As the two began walking toward the academy, Markara finally got a proper view of the academy grounds.
The dorm they stayed in was tucked away in a quiet, older part of the property, separate from the main housing blocks. On the way, they passed by other dormitories, most of them sleek, modern buildings with wide glass windows, bright entryways, and well-kept courtyards. It was clear that Seigetsu Academy spared no expense when it came to housing their students.
Markara couldn't help but glance back at his own vine-covered dorm.
"…Ours really do look old," he muttered under his breath.
Mei, walking beside him in her slightly wrinkled uniform, stretched her arms with a loud yawn.
"Well, that's what makes it cool! And honestly, the food's better, and we don't have to deal with annoying people."
It took them about 20 minutes to reach the academy. As they passed through the grand front gate, Markara came to a slow stop, his breath catching for a second.
The school looked like something out of a movie.
To the side of the gate stood a large stone wall, engraved with elegant calligraphy:
'Seigetsu Academy'
Beyond it, the main building towered over the campus, a breathtaking fusion of traditional Japanese temple design and European gothic architecture.
Surrounding the building were other facilities, classrooms, libraries, halls, all arranged like wings of a grand palace. Trees lined the walkways, their spring leaves rustling in the breeze. Flowers bloomed along the borders. It was peaceful.
Markara took a step forward, still in awe, when a voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Why are you kids arriving so late?"
An older man stood nearby, looking to be in his 50s, resting a wooden staff on his shoulder. He wore the school's staff uniform and a frown to match.
His eyes narrowed when he spotted Mei.
"…Mei. Again. Late for the first period. As usual."
Markara blinked. He hadn't even realized, but Mei was already trying to hide behind him.
"Hehe... Oh, Mr. Yoshi! You look so sharp today," she said, stepping forward and flashing her sweetest smile.
"Hmph. Spare me the flattery," Mr. Yoshi replied, arms crossed. Then his gaze turned to Markara.
"And who might you be? I've never seen you around before."
Markara quickly gave a polite bow.
"Good morning, Mr. Yoshi. My name is Markara Lewis. I was told I'd be transferring to this school today."
He straightened up, standing respectfully while waiting for the teacher's response.
Mr. Yoshi blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. His brows lifted slightly, but he quickly returned to his usual stern expression.
"Markara, you say...?" he repeated, pausing as if trying to recall something. "Ah, yes. I believe your homeroom teacher mentioned you."
He gave a short nod, then turned to Mei with a sigh.
"Well, lucky for you, Mei. Looks like you won't be punished today."
Mei grinned while Mr. Yoshi gestured for both of them to follow.
"Come on then, let's get you settled."
The two then began slowly following Mr. Yoshi to the main building.
The moment they stepped inside, Markara felt like he'd entered a mansion rather than a school. The hall stretched wide with high ceilings, lit by soft golden lights. Intricate wooden beams crossed overhead, blending Japanese craftsmanship with European stone arches. There were elegant and old paintings lined the walls, some traditional scrolls, other oil portraits that looked like an exhibition.
There were signs posted in both Japanese and English, pointing toward classrooms, offices, libraries and other areas. Grand staircases curved upward on either side, leading to the upper floor.
""This… is a school?" Markara muttered in disbelief.
Mei leaned close and whispered, "Right? First time I walked in, I thought it was on the Oxford campus."
Mr. Yoshi stopped in front of the classroom marked Year 11 - D, the engraved wooden plaque hanging just beside the sliding door.
"Yes. This will be your class from now on," he said, turning slightly toward Markara, then he looked at his watch.
"Your homeroom is still here, the first period hasn't ended yet."
Before Markara could respond, Mei leaned in with wide eyes.
"Wait! You're in the same class as me?" She gasped, her face lighting up. "Seriously? That's awesome!"
Markara blinked.
"Oh, really ? That's nice!"
Mr. Yoshi cleared his throat, motioning toward the door.
"Alright, enough chatting," Mr. Yoshi said, giving a slight wave of dismissal. "Just head in With that, he slid the door open.
The room fell silent.
Dozens of eyes turned toward the entrance, all focused on Markara. Mr.Tadashi paused mid-sentence, noticing the unfamiliar face.
After a brief pause, Mr. Tadashi's serious expression softened, and a small smile formed on his face as he stepped forward.
"Ah… you must be Markara," he said, voice gentler now. He raised a hand and motioned him into the room.
"Come in."
Markara nodded and stepped through the doorway, trying his best to keep calm as dozens of eyes followed his every move.
Mr. Tadashi turned to the class and addressed them with a clear voice.
"Everyone, we have a new transfer student joining us today."
Then he looked back at Markara with a nod.
"Go ahead. Introduce yourself."
Markara took a quiet breath and gathered his confidence. With a steady smile, he stepped fully into the classroom, trying not to let the stares get to him.
As he made his way to the front, Mei casually slipped in behind him, quickly and quietly shuffling to her seat near the window like she hadn't just arrived late.
Markara stopped at the front of the class, turned to face everyone, and gave a small, respectful bow.
"My name is Markara Lewis," he said clearly. "I just transferred here today. I hope we can all get along."