Draconic Overlord: Leveling up with an OP dragon system-Chapter 9: Siiren Academy

Days of rigorous training had finally led to the moment Liam and Akira had been preparing for: the entrance ceremony at Siiren Academy. As the morning sun shone brightly, Liam's mother, Sophia, turned to him with a concerned expression.

"Hmm, Akira isn't usually late. Are you sure she's alright?" Sophia asked, her voice laced with worry.

Liam's face remained stoic, but Sophia saw beyond his reserved demeanor. She knew her son was troubled by something, and she had a hint about what might be bothering him.

Sophia's eyes locked onto Liam's, her voice soft and soothing. "Dear, I know what you're thinking, but please don't dwell on it. I understand it's hard for you, but the same goes for me. Just promise me you'll try your best to get along with him and never fight against him, no matter what."

Liam's gaze met his mother's, his expression softening slightly. He struggled to respond, unsure of what would happen if he and his brother crossed paths.

"Please..." his mother implored, her eyes welling up with tears. Liam's resolve crumbled, and he released a heavy sigh.

"I promise that I'll try to get along with him," he said reluctantly. However, his mother's intense stare lingered, seeking reassurance.

"I also promise not to kill him," Liam added, averting his gaze. His mother's eyes widened in alarm.

"Liam! Don't say that!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

"That's the best I can promise, Mom," Liam said, his voice firm but laced with a hint of frustration. "It's going to be a competition at the academy, and if we cross paths, do you want me to just roll over because we share the same blood?" Liam asked, his gaze still averted, already aware of the disapproving expression his mother likely wore.

An uncomfortable silence fell between Sophia and Liam. Sophia's gaze bore into Liam, who summoned all his willpower to avoid her eyes. He refused to make promises that could put him at a disadvantage in the academy.

Liam understood his mother's concerns. She knew he wasn't the strongest, and his brother, raised by their father who valued power above all else, would likely possess superior abilities. Sophia feared Liam would fall victim to his brother's strength, but she was unaware of Liam's recent awakening – a secret he couldn't share with her, at least not yet. The weight of this hidden truth pained him.

"Haaa..." Sophia exhaled heavily, as if the weight of her worries was slowly lifting. "If that's what you want to do, then I support you," she said, her voice filled with a mix of resignation and trust. "I know how cool-headed you are when making decisions, so I trust you to make the right one when the time comes."

She gazed at Liam softly, her eyes filled with a deep understanding of her son's strong will. Liam turned to her, his wide eyes a testament to his surprise at her unexpected support. Sophia knew that trying to change Liam's mind once it was made up was like trying to move a mountain – an impossible task that would only lead to frustration.

"Thanks, Mother," Liam replied, his voice choked with emotion as tears welled up in his eyes. He quickly suppressed them, but before he could compose himself, Akira appeared out of nowhere and wrapped her arms tightly around him from behind.

"Hey! Hope I didn't make you wait!" Akira exclaimed, her naughty smile evident in her voice. Liam tried to shake her off, but she held tight, forcing him to surrender to her affection.

"Oh no, you didn't," Liam said dryly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Akira pouted, playfully hitting her fist against his back.

"I'm sorry, okay! No need to be rude and sarcastic about it," Akira protested, continuing to pummel Liam's back with her fists, throwing a tantrum like a child.

The scene unfolding before her proved too much for Sophia, who burst into a hearty laughter, tears streaming down her face. She wiped at her eyes, nostalgic memories flooding back of when Liam and Akira were little kids, their antics identical, except back then, Liam wasn't the only one who Akira would throw tantrums at.

Sophia reminded them, "Alright, you guys should head to the academy now. Isn't it almost time for the welcoming ceremony to begin?"

Liam and Akira quickly bid their farewells. "Goodbye, Mum," Liam said, waving softly with a gentle smile.

"Goodbye, Ma," Akira added, her warm smile mirroring Liam's.

As they walked towards the queue for portal transportation, the conductor inquired, "City 401 south, sector 9, quadrant 7 – Siiren Academy? Students?"

Akira replied, "Yes, sir," while Liam nodded in affirmation.

The conductor handed them their tickets. "Okay then, be safe. Hold on to your tickets; you'll need them for the return trip and check in."

With a final check, the conductor gestured for them to step through the shimmering portal. Liam and Akira exchanged a deep breath, and together, they vanished into the portal's radiant glow.

Liam breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped out of the portal, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. "Haa... Almost thought I ended up in another dungeon," he thought inwardly, shaking off the lingering tension.

Before him and Akira stood two conductors, their arms outstretched. "Tickets?" they inquired in unison.

Liam and Akira handed over their tickets, which the conductors scrutinized before nodding. "ID's?" they asked, and the pair presented their student ID's, specially issued by Siiren Academy.

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The conductors examined the ID's before nodding again. "Good, welcome to Siiren Academy," they said in perfect synchrony, stepping aside to allow Liam and Akira to pass.

As they walked away, Akira leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Those conductors just now? They're both C-Rank!"

"Figured," Liam replied curtly, his hands buried deep in his pockets.

Akira stared at him, confusion etched on her face. "What do you mean?" she asked, seeking clarification.

Liam elaborated, "Well, Siiren Academy is one of the top academies, serving not only as an educational institution but also as a sanctuary city for those seeking protection. Naturally, it's heavily guarded by high-ranking individuals."

Akira's eyes sparkled with intrigue as Liam continued, "...And if I sense correctly, this entire city is shielded by an S-rank magical barrier – an incredibly powerful one, at that."

Akira's gaze lit up with comprehension, her eyes shining with a mix of awe and curiosity.

"You know, for someone who just started training as a mage a few days ago, you're incredibly skilled at sensing Mana – far better than me," Akira said, her hand gently resting on her jaw as she studied him closely.

Liam flashed a triumphant grin. "Well, I did get a 99% on magical aptitude..."

Akira's expression turned petulant, her lips pursed in a playful pout.

As they approached the Academy's gate, a man scrutinized their ID's before granting them entry. "Welcome, freshmen."

Akira's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, this place is really beautiful," she breathed, drinking in the sprawling, picturesque Academy compound.

Even Liam couldn't help but concede that the Academy was exquisite. Its grandeur and beauty left them both speechless.

They followed other students, who led them to the grand auditorium where the welcoming ceremony would take place.