The late afternoon sun dipped low across the academy grounds, painting the cobbled walkways and high towers in deep gold. Students filtered into the central lecture amphitheater, filling the wide, semi-circular rows with the subdued buzz of conversation.
The air, though heavy with tension, carried a crackle of excitement too—the kind of tension that only came before major announcements.
At the podium stood Instructor Verren, stone-faced as always, accompanied by Vice-headmaster Amelia and Professor Eleanor, whose presence at any briefing was enough to make even the most casual cadet sit up straight.
The room dimmed slightly as the projector glyphs activated overhead, casting a faint silver glow across the crowd.
With a curt nod from Eleanor, Verren stepped forward, his voice slicing cleanly through the murmurs.
"Attention, cadets."
Silence descended.
"Today you will be briefed on the structure of your upcoming Practical Examination."
