The early morning sun filtered through the high windows of Anbord Mage Academy's central hall, streaking golden light across the polished marble floors. Ethan leaned on the stone balcony, sharp crimson eyes observing the chaos below. The vast training grounds were alive with second years, all clad in their academy-issued tracksuits—black with sleek, blue designs. It was a day of excitement, chatter, and buzzing energy as students prepared for their outing to the Labyrinth Grove.
From above, they looked like scattered ants. Fifteen hundred students. Thirteen teams. Ethan sighed, rolling his shoulders. He knew this outing wasn't a war, but with such large numbers under his care, the pressure of responsibility weighed on him.
The door behind him creaked open. "You've been out here long enough. Stop stressing and come inside."
