Morning arrived swiftly, and the campus of Mystoria Academy buzzed with energy. Students—new and old—rushed through the walkways, excitement bubbling in the air.
"Let's hurry! I want a good seat!""Should we run?""The orientation for first-years is today. I think we'll get to see the Headmaster!""Do you think he'll be there?""He? Oh… you mean the special student?""Uh-huh."
The grand auditorium stood tall at the center of campus, its magical structure humming faintly with arcane energy. Inside, the vast room was already half-filled. Students filed into rows, their conversations a chaotic mix of anticipation, nerves, and curiosity.
This was the first official gathering of the year—the start of something entirely new.
Before long, the seats were filled. A hush began to fall as the atmosphere turned expectant.
Then, a firm voice echoed through the hall.
"Silence, everyone."
The crowd quieted instantly.
At the center of the stage stood a striking young woman with fiery red hair and piercing orange eyes. Her confident stance and commanding presence made it clear—she was someone important.
"She looks so stunning…""That's Argentia Blaze for you.""The Student Council President herself…"
Argentia's voice rang out again. "Please take your seats. The event is beginning."
She paused to let the silence settle before continuing.
"Good morning, everyone. This is a very important day—for all of us. My name is Argentia Blaze, Student Council President, and currently in my second year. You'll be seeing me a lot over the next year."
Her eyes scanned the crowd with intensity. "I won't take too much of your time. Let me now call upon someone you've all been eager to see."
She raised her hand in a sweeping gesture.
"Please welcome our esteemed Headmaster—Riena Ravenblake."
A ripple of awe moved through the room as Riena appeared behind Argentia in a flash of teleportation magic, her entrance effortless and graceful.
Argentia turned, bowed, and stepped aside. Riena gave her a nod and then faced the students.
"Good morning," she began, her voice calm, powerful, and coldly elegant. "I am Riena Ravenblake, Headmaster of Mystoria Academy."
"I know why you're here," she continued. "To become stronger. To chase a version of yourself that doesn't yet exist. And I know many of you are willing to put in the effort."
Her eyes scanned the crowd, unreadable.
"Here at Mystoria, we do not care whether you're noble-born or raised in the countryside. The world we live in doesn't ask who you are—it asks whether you are strong enough to protect it. To face the chaos."
There was silence in the room. Not from fear—but from focus.
"You will find here the environment, the knowledge, and the tools to grow. Whether you use them or not… is up to you."
Then, with a slight shift in tone, she said, "Now, I would like to introduce someone else to you. Someone many of you have heard whispers about."
The tension thickened instantly.
"He will be studying and practicing beside you. He is not nobility, nor is he from a lineage of heroes… but he was chosen."
She took a breath.
"Please welcome… Samuel Wildheart, the one chosen by the Goddess of Light herself."