Immortal Supreme: Sovereign of the Grand Dao-Chapter 312: Settled

"Vice Principal Meredith will show you to your quarters and give you a tour of the facilities," Principal John continued. "Classes begin tomorrow. Don’t be late."

"We won’t!" Touki promised.

As they were led out of the office, Philia glanced back once. Principal John had returned to his desk, but he was looking at them with a thoughtful expression.

She had the distinct feeling that their presence here was going to create ripples. Whether those would be positive or negative remained to be seen.

---

The tour of the academy grounds was extensive. Vice Principal Meredith showed them the training halls, the cultivation chambers, the library, the alchemy pavilion, and numerous other facilities. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Touki was in heaven. Every new location made him more excited. "Can we train here? What about there? When can I start?"

"Patience," Vice Principal Meredith said, though there was a hint of amusement in her stern voice. "You’ll have plenty of time to use all the facilities. But first, let’s get you settled in your quarters."

They arrived at a section of the academy that was clearly more luxurious than the standard dormitories. The buildings here were larger, better maintained, and surrounded by private gardens.

"This is the special disciples’ residence," Vice Principal Meredith explained. "Only students with royal patronage or exceptional circumstances live here. You’ll each have your own room, but they’re connected through a shared common area."

She led them into one of the buildings and up to the second floor. Two doors faced each other across a small hallway. Between them was an entrance to a common room.

"This will be your space," Vice Principal Meredith said. She handed them each a key. "Your rooms are prepared with basic necessities. If you need anything else, inform the residence staff."

Philia took her key and unlocked her door. The room beyond was spacious and well-furnished. A large bed, a desk, shelves, a private bathroom. It was more than she’d ever had before.

"This is too much," she whispered.

"This is what you’ve earned," Vice Principal Meredith corrected. "Prince Arthur’s patronage carries weight. Use these resources wisely."

Across the hall, Touki had thrown open his door and was already exploring. "Big sis! There’s a training dummy in my room! And look at this closet!"

Philia couldn’t help but smile at her brother’s enthusiasm. At least one of them was adapting quickly.

"Your uniforms will be delivered this evening," Vice Principal Meredith continued. "Meals are served in the main dining hall at set times. The schedule will be provided to you. Do you have any questions?"

"When do we begin training?" Philia asked. "Specifically the specialized training that Prince Arthur arranged?"

"Tomorrow after your initial classes," Vice Principal Meredith replied. "Instructors have been assigned to both of you based on your unique circumstances. They’ll introduce themselves and assess your current levels before creating training regimens."

She paused. "I should warn you. The other students will be curious about your sudden appearance. Some may be friendly. Others may not. The academy has strict rules against bullying and violence, but social challenges are something you’ll need to navigate yourselves."

"We understand," Philia said. She’d expected as much. Nobility rarely welcomed commoners into their spaces without friction.

"Good," Vice Principal Meredith said. "Then I’ll leave you to settle in. Welcome to the Royal Academy."

She departed, leaving the siblings alone in their new home.

Touki immediately ran to the common area between their rooms. "Big sis, come look! There’s a training mat here! And formation arrays on the walls!"

Philia followed him into the common area. It was indeed set up as a small private training space. The walls had protective arrays that would contain energy releases. The floor was reinforced.

"Prince Arthur really thought of everything," Philia murmured.

She walked to the window and looked out over the academy grounds. Students moved about below, going to classes or training. This was going to be her life now.

’I should feel grateful,’ she thought. ’We have protection. Resources. Opportunities we never would have had otherwise.’

But something still felt... incomplete. Like there was a piece of the puzzle missing that she couldn’t quite identify.

"Big sis?" Touki’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Yes?"

"Do you think we’ll really become strong here?" he asked. His usual enthusiasm was tempered with uncertainty. "Strong enough to protect ourselves? So we never have to run again?"

Philia turned and looked at her younger brother. Despite his power and his special physique, he was still just a child. A child who’d been forced to grow up too fast because of circumstances beyond his control.

She crossed the room and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Yes. We’ll become strong here. Strong enough that no one will ever threaten us again."

"Promise?" Touki asked.

"Promise," Philia affirmed. "But it’s going to take hard work. Dedication. Are you ready for that?"

Touki’s grin returned in full force. "Of course! I’m going to train harder than anyone! I’ll make big bro Arthur proud!"

"Then let’s start by unpacking and preparing for tomorrow," Philia said. "First day of classes. We need to make a good impression."

As they returned to their respective rooms to settle in, Philia felt her resolve strengthen. This was a new beginning. A chance to build something better.

Whatever gaps existed in her memory, whatever uncertainties remained, they didn’t matter. What mattered was moving forward. Growing stronger. Proving that Prince Arthur’s faith in them wasn’t misplaced.

’Thank you, Prince Arthur,’ she thought. ’We won’t let you down.’

----------

That evening, after unpacking and exploring their quarters more thoroughly, the siblings made their way to the dining hall for dinner.

The hall was massive. Long tables filled the space, organized by year and status. Students sat in groups, chatting and eating. The noise level was considerable.

When Philia and Touki entered, conversation noticeably dipped. Heads turned. Whispers started.

"That’s them."

"The ones the Crown Prince personally sponsored."

"Why would he bother with commoners?"

"Look at how they’re dressed. Definitely not nobility."

Philia kept her head high and her expression neutral. She was used to judgment and disdain. It didn’t bother her anymore.