In the vast hall of the opening ceremony, an almost oppressive silence settled. Every young Awakened sat upright and still, as though a single whisper might shatter some fragile balance. No one dared to speak. Darkness swallowed the room, broken only by uncertain glimmers of light.
Kenzo, surrounded by that yawning obscurity, felt his breathing quicken. He wondered how this ceremony would unfold. To him, it felt more like a staged spectacle than a simple presentation.
Then, suddenly, a single beam of light sliced through the gloom. A feminine silhouette emerged from it, advancing step by step. A young woman , barely in her twenties. Her blonde hair caught the brilliance of the spotlights, and Kenzo could make out a face as clear and polished as glass.
Around him, whispers began to stir. The once-silent students seemed to recognize her.
– « She's imposing… and those freckles… they look familiar. »
She continued forward with steady confidence until she reached the center of the elevated stage before the crowd. Thousands of young Awakened watched her approach, captivated. She wore a perfectly tailored white three-piece suit. On the immaculate fabric were two distinct symbols: that of the Kingdom of Air, and beneath it, a Roman numeral "III."
She was a Manifested. Just like Saint 13 and Lord Karim. Yet one detail stood out above all: the symbol of Air on her uniform was gold , radiant and unique.
When her voice rang out, it cut through the murmurs instantly.
– « Welcome, all of you, young Awakened. »
Each syllable carried natural authority.
– « First and foremost, I would like to congratulate you on completing your first test. I am aware that every student of this academy prepared for it. However, the merit remains yours. »
Kenzo was briefly surprised. A faint, bitter smile touched his lips.
Well… she's nice, he thought.
He had never imagined someone would care about the lives of those marked by Revelation. But a colder thought followed immediately.
Right… they're all children of the inner walls. Of course she'd say that.
For a moment, he nearly forgot he did not belong here. Her words, her gaze, her kindness… none of it was meant for him. They were meant for royal bloodlines, wealthy heirs, children born with more worth than any boy from the outer walls.
The blonde woman continued with sovereign calm:
– « I am Lady Clara Célairon, first daughter of King Auguste Célairon. I am a Manifested of the Kingdom of Aerathal and the heir to the Divine Power of Air. However, here, I will serve as your Headmistress. I ask that you do not address me as a princess within these walls. »
At those words, the whispers intensified around Kenzo.
Now I understand the murmurs… he thought.
To his right, Lucian could barely contain himself.
– « Incredible! It's the first time I've ever seen someone of royal blood! » he said, eyes wide. « And she's our Headmistress? This is insane! »
Kenzo glanced at him briefly before looking away. For an ordinary citizen like Lucian, seeing royalty was nearly impossible. For Kenzo, it should have been even more so. And yet… Yareth, seated in the front row, had become his ally. They had faced death together.
Lady Clara resumed:
– « Normally, each year, this ceremony is meant to congratulate you and briefly explain what awaits you. As you know, this academy offers you the opportunity to prepare for your second test, which will become mandatory within four years. However, we allow the most valiant among you to attempt it in just two months—under certain conditions, of course. »
She paused. Her expression grew solemn.
– « This year, however, we are witnessing an unprecedented event. For the first time since this academy's founding, all eight heirs of the royal families are present to undertake the second test. »
A ripple passed through the hall.
Is it really that rare? … Well, I guess those families probably don't get along, Kenzo thought.
Beside him, Lucian nearly leapt out of his seat.
– « All eight heirs?! » he gasped.
Lady Clara raised her hand. Instantly, eight new lights illuminated eight distinct seats.
– « I call Awakened Yareth Solenyra, Fourth Prince of the Kingdom of the Dunes. »
Under countless gazes, Yareth rose and walked calmly toward the stage.
– « I call Awakened Ananta Ael'thari, First Princess of the Kingdom of Sylvanea. »
The girl Yareth had spoken with earlier , the one Kenzo had stared at too long , stood as well.
So… she's a princess too… he thought, unsettled.
– « I call Awakened Vivianne Valemir, First Princess of the Empire of Florenthel. »
A short-haired blonde girl stepped forward. Her blue eyes occasionally flickered with a brilliant yellow gleam. Her ornate gown swayed gracefully with each step.
– « I call Awakened Navinne Corvanys, Second Prince of the Kingdom of Navis Colossum. »
A boy advanced this time. His tanned skin contrasted with long white hair tinged with blue. His sky-blue eyes seemed to pierce the air itself. His fitted three-piece suit was flawless.
– « I call Awakened Shaka Durakhan, First Prince of the Kingdom of Kar'Thum. »
A muscular young man stood. His dark skin, shaved head, and burning orange eyes commanded immediate respect. His stride radiated resolve.
– « I call Awakened Mitsuki Yureigami, First Prince of the Empire of Seikan no Kuni. »
A slender youth with pale skin and violet eyes rose. His long black hair, tied in a ponytail, accentuated his composure. Clad in traditional attire from the Far East, he advanced in reverent silence.
Kenzo frowned.
So that's… the prince of my kingdom. I never thought I'd see him in my lifetime. He looks as sad as his people, he thought.
The prince's gaze was empty , devoid of emotion.
– « I call Awakened Diana Virellian, First Princess of the Archipelagos of Ombrelune. »
A woman with short black hair stepped forward. Her eyes were dark—almost abyssal. Her fitted combat attire revealed lean, honed strength.
A chill ran down Kenzo's spine.
That's… Saint 13's kingdom…
– « And finally, I call Awakened Thoma Célairon, Prince of the Kingdom of Aerathal. »
A young man nearly identical to Lady Clara approached.
Lady Clara turned back toward the assembly, her voice powerful once more.
– « These are the eight heirs who, alongside you, will prepare for the second test. Naturally, there is a reason why these princes and princesses are gathered within this academy. »
Lucian immediately leaned toward Kenzo, barely containing himself.
– « I can't believe this! It's unbelievable! I wonder what they're about to announce… »
Kenzo, however, was far less carried away.