would achieve great things in the future, including the invention of swords that enable normal people to wield magic...

There were times when she wished to just go to the Mage Tower to visit him. But that place... That place was a completely different environment. She could not just barge in there to meet him. She would get thrown out or worse, killed!

He is a male lead, he should be fine... I hope. She kept repeating this to calm herself. Only then did she feel confident her dear friend, Dimitri was safe and sound.

And she would be right for the most part.

Her thoughts were disturbed by the Dean’s speech.

"Welcome, students, to the Imperial Academy, where your journey to greatness begins. Today, you stand at the threshold of an era that will define your future. As you enter this academy, you will discover the essence of your potential and the purpose of your abilities.

Our world thrives on balance, and so does the mastery of the elements. To guide you, we have divided our teachings into three distinct factions: the Offensive, the Defensive, and the Harmonisers.

The Offensive faction embodies power and precision. Its disciples wield the elements to destroy and conquer, breaking through barriers and carving paths to victory.

The Defensive faction stands firm and unyielding. These students focus on protection, creating shields and fortifications, and ensuring stability and survival in the heat of battle.

Finally, the Harmonisers are the bridge between chaos and control. With adaptability and finesse, they manipulate the battlefield, guiding the flow of combat and bolstering their allies.

In the coming days, you will be evaluated and guided toward the faction that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Whether you are destined to lead the charge, defend the weak, or influence the tide of battle, know this: every role is vital, and each of you has a part to play.

This academy will challenge you, shape you, and prepare you for the responsibilities that lie ahead. Embrace this opportunity, and together, let us forge a brighter future. Welcome to the Imperial Academy!"

The audience erupted in applause. Adeline turned to see Victoria smiling. That was a rare sight. She must be really excited to begin her journey in the academy.

Like Isabelle, she turned out to be a high-level water mage, she was going to join the offensive faction as well. As the orientation ended, the seniors started to direct the students to their respective dormitories.

The dorms were separated based on gender for a more comforting experience. And in that, each room had students from all three of the factions to promote unity.

They would already have separate classes based on the faction, the academy did not want there to be a divide among their students. Most of their graduates end up leading armies and protecting the borders.

And when it was time to defend their country from those conniving monsters, they had to work as a team. No faction is more important than the other.

She was hoping to catch a glimpse of her brother but that was unlikely. He already graduated, and unlike Alaric, instead of returning home, he went to fight at the border. He said he would do it only for a year before coming home.

She just prayed that he stayed safe. Even though the Holy Temple stationed their healers on the borders as per the agreement, they still had to be cautious. These people did not call the Empire home, they harboured rebellious thoughts.

Why did she think about these things again and again? She clapped her cheeks like she always does to get ahold of herself. Shoo! Shoo, negative thoughts!

Adeline did not think of joining the academy initially. What was the point of going there, she thought. It was not like they had any teachers who could help her hone her lightning skills. But one after the other everyone around her was joining!

Alaric was going to be the Marquess and Aaron would lead the knights, she did not have anything to achieve, so why bother going? She kept telling herself that but when Alaric got engaged and Victoria was named the successor... Things changed.

Her one last friend would leave for the academy too and she would be left alone! Her dream of being a simple leech to society crumbled.

And stupid Cassian! He refused to come back home! She missed him! She wanted to see him! And the only way that could happen was if she went to the academy. She was ready to give him a piece of her mind!

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