The morning sun bathed the campus of Maya Academy in a golden glow, and Adam stepped out of his dormitory.
Dressed in the standard black coat emblazoned with the academy's emblem, he felt a strange mix of anticipation and unease.
The black coat was reserved for students of respectable but non-noble backgrounds, distinguishing them from the white coats of noble families and the red coats of royals.
Adam's coat felt more like a target than a uniform.
The courtyard buzzed with activity as students milled about, adjusting their attire or chatting in groups.
Adam noticed a few students glancing his way, their eyes filled with curiosity.
Before he could decipher their intentions, a group of older students approached him, their own black coats marking them as second-years.
"New here, aren't you?" one of them asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
