"Pearl Institute is a military school," Principal Tian Long said grimly.
His voice rang through the ruined banquet hall, calm and unwavering amid the broken glass, toppled chairs, and stunned silence that lingered in the air like smoke.
"This place is not built for comfort. It is no playground for young nobles. It is a crucible."
He stepped forward across the stage, the crunch of crystal and debris beneath his polished boots punctuating his words.
"For over a decade, we've been locked in war with the European Empire—a war of mana, of machines, of blood. Hundreds of thousands have died—not only soldiers, but civilians. Children. Families. Entire cities reduced to ash. And yet, the war stands still. Neither side advances. Neither side retreats."
His gaze swept across the gathered crowd, eyes sharp and weighted with purpose.
The first years stood in complete disarray.
