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Location: Aurelia Academy

3rd Person Pov

The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in a warm, golden glow. Kuden followed Fenna through a maze of bustling courtyards and towering buildings, his nervousness growing with each step.

Kuden: This place is... huge.

Fenna: You'll get used to it. Just don't wander too far, or you might end up in the forest. Trust me, you don't want to deal with the things that live there.

Kuden shuddered at the thought and kept close to Fenna. Students of all species filled the grounds-some sparring in a training field, others studying under floating magical lights. A group of beastkin with wolf ears passed by, their piercing eyes scanning Kuden curiously.

Wolf Beastkin: Is that the human who summoned the metal beast?

Fenna (whispering to Kuden): "Ignore them. Word spreads fast around here."

Kuden lowered his head, clutching his locket tightly.

They reached a large lecture hall where a tall, muscular orc with a jagged scar across his face stood at the front. He wore a dark leather tunic, and a massive battle axe rested against the wall behind him.

Fenna: This is your first class-Combat Tactics. Don't worry, Instructor Gorruk looks scary, but he's actually pretty chill.

Kuden: C-Combat Tactics? I don't think I'm-

Before he could finish, Gorruk's booming voice echoed through the hall.

Gorruk: You must be the new recruit! Kuden, is it? Get in here!

Fenna gave him an encouraging push.

Fenna: You'll be fine. Just... try not to faint.

Kuden reluctantly stepped into the hall, feeling dozens of eyes on him. Gorruk gestured for him to stand at the front of the class.

Gorruk: Alright, listen up! This is Kuden, our newest student. He's got a rare summoning ability, so don't underestimate him just because he's small. Kuden, why don't you show us what you can do?

Kuden: W-What? Here? Now?

Gorruk crossed his arms, a toothy grin spreading across his face.

Gorruk: No time like the present, kid! Summon something!

Kuden's heart pounded as he stared at the expectant faces around him. He closed his eyes, clutching his locket.

Kuden (thinking): I don't even know how I did it last time... Please, just work.

A faint warmth spread through his chest, and his hands began to glow. Suddenly, a burst of light erupted from the floor, and the entire hall gasped as a sleek military drone appeared, hovering in midair.

Student (Elf): What in the world is that?!

Student (Orc): It's... some kind of flying machine!

The drone emitted a low hum, its rotors spinning lazily as it scanned the room. Kuden opened his eyes, shocked at what he'd summoned.

Gorruk: Impressive. A machine that flies without wings. Tell me, Kuden, what does it do?

Kuden: I-I think it's a surveillance drone. It can scout areas and... maybe defend itself.

The drone beeped in acknowledgment as if confirming his words.

Gorruk: Hmm. A useful tool in battle. But can you control it?

Before Kuden could respond, a mischievous voice called out from the back of the room.

Student (Vampire): Bet he can't even make it move!

The class laughed, and Kuden's cheeks burned. Determined to prove himself, he focused on the drone, willing it to respond.

Kuden: Fly... please fly.

The drone whirred to life, rising higher into the air and circling the hall. The laughter died down as the students watched in awe.

Gorruk: Well done, Kuden. You've got potential.

Kuden let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. The drone landed gently beside him, and the glowing light around it faded.

Gorruk: Class dismissed! Kuden, stay behind for a moment.

As the other students filed out, Gorruk approached him with a serious expression.

Gorruk: You've got a powerful gift, but you're holding back. Fear won't help you here. This world isn't safe, and you'll need to be ready to fight when the time comes.

Kuden nodded, his hands still trembling.

Kuden: I'll try... I just don't know if I can.

Gorruk placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.

Gorruk: You'll learn. And I'll make sure of it.

Kuden left the hall feeling a mix of relief and dread. Fenna was waiting for him outside, her tail wagging excitedly.

Fenna: You did great! That drone thing was awesome!

Kuden: Thanks... but I still have a lot to figure out.

Fenna grinned and gave him a playful nudge.

Fenna: One step at a time, Kuden. You're not alone in this.

For the first time, Kuden felt a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could survive in this strange new world.

{To Be Continue}

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