The morning sun shone through Rubin Academy, casting golden light over its ethereal architecture. The red walls shimmered as if enchanted, glowing warmly beneath the sunrise. It was a place designed to impress — extravagant, bold, and undeniably magical.
Outside the grand gates, a crowd of new students gathered. Some stared in awe, others chatted in hushed voices, but one figure stood out.
A boy with messy white hair stood silently, golden eyes scanning the towering structure before him. His gaze was lazy, unreadable, almost bored. His uniform was crisp: deep crimson trimmed in gold, with polished golden buttons gleaming down the front. Beneath it, a white shirt, tucked into matching crimson pants. He looked like he belonged there — and also like he didn't care.
"This academy looks too extravagant," Michael said, his tone robotic, devoid of any emotion.
To his left stood a girl with hair that fell past her waist, colored a shimmering silver-pink. She wore the same uniform as Michael, though hers was tailored to flatter her figure. She carried herself like a woman used to attention — and clearly enjoyed it.
"That's why it's called the most beautiful academy, Michael," she said, grinning. "In my eyes, it's beautiful enough to complement a beautiful woman like me."
Michael blinked. "You're as humble as ever."
Elysia winked. "Of course."
They began walking forward, blending into the crowd of noble heirs, knights' children, and unknown talents. Some whispered, others glanced around nervously. The energy was thick with uncertainty and excitement.
Then, just as the last student stepped through the gate, a heavy sound echoed behind them.
SLAM.
The massive iron gates shut on their own, the noise rippling through the courtyard like thunder. Some students jumped. The whispers grew louder.
"Is this how the headmaster welcomes us?" a brave noble muttered.
"Hmph. What a crude way to greet students of our standing," another added, brushing dust from his silk sleeves.
Michael turned slightly. "Locked inside already. That's not ominous at all."
Suddenly, the air shimmered. A flicker of light appeared above the courtyard, forming the figure of a woman — a hologram, glowing with soft, golden light.
She was beautiful, with long azure hair flowing like water, a pair of elegant silver glasses perched on her nose, and a scholar's robe that gave her a commanding presence. Her silver eyes scanned the crowd, sharp and knowing.
"Welcome, students of Rubin Academy," the hologram said, her voice smooth and playfully confident. "From noble bloodlines to knight houses, from common villages to arcane clans… you've all made it."
Her eyes twinkled.
"You are not permitted to leave the grounds unless for approved reasons — family affairs with verified proof, official academy events, or term breaks. This will be your home for the next four years. So get comfortable. And make friends — or rivals — while you can."
She paused for effect, letting her words sink in.
"I'm Headmistress Lysira. And I will be watching closely."
With that, the hologram flickered and vanished into sparks of blue light.
A hush fell over the students. Some looked uneasy. Others intrigued.
Michael exhaled. "Well… this place already feels like a trap."
Elysia smiled beside him, eyes glittering. "Then let's become the kind of people worth locking up."
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Author here I'm seriously doubting my imaginations about stuff so don't expect much this chapter 1 so it's bound to be short but chapter 2 will be 1.5k words at minimum if I didn't forget about these
Btw gimme that stones