Without acknowledging her accusation, Kayla walked over to an empty seat beside a brown-haired boy and sat down, her focus firmly on the dais where several professors were standing. Violet, of course, was not so easily dismissed.
"Oh my god," she muttered, her voice rising in disbelief. "You did."
Violet dropped into the seat beside kayla, facing her with a glare so intense it felt like she was trying to set her ablaze with the sheer force of her anger.
"Welcome to Astral Academy," a voice boomed, cutting sharply through the din of the dining hall and whatever retort violet had been preparing to unleash. The commanding tone carried effortlessly over the room, drawing every student's attention like a spell.
The hall fell silent almost instantly, the previous hum of conversation dissipating as if it had never existed. All eyes turned toward the source of the voice—the headmaster of Astral academy a tall figure standing at the front of the room, dressed in regal robes that shimmered faintly under the light. His presence was magnetic, and he carried himself with an authority that left no room for doubt.
"We will continue this," violet whispered under her breath, leaning slightly toward Kayla
But Kayla didn't respond, her focus fully on the speaker as they continued.
"As the gates of Astral academy have opened to you, so too have the doors to limitless potential," the voice declared, each word ringing with a gravity that sent a ripple through the crowd. "Here, you will be tested. Not just in skill, but in resilience, discipline, and spirit. Know this—your journey will not be easy, but it will be worth it."
He paused, letting the weight of their words settle over the room. She could feel the shift in the air, the mingling of excitement, anxiety, and determination radiating from the students around him.
"Each of you will gain name, fame and everything you will need to succeed in this society. So, make sure to give your best."
"There are five levels at Astral Academy," he continued, commanding the attention of every student in the hall. "Level 5 is the lowest in rank, while Level 1 is reserved for the best—only the elite stand at its peak."
kayla had been placed in Level 4. Charles is currently in Level 2. The rankings were clear from the moment we entered, each of us assigned based on a combination of magical aptitude, skills, and potential.
"Though every student begins with an assigned rank, levels are not set in stone," the speaker explained. "Each of you has the chance to rise through the ranks. Trials will be held periodically, offering those who prove themselves the opportunity to level up. But understand this—advancing is no small feat. It requires not just ability, but persistence, strategy, and courage."
A murmur swept through the crowd as students exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of hope and apprehension.
"The trials for Level 5 will begin this week," he added, his gaze sharp as it moved across the room. "It is your first opportunity to prove your worth. But remember, as the levels rise, so too do the challenges. Only a select few ascend to Level 1. The path to greatness is narrow, and only the truly exceptional will succeed."
Advancing wasn't just about prestige or recognition—it was a means to an end for kayla, a step closer to the goal.
"I am honored to say that we already have three Level 1 students among us this year," the speaker announced, their voice carrying a hint of pride as they gestured toward the front row.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she glanced towards where he pointed. There in the first row sat three students.
One of them was a girl with bone-straight brown hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her posture was impeccable, her expression calm and composed, from the back she could only see so much. Kayla wonder who she is?
And then, beside her, sat two guys. She leaned forward slightly to get a better look. As if drawn by some invisible thread, one of them turned, his dark, piercing gaze sweeping the crowd until it locked onto where Kayla sat.
her heart stalled. No. It couldn't be.
she ducked quickly, her breath catching in her throat. her heart hammered as she closed her eyes berating herself for being so obvious. Did he see her? she wasn't sure.
But it didn't matter. She already knew who he was. It was him.
The vampire from the roof. Of all the places he could have been, of all the levels he could have occupied—he had to be in Level 1.
This was bad. Very bad.
The odds were already stacked against her, and now they seemed to be crumbling even further. If he was Level 1, that meant he wasn't just powerful—he was dangerously powerful. Worse still, it meant their paths were bound to cross again.
And when they did, she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep control of the situation.
"What are you doing?" Violet whispered, leaning closer to her, her brows furrowed as she took in her awkward posture.
"Nothing,"Kayla replied quickly, forcing herself to sit properly in her seat acting as if nothing happened.