The Academy For The Aces: BOOK 1 OF THE ACE SERIES

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

The next day, the academy was lively as the new students were buzzing with excitement. However, for two students, Faith Holmes and Prince Andrew, it was quite the opposite. They had stayed up all night reading through her grandfather's journal and had learned a plethora of things about both the Academy and the enigmatic realm of Arden. The newfound knowledge had left them with a mix of awe and trepidation, realizing that the Academy was not all sunshine and rainbows as it seemed to be.

As morning light filtered through the dormitory windows, Faith Holmes stirred awake, her eyes widening as she glanced at the clock on her wall. They had overslept, and the class was about to start! She quickly got out of bed, but her gaze fell on Prince Andrew, who was still fast asleep on his bed. His shirt lifted just a bit as he stretched, looking every bit the charming prince he was.

"Prince Andrew, we're going to be late for class," Faith exclaimed, concern lacing her voice.

He replied, "Late for class? Oh, come on, Miss Holmes, where's your sense of adventure? A few minutes won't make much of a difference."

Faith rolled her eyes playfully, understanding Prince Andrew's nonchalant morning attitude. "Adventure or not, from what I've heard, Professor Hoyt is not someone we want to keep waiting," she said with a hint of amusement.

Finally succumbing to Faith's persistence, Andrew sat up, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Fine, fine. I'm up," he grumbled, playfully giving in.

"But let's not forget that we uncovered some pretty interesting stuff last night," Andrew said, his tone changing to one of intrigue and excitement.

Faith nodded, her excitement rekindled at the thought of the revelations they had discovered in her grandfather's journal. "Yes, we did. The journal revealed a whole other side of the Academy that we never knew about. It's not just about honing our abilities; there's something deeper and darker hidden within these walls."

As they hurried through the quiet hallways, Prince Andrew couldn't help but make a playful bet with Faith. "Ready to face Professor Hoyt's wrath?" he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"I don't think he's in class," Faith responded in the same tone, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Really? The halls were awfully quiet," Prince Andrew remarked.

"Because we're late, Your Highness," Faith scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Shall we bet on it?" Prince Andrew proposed, raising an eyebrow.

Faith grinned, enjoying the playful challenge. "Alright then, what's the wager?"

"If Professor Hoyt is in the classroom, you owe me a week's worth of carrying my books," Prince Andrew proposed.

"And if he's not there, you owe me that book of Arden," Faith countered.

"You've got yourself a deal, Miss Holmes," Prince Andrew said, extending his hand for a friendly handshake to seal the bet.

Faith shook his hand firmly, a competitive glint in her eyes. "May the best detective win."

With the bet settled, they reached the classroom door. Faith took a deep breath, bracing herself for the possibility of facing Professor Hoyt's stern gaze. However, when she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise. The classroom was empty, and there was no sign of the infamous Professor Hoyt.

"I guess you were right," Prince Andrew said, raising an eyebrow at Faith. "The halls were quiet for a reason."

Faith couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected outcome. "Looks like I win this round," she said triumphantly.

Prince Andrew smirked, conceding the bet with good humor. "Well played, Miss Holmes. You have a keen eye."

As they settled into their seats, Faith felt a mix of relief and amusement. Sometimes, even the most intimidating situations could turn into friendly competition between them.

________________

Professor Raymond Hoyt, also known as "The Hunter," was a legend within the academy, revered for his exceptional skill in Huntsmanship. His abilities in tracking, hunting, and understanding the behavior of mystical creatures were unmatched. Many whispered tales of his exploits, the daring encounters with fearsome beasts, and the remarkable victories he achieved.

As the students gathered in the classroom, there was an air of anticipation and nervousness. Professor Hoyt was known for his no-nonsense approach to teaching and his high standards. But beyond his tough exterior, those who had spent enough time with him knew that he had a genuine passion for his craft and a desire to impart his knowledge to the next generation of Aces.

As he entered the classroom, Professor Hoyt's piercing gaze swept across the students, sizing them up with a keen eye. His rugged appearance and the scars that adorned his face only added to his mysterious aura. He wore a dark leather jacket and carried a staff that seemed to hold a hidden power of its own.

"Good morning, students," Professor Hoyt's voice was deep and commanding, instantly capturing the attention of the room. "I am Professor Raymond Hoyt, and I will be your instructor at Unison"

The classroom buzzed with anticipation as Professor Hoyt explained the task for the day. "Today, we will be focusing on the art of combining your abilities effectively with a partner. Your goal is to bring your opponents to their knees by any means necessary."

"Today's class will take place in the Academy's courtyard," Professor Hoyt continued, his tone unwavering. "Your partnerships will be put to the test as you demonstrate the power of Unison in a real battle scenario."

Faith exchanged a determined glance with Malcom, her assigned partner for the day. They were both eager to showcase their abilities and prove their worth as a formidable team.

As the students followed Professor Hoyt to the courtyard, the anticipation in the air grew even thicker. The courtyard was a vast open space, surrounded by ancient stone walls that held the echoes of countless training sessions and battles.

"Though you're already paired up, let's not forget about our opponents," Professor Hoyt said with a sly smile. "Prince Andrew and Daiyu, you two will be facing off against Faith and Malcolm. Let's see how well you can work together to counter their tactics."

Prince Andrew arched an eyebrow, his competitive spirit evident. Daiyu nodded, her determination mirrored in her eyes. It seemed they were both up for the challenge.

"With Unison, it's crucial to communicate and coordinate seamlessly," Professor Hoyt explained. "You must anticipate your partner's moves and synchronize your abilities to achieve maximum impact."

The courtyard buzzed with excitement and a hint of nervousness as the pairs prepared to face each other. Faith and Malcom exchanged a brief strategy, focusing on how to best combine their respective abilities.

Faith and Malcom exchanged determined glances, ready to take on the challenge. Professor Hoyt's instruction only fueled their competitive spirit and desire to prove their capabilities.