The Hidden Heir At Valaris Academy

Chapter 7: Brian Shaw

At once, chairs scraped against the floor. Students grabbed their bags and stood up quickly, excitement showing on their faces. Some were already talking about the program, others fixing their clothes as they walked.

The class began to file out of the room in a rush. Everyone walked out of the classroom one after another.

Soon, the room became quiet, only Kael and Elara were left inside.

Elara turned and looked at him. "You too," she said.

Kael slowly stood up and spoke gently, "Ms. Voss, can't I just stay here, I-"

"No, you can't," Elara cut him off. "You're meant to be there," she said firmly.

Kael let out a small sigh and nodded. "Alright."

Elara gave a short nod in return. "Okay, now follow me.”

She turned around and walked toward the door.

As Kael followed Elara down the hallway, the sound of voices grew louder.

When they reached the main hall, Kael stopped for a moment, stunned.

The place was huge.

Bright lights filled the room, banners hanging from the walls with golden letters that read VALARIS FOUNDERS' WEEK. Rows of seats stretched far ahead, already filled with students. Some were dressed neatly, others looked proud, whispering excitedly to their friends.

As Kael followed Elara into the main hall, he slowly began to notice something.

People were staring at him.

Not just from his class, students from other classes too. Their eyes followed him as he walked past. Some whispered to one another. Some laughed softly, covering their mouths. Others looked at him openly, their faces full of surprise.

Kael glanced down at himself, he was the only one dressed in plain clothes.

Everyone else wore something nicer, clean uniforms, polished and branded shoes, jackets that looked expensive and well-fitted. Some had small badges or accessories that showed status and pride. Standing among them, Kael looked out of place, like he had walked into the wrong world.

A few students laughed louder as he passed.

“Look at him,” someone whispered.

“Did he get lost?” another giggled.

When he reached the seating area, he chose a quiet spot, lowered himself onto the seat, and sat down calmly.

Just then, a young man rushed into the hall.

He moved quickly through the rows and dropped into the empty seat beside Kael. He was breathing a little fast, clearly in a hurry. For a moment, he faced the stage, trying to settle himself, then glanced around.

Then he noticed Kael. “Hey,” he said casually.

Kael turned his head. “Hi.”

The guy looked at him for a second, a little curious, then asked, “Are you a student here?”

“Yes,” Kael replied with a small nod.

“What class?” the boy asked.

“Level one A,” Kael answered shortly.

The boy’s eyes widened slightly.

“Oh, really?” he said, surprised. “I’m also in Level one A, I’ve never seen you before. Are you new?”

“Yes,” Kael said. “I came today.”

The boy nodded. “Cool, I was late to class today.”

He smiled lightly, then added, “By the way, I’m Brian Shaw. What about you?”

“Kael Danaru,” Kael replied, feeling calm around him, the only one who didn't look at him strangely.

Brian nodded. “Nice name. Nice to meet you, Kael.”

He stretched out his hand. Kael reached out and shook it.

For the first time since arriving at Valaris Academy, Kael felt like he wasn’t completely alone.

Brian leaned back slightly and looked toward the stage, then turned to Kael again.

“You know what the Valaris Founders’ Week program is about, right?” he asked.

Kael nodded a little. “Ms. Elara explained it,” he said honestly. “But I didn’t really understand it clearly… or why it’s so important.”

Brian gave a small laugh. “Yeah, that makes sense.”

He spoke calmly.

“Okay, I’ll explain it to you,” he said. “Since we just got into school, we are freshmen, you get me? Founders’ Week is mostly to see what kind of background students come from.”

Kael listened closely.

“It’s about powerful families, rich parents, strong connections,” Brian continued. “The academy uses it to show how strong it is, how much influence, money, and knowledge is around here.”

He paused, then added, “Students with big backgrounds usually stand out during this week. The school ranks well because of them.”

Kael looked at Brian and asked quietly, “Does that mean every student here is rich?”

Brian let out a small laugh. “Hell nah,” he said. “Not everyone.”

He pointed to himself lightly. “Look at me. I’m not from any rich background, and I don’t have a rich family either.”

He lowered his voice a little. “Some people got in through scholarships and stuff.”

Then he glanced at Kael’s clothes and asked, not in a bad way but curious, “Didn’t you get in here through one too?”

Kael nodded, not bothering to explain further. “Yes, I did.”

Brian nodded back. “Yeah, so that’s it.”

A clear voice filled the hall.

“Dear students of our great Valaris Academy,” the voice said, “we welcome you all to the Valaris Founders’ Week.”

The hall slowly became quiet as everyone turned their attention to the stage. The man on the stage adjusted the microphone and looked around the hall.

“Once again,” he said clearly, “Welcome to the Valaris Founders’ Week.”

The students listened quietly.

“By the way,” he added with a small smile, “Welcome to the new academic term and a special welcome to all our new students. We are glad to have you at Valaris Academy.”

A few students clapped lightly.

“The principal will be joining us very soon only if he has time,” the man continued, “but we are going to begin already.”

He raised his voice a little so everyone could hear.

“As you all know, students have already been grouped by their classes. During this Founders’ Week, there will be a tough competition between each class.”

Whispers started again.

“Each class will come up on this stage at different times,” he said, pointing behind him. “You will be tested in contribution, discipline, knowledge, and teamwork.”

The hall stayed quiet.

“And the class that performs the best after this week,” he said slowly, letting the words sink in, “will be placed on the face of the Valaris Founders’ Club.”

A wave of excitement ran through the students.

“That class will earn recognition, privileges, and honor for the entire academic year,” the man finished.

Kael sat quietly, listening.

Around him, students whispered with excitement and confidence. After the announcement, students slowly began to stand up.

Classes were called one by one to return to their rooms. Level one A moved together, voices loud and excited.

As they walked, students were already arguing.

“Obviously, I should represent,” one guy said proudly.

“My family funds half the science wing,” another replied.

Kael walked quietly behind them. No one asked his opinion, no one even looked at him.

When they reached the classroom, the noise grew louder.

Elara walked into the classroom and raised her hand.

“Everyone, quiet,” she said calmly.

The noise slowly died down.

She looked around the room, her eyes moving from one student to another. There were about twenty students in the class.

“Alright,” she continued, “only a few of you are needed.”

She paused, then added, “Just five students will stand.”

A murmur spread across the room.