6kv Chapter 3: Orientation Day
Chapter 3: Orientation Day
Chapter 3 - Orientation DayXavier's name was announced as the top ranker of the entrance exam. The conference hall erupted in applause, though many students craned their necks,
The conversation shifted as one of the students noticed Xavier's lack of cybernetic enhancements. "Hey, why don't you have any cybernetics? Everyone at the academy has them."
Xavier hesitated, then explained, "I have a disorder. My body can't handle cybernetic enhancements or genetic mutations."
The students exchanged surprised looks. "Wow, that's tough."
The car fell silent for a moment before one of the students spoke up again. "Well, you're definitely something else. Most of us have been enhancing ourselves since we were kids."
Xavier looked at them, noticing the subtle signs of cybernetic enhancements—a glint of metal under the skin, the slight hum of advanced prosthetics. He felt a pang of envy but pushed it aside.
Before long, the car pulled up in front of the Nexus Tower. Xavier got out, turning to thank the students. "Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it."
The boy in the passenger seat smiled. "No problem. See you at the academy tomorrow."
As the car drove away, Xavier stood there, a sense of relief and excitement washing over him. 'I made friends,' he thought, a smile spreading across his face. 'I can't wait to go to the academy tomorrow and finally start my classes.'
Xavier entered the apartment, and a wave of loneliness washed over him. He looked at the small fragment of the goddess rock and quickly turned away, the sight only amplifying his feelings of isolation. He glanced around the tiny room, but there was nothing to see—no furniture, no decorations, just empty space.
His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he was hungry. But there were no ingredients, no kitchen. 'How am I supposed to eat?'
Then he recalled Eamon mentioning a restaurant inside the Nexus Tower, on the 10th floor. With a glimmer of hope, Xavier made his way there.
The restaurant was small and cozy, with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Xavier sat down at a table, glancing around uncertainly. A minute later, a striking woman—the owner—approached him with a plate full of food and a bowl of soup. She placed them on the table in front of him.
Xavier looked up, confused. "I didn't order this."
The owner chuckled, amused. "You must be new here. This restaurant only serves one dish." She gestured to the plate. "And this is it."
Xavier hesitated for a moment before picking up his fork. He took a bite and was pleasantly surprised by the rich, comforting flavors. He finished the meal quickly, savoring every bite.
"How much do I owe you?" Xavier asked, reaching for his wallet.
"Ten dollars, but this one was on the house since this was your first time," the owner replied with a smile. As Xavier handed her the money, she asked, "Do you have someone to show you around the city?"
Xavier shook his head. "I haven't had time to explore. I'm busy with the academy."
The owner's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait... You're enrolled in Astraeus Academy?!"
Xavier nodded, and the owner's face lit up with pride. "That's impressive! Not many from around here get that opportunity."
She handed him a pamphlet. "Here, this is a map of the area around the academy. It includes important locations and details about public transport routes. You should memorize it; it'll make your life a lot easier."
Xavier took the map, grateful for the help. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."
Back in his apartment, Xavier studied the map intently, committing every detail to memory. Before long, exhaustion overtook him, and he fell asleep.
When he woke up, it was already morning. He glanced around the room, the reality of his situation sinking in. 'Where am I—Ah! That's right... I left the village yesterday. I'm alone. I'm not in the village anymore.'
He quickly got ready, his mind racing with thoughts of the day ahead. As he prepared to leave, he muttered to himself, "I haven't seen Eamon's daughter yet. I wonder if she didn't come home last night." He paused, a frown creasing his brow. "Come to think of it, I haven't seen Eamon since yesterday morning either."
With the map firmly committed to memory, Xavier made his way to the public transport station. The ride to the academy was smooth and cost him only 5$.