The grand hall of Valeon Academy was bathed in the glow of flickering candlelight. The stone walls seemed to whisper of ages past, and the air hummed with the quiet power of the greatest mages and warriors. The room was cold, but the tension between the assembled teachers made the atmosphere even more suffocating.
Principal Xavier Dragonheart, a figure of legend, sat at the head of the long, dark oak table. His tall, imposing figure was draped in a deep crimson coat, his face partially obscured by a wide-brimmed hat. His golden eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence, but there was a weariness in them that reflected years of observing the endless cycles of noble children rising and falling. His presence demanded respect, and yet, there was something about him that whispered of untold secrets.
As each teacher entered, they made no sound other than the soft rustle of their robes, a sign of the solemnity of the moment.
First to enter was Professor Camila Giovani, the most renowned mage of Valeon. Her golden hair shimmered in the low light, cascading down her back in a braid, and her piercing eyes glinted coldly as she took her place beside the principal. She gave no greeting, only a brief nod, as if she had no time for pleasantries. Her mind was preoccupied with the new arrival—Ansel Nighthawk, the Greenal bastard who had no mana. She already knew of him, having been informed by the principal, and was curious about how the boy would fare among the other students.
Next came Master Kraven, his massive frame intimidating even the shadows. He was a man forged in battle, with scars across his face and arms that told of a life spent on the battlefield. His eyes, fierce and calculating, scanned the room with quiet intensity. He took a seat at the far end of the table, his heavy hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
Mistress Leona entered with the grace of a predator, her twin swords strapped to her waist gleaming in the low light. She was a woman of few words, but her presence spoke volumes. Her gaze flicked over the others, never lingering too long on any one face.
Professor Halric Grend, the elder scholar of magical theory, was the last to arrive. His frail body leaned heavily on a gnarled cane, but his mind remained as sharp as ever. He settled into his chair slowly, his eyes flicking nervously around the room before settling on Xavier.
Once everyone was present, Xavier leaned forward, his voice breaking the silence with the weight of authority.
"This year's intake of students is unlike any we've seen before. The children of nobility have arrived—sons and daughters of powerful families, destined to shape the future of Celestria."
He paused for a moment, his golden eyes gleaming.
"Among them is a child unlike any we have ever seen."
Professor Camila's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but she remained silent, waiting for the principal to continue.
"A boy named Ansel Nighthawk," he said softly, almost as if testing the name on his tongue. "A bastard of the Greenal family. His mother was a commoner, and his father, Count Veron Greenal, has distanced himself from the boy, not allowing him to carry the Greenal name here. Instead, he uses his mother's surname."
The room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
"The Greenals…" Camila muttered under her breath. "I know of him. He's the one with no mana."
Xavier nodded. "Exactly. A child of one of the most prestigious families in Celestria, and yet he has no mana. He is, by all accounts, talentless."
Master Kraven chuckled darkly. "No mana? Then he is nothing but a shadow. A hollow husk."
Mistress Leona's eyes gleamed with an almost predatory curiosity. "I'll be curious to see how he survives here, in a place meant for only the strongest."
Xavier's voice cut through the chatter like a blade. "He is a Greenal by blood, and that is all that matters. His father has requested it. As a favor, and perhaps… as a burden."
Professor Halric shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "But without mana, how can he possibly survive? Without the power to defend himself, he is as good as dead in this place."
Xavier's eyes flicked over to Camila, who was silently staring at the table. She was not one to waste time on hopeless causes, but something about Ansel intrigued her.
"You're all thinking too simply," Xavier said after a long pause. "The boy may have no mana, but that does not mean he is powerless. Sometimes, the most dangerous individuals are the ones who appear weak."
He stood slowly, his long coat sweeping behind him as he looked out the tall windows to the horizon. The distant sun was setting, casting an eerie glow across the academy.
"There is something about this child. I cannot explain it, but he will not be ignored. Mark my words, his path will not be an easy one, and it will not be predictable."
The room was silent as the teachers pondered his words.
"Professor Camila," Xavier said, turning toward her, "I want you to keep an eye on him. His potential is hidden, and I suspect we will all be surprised by what he can accomplish."
Camila raised an eyebrow, her usual cold demeanor softening slightly. "I don't like this, Xavier," she said. "But I will do as you ask. For now."
Xavier nodded, his gaze lingering on the setting sun for a moment longer before turning back to the teachers.
"Prepare yourselves, for this year's students will challenge everything we know."