The grand hall of Rosaria Academy shimmered beneath vaulted ceilings of enchanted glass, glowing with soft, filtered sunlight. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen stars, and banners of every noble house fluttered in a magical breeze that flowed unnaturally through the air.
Rows upon rows of velvet-cushioned seats were filled with the academy's newest batch of students—aspiring nobles, mages, knights, diplomats, and dignitaries. All gathered for the traditional Opening Orientation Ceremony that marked the beginning of their prestigious education.
At the head of the hall stood a raised stage, behind which was the crest of Rosaria—a blooming rose impaled by a gilded sword, representing knowledge and strength.
A dignified man stepped forward. Tall and robed in deep navy embroidered with golden runes, he exuded authority. His face was aged but sharp, eyes piercing beneath thin spectacles.
"Welcome, first-years!" he boomed, voice laced with magical amplification that made it reach every corner of the colossal hall. "I am Professor Headmaster Aldric Vernhart, and it is with great pride that I welcome you to Rosaria Academy of Arcane and Noble Arts."
Polite claps rippled across the hall.
"You stand at the threshold of history. Here, the children of kingdoms and commoners alike gather to forge the future of the continent. Whether you wield blade, staff, or pen—you will be tested. You will struggle. And those among you who persevere will find greatness beyond imagining."
He paced, pausing in front of the podium.
"Rosaria Academy accepts only the most promising minds and hearts. Whether noble-born or blessed by fate, you are here because you have potential. And we expect you to prove it."
He smiled then, though it was small and almost wolfish.
"Now, as tradition demands, I shall call the names of those who have been placed into your initial class assignments based on your entrance evaluations."
The room quieted. Everyone leaned forward just a little.
The first names he called were met with light claps, though none with fanfare.
"Arwen Teague — Class F.
"Mira Lenford — Class E."
"Denton Graye — Class D."
"Iria Hollowmere — Class D."
"Lars Veyn — Class C."
"Juno Windleigh — Class C."
"Kael Brinton — Class B."
"Vera Snow — Class B."
The students stood when called, giving respectful bows as per tradition. Though the hall was civil, whispers danced around like fluttering leaves. These were names largely unknown, low-ranking, and ultimately unimportant in the grand scope of Rosaria's narrative.
Professor Vernhart cleared his throat. "Now… those who have been placed into First Class."
The room held its breath.
These were the elite. Only twenty made it every year—the strongest, brightest, most exceptional. And in Rosaria, these twenty were the main characters—the centerpieces of drama, romance, betrayal, and destiny.
One by one, he began to read.
"Elias Viremont — Crown Prince of Elyria."
A silver-haired youth with flawless posture stood, receiving thunderous applause.
"Selene D'Arion — Saintess of the Azure Temple."
A calm, white-robed girl with sapphire eyes nodded in quiet elegance.
"Rowan Kaelthorn — Commander Heir of the Crimson Legion."
Scarlet-eyed and stoic, a boy with military discipline stood sharply.
"Lilianne Faerwyn — Heir to the House of Faerwyn, the Duchess of Frost."
The air seemed to grow colder as she stood—tall, poised, untouchable.
"Damien Crossveil—First class
"Aurelia Skywell —First class."
"Vincent Rhysgard — First Class"
"Clarisse Amouré "
"Riven Malchior "
"Theron Alcrest "
"Naomi Bellwyn "
"Lucien Crownsfall "
"Freya Novalis "
"Gideon Draeven "
"Isadora Vale "
"Talia Voss "
"Rein Aurielle "
"Cassian Dorne "
"Liora Astrevane —"
The mention of Liora Astrevane caused a shift in the air. Even the main eighteen first class students visibly reacted. She was, Regal, cruel, and charismatic, and placed second among the top twenty.
The applause swelled as the main twenty rose. Their presence filled the room like gravity. It was like watching demigods gather before mortal eyes.
And then—
"Lastly," Professor Vernhart said, blinking at the parchment in his hand. His eyes narrowed. "The top-ranked student of this year's incoming class… with a perfect score in the written exam, practical duels, magical aptitude, and theoretical applications…"
He hesitated.
"Caelum Raye — First Class."
The room went still.
There was a moment of confused silence. Murmurs. The name didn't belong. No one knew who that was. Not a noble house. Not a hero. Not a villain. Just… a name.
And then footsteps echoed as a lone figure stood from somewhere near the back.
He walked slowly but confidently—an oddly tall young man with ink-black hair and pale skin, wearing a tailored uniform that hugged his lean frame. His gray eyes were emotionless, almost bored, but sharp as broken glass.
The applause was slow to follow. A mix of politeness and confusion.
Caelum reached the stage and took his place among the shocked, glamorous elite.
Liora Astrevane raised a brow, her lips curling slightly with interest.
Elias Viremont looked at him with cold analysis.
Selene D'Arion offered a brief, graceful nod.
Rowan frowned subtly.
Professor Vernhart continued with a cough. "Welcome… all of you… to the First Class. May your years at Rosaria prove fruitful."
The hall broke into ceremonial applause once again.
Caelum stood calmly beside the stars of the story, his face unreadable.
But deep within his mind, behind that mask of cool detachment…
Perfect. Right where I need to be.
His lips almost curved into a smile—but not quite.