Jace and Ethan didn't have to sit long before everyone in the arena felt an extremely powerful aura rip across the space, silencing the chatter of the new students in an instant. The air seemed to grow heavier, as if the very atmosphere was bending under the weight of the man's presence.
All eyes were drawn to the man on stage as he approached the pedestal, his long black coat billowing behind him like a shadow, his suit impeccably tailored hugged his broad shoulders. Emphasizing his commanding stature. His silver hair was neatly combed back, though streaks of gray hinted at his age. A thick, full beard - primarily silver with a couple stubborn patches of black - framed his face. But most noticeable to Jace, were his eyes, a sharp, piercing gray that seemed to hold raging storms within them. The more Jace looked, the more he felt drawn into those storms, the intense power threatening to overwhelm him.
Breaking himself free Jace glanced around and saw that everyone else around him was just as transfixed as he was a moment ago. Jace looked back towards the man, his aura was unlike anything he had ever seen. Causing the space around him to distort, Jace felt his chest tightened under the pressure. He glanced at Ethan, who sat unusually still, a wicked grin on his face. It was almost like Jace could read his thoughts "is this what i can become?" it said to him.
Jace couldn't help but grin as well, feeling a shiver run down his spine. If this man could reach this level of power, why couldn't they? This time Jace didn't back down, looking into the man's eyes with confidence, taking it not as a warning but a challenge. The man's gaze swept across the students, and for just a moment, Jace could have sworn those piercing eyes lingered on him.
Ethan leaned forward in his seat, his grin widening as if he, too, had noticed the man's lingering gaze. "Looks like we might have drawn a little attention" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the hum of magic.
"Greetings students" The man finally spoke, his voice powerful but surprisingly…. warm causing the tension to snap like a string. "My name is Karnell and I am the Dean of this academy, I look forward to teaching you for the duration of your stay here" As he spoke, he seemed to pull his power into himself, the students took a breath almost in unison as the oppressive weight lifted.
Jace felt the bubbling in his chest again, power. This was what real power looked like, powerful. But kind.
"Now for the fun part," Karnell said, snapping his fingers. Two other teachers entered the stage, their presence almost as commanding as his. One was a tall woman with fiery red hair and a staff crackling with energy, while the other was a broad-shouldered man with a calm demeanor and hands glowing faintly with magic. "We are going to hold a duel to show you all what you will be learning while here."
Excitement erupted all around them, as the arena buzzed with excitement. Jace and Ethan looked at each other, both grinning as they turned back to the arena. This is why they came here, and they weren't going to miss even one second of it.