"I won't waste your time."
The moment Selene started speaking, the winter wind died.
"No speeches. No sentimentality," she continued. "You were admitted to Apex Academy because you have potential. Tomorrow, I will test if that potential has value."
A quiet ripple passed through the crowd.
"For most of you, this will be your first time stepping into the Spirit Realm," she said. "Not a simulation. Not a dome. Not one of those interactive virtual realities with cartoon mascots."
A few Cadets chuckled.
She didn't.
"The Spirit Realm is older than mortals. Older than humanity. It has wiped out civilizations and devoured their worlds. It does not care for your technology. It does not recognize your rules. It does not obey the constructs of your meager logic."
She let that sink in.
Then tilted her head slightly.
"And it especially doesn't like children playing in its backyard."
Someone near the front coughed in panic.
