"Nothing reminds you of your place in the world quite like assigned seating."
***
The main assembly hall was designed to intimidate. That much was obvious from the moment you walked through those massive iron-banded doors.
Soaring stone columns rose toward a vaulted ceiling that seemed to stretch into infinity. They felt less like architectural support and more like silent sentinels standing eternal judgment over the students scurrying about below.
Each pillar bore carved reliefs of ancient battles. Heroes frozen mid-strike against monsters that had been dust for centuries. The craftsmanship was exquisite.
The message was clear.
You are small. You are temporary. Act accordingly.
At the far end stood a raised platform of dark granite where faculty members gathered in their formal regalia. Their faces impassive as the marble statues lining the walls behind them.
