The grand hall of Genvah Academy was a testament to the splendour and mystery that defined the school. The hall stretched endlessly, its ceilings adorned with crystalline chandeliers that glowed softly, casting a golden light across the room.
Long tables, polished to a mirror-like sheen, stretched across the hall, each lined with students from the higher years, from the second years to the fifth years. The older students whispered amongst themselves as they cast curious glances at the first years, who were walking their way towards their assigned table.
Aiden and Adrian walked together, their eyes scanning the space as they followed the line of their peers. Aiden's expression was calm, though inside, he felt like screaming. Everything's happening all too fast.
Adrian, on the other hand, offered a faint, amused smile, clearly enjoying the subtle unease of the other first years as they marched past the older students.
"Feels like we're walking into a den of wolves," Adrian muttered under his breath.
"Not wolves," Aiden replied evenly. "Hawks. I feel like I might throw up from all the pressure."
Adrian leaned in close until he was whispering to Aiden. "And between the both of us, you were the Chase. Shouldn't you be the one not pressured right now?"
"If I could keep my cool from all the pressure, I wouldn't be here, now would I?" Aiden hissed back.
The first years were led to the far end of the hall, where an empty table awaited them. They passed row after row of older students, many of whom leaned in to whisper to one another. Aiden caught snippets of conversation.
"Which one do you think made it to the Top 10?"
"The boy with the silver eyes, perhaps. He looks focused."
"Maybe the guy with the leather jacket?"
"That one's already trembling. They'll never last."
"Oh, it's definitely the girl with the cloak. She looks scary."
"You? Scared of a first year?"
"I'm not. I could match with her if I could."
"Hey, stop that you two! You know this feast is for them. Don't scare them."
Adrian nudged Aiden lightly as they reached the table. "Reassuring crowd, aren't they?"
Aiden smiled faintly but said nothing as they took their seats.
The head of the room was dominated by a raised dais where the staff sat, a long, ornate table set apart from the rest. At its centre stood a man that looked too intimidating, his dark skin gleamed under the warm light of the chandeliers, and his presence commanded silence even before he spoke.
He wore flowing robes of deepest black, the fabric rippling like liquid shadow. Golden accents traced the edges of his attire, forming intricate patterns reminiscent of feathers. But the most striking feature was the mask he wore- an owl's visage, crafted from gold, its sharp features gleaming and its eyes dark hollows that seemed to peer into one's very soul.
"I can't believe I'm in the presence of greatness..." Aiden looked at Adrian to see him almost drooling at the site of the man.
"Who's that?"
"That's the headmaster. Headmaster Kairos. He looks sick. Punk rock, even. Did you know that-"
"Yes, yes. He is believed to be time himself yada yada. You've been saying that the past few days."
Headmaster Kairos stood motionless for a moment, his hands resting lightly on the table before him. The quiet stretched, the weight of his presence filling the room. Then, in a voice deep and resonant, he began to speak.
"Welcome," he said, his tone smooth yet commanding, "to Genvah Academy, a sanctuary of knowledge and strength. Each of you, from first years to fifth years, stands here as part of something far greater than yourselves- a legacy that spans centuries, bound by challenge and excellence."
His gaze, or at least the dark hollows of his mask, swept across the hall.
"To our first years, you enter a world that will test you. Genvah does not merely teach; it forges. And to those of you who are older, you know well the trials ahead. It is your responsibility to push yourselves and each other to greater heights. Complacency has no place here, not when the shadow of Nillufer grows ever darker."
A murmur ran through the hall at the mention of Nillufer, but Kairos raised a hand, silencing it.
"To ensure that we remain prepared, we continue the tradition of the Top 10 system. Each year, students have the opportunity to claim a spot among the ten strongest of their classmates. But this is no static hierarchy. Any student, at any time, may challenge another for their position. Strength must be proven, not assumed. And let me be clear: this system is not merely about power—it is about growth, about resilience. For only by facing and overcoming challenges can we hope to face the threat that looms beyond these walls."
The room was silent now, the weight of his words pressing down on all present. Kairos let the pause linger before finally stepping back.
"But tonight is not for battle," he said, his tone shifting to one of warmth, though his mask made it impossible to see his expression. "Tonight, we welcome you all, especially our newest students. Eat heartily, for the path ahead will demand much of you."
With a wave of his hand, the feast began. Platters of food appeared on the tables in a burst of golden light- roasted meats, fresh bread, glistening fruits, and dishes from every corner of the realm. The hall filled with the sounds of clinking utensils and quiet conversation.
Adrian leaned closer to Aiden as he filled his plate. "Top 10, huh? Guess we'll need to work hard if we want to retain our spot."
Aiden shrugged, his gaze distant. "I feel like I have a target on my back..."
Across the table, Sevan joined in briefly. "You two sound confident. Careful, though- there are plenty here who've already got their eyes on you."
"Why though? Wouldn't it be better if they go for someone in the higher ranks?" Aiden asked.
"It's precisely why they won't go for someone in the higher ranks. They would probably want to match with you two to test out the waters, a bit." Sevan replied while munching down on some ham.
"Then I guess we need to work hard if we don't want our spot taken."
Aiden didn't reply, his thoughts already on the challenges to come.
Would he be able to use his powers correctly and become stronger? He was thankful for Mr. Caleena's help, but judging from the trials at the forest and how Shiloh mentioned he wasn't from Soleil, Aiden felt like he needed to work harder if he wanted to keep up with his classmates.
First, he needed to control his powers.
Unbeknownst to Aiden, above them all, Headmaster Kairos watched silently from behind his golden mask, an amused expression on his face.