The sun streaked through the large glass fixtures positioned above the grand auditorium hall.
Rows of children lined the seats, chattering to one another, their voices mixing into a muddled mess of manic monotony.
Finally, the main actor debuted atop the raised platform, gracefully taking center stage for herself. She cleared her throat and proceeded.
At once the room was silenced. That, in and of itself, could be called 'magic'.
Though, it seems it was simply a honed skill coming deriving from her imposing prestige.
...
The woman had short, silver hair fashioned neatly into a bun with a magenta-coloured rose to keep the hairstyle in place.
Her eyes were painted a dull, oaken hue and her gaze was soft and caring with a hint of mystery lying beneath.
Her aged skin was scattered with wrinkles, yet maintained a smooth and fair complexion.
She wore a deep, garnet dress, befitting of her status, paired with a snowy, white robe draped around her neck.
A badge fastened on her right shoulder; the insignia of the Academy, forged in gleaming gold and silver.
...
She began to speak,
"Dear children, the unsullied glimmers of hope for the next generation."
As she spoke, the room fell silent. Carrying an air of wise grandiose, like an antique book filled with countless decades of limitless knowledge. She continued,
"First and formally, I would like to welcome you all to this institution. By choosing Redcrest– choosing us, you all have chosen the utmost of academia available to you. For that — an applause."
She began with a light clap as the audience followed suit. I quickly caught on as well.
"I am Veronica Ignatius, the Headmaster and absolute authority here at the Academy. I manage all matters that involve this Institution, both inside and outside these walls. I lead an array of esteemed instructors and scholars that will serve as your teachers for your time here. I, as well as the rest of your teachers, are your superiors and we expect respect befitting of our position."
With a softer expression, looking upon the crowd, she let out a sigh and proclaimed,
"With that being said, I am also your caretaker and de facto guardian during your administration at the Academy. So, if you find yourself with any troubles, feel free to come to me for guidance. All of you here are the sparks of the future and it is our duty to lead you on the right path. I think I can speak for all the administration and other staff members when I say; we look forward to seeing your burning revolutions spread like wildfire across the rolling fields."
'Revolution', huh? Back where I'm from, those 'revolutionaries' are silenced. Never to be heard. Their radical thoughts, are unneeded by the masses.
...
To revolt; to resist authority, control or convention. To deny that which is the norm. To turn the usual into the unusual.
To change for the better.
Only through change can society advance. One does not find improvement with complacency.
But...
To revolt; to put an end to authority through rebellion, fight back against those governing bodies and bring an end to rule.
"What is it that the Headmaster wishes for?"
"The beginning of a new age or..."
"The destruction of the old."
...
Following shortly after, the crowd erupts with applause as the Headmaster steps off of the stage. Replacing her, a younger woman approaches the podium.
Wearing long, brown hair tied in a neat ponytail with her bangs veiling the left side of her head, only revealing a single magenta eye and a stern expression drawn across her face.
She wears a neat, navy-blue blazer over a white-buttoned shirt and a burgundy tie, as well as a similarly navy-blue coloured skirt paired with long, black tights.
Announcing to the crowd,
"Ahem."
The audience begins to quiet as she instructs,
"First-year students, please refer to your Administration Forms to see the remainder of the schedule for the day. If you find yourself lost or unsure as to where to go next, various others like me will be positioned across the Academy to help you. We can be identified by these armbands."
Bringing attention to her left arm, she wears a white band with gold trim, decorated with the school's insignia.
"Now, in an orderly manner, you may exit through the doors on either side of the auditorium and head to your first class for further information."
She takes a step to the side and bows her head while proclaiming,
"To reiterate, from me and the remainder of the student body, I would like to thank you for choosing Redcrest Institution of Academics and Innovation and may your stay here be filled with great memories to come."
Ruffling through my bag, I reached for the sheet of paper with my name on it. Taking a look, right before my eyes, a tiny spark began travelling across the page. Decorated by ash, the sheet is quickly filled with letters and numbers, outlining various articles. Scanning down the words, I find the array of classes that will soon take up the majority of my day.
"Linguistics, Mathematics, General Sciences, Lunchtime Interval, History, Open Study... Sorcery and Practical Combat?"
Wait, wait, wait... I know I said it as a joke earlier, but it was JUST a joke.
Sorcery? Combat?
So... magic does exist.
And they plan on teaching us how to use it.
If it's anything like what comes out of games and shows, how far does the stretch of magic reach? How high has the bar been set?
Moreover, what is magic? Its origins, its present, it's future. Where does it come from? How did come into being? All of this and much more;
I want to learn... it... all...
...
Exiting the auditorium and exploring the school grounds, I take a step forward, toward tomorrow.