SSS Class Awakening: I Can Forge My Beast Soul Avatars
Chapter 17: Dormitory

Chapter 17: Dormitory

Atlas and Seraphine had successfully arrived at the dormitory section of the academy, located on the left side of the large expanse of the grounds.

It was a beautiful sight to behold, though the skies had slowly gone dim as evening approached. The setting sun painted the distant mountain peaks in shades of orange and gold, while the enormous academy buildings gradually began to glow beneath the warm illumination of countless lamps.

Students were still scattered across the grounds, some returning from their classes and practical sessions while others hurried toward the various dormitories before the evening bell.

Unlike the main academic buildings arranged around the central grounds, the dormitories occupied an entire dedicated section of the campus.

Four enormous structures stood in separate areas, each constructed with a distinct architectural style that reflected its respective rank: the Golden Dorm, Silver Dorm, Iron Dorm, and Bronze Dorm.

Even from where they stood, Atlas could tell that the Golden Dormitory was significantly more extravagant than the others, its tall golden spires and immaculate white walls almost making it resemble a palace rather than a student residence.

The Silver Dormitory was only slightly less impressive, its elegant silver-topped towers shining beneath the evening light.

The Iron Dormitory was more practical, built with sturdy dark walls and a functional design.

Finally, the Bronze Dormitory stood at the farthest end of the section; it wasn’t ugly by any means, but compared to the other three, it was noticeably less impressive.

Atlas stared at the four buildings for a moment. ’Well... I have a feeling I already know which one I’m going to.’

Seraphine gestured toward the large recreational field positioned between the male and female dormitories as they walked forward.

"Interestingly, the male and female dormitories are only separated by a small sports field. Students use it for recreational activities — there’s an outdoor basketball court, a ping-pong area, a table tennis court, and even a football pitch."

Atlas glanced toward the field, where a group of students were still playing on the football pitch despite the fading sunlight while several others occupied the basketball court and sat chatting along the edges. "So we’re basically allowed to use all of this whenever we want?"

"Within reason," Seraphine replied. "There are designated hours for recreational activities, and the dormitory supervisors make sure nobody stays outside too late."

"Sounds reasonable."

"There’s also a larger indoor sports facility somewhere near the academic district, but I don’t know much about it. I’ve never really had a reason to go there."

Atlas nodded slowly.

It was strange. He had spent most of his life in an orphanage where space had always been limited and every resource had to be shared between dozens of children, yet now he was standing inside an academy that practically functioned like a small city — complete with hospitals, shops, training grounds, sports facilities, dormitories, restaurants, and a massive commercial district.

’This place is seriously huge.’

The two continued walking until they eventually reached the entrance to the dormitory section, where a large black iron gate stood before them, flanked by two stone pillars engraved with the academy’s emblem.

Students passed through the gates in small groups, presenting their academy passes to the attendants stationed beside the entrance.

Atlas slowed his pace, prompting Seraphine to stop beside him. "Right, we’re here now. Should I accompany you inside and help you out?"

Atlas glanced toward her. "No, it’s fine. If it’s about what Mr. Crosswell said earlier, you’ve already done it, so you can leave this one to me."

Seraphine tilted her head. "Are you sure? I mean, I don’t mind going in and helping you, you know."

"It’s fine. You can go. Besides, tomorrow will be a long day... or at least that’s what Mr. Crosswell said," Atlas offered with a short smile.

Seraphine stared at him for a moment before finally nodding. "Alright, then. I guess we’ll see tomorrow."

"Yeah. Goodbye."

She turned away, and Atlas took a few steps toward the gate. Then, Seraphine suddenly stopped, slowly turning her head to raise an eyebrow at him.

Atlas looked back at her. "What?"

"It’s not goodbye."

Atlas blinked. "Huh?"

"It’s see you later," she explained, crossing her arms and looking genuinely annoyed. "I’m not going forever. We’ll see each other tomorrow, so don’t say goodbye."

Atlas stared at her. "But I didn’t mean it like that, though."

"I said no goodbyes. Simple."

"Fine, fine," Atlas said, raising both hands defensively. "See you tomorrow, Seraph."

Seraphine froze as her cheeks immediately flashed a faint shade of red. Slowly, she turned around. "...What did you say?"

Atlas suddenly realized his mistake. "I said see you tomorrow."

