The academy courtyard was alive with noise.
Students gathered in small groups, some laughing, others nervously looking around as they adjusted to their new surroundings.
Nobles in fine uniforms stood confidently, already forming circles among themselves.
Commoners, fewer in number, lingered at the edges.Careful.Observant.
Julius noticed it immediately.
Same hierarchy… different world.
He walked slowly across the courtyard, his eyes taking in everything.The movement patterns,body language and groups forming naturally.It all reminded him of a game lobby.
Except this time…
It was real.
Aurelia had already disappeared toward the training grounds while Elara had gone straight toward the academy library the moment they entered.Which left Julius alone.
As he moved past a large stone fountain at the center of the courtyard, a voice caught his attention.
"Hey. I said move."
Julius glanced to the side.
Near the edge of the courtyard, a small group of well-dressed students stood in front of a boy.The boy looked about Julius' age.
With messy brown hair and in simple uniform and worn shoes.He was definitely a commoner.
He clutched a small bag tightly in his hands.
"I—I'm sorry," the boy said quietly. "I was just—"
"You were standing in the way."
The one speaking stepped forward.He was a tall noble with neatly styled blond hair and a smug expression.His uniform was pristine.
Expensive.He didn't even try to hide his arrogance.
"You commoners should learn where you belong.Trash like you shouldn't even show yourselfs infront of nobles"
The other nobles behind him chuckled.
The boy lowered his head.
"I'm sorry..i didn't mean to cause trouble…"
Julius watched silently.His expression didn't change.But his mind was already analyzing.
Three of them and one target.No real reason for conflict.Just status display.
Typical.
The noble stepped closer and lightly pushed the boy's shoulder.
"Then you'd better not let me see your poor, miserable face ever again. Honestly, i can't even believe lowlifes like you are allowed into this academy."
The boy stumbled slightly but didn't fall.He looked like he wanted to say something but kept his mouth shut
Julius sighed quietly.
So that's how it is here.He could just walk away.This wasn't his problem.He didn't even know the boy.Getting involved would draw attention and attention was the last thing he needed.
But then he remembered something.
His father's words.
"Make allies."
Julius exhaled softly.
Yeah… figures.
He stepped forward.
"Hey."
The voice was calm but it cut through the noise around them.The group turned.The blond noble raised an eyebrow.
"And who are you?"
Julius met his gaze without hesitation.
"Just a somebody wants you to stop."
The noble stared at him for a second then laughed.
"Stop?"
He glanced at his friends.
"Did you hear that?"
They laughed along with him.
"Another guy trying to act brave?"
Julius tilted his head slightly.
"I'm not acting, for your information."
He stepped closer.His movements were relaxed and unhurried.
"And besides you're just wasting time."
The noble's smile faded slightly.
"What?"
Julius pointed casually toward the large academy building behind them.
"Orientation starts soon.If you're late, I doubt your 'status' will help you much."
The noble's expression tightened.For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered in his eyes.
Julius continued calmly.
"And picking on someone weaker than you in the middle of the courtyard…"
He glanced around.
Several students were already watching.
"…isn't exactly a good look."
Silence settled around them.
The noble clicked his tongue.
"Tch."
He shot Julius a cold look.
"This isn't over."
Julius shrugged.
"Sure.Come at me anytime"
The noble turned and walked away with his group.And the tension immediately faded.
The courtyard slowly returned to normal.
Julius turned toward the boy.
The boy was still standing there, clearly stunned.
"Are you okay?" Julius asked.
The boy blinked.
"Y-Yeah."
He hesitated then bowed slightly.
"Thank you."
Julius waved it off.
"It's fine."
The boy looked at him more closely now.
Curious.
"You're… not a commoner, are you?"
Julius smiled faintly.
"What gave it away?"
The boy scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Well,you don't act like one and plus your dressing gives you away."
Julius chuckled.
"Fair enough."
There was a brief pause.
Then the boy straightened slightly.
"My name is Lane."
"Lane Valedren."
Julius nodded.
"Julius."
Lane blinked.
"Just Julius?"
Julius smirked.
"For now."
Lane laughed nervously but something in his expression changed.A mix of gratitude,relief
and something else.Respect.
"Thanks again," Lane said. "Most people would've just ignored it."
Julius glanced toward the direction the nobles had left.
"Most people just prefer avoiding trouble."
Lane nodded.
"Yeah."
Then he looked back at Julius.
"But you didn't."
Julius paused for a moment.Then shrugged.
"Guess I was just bored and just like it."
Lane smiled.But deep down he knew that wasn't the real reason.And as the two of them walked toward the academy building together, neither of them realized it yet.
But this simple moment would become the beginning of something much bigger.
The first ally.
The first bond Julius would form in this new world.
End of Chapter 9