Chapter 31. Opening A New Chapter

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In the heart of the Lucrenze Empire, surrounded by lush gardens and tall towers, stands Empyrean Academy.

It's an academic institution with tall white buildings, where the windows are shining in the morning sun.

Inside, students who are either nobles or scholars – which are commoners that were sponsored by nobles – walk to class, their footsteps echoing in the halls.

With beautiful gardens and bubbling fountains that provides a peaceful spot for study breaks and unwinding.

I, Cassia Louverno Clorance, at the age of 18, am now about to enter this prestigious institution. Nakaramdam ako bigla ng kaba.

This isn't my first time entering school, obviously. I was a university student back then bago pa man ako mapadpad dito. However, the feeling of standing in front of the gates of the Academy gave me an unfamiliar feeling. It's like I'm entering a different world.

Well yeah, technically, this place in general is entirely different from the ones I've been in my old world. This is where the novel Sky Full of Stars began. Dahil dito nagkakilala at nagkahulugan ng loob si Mikhail at Amoria — the main characters.

Now that I'm thinking about it, bigla akong kinilabutan. To think na may chances na masaksihan ko ang mga loving-loving scene nila... Cringe!

"M'lady," Mira called, bringing me back to consciousness. Natulala na pala ako at kanina pa nya tinatawag.

I just apologized for being absentminded, although it backfired since she started reminding me of things like this and that.

"Yes, yes. I hear you clearly, Mira."

Nauna na ako maglakad papasok sa gates ng Academy. Pagpasok namin sa loob we still need to walk towards the dorm building. May kalayuan sya sa gate pero sakto lang din naman kung lalakarin.

Pinagbabawal kasi na basta-basta pumasok ang mga carriages or any sort of vehicle sa academy. This is to provide a more secured place for the students. Unless it's a carriage carrying a very important figure of the empire — like the emperor for example — then they are allowed to enter the academy's gates.

Mira and I walked our way up to my designated floor when we reached the building. I was placed on the 3rd flood on room 305. I find it odd and funny because my old dorm was also the same dorm number.

Me, being the wishful thinker that I am, somehow hoped that my dorm mate would end up being Belle. However, Mira later on got the news that my supposed roommate asked for her to be placed into a different room.

I thought my image had already changed...

Napailing na lamang ako sa naisip. There's no other choice. I just have to work hard to improve my image.

Good thing I had already cut ties with the crown prince. It's way better not being affiliated with him. Bahala na silang dalawa ni Amoria. I wouldn't care less, kahit na maglaplapan pa sila sa harapan ko. Hanapin nila sa Jupiter ang pake ko.

Nagpakawala na lang ako ng buntong hininga at saglit na natawa sa naisip. When I finally finished changing into a more comfortable clothing, I dived into my bed and snuggled on the pillow.

Gosh! Napagod ang buong pagkatao ko sa pag-unpack ng mga damit at gamit ko. Mira already left as she isn't allowed to stay in the academy.

One of the rules here kasi is that students aren't allowed to bring their personal attendants inside the academy — unless you're someone of high status like the crown prince and princess. However, the academy is non biased when it comes to academic performances and student rankings, which is a great thing.

Umikot ako ng higa at saka nagpakawala ng buntong hininga. I stared at the cream colored ceiling of this room. Tomorrow will be the General Assembly for all freshmen students in the academy.

I just closed my eyes before praying to the heavens, na sana, please, maging maayos ang lahat bukas.

But things just couldn't get any better, huh? What did I ever do wrong?

"Now, we have a greeting speech from the representative of the new students. The student who top the list of our entrance exams... Cassia Clorance!"

Umugong ng ingay at bulong-bulungan ang buong auditorium matapos matawag ang pangalan ko. I wanted to be swallowed by the ground so bad.

Nang muling tinawag ang pangalan ko ay wala na akong choice kundi ang tumayo at maglakad papunta sa stage sa harap.

I'm sorry, Amoria. This is supposed to be your moment, pero hindi ko naman inakalang ganoon ang magiging results ng entrance exam.

When I reached the stage, the Director of the Academy greeted me with a wide smile, gesturing for me to approach the podium.

"Oh, uh, greetings, everyone!" I began, as I stepped onto the platform, my voice was wavering slightly as I look upfront.

Nilibot ko ang aking mga mata sa kabuoan ng lugar. The auditorium was filled with students wearing the same uniform as I am. All of their eyes were on me. Mas lalo akong kinabahan.

