Chapter 59 – The Orientation Begins
The day had finally arrived.
The grand auditorium of Zenith Academy buzzed with anticipation, its marble floors echoing the footsteps of countless first-year cadets as they poured into the massive hall.
Polished crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the red velvet seats arranged in precise rows. Holographic banners of the academy’s crest—a majestic phoenix engulfed in gold and azure flames—danced in the air.
Excited chatter and hushed whispers filled the space as a sea of first-year students settled into their seats, all proudly adorned in their brand-new uniforms.
The boys wore black blazers with crimson linings, silver buttons running down the front, and white slacks that contrasted sharply with the deep hues. Each had a silver insignia of the Zenith Phoenix stitched proudly over the heart.
The girls’ uniforms echoed the same colors—a black blazer with crimson linings, paired with tailored black skirts or trousers according to their preferences, and white blouses beneath. The same phoenix insignia gleamed proudly on every chest.
They looked like an army of ambition—nervous, eager, and ready to etch their names into history.
Then... the room shifted.
A palpable hush fell over the auditorium as four figures entered together.
Alden von Crestvale, his brown hair glinting under the lights, walked with the grace of a noble and the confidence of a lion. His black blazer hugged his athletic frame, his brown eyes scanning the room with practiced indifference.
Next to him was Ethan Williams, heir to House Williams and the prophesied hero, whose posture screamed nobility. His calm, collected expression and crisp uniform made him look like he had walked straight off a movie poster.