The next day.
In the clear morning sunlight, a Magic Energy Rail Train rumbled into Iketerite Central Station.
With a roof built from ochre-red bricks and stone, the station was the transportation hub of the entire Hutton Kingdom. It combined classical and modern styles, with towering arched ceilings, marble pillars, murals, and stained-glass windows that left a deep impression on first-time visitors.
Only after the mechanical behemoth on the platform level had come to a complete stop, and more than ten seconds had passed after the announcement, did the doors of every carriage open.
Compared to ordinary passengers, the people stepping out of the luxurious first-class carriages were a group of students who looked young but carried themselves with calmness and depth.
They crossed the station hall, weaving around the bustling crowds and the tourists hesitating in front of Hutton Kingdom's specialty shops.
They stood out in the Station Hall, drawing the gazes of many people in the crowd.
Apart from the professor leading the group, the young men and women all wore well-tailored suit jackets. Their ties bore the ear-shaped School Badge of the Yarolan Royal Academy. Red flames contrasted with black checkered patterns, while the double-breasted jackets and peaked lapels omitted elements such as epaulets and military sleeve insignia from military dress uniforms. Different-colored edging along the cuffs, hems, and pockets represented their year and institute.
On these students, the Ikelite travelers saw the vigor and confidence unique to young geniuses, as well as the maturity and composure of the strong.
The Yarolan Kingdom's academic exchange delegation consisted of a little over twenty people. Several Third Year Students among them were especially formidable, possessing combat power that would have been exceptional even in the Real World.
Compared with the comprehensive Iketerite Academy, the Yarolan Royal Academy was an