The professors walked toward the center, their heels clicking sharply against the galaxy-like floor. They lined up in a row, and Professor Sylverynth stepped forward.
The gymnasium was silent—too silent, as though every eardrum had been snuffed out. Every student held their breath, waiting for the verdict on Chast.
While Chast sat alone in the middle, he sank deeper into his cushion, lost in thought. How can I survive this dilemma without becoming even more of a walking disaster?
Professor Sylverynth pointed in Chast's direction and swayed her hand.
Damn! Chast slid violently toward Professor Morrwynn's students—too fast, as though his body moved but his soul stayed behind.
Gasps erupted. Faces lit with shock, some twisted with envy.
"You've got to be kidding me," someone muttered, his voice sharp with scorn.
"This defective guy is one hell of a lucky one!" another student said.
Lucky? Being defective here feels like chasing chaos itself. Chast hissed, massaging his temple. Do my parents get a refund for having a defective son?
"That can't be! He's sitting beside the elites."
"The defective with the elites."
"Guess the professors finally lost their minds."
"Maybe they're testing us—see if we can put up with him."
"Or maybe they're punishing Morrwynn's team. Lucky us."
Chast's eyes glimmered with disdain. These celestials are really legends when it comes to gossiping. He heaved a sigh, closing his eyes. I didn't choose to be with your elites.
Though Professor Morrwynn's students were quiet, their eyes burned with disapproval.
Chast winced. Nice. Defective and rejected. What's next?
A spiky-haired boy, five seats away, scoffed. "There's no way he belongs to us," he said, glaring at Chast with disappointment.
Yeah, I know. With your spiky hair? I'd rather belong to the nerds. "Tsk." Chast clicked his tongue and ignored him.
None of Professor Morrwynn's students defended Chast. Their silence was its own agreement—he didn't belong to them.
Chast pressed his lips, then spotted the ash-blonde girl from earlier. She met his gaze, smiled faintly, and gave the smallest nod, as if acknowledging his presence.
Chast furrowed his brows. She's in my team? Great. I guess I'll be dealing with a stalker later.
The firefly-like creatures hummed in harmony, their glow pulsing like tiny heartbeats as the galaxy-like walls began to fade. Then—pop!—they burst like fireworks.
"Woah!" The students were astonished, their eyes wide, begging for more.
As the galaxy faded, lavender haze lingered in the air, mixed with the scent of cedar.
Chast inhaled—and coughed. So intoxicating.
Above, a sun burst into existence—radiant and warm—its golden light scattering across the floor. A strong wind swept through, carrying away the haze. Shadows stretched and curled as tall cedar trees erupted from the ground, their trunks spiraling upward. Roots broke free, and velvety grass spread across the once-gleaming floor.
The air shifted—no longer metallic and starry, but rich with pine and damp earth. Leaves whispered as though the forest itself had been waiting to awaken. Fireflies danced, and birds perched on the branches began to sing, weaving music into the air.
The students gasped, spinning around to soak in the beauty. They clapped and cheered with delight.
Chast rolled his eyes. Cute. They're clapping like toddlers at a puppet show. It's trees. Green sticks with leaves. Congratulations.
Their floating cushions landed on the grass and disappeared, leaving the students seated directly on the ground.
Some of them stood and wandered, reaching for the glowing lime-green trees. The trees shook, their radiant leaves swaying loose before drifting down onto the grass.
"Beautiful!" students exclaimed, clapping as they tried to catch the glowing leaves.
"It's like dreamland!" a girl cried, sitting beside Luke, who gazed at her in amusement.
Chast clasped his hands. Fantastic. A magical forest, and people lose their minds over falling leaves. Dramatic much? It's not even fall yet.
Professor Sylverynth whistled sharply, drawing everyone's attention as a flock of birds flew toward the professors. The students' gazes followed, landing on the professors now seated upon a massive cut trunk stretched across the floor.
The students straightened their backs and fixed their postures, eyes shining with excitement.
Break's over. Time for the lecture. Finally. Chast scoffed, stretching his long legs.
The professors rose, and Sylverynth stepped onto the trunk. She smiled, straightening her back. The golden edges of her robe gleamed, and her sleek hair swayed with the breeze.
She's indeed a beauty, Chast noted, sneaking a glance.
"Hello, young Celestials. Welcome to Valvrynth Academy! From this moment on, you are official members of Valvrynth—here to discover, learn, and refine your magic." Professor Sylverynth opened her arms as though offering a warm embrace.
The students roared with cheers. Some whistled, others clapped with eager hands.
"Each of you is destined for greatness. But remember—magic is not a privilege taken lightly. It is an obligation. With magic comes the duty to protect Labrynthia. You are to become the shield and the flame—guardians against the shadows that creep from other realms. Beyond these walls stir enemies who hunger for our land, our magic, our very lives. Without your strength, this realm will fall."
Her voice carried smoothly, clear and commanding, without effort.
She smiled. "Always remember the Academy's golden rule—"
Before she could finish, the students spoke as one: "Use your powers for good, not for foolishness or evil." Their voices rang with respect.
The sun flickered, shifting to amber. Birds hummed, and fireflies danced in response to the school's golden rule.
The professors exchanged smiles.
"The golden rule truly lives in their hearts," Professor Archora said warmly.
"Indeed," the others agreed in unison.
Of course they memorized it. It's plastered on every wall, probably printed on their pillows too. Chast smirked. Bravo, you recited one line. Nobel prize incoming.
Sylverynth raised her hand once more. "Your paths will diverge from this moment forward. Some will stumble, others will rise. But remember this: greatness is not measured by birth or blood, nor by the blaze of one's magic. True strength is revealed in the darkest hour—when the world looks to you to stand."
She snapped her fingers. The gymnasium melted back into its galaxy-like form.
"Welcome to Valvrynth Academy. Your trials begin now." Her voice rang with finality.
A loud bang echoed, followed by fireworks bursting in bold, magical colors across the ceiling.
Students gasped and cheered.
"This is amazing!"
"Wow!"
"My first time seeing magic like this!"
"This is a grand orientation!"
"Ughh." Chast wheezed, covering his ears. The students' shrieks pierced his head like daggers. It's just fireworks. Calm down, drama queens.