Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby novel Chapter 212

Chapter 212: Cadet Number 659

Eleanor stretched her arms and legs, rolling her shoulders, then dropped into a series of swift movements. She struck the air with a few sharp punches, followed by precise kicks, each blow cutting cleanly through the space. After several repetitions, she paused, satisfied. The uniform moved with her effortlessly... no stiffness, no resistance. It flexed like her own skin, giving her strength without taking any away.

In her mind, Nora’s voice stirred. "I think every piece of this uniform is recyclable, even environment-friendly. But, Master... that strange energy I sensed earlier, it’s still here. It’s woven into your clothes as well. I cannot relate it to any force I know."

Eleanor exhaled softly. "Don’t worry. If the academy meant us harm, they wouldn’t bother dressing us for war. Most students here are from renowned families... they represent the best of this world. The academy wouldn’t dare risk losing them."

As Eleanor tested her uniform a moment longer, the robot’s mechanical voice cut through the silence. "Please put on the robe. The robe identifies your role in the academy. Green robes are for students, indigo for professors, teal for healers, white for officials, black for protectors, and gold for the principal."

Eleanor lifted the last folded garment and unfurled it. The deep emerald robe cascaded down almost to her ankles, its fall smooth and uninterrupted, every fold alive with grace. Light shimmered faintly across its surface, as though sunlight had been woven into its threads, shifting between shades of green and gold as she moved.

The fabric bore delicate vein-like patterns, like the imprint of a vast leaf pressed flat, soft under her fingers but resonant with hidden strength. Its sleeves were wide, tapering neatly at the wrists to avoid hindrance in movement. The hems and collar were finished with vine-like embroidery, touched now and then with glints of golden thread. At the throat rested a simple clasp in the shape of a budding leaf carved from amber, fastening the robe close, though she could just as easily let it trail behind her like a flowing banner.

She turned slightly, testing its flow with a few steps and stretches. Then she asked, "I understand the others. But what about the protectors? I saw two black-robed dragons near the teleportation gate."

"The protectors safeguard the academy," the robot replied evenly. "They are all of the dragon race. That is the extent of my knowledge. For further details, read the guide or consult the help desk."

Eleanor nodded. "I am ready now. May I leave this room?"

"Not yet," the robot said. "I have further explanation. Look at your robe... left side of your chest."

Eleanor had noticed the embroidery before but dismissed it as unimportant. Now, she lowered her gaze. The number stitched there gleamed in golden thread: 10156659.

"That is your cadet number," the robot explained. "Here, all students are cadets, regardless of gender, race, or origin. This number will belong to you even after death. The academy will identify you by it from this day forward. Memorize it... you will need to write it often. The last three digits of your number will be used to call you while you are in the academy. Only you will possess 659 this year."

It paused, then continued, "Your robe also carries function. Inside are two concealed pockets. Each has a ten cubic foot space... similar to a pouch, but not bonded to its owner. The contents can be scanned at any time by academy systems. The distinction is this... unlike storage rings, these spaces allow airflow. You may store living creatures or objects requiring air to survive. Now, place your guidebook and bottles inside the pocket to test."

Eleanor obeyed. She slipped the guide into one pocket and placed the three bottles carefully into the other. To be certain, she drew the book back out... "Perfect".

"Nora", she asked silently, "can you sense these spaces?"

"I can," Nora replied. "I can feel the pockets and remember where exactly you placed each item. But there is no sense of ownership here. In your storage ring I can always see what lies within, right now, at this moment. With the robe, I only know from memory.

"I see," Eleanor murmured in her mind. "The ring is bound to me. The robe is not."

The robot’s voice chimed in again. "All academy clothes are woven with an embedded cleansing spell, a property of the material itself. You will never need to wash them. If they become dirty, allow some time... they will clean themselves. The effect extends to your body as well, removing sweat or surface grime. Thus, even after hard exertion, if you rest a while you will not need a bath immediately. The only time you must change your uniform is if it tears during combat. Fighting, however, is prohibited in the academy outside the arena, and you may only fight while wearing your uniform. Two more sets will be delivered to your dormitory later. That is all I was instructed to explain. Now, please deposit your items at the exchange desk. The door is open."

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