The entire academy had been summoned.
Students from all four core divisions—Classes A through D—filled the main auditorium. Hundreds of uniforms, crests, and polished boots lined the stepped seating under the glow of levitating crystal lights. The air buzzed with mana, rumors, and the weight of something important.
Noel sat near the back, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
He'd already read this chapter.
'Still, always amazes all of this. I mean this is my daily life now, but still there's something to it.'
But now he was living it.
The murmurs died when the doors at the back of the stage opened and Director Nicolas Von Aldros stepped into view.
As always, he moved with quiet authority. His robes, deep violet and gold-trimmed, flowed without sound as he approached the speaking platform. His silver hair was tied back neatly, his eyes sharp beneath a composed face.
When he spoke, the room fell still.
"Today, a new path opens for those willing to rise."
