As Nyx, Astor, Zara, and Tamsin sat in the front row, a subtle tension lingered in the air as they waited for the assembly to begin. The murmurs from the surrounding students quieted briefly, then rose again as two familiar figures entered the hall—Roran Everglen and Jaxon Luminara.
Roran, always calm and composed, strode in with a quiet confidence, his charming smile already in place. His presence had a way of calming the room, yet commanding attention at the same time. Jaxon, on the other hand, walked beside him with his usual arrogance, his head held high, exuding a sense of superiority. His steps were measured, deliberate, as though the very ground should be honored to bear his weight.
They made their way toward the group, and as they approached, Roran was the first to speak, his voice smooth and friendly. "Ah, the Shadowstar twins. Good to see you both," he said with a polite nod. His gaze briefly swept over Zara and Tamsin before settling on Nyx, giving a warm, genuine smile.
Jaxon, less concerned with pleasantries, gave a quick glance around. "Well, looks like everyone's already here," he said, his tone slightly dismissive but not unkind. "Shouldn't be surprising." He gave Nyx and Astor a nod, acknowledging them with an air of familiarity, before turning his attention to the others.
After the brief greeting, Roran sat down next to Tamsin, his movements relaxed and composed. Jaxon followed, seating himself beside Roran, his posture radiating an effortless confidence, though his sharp eyes remained observant, taking in the room with a sense of detachment.
"Seems like things are about to get interesting," Roran remarked with a faint smile, glancing around the assembly hall. Tamsin, who was seated between Roran and Zara, gave a small, nervous nod, clearly feeling the weight of the moment but reassured by the presence of those around him.
With their group now complete, they settled in, awaiting the start of the event, the air buzzing with the anticipation of what was to come.
As Nyx and the others settled into their seats, the atmosphere in the assembly hall grew more electric with anticipation. Suddenly, the large double doors at the back of the hall swung open once again, and all eyes turned toward the grand entrance.
There, framed in the doorway, were two figures of unmistakable royal presence—Princess Seraphina and Prince Orian of the royal family, both with flowing blonde hair that shimmered in the light, making them stand out even more. Seraphina, dressed in elegant royal blue, walked with a grace that spoke of her noble upbringing. Her golden locks cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes swept across the room with calm authority. Beside her, Prince Orian, tall and equally composed, wore a regal expression that matched his sister's. His blonde hair was neatly styled, and his deep blue attire mirrored Seraphina's, symbolizing the unity of the royal family.
As they made their way down the aisle, the students whispered excitedly amongst themselves, some in awe of the royal siblings, others envious of their striking presence. Their steps were light but filled with purpose, their every movement a reminder of the royal bloodline they carried.
Astor leaned in slightly, whispering to Nyx, "Looks like the stars of the show have arrived."
Nyx nodded silently, his eyes fixed on the royal siblings as they approached. There was no denying the aura they brought with them—it was as if the very air in the room shifted with their arrival.
Seraphina and Orian reached the front of the assembly hall, where two special seats were arranged just in front of the first row, slightly elevated to mark their status. Without hesitation, they took their places, Seraphina offering a small, regal smile to the room while Orian remained stoic, his gaze unwavering.
As soon as they sat down, the doors of the assembly hall closed with a resounding thud, signaling that the formal event was about to begin. A hush fell over the room, and moments later, the headmaster, Master Eldrin Solis, made his entrance, followed by the academy's senior teachers.
Master Solis, a tall, commanding figure with white hair and sharp features, walked toward the podium with slow, deliberate steps. His deep green robes swayed with each movement, a symbol of his long tenure as the headmaster of the Celestial Academy of Arcane Arts. His eyes gleamed with wisdom, and a faint, welcoming smile played at his lips as he reached the centre of the podium.
Behind him, the senior teachers, all dressed in their formal robes, took their places on either side of the stage. Each one carried the weight of years of magical mastery and academic authority, their presence alone commanding respect.
"Welcome, students," Master Eldrin Solis began, his voice rich and steady, easily reaching every corner of the vast hall. "Today marks the beginning of your journey at the Celestial Academy of Arcane Arts. A journey of growth, learning, and the forging of futures."
The hall was silent, everyone focused on the headmaster's words. Even Astor, who was usually quick with a comment, remained quiet, absorbed in the weight of the moment.
"As you embark on this path, you will face challenges that will shape who you are, not only as mages but as individuals who will one day lead and guide others." Master Solis's gaze swept across the room, pausing briefly on the royal siblings and then on the rest of the first row, where Nyx and the others sat. "Remember, it is not only power that defines you, but your ability to use it wisely."
With those words, the ceremony began, the future of the academy's newest students officially set into motion.
Master Eldrin Solis stood tall at the podium, his commanding presence filling the assembly hall as he prepared to recount the history of the academy. His eyes scanned the eager faces of the new students, lingering on the first row where the noble-born sat, but ensuring that his message reached everyone equally.
"The Celestial Academy of Arcane Arts was founded nearly 262 years ago, in the year 200, by one of the greatest mages of our time—King Aetherius Valencrest. The academy was born out of a vision to unite the greatest minds and talents of our kingdom. It stands as a beacon of knowledge and a symbol of unity, bringing together young mages from every province, every noble house, and even those of common birth who show exceptional promise."
The headmaster's voice was steady and filled with pride. He gestured to the grand hall around them. "You are now part of that legacy. Every corner of this academy has witnessed the rise of great leaders, scholars, warriors, and innovators. The foundations of this institution were laid with the belief that magic is not just power, but the very essence that binds our world. The lessons you learn here will carry you far beyond these walls and shape the future of Eldoria."
The students sat in rapt attention, the weight of history settling in. Even Astor, normally playful and full of energy, had fallen silent, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Master Solis continued. "But with great opportunity comes great responsibility. This academy demands dedication, respect, and an unwavering desire to grow. You will face trials—both academic and personal—that will challenge your very core. But each challenge is a step toward mastery, toward realizing your potential."
He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in.
"And now," he said, his voice growing solemn, "it is time to take the Oath of Growth. This oath binds you to the ideals of the academy and marks your commitment to the journey ahead."