Mikel turned to Mister Nocty, his brows knitting at the look plastered on his homeroom teacher's face. It wasn't just shock—it was a mix of longing, shame, and regret.
Shifting his gaze to whatever held Mister Nocty's attention, Mikel's eyes landed on a group of students idling on a bench. They were laughing and chatting casually, like any group of friends would.
This is what the academy looked like decades ago?
Mikel studied the architecture and the scene around him. The layout was slightly different from the modern academy he knew. The current academy was sleeker, more sophisticated—clearly modeled after elite private institutions.
This version, by contrast, was neater, quieter, and seemed far more peaceful. It wasn't as crowded either, though that made sense. The enrollees this year had been the highest on record.
