Date: Academy Entrance Ceremony – Evening
Location: Grand Hall of the Seven Sigils
We knew the results before they were announced.
They called our names at dawn.
Leander punched my shoulder and laughed,
> "I guess we're officially hell-bound scholars now."
His parents arrived shortly after.
His father looked like an older version of him — same sunny eyes, same easy smile, same ridiculous handshake that nearly dislocated my shoulder.
His mother brought food. So much food. She spoke to everyone like we'd been friends for years. I liked her immediately.
My own parents came quietly.
My father — the mage — was composed as ever.
My mother — still carrying her scars from swordplay — gripped my shoulder with one hand. Said nothing. But her eyes said everything.
The Ceremony was grand.
They lit seven mageflames for each discipline.
The sigils of sword, spell, soul, and strategy shimmered on the banners. And beneath them… were we.
They announced the top scorers.
Third: Alice.
Second: Leander.
First: Me.
I had broken three records.
I heard the murmurs of teachers. My parents were suddenly surrounded. I slipped away before they could ask questions I wasn't ready to answer.
Then came the speeches.
The nobles tried too hard. The performers performed.
When they called my name, I walked up slowly.
I didn't say anything brilliant. I just looked at the students — the ones who bled, cried, screamed, and still stood here.
Then I said:
> "We were thrown into chaos… and yet we survived.
Not because we were strong — but because we didn't fall alone.
I don't know what this Academy will shape us into.
But I believe… if we keep walking forward, even when it hurts,
then someday — even if no one remembers our names —
the people who walk after us will thank us for enduring."
Silence.
Then applause. Not loud. But genuine.
The ceremony went better than expected.
Later, the dance floor shimmered under starlight.
Leander was already half-drunk on attention.
Anna was challenging nobles to duels — with spoons.
Riya stuck close to Yukari, her laughter unusually quiet.
I lingered in the shadows, until I saw her.
Lily.
Dressed in night-blue silk, a silver flower in her hair.
She looked like she belonged under moonlight.
I approached.
> "May I have this dance?"
She raised an eyebrow. "I thought you didn't dance."
> "I don't," I admitted. "But I'm willing to learn."
She didn't smile — not fully — but she extended her hand.
And we moved. Not perfectly. Not gracefully.
But something about it felt… right.
Others watched. Maybe whispered.
We didn't care. We weren't performing.
We were… speaking, in silence.
> "You did well," she said softly.
"So did you," I answered.
That was all.
And yet, it felt like more.
When the music slowed, I walked her back to her seat.
We didn't say goodbye — just shared a glance that lingered.
Later that night, we gathered near the garden steps.
Leander told wild stories. Anna added sound effects.
Even Alice allowed herself a rare smile.
I sat with them, but my eyes drifted to the moon.
I thought of battles. Of choices.
Of the strange peace I felt dancing with her —
Not love, not yet…
But the beginning of understanding.
Tomorrow, we move forward.
But tonight… we were still human.