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Location: ??????

3rd Person Pov

Kuden awoke with a start, his silver hair clinging to his damp forehead. The faint sounds of chatter and footsteps reached his ears as he sat up in an unfamiliar room. Sunlight streamed through a large arched window, illuminating ornate furniture and walls adorned with magical glyphs.

Kuden: Where... am I? This isn't home...

The events of the previous day rushed back to him-the glowing circle, the strange world, and the massive tank he had inexplicably summoned. He rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of it all.

A soft knock on the door startled him.

???: Are you awake?

The door creaked open, revealing a girl with long, pointed ears and deep green eyes. She had soft brown fur covering her foxlike ears and a bushy tail swaying behind her.

Girl: You must be the new arrival. I'm Fenna, a second-year student here. The headmaster asked me to bring you to his office.

Kuden blinked, unsure how to respond.

Kuden: I-I... um... okay.

Fenna tilted her head, her tail flicking with curiosity.

Fenna: You're nervous, huh? Don't worry, the headmaster's nice-most of the time. Come on, I'll guide you.

Kuden hesitated but followed Fenna through the winding hallways of the academy. The architecture was unlike anything he'd seen before-spiraling towers, floating lights, and walls that seemed to hum with magical energy. Students of various species passed by, some giving him curious glances, others openly staring.

Fenna: So... you're human, right? We don't get many of you around here.

Kuden: Y-Yeah... I think so. I mean, I don't know how I got here.

Fenna glanced back at him with a playful smile.

Fenna: You're an odd one, aren't you? But I like that. What's your name?

Kuden: K-Kuden. Kuden Richach.

Fenna: Well, Kuden, you've already made quite the impression. Summoning that giant metal beast? Everyone's talking about it.

Kuden's face turned red.

Kuden: I didn't mean to... it just happened.

Before Fenna could respond, they arrived at a large double door engraved with intricate patterns. Fenna knocked twice, and a deep voice called from within.

Headmaster: Enter.

The doors swung open on their own, revealing a spacious office filled with shelves of ancient tomes and glowing artifacts. Behind a grand desk sat the headmaster, an imposing figure with sharp features and piercing golden eyes. His long robes shimmered with magic.

Headmaster: Kuden Richach, I presume. Please, take a seat.

Kuden nervously sat in the chair before the desk, avoiding the headmaster's gaze. Fenna leaned casually against the wall, watching with interest.

Headmaster: I am Headmaster Alaric. You've caused quite the stir since your arrival. A human with the ability to summon... advanced weaponry, as I understand?

Kuden: I... I don't know how I did it. It just... happened.

Alaric steepled his fingers, studying Kuden intently.

Headmaster: Such a power is unheard of in this realm. Tell me, Kuden, what do you intend to do with it?

Kuden fidgeted with his locket, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kuden: I... I don't know. I just want to go home.

Alaric's expression softened slightly.

Headmaster: That may not be possible, at least not yet. For now, you'll stay here at Aurelia Academy. We'll help you understand your power, but you must follow our rules. Is that clear?

Kuden nodded, his hands trembling.

Kuden: Y-Yes, sir.

Alaric leaned back in his chair, his gaze unwavering.

Headmaster: Good. Fenna will show you to your classes and help you settle in. But be warned-this world is not kind to those who are unprepared. You must learn quickly if you wish to survive.

With that, Alaric dismissed them, and Fenna led Kuden back into the hallway.

Fenna: Welcome to Aurelia Academy, Kuden. Looks like you've got a lot to learn.

As they walked, Kuden couldn't shake the weight of Alaric's words. His new life had only just begun, and he already felt overwhelmed.

Kuden: I... I just want to go home...

But deep down, he knew it wouldn't be that simple.

{To Be Continue}

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Next Chapter: First Step in the Unknown