Chapter 39: Loomer.
On the wide, elevated platform stood their instructor: Instructor Velda. She was tall and lean, with the posture of someone who could slice a boulder in half just by standing near it.
Her black coat fluttered slightly with every subtle motion she made, and her narrow eyes were as sharp as twin daggers that had seen too many wars.
Though her features were strikingly beautiful. She had cheekbones like carved ice, lips that always seemed slightly unimpressed and a slender neck that hinted subtly at her femininity.
Still, it was the aura of command she wore like a second skin that made every student sit up straighter the moment she glanced their way.
"And that," she said, her voice smooth but heavy with finality, "is how the Great Carver Rebellion fell. Not in battle. Not in flames. But in silence... under the weight of its own ideals. And with it came the birth of the Surface Kings."
A quiet hush fell over the room as the hundreds of girls in the class took in the history lesson. Then Velda’s tone shifted ever so slightly; lighter, but no less commanding.
"Now then," she said, allowing her eyes to scan the massive auditorium until they landed on a particular trio.
"Congratulations to Ren, Mirabella, and Lia. I see your names on the Imperial Leaderboard. A worthy feat, considering you’ve barely begun."
Whispers broke out immediately, mostly excited murmurs from students who glanced their way with widened eyes, while others sneaked in jealous looks they hoped no one would catch.
"But," Velda continued sharply, causing the room to snap back to silence,
"Do not let early achievement become your final one. Being first does not matter if you become last in the long run. Let this motivate you. Let this push you to chase further. Harder. Smarter."