The corridors stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of polished marble and glass that pulsed with veins of astral light. Floating lanterns hovered overhead, casting shifting constellations across the ceiling as the first-years trailed behind Professor Selora.
De'Oliver craned his neck at every turn, nearly tripping over his own feet. "This place is insane. Look at that—are those windows moving?"
Jordan glanced up. The stained-glass murals shimmered, alive with magic. Aries blazed in crimson fire across one panel, Gemini's twins flowed like water and shadow across another.
"They're enchanted," said a girl near the front, her tone calm but edged with confidence. She had a presence about her, unshaken by the grandeur that left others gawking. "Illusions, sure. But illusions with purpose. They're watching us as much as we're watching them."
Whispers rippled. Jordan caught her name whispered through the group: Cynthia.
Not far from her, another girl walked with steady, poised steps, her sharp gaze darting from one wall to the next as though she were cataloguing the Academy itself. "They're not just reminders," she added, voice clear and thoughtful. "They're tests. The Academy wants to know who's paying attention."
That was Kaitlyn — measured, composed, already carrying herself like she belonged here.
Jayden scoffed loudly, breaking the moment. "Tests or tricks, it doesn't matter. I'll master them all. Only fools get caught staring at shiny walls."
Cynthia turned just enough to smirk. "Careful, loudmouth. The Academy has a way of humbling arrogance."
Laughter rippled through the first-years. Jayden's smirk faltered, his jaw tightening, but he said nothing.
The group spilled onto a balcony overlooking the training fields. Below, second- and third-years clashed, sparks of elemental power bursting in the twilight air. Gasps spread through the group.
De'Oliver leaned dangerously over the railing. "That's gonna be us in a year? Yeah, sign me up."
Jordan chuckled faintly but froze when his gaze found a familiar figure leaning casually against the far railing. Loose, sporty clothes hung from his wiry frame, short hair tousled, arms folded. His smirk was small but knowing.
Renfo Kuzenagi. His cousin.
Their eyes met for a moment before Jordan quickly looked away, heart tightening. Across the crowd, Jayden's gaze locked on Renfo as well — sharp, assessing — but without recognition. Just rivalry in the making.
Selora's staff cracked against marble, commanding silence.
"What you see are not games. These are your predecessors. Once as small and uncertain as you — now tempered, sharpened, dangerous. This Academy will do the same to you. If you endure."
De'Oliver muttered, "Guess the word of the day is survive."
Jordan didn't answer. His thoughts lingered on Cynthia's cool confidence, Kaitlyn's sharp insight, Renfo's quiet smirk — and the storm waiting just ahead.
The tour pressed onward, deeper into the Academy's heart, every step heavier with the promise of trials yet to come.