I'm about to bite into my mana-infused chicken skewer when the room suddenly dims its lights. The cafeteria falls silent as a low chime pulses through it during conversations.
Then, over the speakers:
"Attention, all first-years. First-years must reach the Central Auditorium by 1600 hours for an essential briefing. Attendance is mandatory."
After the message plays through once and ends the announcement buzz returns as nervous conversations resume.
I glance at Will and Zach. "Special briefing?"
Will frowns, licking sauce off his thumb. "That does not sound like a good thing."
Claude, who's been quiet, leans forward. "Velmara doesn't do 'special' for no reason. A serious error occurred or we're going to see major events unfold.
My appetite fades a little. Something bad is happening, I can sense it. But like I said before, whatever it is, I'll have to face it.
The school's students and I exit together as the usual lunchtime chatter fades into anxious whispers. The Grand Assembly Hall pulls us together within minutes despite its massive stone amphitheater structure that holds thousands. Vice Chairman Grey stands alone on the front stage but today he appears with additional figures beside him.
Seven other figures stand behind him wearing deep cobalt robes topped with silver mantles and each has their own unique insignia embroidered across their chest. The arrival of these figures instantly silences the hall as if someone turned off a sound switch. Even I know what this means.
I whisper "The Council" to Zach who responds with a solemn nod.
"All seven of them," Will whispers back. "That... never happens unless something's bad."
Vice Chairman Grey moves into position while an unseen magic power amplifies his voice.
Vice Chairman Grey directs his sweeping gaze toward us before addressing the students of Velmara Academy who have gathered today due to alarming and atypical circumstances.
" I will not sugarcoat this: Our ward network which was engineered to prevent any unauthorized access suffered a security breach early this morning. Momentary, but significant. A force remains unidentified after infiltrating our perimeter defenses."
A wave of gasps spreads throughout the hall.
The next person to step forward is Councilwoman Veyla whose eyes and silver braided hair give her a sharp appearance.
"Such situations would normally fall under the responsibility of our top Vanguard and Mage divisions. However, the breach was... not ordinary. The disruption originated from a mana well which has begun releasing corruption at a fast and irregular pace. Our analysis shows that the disturbance may be linked to a major threat against Altinium's core structure," She declares with crystalline clarity.
She pauses, letting that sink in.
"Following a unanimous council decision, every student from first-years upwards must engage in assessment and containment exercises. The situation now demands survival skills instead of academic learning."
The room vibrates with a combined sound of protest and panic.
Grey raises his hand, silencing everyone. "We understand the risk. The foundation of Velmara established the principle that individuals who awaken Aetherkind must encounter real-world threats. The reason you came here was not to seek protection behind barriers. You were brought here to defend them."
The students look at each other with uncertainty while the air vibrates with tension.
"Students will not face these challenges alone. Council-selected operatives along with instructors and guardian-class wardens will join each squad. Your work should focus on aiding others and acquiring knowledge instead of working independently in combat. Your participation is essential to track the corruption spread because your Aetherplates collect data that remains inaccessible through other methods," Grey reinforces his point with a firm tone.
Ah. There's the reason. Our Aetherplates.
"They're using us as sensors," Will mutters.
Claude speaks softly with a narrowing gaze, "Bait, too."
I shiver. He might not be wrong.
The next person to move forward is Councilman Oryn who stands with wide shoulders and deep-set eyes.
"Deployment begins tomorrow at dawn. Class leaders will be briefed tonight. Dismissed."
As we shuffle out of the hall, the gravity sinks in.
"What the hell did we sign up for?" I mutter.
Zach claps me on the back, trying to be light. "It is what it is."
Claude says nothing, his expression unreadable.
Will shakes his head. "Well, whatever happens next... we'll be ready."
I nod. "Yeah. We don't really have a choice."
At the moment we start to depart the hall, my Aetherplate makes a quiet notification sound. Not a class notification this time—a summons.
[A request has been made for you to attend Vice Chairman Grey's office. 10:30 PM. Attendance mandatory.]
I look at Claude who examines his plate before our eyes connect in an unspoken understanding.
"We need to add one more thing to our checklist tonight."
Will arches a brow but doesn't press. "Good luck."
Zach doesn't speak but gives a slight nod.
Claude and I walk through the silent academy grounds after parting ways in the hall as mana lanterns softly illuminate our path through the night. The mist grows denser and wraps everything in a silent veil of expectation.
Upon arriving at Grey's office the world appears frozen as we enter the main part of our discussion.