TBATE; My Written Destiny

The Opening Ceremony

Arthur's POV:

I gave my mother one last hug before stepping through the gateway toward Xyrus Academy, Elijah walking beside me. "Aren't you nervous as well, Arthur?" he asked as he saw my casual expression. "I mean, I know you could easily outmatch most, if not all, of the students here, but with all those noble kids around..." His voice trailed off, tinged with a mix of admiration and apprehension.

I turned to Elijah, an impish grin spreading across my face. "You're worried about impressing the noble ladies, aren't you?" His cheeks flushed a light shade of red, and his stammering attempt at a denial only served to deepen my amusement. A light laugh escaped me as I clapped him on the back, the tension of our new beginning momentarily forgotten in our shared jest.

As we walked toward the academy, I took in our surroundings. Around us, kids were immersed in various activities: some practiced magic, weaving spells that danced in the air; others engaged in animated conversations; and a few sat on the grass or on benches, lost in the pages of books.

Upon reaching the front door, a girl—likely a few years older than us—approached. Her serious expression was partly obscured by blonde bangs that fell over one eye. "Based on the color of your uniforms, I assume you're first-years. May I see your academy passes?" she asked in a soft tone.

We nodded and presented our passes. With a return nod, she offered directions to the ceremony hall. We thanked her and proceeded inside, our awe growing at the sight of the academy's interior. The design was breathtaking, with the grandeur inside surpassing even the impressive exterior.

The vastness of the ceremony hall, with its high ceilings and intricate murals depicting scenes of magic and valor, was overwhelming. The air buzzed with the excited chatter of students, a cacophony of hopes and dreams for the future. Beside me, Elijah seemed to shrink slightly, a visible testament to the daunting realization of just how vast the academy—and by extension, our competition—really was.

Navigating through the crowded aisles, we found our way to a pair of vacant seats near the back. A wave of exhilaration washed over me as the ambient murmur of countless conversations filled the air. The hall was a tapestry of diversity, woven from students hailing from every nook and cranny of the kingdoms. Each one brought their distinct heritage and skills, united by a singular, noble quest—to refine and master their magical prowess.

Before long, a hush fell over the crowd as the headmaster took the stage. Her presence was commanding, yet there was a warmth in her eyes that invited trust. She began to speak, her voice resonant and clear, "Welcome, young mages, to Xyrus Academy. You stand at the threshold of a journey that will test your limits, challenge your beliefs, and, should you persevere, forge you into the protectors of our world."

The headmaster paused, allowing her message to resonate. "The path ahead will not be easy. It will demand your best—your intellect, your perseverance, and your heart. But remember, you are not alone in this journey. Look around you; these are your comrades, your friends, and perhaps even your rivals. Together, you will grow, face adversities, and ultimately, stand united as the future guardians of our realm."

As the headmaster concluded his speech, a thunderous applause filled the air. The sound of clapping hands reverberated through the hall, a testament to the stirring words that had just been delivered. Yet, as quickly as it began, the applause dimmed to a hush at the headmaster's gentle command for silence. Her voice, soft yet carrying to every corner of the room through the use of sound magic, announced the next segment of the ceremony. "From here, the council president will take over and tell you everything you need to know about starting your journey in the academy."

As the headmaster stepped away from the podium, a figure emerged from the wings of the stage. At first, the distance and the interplay of light and shadow obscured her features, rendering her a silhouette against the backdrop of the auditorium. But as she approached the podium and the light fell upon her face, recognition dawned on me instantly—it was Tess.