SSS Talent: From Trash to Tyrant Chapter 580: The Second Year Begins

The day marking the commencement of Trafalgar's second academic year had dawned.

Lacking the grand ceremony bestowed upon newcomers, this year's start was simpler.

That spectacle was reserved for the fresh faces.

Indeed, Aubrelle mirrored her actions from the previous year, assisting the new students in the expansive hall. Hundreds of seats were occupied, filled with a throng of anxious and exhilarated students, all anticipating what lay ahead. This scene was, naturally, for the first-year students, who would soon undergo the same inaugural test Trafalgar and his cohort had faced a year prior.

'Those were the days,' Trafalgar mused, observing from the periphery.

Once Kaelen had guided the new students to their designated spots, the second and third-year students would convene within the hall for a concise orientation to the new academic year. It would not possess the formality of their initial entry, nor the breathtaking grandeur that once silenced the entire academy. They were already aware of what awaited them in the coming year and the one after. A brief overview, class schedules, adjustments to their academic tracks, and perhaps a few stern warnings against succumbing during supervised training exercises.

Such was the typical rhythm of academy life.

At present, Trafalgar stood outside the hall alongside Vivienne.

This marked her inaugural attendance at the academy.

Through some arrangement by Dravok, she was granted direct entry into the second year. Considering her age, this placement was logical. In terms of talent and practical experience, it was even more fitting. Vivienne might already possess greater strength than many within that hall, and she almost certainly grasped the intricacies of her chosen class better than numerous students who had completed their entire first year there.

Trafalgar cast a sideways glance at her.

"Feeling nervous?"

Vivienne returned his gaze, then shifted her eyes toward the grand hall where the new students awaited. Her fingers lightly tightened their grip on the fabric of her sleeve before she responded.

"A little. I'm uncertain about what to anticipate. It's my first time attending an academy, and not just any academy, either. This place is... quite something."

Trafalgar offered a slight shrug, his attention momentarily drifting to the open portals of the hall.

"There's no need for concern. You'll adapt swiftly. Once you're settled, nothing about it feels out of the ordinary. You'll meet fellow students, attend classes, listen to professors drone on longer than necessary, and somehow end up with a workload exceeding the scheduled capacity."

Vivienne turned her head towards him, her expression laced with palpable skepticism.

"That doesn't sound particularly reassuring."

"My intention was honesty," Trafalgar replied.

"That explains it."

The corner of his mouth twitched subtly.

"Barth, Cynthia, Zafira, and Xavier are good individuals, so you needn't worry about them. In fact, Xavier has been eager to meet you for some time. I mentioned you had prior commitments."

Vivienne's demeanor shifted instantaneously. While the initial nervousness didn't entirely dissipate, a surge of curiosity began to overlay it.

"What did Xavier say about me?"

Trafalgar's gaze returned to the front, clearly relishing the opportunity to keep the answer tantalizingly out of reach.

"If your curiosity is that strong, you can ask him yourself today."

Vivienne held his gaze for a brief moment before looking away, as if contemplating whether she possessed the fortitude to actually pursue that course of action.

"Right. Perhaps later."

"Brave."

"I said perhaps."

"Very brave."

Vivienne disregarded his jibe, though the faint hint of displeasure on her features made it evident she had registered his words perfectly. She drew a small, steadying breath and steered the conversation in a new direction before he could elaborate further.

"In any case, Dravok wishes to see you. He asked me to bring you if we could manage it after classes today."

This piece of information genuinely captured Trafalgar's attention. He turned his head to face her more directly this time.

"Oh? So they've finally decided to reveal what they've been occupied with all this time. I'm still curious as to why Dravok sought out Rhosyn and Caelvyrn."

Vivienne shook her head, a few strands of hair dislodging near her cheek with the movement.

"He hasn't shared many details with me either. But they've been immersed in work daily since they began. From my understanding, the core project hasn't even truly commenced yet. Once it does, its completion might take a year and a half, perhaps even two years."

Trafalgar remained silent for a short interval.

That was certainly not a minor undertaking.

Given the involvement of Dravok, Rhosyn, and Caelvyrn, and the fact that the preparatory phase alone had consumed such an extended period, the objective they were pursuing could not be ordinary. His intrigue intensified, though his response maintained a casual tone.

"I suppose we can visit after classes conclude. The first day typically involves little of consequence. It's primarily filled with introductions, schedule distribution, and professors outlining the year's structure. They tailor the content to your specific class and academic progression."

Vivienne nodded slowly. "That might prove interesting."

Vivienne's gaze drifted past him, and her posture subtly improved.

"Oh... they're arriving now."

Trafalgar turned to look.

"Finally."

A gesture was made to acknowledge the group that was making its way from the adjacent corridor.

Zafira proceeded with her typical composed dignity, her violet hair trailing behind her. Her expression, a mixture of languid disinterest and keen observation, made it difficult to ascertain if she was genuinely bored or merely pre-emptively scrutinizing everything. Beside Barth, Cynthia was engaged in a hushed conversation, to which he responded with serious nods while adjusting his spectacles. Xavier trailed a short distance behind them.

And Xavier exhibited signs of nervousness.

This alone was noteworthy.

Trafalgar had witnessed Xavier navigate sparring sessions, academic examinations, and the pressures of nobility, situations where most individuals would falter. Yet, upon observing Vivienne, the young man appeared utterly discomfited, as if unsure of how to conduct himself.

The reason was common knowledge.

Xavier had harbored an interest in Vivienne for some time, desiring to converse with her, which evidently diminished his usual composure.

A flicker of amusement crossed Trafalgar's features as he watched their approach.

This promised to be quite amusing.

Zafira reached them first, offering Vivienne a brief, courteous inclination of her head.

"Welcome to the academy."

Vivienne returned the gesture, her response slightly reserved but heartfelt.

"Thank you."

Cynthia followed suit, her gaze lingering on Vivienne for a moment before she also offered a slight nod.

"Welcome."

Barth adjusted his glasses and conveyed a smile that was tinged with nervousness yet undeniably sincere.

"W-welcome, Vivienne. I trust your initial day will be satisfactory."

A gentle smile graced Vivienne's lips as she addressed him.

"Thank you, Barth."

Xavier eventually stepped forward, his attempt at nonchalance undermined by his evident unease.

"Welcome," he stated. "It is indeed good that you are here."

Vivienne regarded him for a beat before offering a polite smile.

"Thank you, Xavier."

Trafalgar's gaze met Xavier's, amusement clearly evident.

Xavier perceived it instantly.

"Refrain from making any remarks."

"I have not uttered a word."

"You were on the verge of doing so."

"Perhaps."

Vivienne's attention shifted between the two, a subtle easing of the tension surrounding her.

The grand hall's entryways swung open further ahead. The introductory ceremony for the first-year students had concluded within. The hall, which had moments ago teemed with apprehensive newcomers, now appeared largely deserted, with only a handful of academy staff members traversing the seating areas.

Vivienne's eyes widened in surprise.

"Where has everyone dispersed?"

Trafalgar directed his gaze toward the hall.

"Kaelen has likely dispatched them for their initial assessment. Last year, we were instantaneously relocated before many of us could even process the situation."

Vivienne surveyed the empty rows once more, seemingly attempting to visualize the instantaneous disappearance of hundreds of students from the chamber.

Cynthia loosely crossed her arms, her focus shifting from the hall to the assembled group.

"It appears our turn has arrived," she remarked. Her tone was even, yet a subtle undercurrent of eagerness was discernible. "Let us proceed. The second year commences."