The principal stepped forward with a calm but powerful presence, his tall frame wrapped in elegant, deep blue robes embroidered with silver patterns that shimmered faintly in the light. His silver hair was tied back neatly, and his piercing gray eyes seemed to look straight into the hearts of each student before him. Despite the strong lines of age on his face, his expression was warm and encouraging. His posture conveyed both wisdom and strength, qualities earned through experience and years of dedication.
When he spoke, his voice was deep and steady, carrying effortlessly through the assembly hall.
"Welcome, everyone, to Veilforge Academy," he began, his tone filled with quiet confidence. "From the outside, this academy may look no different from any other institution—ordinary in the eyes of the world. But here, within these walls, we know what Veilforge truly is."
A slight smile curved his lips as he scanned the crowd, allowing the silence to settle before he continued.
"You are here not simply to study, but to unlock your potential. So, I'll leave you with a simple reminder as you begin this journey: strive to grow stronger, to sharpen yourselves like the finest of blades. Look back on your mistakes; find them, learn from them. Observe the mistakes of others, and make them your teachers."
The principal raised his hand slightly, his expression more serious now. "Let your mistakes guide you, but never let them burden your mind. Treat them as teachers, not companions. Life is a relentless teacher itself, filled with trials that demand we rise again and again. But here, at Veilforge, you are blessed with mentors who will share with you lessons carved from their own journeys and hardships."
His voice softened, yet his eyes sparkled with wisdom and encouragement. "Remember, you are not here to compare yourselves to others but to discover your own strength, your own purpose. Embrace this challenge with an open heart and a clear mind. Forge yourselves—not just as students but as the next generation of leaders, protectors, and guardians."
He finished with a gentle smile, and his warm gaze moved across the students. "Welcome to Veilforge Academy. Learn well, live honorably, and never forget that you are not alone on this path."
As he stepped back, the hall erupted in applause, and the students felt a renewed energy and sense of purpose, inspired by the principal's words and presence.
After the principal's speech concluded, a female instructor stepped forward, addressing the crowd with a confident, clear voice. "We'll now continue our ceremony with a flag-retrieving game. Our participants will include both new students and second-year students who have recently advanced."
She paused, scanning the crowd as students murmured in anticipation. "We all know the rules, but I'll go over them one more time for clarity. We'll conduct a lucky draw to form two teams. Each team will compete to retrieve the flag. For this round, we have five new students and three second-years participating, although a few students couldn't attend today."
The instructor gestured to the groups scattered around the field, and we caught glimpses of the students from every corner. First, Ryen, Elara, and Jasper exchanged looks, readying themselves. Then, a quick glance to two more newcomers: a boy with striking purple eyes, his expression one of mild irritation. His black and purple hair looked like layered shades of ink and shadow. Beside him, a girl with soft sea-green hair and eyes that blended shades of yellow and green sparkled with excitement.
Across the field, the second-year students awaited their turn. One of them, a muscular young man with a nearly bald head, stood with his arms crossed, eyes closed, and a stoic expression. He wore a dark blue, tailored coat that hung loosely over his shoulders, his dark shirt rolled up at the sleeves. Next to him was a boy with yellow hair and silver eyes, seated with his hands clasped and his chin resting on them, his gaze directed thoughtfully at the arena. Lastly, a girl with intense pink hair and eyes stood apart, her expression distant and focused, giving off a dangerous aura.
The instructor raised a clipboard and began reading names. "Now, I'll announce the teams. In Team A: Xander Ashvine, second year; Ryen Seraph, newcomer; Kaelen Voss, newcomer. The rest will form Team B."
As they gathered, Team A's members exchanged introductions. The muscular second-year, his face impassive, extended a hand. "Hello. I'm Xander Ashvine."
Ryen, smiling awkwardly, replied, "I'm Ryen Seraph."
The last member, Kaelen, muttered in an annoyed tone, "Kaelen Voss," barely sparing a glance at the others.
Meanwhile, Team B gathered nearby, consisting of one boy and four girls. The lone boy's eyes widened in slight panic as he raised his hand and called out, "Um, Madam Lyra, I think there's been a mistake. There are five of us here, and…" He lowered his voice nervously. "…I'm the only guy."
A short distance away, Regin, Orion, and Kaelor stood observing the situation. Alastair, watching the unbalanced groups, frowned. "It does seem like a mistake. The team assignments are uneven."
But Kaelor chuckled, leaving Alastair puzzled, while Regin and Orion exchanged knowing smiles.
Orion smirked. "The partition wasn't designed to make things easy. It's a challenge in itself."
Regin nodded. "Haven't you noticed? Everyone in Team B has a strong potential for self-reliance, fitting for a lone warrior. Meanwhile, Team A is made up of…shall we say, 'light speakers'—students who tend not to speak much or strategize openly. Team B, on the other hand, has members who are unlikely to listen to anyone else."
Orion added with a grin, "The teams weren't divided for balance; they were divided to test adaptability."
Alastair looked closely at the yellow-haired boy in Team B. "But that guy with the silver eyes…he doesn't seem like the assertive type. Isn't he a 'light speaker' as well?"
Orion chuckled. "You're right, but he has one particular issue: he feels uncomfortable just being around girls. So he's in the team full of them."
Alastair muttered under his breath, "But I don't remember anything like this during my entrance…"
Orion smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, there was—it's just that you didn't realize it at the time."
Alastair opened his mouth to retort, then stopped, looking down with an awkward expression. "…Damn."
Just then, the principal approached them, offering a warm greeting. "Hello there! How are you al—" He froze mid-sentence, his gaze landing on Kaelor. His voice wavered slightly. "When…why…did you come?"
Kaelor's expression turned serious. "Can't I visit my own academy?"
The principal, still visibly unsettled, nodded. "Of course, Master Kaelor, you certainly can…" .
Kaelor gave him a steady look, a hint of humor in his gaze. "Your speech was good."
The principal blushed, his gaze darting away. "R-Really?"
Kaelor's tone shifted, gruff but amused. "Enough. Stand over there and try not to embarrass yourself."
The principal moved obediently, taking his place beside Orion. As Kaelor turned his attention back to the grounds, the principal leaned in to whisper to Orion, "Why didn't you warn me he was coming?"
Orion, rolling his eyes slightly, replied, "And what would you have done if I had?"
The principal hesitated. "I…might have prepared myself, mentally."
Orion repeated, dryly, "I see—mentally prepared, of course." Orion and Regin shared a smothered laugh, while The principal 's eye twitched with mild irritation, a faint pulse visible on his forehead as he glanced at both of them.