On the stage, Lady Clara had just presented the eight heirs of the different kingdoms, each surrounded by a prestige that naturally commanded the attention of the entire assembly. These exceptional young figures would be trained alongside the other Awakened to strengthen the future of their nations. Yet in the middle of the ceremony, Lady Clara seemed to be holding one final card. A surprise.
And Kenzo had always distrusted surprises.
He disliked that feeling of uncertainty, as though the ground might open beneath his feet at any moment. His eyes remained fixed on the stage with vigilance, his heart beating fast behind the neutral expression he struggled to maintain.
– « The reason we have this opportunity this rare chance to gather the different royal families within this academy is thanks to her, » Lady Clara declared, her clear voice cutting through the hall like a blade.
Murmurs began to rise. In the half-darkness, where only magical spotlights illuminated the stage, a silhouette slowly took shape. A silhouette unlike the ones people expected.
Don't tell me… Kenzo thought, narrowing his eyes.
His doubts were confirmed when a young girl stepped forward. She was not dressed in noble robes or ceremonial attire, but in simple black jeans and a white t-shirt. Her appearance clashed sharply with the elegant atmosphere of the ceremony. Her hair, tied in a ponytail, was a blazing shade of red. And when she stepped into the light, her strands seemed to ignite, shifting between deep crimson and burning orange like embers waiting to burst into flame. Her smooth skin, almost luminous, looked as if it had been sculpted from something unreal.
Kenzo felt his breath catch.
– « It's her… » he murmured.
Beside him, Lucian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
– « Huh? You know her? » he asked, his gaze shifting between Kenzo and the mysterious girl.
Kenzo didn't answer right away. His mind was already captivated by the image unfolding before him.
Lady Clara remained perfectly composed. She raised a delicate hand and gestured toward the newcomer.
– « Allow me to introduce Ophélia. This young girl is the legendary Phoenix… the one who, when the time comes, will help us save humanity. »
A shiver ran through the audience. Waves of whispers spread across the hall, colliding like restless tides. Some spectators covered their mouths in shock, others exchanged stunned glances.
Unlike Kenzo, who had only heard of the Phoenix through children's stories and fairy tales, many seemed familiar with the true legend.
They knew.
Lucian's eyes widened.
– « Wait… what? The Phoenix… from the history books? » he blurted out in disbelief.
Kenzo clenched his fists, frustration stirring inside him.
Even he knows more than I do… he thought bitterly.
On the stage, the heirs watched the scene intently. Their faces, illuminated by the shifting light, revealed a range of emotions—suspicion, curiosity, defiance. Only Vivianne Valemir, the heir of the Empire of Florenthel, remained completely unreadable. Even Yareth, normally so confident, displayed a faint hint of caution.
Kenzo frowned slightly. The general distrust intrigued him. But more than anything, it was Ophélia's gaze that struck him.
She wasn't looking at the room like a guest.
Her eyes burned with a fierce intensity a mixture of defiance, restrained anger, and quiet contempt. She was not a gentle girl, nor a mythical savior answering a noble call. She radiated rebellion, almost tangibly.
She's from the outer walls… Kenzo thought with icy certainty. That distrust toward people from the inner walls… and that rage. I understand it. I feel the same thing.
An invisible thread seemed to bind them together. He too carried that sense of exclusion, that quiet resentment waiting to erupt.
Lady Clara continued calmly, ignoring the restless whispers of the crowd.
– « I can see that many of you know the stories surrounding the Phoenix. I hope you will all strive to perform well, so that you may one day stand among those who will take the second test alongside Awakened Ophélia. »
Her voice faded, leaving its echo lingering in the silent hall. Then, with a small gesture, she invited the heirs and Ophélia to return to their seats.
The ceremony resumed, now more formal, more administrative. Lady Clara explained the academy's rules, detailing curfew hours, training areas, the cafeteria, and the many facilities available to students.
Each Awakened would receive an identification card along with a badge marked with a "I," indicating their rank within the hierarchy of the Awakened world. Classes were not mandatory—everyone was free to carve their own path. However, students could enroll in a variety of disciplines: « Survival in Hostile Environments », « Ancient Languages », « Divinities and Mythical Creatures », « Combat Training », and many others.
Kenzo mentally noted one particularly strange course—this one required payment: « Fragment Exploration ». The title alone sparked his curiosity, though he had absolutely no idea what it meant.
When the ceremony ended, the hall filled with lively chatter. Awakened students—excited or anxious—gathered into animated groups.
Kenzo left the hall alongside Lucian.
– « My room is 112… you can come by anytime, » Lucian said, holding up his room card with a somewhat forced smile.
His tone was casual, but Kenzo could see the truth behind it. Lucian struggled to make friends. He clung to the only person who felt even slightly familiar. Behind that invitation lay a quiet fear.
A sharp contrast to Yareth's confident, triumphant smile.
– « Uh… sure. We'll see, » Kenzo replied awkwardly. He wasn't used to this kind of interaction nor to the emotional vulnerability behind it.
He then turned away, retracing his steps toward the royal suite he now shared with Yareth.
When he arrived at the door, he saw Lord Karim standing there—straight and imposing like a marble statue.
– « I remembered that you did not yet have an access card for the room. Here you are. The young prince should be joining you shortly, » Lord Karim said, handing him a golden card.
It bore no number. Only the majestic symbol of Yareth's kingdom.
Kenzo bowed his head slightly in respect.
– « Thank you, » he said before entering the room.
Kenzo settled onto the couch, his gaze fixed on the ceiling adorned with intricate patterns. Yet his mind refused to calm.
He had many questions to ask.
But above all, he needed to speak with Yareth about the Phoenix.