"No," she narrowed her eyes. "You gave me a nickname just now."

Atlas’s eyes darted away. "I did not."

"You absolutely did."

"You’re imagining things."

"Atlas."

"What?"

"You called me Seraph."

"I said Seraphine."

"You said Seraph."

"Okay, maybe I said Seraph."

"Why?"

Atlas suddenly became very interested in the ground. "I don’t know."

"You don’t know?"

"Nope."

Seraphine stared at him, and Atlas stared back as the silence became increasingly awkward. Finally, Atlas pointed toward the path behind her. "Just gooooo!"

He stepped forward and gently pushed her by the shoulders, trying to get her moving. Seraphine stumbled forward in surprise. "Hey!"

"See you tomorrow!"

"We’ll talk about this tomorrow!"

"Can’t wait!"

"Atlas!"

He waved his hand dismissively as she walked away, though Seraphine turned around one last time to give him an annoyed glare before finally disappearing into the distance.

Atlas watched her leave and sighed heavily before turning his attention back to the massive black gates standing before him.

"I guess this is where I’ll be living for the time being." He adjusted the academy pass hanging around his neck before walking toward the entrance.

The moment Atlas approached the gates, one of the attendants raised a hand. "Student pass."

Atlas immediately presented his pass. The attendant scanned it using a small metallic device, glancing at the information displayed on the screen as his expression changed slightly. "New registration?"

"Yeah."

"Name?"

"Atlas."

The attendant looked back down at the screen. "Transfer student. Class 5E."

Atlas nodded. "That’s me."

The attendant handed the pass back. "First-time dorm registration is handled by the reception office. Enter through the main hall and speak with the receptionists inside."

"Got it. Thanks."

Atlas stepped through the gates into the interior of the dormitory grounds, which was considerably quieter than the rest of the academy.

The main pathway split into four directions, each leading toward one of the four dormitories, and Atlas followed the signs toward the Bronze Dorm.

The closer he got, the more obvious the differences became. The Golden Dormitory looked like a palace, the Silver Dormitory looked like an expensive hotel, the Iron Dormitory looked like a military academy, and the Bronze Dormitory looked simply like a school dormitory.

Atlas stared at the building. ’At least it isn’t falling apart.’

The Bronze Dormitory was a six-story structure built from dark red brick and reinforced stone, featuring large windows to let in natural light and several balconies extending from the upper floors.

A wide staircase led to the main entrance, where a bronze plaque displayed the words: BRONZE DORMITORY.

Atlas walked through the entrance into a surprisingly spacious lobby.

Several couches were arranged around a central table, while noticeboards covered the walls with announcements, activity schedules, and various rules.

Behind a large reception desk sat two young women wearing neat black and white maid uniforms.

One of them looked up. "Good evening."

"Good evening," Atlas approached the desk. "I’d like to register for a dormitory room."

The two receptionists exchanged a quick glance.

"New student?"

"Yeah."

"Name?"

"Atlas."

The receptionist searched through a thick register, her eyebrows slowly rising. "You’re the new transfer student."

Atlas frowned. "Is that a problem?"

"No," she immediately shook her head. "It’s just that your arrival was quite... sudden."

"Yeah, I’ve been hearing that a lot today."

The second receptionist smiled faintly. "May I see your academy pass?"

Atlas handed it over, and she examined it carefully before returning it. "Alright. Since this is your first day, you’ll need to complete your registration with the Head Maid."

"The Head Maid? Do I have to meet her personally?"

"Everyone does," the receptionist confirmed. "Every student who enters the dormitory system."

Atlas sighed. "Okay. Where do I find her?"

The first receptionist stood from her chair. "I’ll take you. It’s easier than explaining."

"Fair enough."

Atlas followed her through the lobby and down a long corridor, noticing several students staring and whispering as they passed.

He couldn’t blame them given his worn-out orphanage clothes, but the receptionist glanced over her shoulder and offered a reassuring smile.

"Don’t worry about them. They’ll forget about you in a few days."

Atlas wasn’t entirely convinced. "That’s reassuring."

"Good," she replied smoothly as she stopped before a wooden door bearing a brass plaque that read: HEAD MAID — MIRELLE.

She knocked twice.

"Come in," a calm voice called from inside.

The receptionist opened the door. "Head Maid Mirelle, I have a new student for registration."