As the students stepped inside, they were greeted by a smiling woman dressed in a black suit, a white shirt neatly tucked beneath her coat.

Through her round glasses, she regarded them calmly before speaking, "Welcome to Island Banaur—I am your guide, Christine."

David stepped forward and shook her hand politely. "Nice to meet you, Miss Christine. I'm David from Ardentia Academy."

"Oh yes, I know. We were informed of your arrival," she replied with a professional smile, her gaze sweeping over the group. Her eyes lingered on Kevin for a moment before she added, "Now then… let me guide you to your rooms."

Russel gestured for everyone to follow, and the students began to walk behind her.

William glanced around, taking in the surroundings. Despite the serene greenery, the place was heavily secured. Guards in uniform patrolled the perimeter, alert and watchful.

A single path led deeper into the base, flanked by vibrant, well-tended gardens. Bushes trimmed to perfection, flower beds bursting with color, and tall trees whose leaves whispered in the breeze. The sound of birds chirping and small creatures rustling in the foliage filled the air with life.

As they walked, Christine pointed toward a massive structure ahead—a dome-roofed building with multiple entry gates. It dwarfed even their school gymnasium.

"That's the practice ground," she explained. "You can come here anytime to train. However, since the area is under constant surveillance, please refrain from breaking any rules that might put you—or others—at risk."

Kevin's eyes gleamed with excitement, though he kept silent and stayed in line. He couldn't wait to test that place out.

They passed several more buildings, which Christine identified as offices for the island's officials. Finally, they arrived at a long row of neatly aligned wooden cottages built along the path.

Christine stopped and smiled. "This is where you'll be staying."

David blinked in surprise. "This wasn't here last year."

She nodded. "Yes, it was built a few months ago, replacing one of the dormitory buildings. You remember how chaotic things got when all the academies stayed together."

David chuckled wryly, recalling that mess. "Right… young hot blood."

Christine gave a knowing nod. "That's why there are now five separate housing areas for the different academies. The training ground remains shared, but living spaces are divided."

"And much appreciated," Gizel murmured under her breath.

Natalie looked at the wooden cottages and exhaled in relief. The thought of sharing a dorm with students from other academies had been unsettling—having to always appear composed and guarded.

At least here, they could finally breathe a little easier.

William looked ahead and noticed there were several more clusters of houses like the five before him — most likely meant for the other academies.

His eyes then caught sight of a particular group of houses that stood out. They were larger, more polished, and far more elegant in design.

"Surely for the table toppers…" he thought with a small chuckle, amused by the clear difference in treatment between the champions and the rest.

Not that he minded. Having spent much time in the forest, even this modest comfort felt like luxury.

"Inside your room, you'll find a map of the entire establishment," the woman announced. "Follow that, and please report to the ceremonial hall in three hours."

She then turned to David and added, "The teachers have separate accommodations. Please follow me."

David nodded, then glanced back at the students. "Stay in your rooms until it's time for the ceremony, alright?"

The students didn't bother replying — they were already heading to their assigned rooms.

William looked at Emma and asked, "You going to sleep?"

Emma stretched her arms and yawned softly. "Yeah, probably. Want to join me?"

He smiled, shaking his head. "No… go rest. You barely slept on the train."

"Mm," she hummed, returning his smile before taking her bag from him and stepping into her room.

William followed suit, entering his own.

"Hmm…" he murmured, glancing around. The place was warm and surprisingly cozy.

Directly across from the door stood a fireplace, its faint scent of burnt wood lingering in the air. In front of it was a soft couch that looked inviting enough to sink into for hours.

To the right, a neatly made bed—large enough for two—rested near a window, beside which stood a small tea table. A shelf filled with books stood close by, giving the room a gentle scholarly charm.

On the opposite side were cupboards, a writing desk likely meant for study, and a narrow door—probably leading to a changing room.

Two more doors flanked the fireplace, one leading to the bathroom and the other to a toilet.

Overall, it was simple but warm, the kind of room that made even silence feel comfortable.

William let out a quiet sigh as he tossed his bag onto the couch and dropped down beside it.

The cushions sank under his weight, wrapping around him like an old friend's embrace.

He didn't bother lighting the firewood — it wasn't cold enough to need it.

His eyes wandered lazily across the room until they caught a glimpse of a rolled parchment lying on the table.

With a flick of his finger, the scroll lifted into the air and drifted toward him. He caught it, unrolled it, and began to read.

---

**[Rules for All Students Representing Their Academies in the Goblet of Honor]**

* You are not allowed to enter another student's room without permission.

* Entry into any official staff office is strictly forbidden. Violators will be charged and may face imprisonment for up to two years.

* The cafeteria remains closed between 10 PM and 5 AM.

* The gym is open to all, but removing any equipment from it is prohibited.

* Should you encounter any member of the Great Hall during your stay, you are required to greet them respectfully—

---

William rolled his eyes halfway through and tossed the parchment aside, already irritated.

What's with their superiority complex? he thought, leaning back against the couch.

To him, those so-called seven members of the Great Hall were just glorified figureheads — people who enjoyed being worshiped more than they deserved to be.

They hadn't done anything truly remarkable to earn that status.

In William's eyes, men like his father or Duke Greyhound were the ones worthy of respect — not for their power alone, but for what they had built with it.

They were the kind who carved history, not the kind who simply basked in it.

Shaking his head, William decided to take a bath and rest for the time being before he would get involved in all that welcoming ceremony crap.

'Agh…my arch rival…social gathering…' Despite being a noble, William was never a social guy. But today, he has no other option but he a part of it.

°°°°°°°°°

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