Chapter 40: Entrance Ceremony [1]

I adjusted the collar of my black uniform and examined my reflection one last time.

Perfect.

My black hair was neatly combed back, revealing a pair of crimson eyes that carried an unusual sharpness. The uniform fitted my body perfectly, accentuating my shoulders without appearing too flashy. A silver brooch bearing the Riina family’s emblem rested against my chest.

I turned slightly to examine my appearance from another angle.

Not bad.

In fact, I looked considerably better than most seventeen-year-olds had any right to look.

’Appearance matters more for a mafia boss.’

I nodded in satisfaction.

First impressions were important, after all. Before people learned about your strength, intelligence, or accomplishments, they judged you by what they saw.

A shabby appearance suggested carelessness. An extravagant one suggested insecurity. But a clean, composed appearance that subtly conveyed wealth and authority?

That was the sweet spot.

Of course, looking good wouldn’t help much if I couldn’t back it up with actual competence.

Fortunately, I had other things going for me.

I glanced at the clock.

"...Oh."

I was even later than I had thought.

Most students were probably already gathered at the academy’s entrance, listening to some old man deliver a speech about the bright future awaiting the next generation of Awakeners.

Meanwhile, I was still standing in front of a mirror.

Well, whatever.

It wasn’t as though the academy would revoke my admission for arriving a little late.

Father had already spoken to the principal beforehand, so I wasn’t particularly worried about getting into trouble.

Besides, I was Lorenzo Riina.

If the son of Aldric Riina couldn’t afford to arrive late once in a while, what was the point of being born into such a powerful family?

My gaze wandered toward the desk beside the mirror, where a black box rested.

I opened it.

Inside lay a silver ring engraved with the letter R.

The ring of the Riina successor.

I slipped the ring onto my finger.

The metal caught the light, its polished surface gleaming faintly after that I wear the smart watch that was sent by academy yesterday as welcome kit.

....And then I walked out of Riina family residence, Father was in spirit realm and Sara was gone her kindergarten so no was there to see me off.

Aside from Salvatore, of course.

"I wish you good day ahead, Young Master."

I looked at him and couldn’t help but last week since the successor training has started.

Surviving, studying, sparring, studying, and repeating endlessly.

But I felt nice as I found myself slightly stronger then before.

Of course, my stats hasn’t gone up but I could feel it, any day’s now and I would be able to breakthrough minor realm and adavance to [E] rank from [E-] rank.

I gave slight nod towards Salvatore, before heading out and there stood Enzo, my personal secretary, I saw two black sedans and a limousine waiting for me.

"What’s this?"

"Your father prepared this. He said to maintain the dignity of the Riina name."

It seemed like he got worked up for his son to attend the academy.

But it wasn’t like I was complaining. In fact I like it.

This happened five days before I entered the academy.

The academy’s principal called my father directly.

[We’ve received information that the world government has obtained information that your son is entering the academy, they’re going to keep close on your son Don.]

At first, when my father received the principal’s call, he was furious and cursed him out.

After hearing the principal’s repeated apologies and excuses, however, my father eventually forgave him, considering it was an inevitable event, and received various privileges as compensation.

1. Take strict measures to prevent information about Lorenzo Riina from spreading.

2. Immediately report any incidents involving Lorenzo Riina in the future.

3. Lorenzo Riina will not live within the academy dormitories apartment.

It’s seems that after the terrorist attacked that I became involved, Father has taken precautions to ensure my safety.

He also managed to convince principal to let me stay at dormitories apartment.

Every student who got must accept in Golden Dawn Academy, must stay within academy walls but rule doesn’t apply for me.

Still, I have dormitories apartment, only in the name but if I decided to stay, I found my room there.

I was fine with staying at the academy but because of the successor training started, I have to take those lessons to.

Also, I had to meet up with student council president of the Golden Dawn Academy after the entrance ceremony was over.

It’s all because of the terrorist attack, Principal think that I’m phycopath and order to student council president to look after me for sometimes, to ensure that I didn’t cause any problems.

I was displeased but what can I do? Principal demanded this from father or otherwise my admission would be cancelled.

’I’m going to kill him for sure.’

"Well then. We’ll depart," Enzo said as soon as I entered the car, and then he spoke into the radio, "The young master is departing."

And at the same time, the cars began to move.

’Just where are you Sofia?’

....At least we will meet each other at academy.

She can’t run away from me.

A traitorous part of his mind whispered—the same part that was always eager to remind him of his many defects.

’Damn this obsession of mine.’

...But what can he do?

Lorenzo was nothing if [Perfectionist]...and in his eyes Sofia was perfect existence.

...And that’s why he needed her more then anything in world.

Even with all the Samuel’s instincts and ruthless, he couldn’t stop his obsession of Sofia.

’...And I accepted rather than fight his obsession, he should accepted it.’

And that’s what I did.

* *

Three cars parked in front of the Golden Dawn Academy gate.

The attention of those around me instantly turned in my direction.

Enzo got out of the driver’s seat and opened the door for me.

I couldn’t see Riina’s badge, which he always wore around his collar.

"Thanks."

I said and stepped out of the car.

Honestly, all eyes were on me without exaggeration.

"Wow, what’s the scale?"

"Is he the son of a Senator?"

"Did he come during the entrance exam?"

"Who is he?

Whithout bothering to even give them glanced, I walked away.

The whispers followed me as I walked through the academy gates.

Some students were openly staring, while others whispered among themselves, trying to figure out my identity.

A few even took out their phones.

Well, I couldn’t blame them.

Three black vehicles arriving together, including a limousine, weren’t exactly a subtle way to make an entrance.

’Father really went overboard with this.’

I glanced back at the cars for a moment before returning my attention to the academy.

Golden Dawn Academy.

The most prestigious institution for Awakeners in the world.

Several other buildings stood in the distance, including training facilities, examination halls, research centers, and residential complexes.

The academy grounds were so vast that they could easily be mistaken for a small town.

With hands in my pocket, I walked towards the Orientation Hall where the entrance ceremony was taking it’s place.

...And within few moments, I was right at Orientation Hall and open the closed door and walked inside.

At the same time, Entrance ceremony paused and I felt everyone’s gaze at me.