Noah made his way through the academy's sprawling courtyards, a soft, satisfied smile on his face.
Students' eyes followed him, their whispers following after him, but he ignored them. All he focused on was heading to his destination, the cafeteria.
He crossed through the main entrance and moved towards the section reserved for Gold-tier students. A guard rune shimmered faintly in the air as he passed through the barrier, pinging his new nameplate and acknowledging his new status.
The atmosphere inside was instantly different. The noise was subdued, refined, nothing like the loud clamor of the rest of the building.
The tables were polished wood, chandeliers hung overhead, and the air was fragrant with spices from the food stations.
The food itself was a world apart. Rows of dishes, steaming and perfectly arranged, lined the counters.
Roast meats, glazed vegetables, baskets of soft bread, and trays of sweet cakes gleamed invitingly under soft enchantment lights.
