Opening Ceremony, Plus Three New Students

A new day—February 1st.

Today was the first day of school at Naranja Academy, Paldea Region's most renowned ancient academy, following the end of its month-long spring break.

The academy had completely shed the purple-themed decor of Uva Academy from the autumn and winter terms, replacing it with warm orange hues that represented Naranja Academy's namesake fruit.

The Hero Steps, which seemed to stretch all the way into the sky, were packed with students returning to school. Soon, they would gather at the school field to attend the once-per-semester opening ceremony.

As newly transferred students, Kieran and Carmine also had to take part in this group event.

Early that morning, their grandfather Xue Zhong and grandmother Shu Zi drove the sedan the Paldea League provided for special talents from Porto Marinada, delivering Kieran and Carmine—who had only settled in at home the night before—to Naranja Academy.

"Study hard, and don't let down Teacher Luo Mu or Chairwoman Geeta's faith in you!"

After leaving those words behind, the two elders happily drove off without a second glance.

They had arranged to meet new friends they had met in Porto Marinada today. They planned to travel together and see the famous Ten Sights of Paldea!

They could see their grandson and granddaughter anytime. Naranja Academy even provided dormitories, and they had heard the food was quite good, so there was even less for them to worry about.

After settling down in Paldea, the two elders realized just what a hard life they had been living back in Kitakami.

Now, they had special talent subsidies and travel expenses. Their food, clothing, lodging, and transportation had all been properly arranged. The only thing they had to do was return to their old trade from time to time and help make some exquisite little trinkets.