The large hall of Valeon Academy was alive with a buzz of activity. Senior students, professors, and staff had gathered, all dressed in their ceremonial robes, ready to greet the newcomers. The atmosphere was heavy with a mixture of expectation and curiosity as the faculty assembled near the front. The grand stone pillars, adorned with arcane symbols, cast long shadows over the students standing in neat rows.
Ansel stood among them, the weight of the eyes upon him almost unbearable. He felt the cold stone floor beneath his feet, his heart pounding in his chest. He had been told to stand still and wait, but his mind was a storm of thoughts. He wasn't sure what to expect from this day, but he knew it wouldn't be easy.
At the front of the hall, Principal Xavier Dragonheart stood tall and imposing. His long cloak swirled as he stepped up to the podium, and the moment he did, the entire room fell silent. His presence was commanding, and even the senior students, used to the rigid atmosphere of the academy, stiffened in anticipation.
Xavier's deep voice echoed through the hall, cutting through the tension. "Welcome to Valeon Academy," he began, his words carrying weight. "This is where the strongest mages and swordsmen are forged. But let me make one thing clear—strength is not given. It is earned." His gaze swept over the assembled students, his eyes lingering on Ansel for a moment longer than the others. "Some of you are here by blood. Some of you are here by choice. But all of you must prove yourselves worthy of this place."
The faculty and senior students nodded in agreement, their expressions serious. Some eyes gleamed with challenge, others with pity—Ansel could sense the mixed emotions among them. He was painfully aware that he was the odd one out. No mana, no talent, no legacy—he didn't belong here. And yet, here he was.
Xavier continued, his words like the crack of a whip. "As you begin your journey, remember that only the strong survive. Only those who surpass their limits will rise to the top. And for those who cannot… you will be forgotten."
Ansel felt the weight of those words, the cold indifference that seemed to pour from the principal. His fists clenched at his sides, a fire burning in his chest. He wasn't here to be forgotten. He was here to prove himself.
After a brief pause, Xavier gestured to the side, where several of the senior professors stood. One of them, a tall woman with striking silver hair, stepped forward. "I am Professor Camila Giovani," she said, her voice crisp and commanding. "I will be one of your instructors here. I expect nothing less than your absolute commitment."
Her golden eyes scanned the room, cold and calculating, before moving to Ansel. "Remember this," she added, her gaze sharpening. "Weakness has no place here. If you cannot keep up, you will be left behind."
The other professors introduced themselves in turn, each one colder and more distant than the last. Ansel kept his head bowed, trying to avoid the weight of their gazes.
Despite the harsh reception, Ansel stood firm. He wasn't here by choice, but he would not let the cold stares or cruel words break him. He had made a promise to his mother. He would rise above this.
Xavier's voice rang out again. "You are dismissed. Head to your assigned dormitories and prepare yourselves. Tomorrow, the real training begins."
The students began to disperse, some whispering excitedly, others murmuring nervously. Ansel stood still for a moment longer, absorbing everything that had been said. It was clear that Valeon Academy was a place where only the strongest would survive—and he would have to fight to prove he belonged.