14 The Starlight Academy!

[The Veil of Mediocrity:

Type: Curse Skill

Effect: When activated, the user's physical appearance is transformed to appear unremarkable and average. This effect will last for an extended period of time. However, for one hour each day, the curse will temporarily lift, allowing the user to return to their true appearance. During this hour, the user will gain a temporary boost to their charisma and appearance-based skills.

Note: Interestingly, for the already average-looking male lead Caius, the effect of the curse reverses. He can transform into the best version of himself for an hour each day, gaining a temporary boost to his appearance-based skills and charisma.]

"...."

"...Seriously?" I muttered as I read the skill description.

'I mean, who'd want to be attractive for just one hour a day, right?' I thought to myself.

"Is it possible for me to see where this curse originates from?" I muttered.

Suddenly, the notification bell dinged.

Ding!

The notification window popped up with an answer: [Griselda the Gruesome, a powerful and malevolent witch, is known to be fond of using the Veil of Mediocrity curse on her enemies.]

"Ah, Griselda! I remember her," I said. "She was one of the easiest boss fights I've ever had. Her curses don't even work on Caius. Our battle was so short that I couldn't even remember what curses she was trying to cast."

But, her dungeon did contain some useful things that could be of help to me.

"Maybe I should pay a visit to that dungeon later in the future," I said to myself, dismissing the skill catalog and deciding to hold off on selecting any skills for now.

Hoornnnn—

Just then, the ship's horn blared, jolting me from my thoughts.

"Looks like we've finally arrived at the Starlight Academy," I muttered to myself when I heard the horn sound.

I stepped out of my room and was greeted by a chorus of excited students eagerly leaning over the railing, their eyes practically bulging out of their heads as they strained to catch a glimpse of the academy.

It was like they were expecting to see unicorns flying around or something.

As the ship entered the clouds, the students' anticipation only grew, and I couldn't help but laugh at their enthusiasm.

"I hope this academy lives up to their expectations," I thought to myself with a chuckle.

"Wow, check out that floating island!" someone exclaimed.

After a few moments, the ship emerged from the clouds, revealing the dazzling Starlight Academy perched on the floating island.

It was a magnificent sight to behold, with ornate spires and elegant architecture rising above the clouds. The academy was surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil lake, adding to its already picturesque setting.

I couldn't help but gasp in awe at the breathtaking view.

"Whoa, this is like Hogwarts on steroids!" I exclaimed, taking in the stunning scenery It was even more amazing than what I used to see behind the computer screen.

As the ship slowly docked at the academy's landing pad, the sound of the horn blaring filled the air, signaling our arrival.

With a swoosh, the stairs appeared, beckoning us to disembark and step outside onto the Starlight Academy grounds.

I watched as the other students eagerly made their way down, their eyes shining with excitement and wonder as they looked around, eager to see what the academy had in store for them.

"Okay, okay, everyone take it easy. We don't want any stampedes on our first day, do we?" The bald professor shouted through a megaphone, trying to keep the students from trampling each other.

"Second and third years, off you go to your dorms. First years, follow me to your temporary rooms for tonight. And no sneaking out, or I'll be knocking on your door in the morning!" he warned.

As the students filed out of the ship, I couldn't help but notice some familiar important NPCs as well as the other protagonists in the crowd. It was like half the nobility in the kingdom had decided to attend the Starlight Academy this year, along with some commoners who had proven themselves in monster subjugation and other dangerous missions.

But that's what makes the Starlight Academy so special. They don't care about your social status or background. As long as you have the strength to back it up, you're welcome here.

"Welcome to the Starlight Academy, where the strong thrive and the weak get left behind!" the bald professor announced, with a mischievous glint in his eye.

I grinned. It was going to be a tough three years, but I was now ready for the challenge.

***

The professor had been guiding us through the halls of the Starlight Academy, his bald head shining under the fluorescent lights.

"Welcome, welcome, first years!" he had exclaimed, his voice echoing off the walls. "You are now officially students of the Starlight Academy, the finest institution for monster-slaying and magic-wielding in all the land!"

As we walked, I couldn't help but gawk at the impressive architecture and luxurious furnishings of the academy. Marble floors, gold-plated chandeliers, and intricate tapestries adorned the halls. It was like walking through a palace!

But then the professor's voice snapped me back to reality. "Alright kiddos, this way to your temporary rooms! No shoving, no pushing, and definitely no flying! We don't want any accidents on the first day now, do we?"

As we made our way through the halls, the diverse range of students around me caught my attention. Elves with their haughty looks, dwarves with their grumpy expressions, and beastmen with their wild demeanor.

It was like a fantasy melting pot, with characters straight out of novels and games.

I half expected to see a hobbit running past me with a poisoned apple in hand, while a jungle man swung by on a vine, and a fairy fluttered above us all, sprinkling fairy dust as we walked.

But the reality was far less exciting as we finally arrived at our temporary dorm rooms.

"Alright, everyone, listen up!" the professor exclaimed as we entered the academy's temporary dormitory building. "Your temporary rooms have been assigned based on your entrance exam results, so please make sure to take note of your room number and be respectful to your roommates."

He gestured towards a board with a list of names and corresponding room numbers. "Also, as a reminder, tomorrow's written examination is no joke! So get plenty of rest and study hard!" the professor warned as he left us to our own devices.

With that, students dispersed to their assigned rooms, eager to settle in and prepare for the examination.

I quickly found my room and entered. It was small, but cozy, with two beds opposite to each other, a desk, and a small wardrobe making it clear that I will be sharing my room with someone for today.

And as I was in the top 2, I knew this was the best room among the other temporary rooms. There was a clear bias towards the elites even while allotting temporary housing.

"Looks like I'll be sharing the room with someone for today," I said to myself and wondered who my roommate would be, but decided not to dwell on it for now.