Kendell, now fully embracing his new identity, stood at the threshold of Tilanaz Academy, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and excitement. The central dark pillar of the academy, surrounded by five white ones, radiated an energy that was both intimidating and captivating.
As he entered the main hall, Kendell's attention was drawn to a large notice board bustling with students. The lists for the first-year classes were posted, categorized into three sections based on aptitude - Class 1 being the highest. His eyes scanned the list until he found his name, Kendell Hecrule, neatly printed under Class 1. A sense of pride washed over him, tempered by the weight of expectation that came with being placed in the top tier.
Beside his name was another familiar one, Coli, his closest friend back in primary school. It also showed the class representative was in his class and she was named Celia. According to the collective whispers going around the enterence hall Celia was known for her brilliance and leadership, qualities that made her the obvious choice for the role and was so suprise to all the students who had gone to primary school with her. Kendell remembered a few other names from his readings in the original Kendell's journal, but none seemed too important.
As Kendell absorbed this information, a familiar voice called out to him. "Kendell! I didn't see you at the magical aptitude test. How did you end up in Class 1?" It was Coli, his best friend, his face beaming with excitement and curiosity.
Kendell turned to face Coli, a smile breaking across his face. "It's a long story, Coli. Let's catch up more later and I will tell you all about it, look we are in the same class!" The two friends shared a moment of laughter, while Coli reminisced about their past adventures, before the professors began ushering students into the auditorium for the introductory speech.
'I need to be careful if anyone can figure out I'm not the real Kendell it will
be Coli… I need to find a way to learn more about our past' Suddenly Kendell was thrust out of his thoughts as they walked into the gorgeous auditorium. The auditorium was a grand hall, adorned with magical symbols and banners representing the various branches of magic taught at Tilanaz. Kendell and Coli found seats among the eager first-year students, the air buzzing with anticipation.
Celia, the class representative, took the stage first. Kendell was shocked to see it was the girl he had witnessed showing off to professors three weeks ago when he was being dragged out of the academy. She was poised and confident, her voice resonating through the hall. "Welcome to Tilanaz Academy, where you will embark on a journey to master the ritual arts. Our training is rigorous, but it will prepare you for the challenges that lie ahead in protecting and serving Houndouria." Her speech was inspiring, filling the new students with a sense of purpose and belonging. Halfway through her speech as she glanced over the crowd, her eyes found Kendell and she lit up in recognition before quickly averting her eyes and continuing the speech.
Following Celia's good but generic entry speech, the Headmaster of the academy, a figure of immense authority and wisdom with large parallel scars running down his arms through a multitude of magic circle tattoos, addressed the students. "You are the future of our world, young ritualists. Here at Tilanaz, you will learn not just about our friends the Fey and Devils, but about responsibility, courage, and honor. Remember, your actions reflect not only on yourselves but on the entire academy. We are the sole users of both Devilish and Fey magic so we must uphold the standards of each to not sully their names and turn them against us."
The Headmaster then outlined the expectations for the year, including the curriculum, the training regimen, and the importance of the Royal Rally. He stressed the academy's commitment to excellence and the vital role each student played in maintaining its legacy. "As you all know the Royal Rally is saved for second year students and above only, however" A hush fell over the crowd at there being a possible change to this long honored tradition, "This year, in an attempt to better all magic users of our nation- first years will be allowed to spectate the rally to learn from their seniors. That being said we expect even more from you next year since you are all being given this privilege. Don't let our faction down." Murmurs spread throughout the hall like wildfire at the news. Clearly this was abnormal, Kendell coudlnt help but think the Vice-Headmaster had something to do with this change…
After being settled down the Headmaster finished out his speech, and as it concluded the students filed out of the auditorium. Kendell felt a renewed sense of determination to succed from all the speeches and grew confident in his ability to adapt to the situation he had been given. The path ahead was clear, filled with learning, growth, and the pursuit of excellence in the mystical arts. He knew that his journey at Tilanaz would not be easy, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resolve.
After exiting the auditorium the students were called to fill into lines based upon which classes they were in. Class one was led by a frightening, fit and tattooed young man back towards the left side of the building into a classroom marked with nothing save a black 1 above it. As all the students filed in they saw names etched into the desks with their names and took their seats accordingly. The seats were all set up in a semi circle around a small stage with a blackboard behind it. The man who led them took the stage and asked them to all quiet down and pay attention.
"Listen up! I am Genere Falis, one of the highest ranking ritual users in our nation. I am in the top 20 strongest magicians nationally across all factions and to show I know what I am talking about I thought I would give a show…" The man grinned as the students looked around in confusion. Then screams rang out across the classroom as a surge of purple flame erupted above their heads!