"I am Cassia Clorance, and it is an unexpected honor to address you all."

The room fell silent, as if they had caught wind of the whispers surrounding me. Still, I knew I had to carry on with my speech.

Kinabahan ako, but I shouldn't look weak in front of such crowd.

Taking a moment, I smoothed the creases of my uniform's blazer, feeling my fingers tremble ever so slightly.

"Forgive me, for I am not accustomed to such grand occasions." A nervous laugh escaped my lips. But I kept my gaze steady, meeting the eyes of everyone in the room.

"Yet here I stand, representing our new cohort of scholars, chosen not for our birthright, but for our potential to shine."

Huminga muna ako saglit ng malalim bago sila muling hinarap. Somehow, I felt some confidence within each word I said.

"Empyrean Academy welcomes us not as nobles or commoners, but as equals bound by a shared thirst for knowledge and excellence. Within these hallowed halls, we shall uncover mysteries as old as time itself, and forge bonds that transcend social status."

I paused, allowing my words to resonate in the air before continuing, "But let us not forget the importance of camaraderie and unity. As we embark on this journey together, let us celebrate the diversity of our backgrounds and talents, recognizing that greatness knows no pedigree."

"So let us raise our heads high, for we are all diamonds in the rough, chosen not for our origins, but for our potential to shine brightly."

"Thank you, everyone, for your attention. May the guiding light of the Goddess illuminate our path as we venture forth into the realm of knowledge and discovery."

With a graceful curtsy, I ended my speech. Everyone clapped and cheered from the speech that I had stated. Somehow, I felt slightly embarrassed.

As I made my way down the stairs, napansin ko ang tatlong familiar na mukha. I saw Estella, Nathalie and Aubrey!

After the orientation concluded, I spotted the three of them walking towards my direction, their playful eyes fixed on me.

"Why didn't you let me know you were also enrolling at the academy?" I inquired.

They exchanged glances before Estella replied with a grin, "Where's the fun in spoiling the surprise beforehand?"

I simply sighed, a smile tugging at my lips. With the orientation over, we decided to head to my room to hang out.

Aubrey mentioned she had baked some snacks and needed to fetch them, while Nathalie tagged along to grab some tea her father had sent. They were also roommates, lucky for them. So, that left me with Estella.

As we made our way down the hallway toward the dormitories, Estella showered me with compliments about my speech, expressing her pride in my academic achievement. She was being so proud, like a mother. The thought made me laugh in my head. 

"The questions were so tricky! But you aced them effortlessly, Cassia. As expected, you're indeed amazing," she exclaimed enthusiastically.

I chuckled, about to respond, when suddenly someone bumped into me, causing them to tumble to the ground along with their bag.

I was about to offer my hand to help her when a hand suddenly pushed me to the side. I was caught of guard on what was happening, and soon enough, people were crowding the hallway. All of them were looking at us.

"Do you think just because you're the top scorer, you have the rights to bully others?" the lady who shoved me earlier accused, her words leaves me bewildered.

Bully? Ako? When the hell did that happen?

My gaze fell upon the young lady on the ground. She had dark red locks and eyes as green as jade, clad in the same uniform as mine, indicating she was a new student like myself.

Pero teka nga... Bakit parang familiar yung appearance nya. Have I seen her before? Or heard about her somewhere?

.

.

.

.

Fuck! Don't tell me...

"Are you okay, Amoria?" another student asked, helping her to her feet. Our eyes met, and suddenly, my heart began pumping like crazy.

What is this strange feeling of unease?

To be continued...

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Author's Note:

Hii, Aetherians! It's Aenna here. Happily announcing na we are back at it again with a new season for Reborn! Yey! ※\(^o^)/※

As you might have notice, may mga tagalog words na sya. Yes po, opo. I'm trying my very best na maglagay kahit papaano ng tagalog words. Pero, I'm still having a hard time switching languages from English to Tagalog, so please bear with me.

Let me know if awkward sya basahin or something, ha? I badly need feedbacks to know which part I should focus on improving. So don't hesitate to tell me in the comments. >>>

So bali ayun lang naman. Hope you'll enjoy reading the second season of Reborn. We're still at the beginning of something new in this novel. So, stay tuned as we all turn new pages and unlock new chapters.

Stay dehydrated, my loves! Mwah!