At that moment, the senior teachers stepped forward, their robes flowing as they lined up at the edges of the stage. One of the teachers, a woman with flowing blue hair and a stern but kind face, raised her hand, and a soft blue glow filled the hall, casting a tranquil light over the gathered students.
"Please rise," she instructed, her voice clear yet gentle. The students, Nyx and Astor among them, stood from their seats in unison, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
Master Solis raised his hand, and in a calm but powerful voice, began the sacred oath. The students followed, repeating after him in unison.
"I stand here, before the Celestial Academy, with a heart open to growth."
The hall echoed with hundreds of voices speaking the same words.
"I swear to seek knowledge, to master the arts both magic and mundane, and to honour the teachings of those who have come before."
Nyx felt the weight of the words settle in his chest, the solemnity of the moment pressing down on him. He glanced at Astor, who, while usually carefree, looked just as serious, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration.
"I will face every challenge with courage, every failure with humility, and every success with grace. I will strive for mastery, not of others, but of myself."
The words resonated deeply within Nyx. It was more than just a promise—it felt like the beginning of a transformation. He could feel the magic in the room, the centuries of tradition and expectation pressing in on them all.
"I pledge myself to the pursuit of excellence, to the bonds of fellowship, and to the service of Eldoria."
As the final words of the oath were spoken, a shimmering glow filled the hall, a soft golden light that seemed to radiate from every student. Nyx could feel the warmth of it on his skin, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the magic of the academy itself was welcoming them into its fold.
The light faded, and a profound silence followed. Every student stood still, their hearts beating in sync with the unspoken promise they had just made. Master Solis smiled, a rare gesture that softened his usually stern expression.
"Welcome to the Celestial Academy of Arcane Arts," he said, his voice filled with a quiet pride. "May your journey be one of growth, strength, and wisdom."
With that, the assembly hall erupted into applause, the sound of excitement and anticipation filling the air as the students—now officially part of the academy—looked toward their future with new determination.
As the applause died down, Master Eldrin Solis stepped back, allowing a tall woman with sharp features and an air of authority to take the stage. Her presence was commanding, and the room quickly quieted as she raised her hand to speak.
"Now that you've taken the Oath of Growth, it is time to prepare for your journey here at the academy," she began, her voice clear and unwavering. "One week from today, we will hold the first-year ranking tournament. This is a tradition, a way to test your abilities and see where you stand among your peers. It will be your first true challenge at the academy."
Nyx felt a surge of excitement mixed with anxiety. A tournament? So soon? He glanced at Astor, who was practically bouncing in his seat, his usual grin plastered across his face. Of course, Astor would be thrilled at the prospect of a tournament.
"Participation is mandatory," the woman continued. "However, how you spend the next week is entirely up to you. You may explore the academy grounds, familiarize yourself with its facilities, and enjoy some leisure time. Or, you may choose to train and prepare for the tournament. The decision is yours. But remember," she added, her eyes narrowing slightly, "your performance in this tournament will set the tone for your time here."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "Some of you will rise to the top, while others may find themselves struggling. But no matter where you place, this tournament is an opportunity to grow, to learn from your strengths and weaknesses. I encourage you to make the most of it."
With that, she gave a nod to the gathered students, signaling the end of her speech. "Now, you are dismissed. Explore the academy. Learn. Train. And may you all be ready when the time comes."
The students began to stir, some talking excitedly about the tournament, others whispering among themselves about their plans for the week ahead. Nyx could already hear Astor muttering something about testing out a new spell he'd been working on.
As the assembly hall emptied, Nyx found himself torn between curiosity and caution. A whole week to explore the academy? It sounded both exciting and overwhelming. The Celestial Academy of Arcane Arts was massive, its halls filled with history, knowledge, and power. There were bound to be hidden corners, secret training areas, and places brimming with ancient magic waiting to be discovered.
On the other hand, the ranking tournament loomed ahead. The thought of being judged against his peers, of standing in the spotlight with all eyes on him, was intimidating. What if he wasn't ready? What if his spells, while practiced, weren't enough to measure up to the others?
Astor, however, didn't seem to share the same reservations. "A tournament!" he exclaimed, once they had left the hall. "This is going to be amazing! Imagine all the cool spells we'll get to see, and we can finally test out everything we've learned!" His excitement was infectious, and despite his own nerves, Nyx couldn't help but smile.
"I suppose it'll be a good opportunity," Nyx said, more to himself than to Astor. "We'll see what everyone's capable of, and where we need to improve."
Astor nudged him playfully. "You're always overthinking. We've got this. Besides," he added with a grin, "we've been training for years. What's one little tournament?"
Nyx chuckled. "I suppose you're right."
The Shadowstar twins had been prepared for this moment for years, and now it was time to see how they measured up in the grand halls of the Celestial Academy.