A crisp morning sun peeked over Piltover's gleaming towers, casting long, golden rays down onto the Academy's courtyard. Orion stood at the entrance, his mechanical arm strapped securely and a satchel of notes in hand. Despite the flutter of nervous anticipation in his stomach, he also felt a thrill of excitement: this was his first official day as an Academy student.
Around him, clusters of new arrivals chattered animatedly. Some wore pristine uniforms, pressed and tailored; others, like Orion, opted for simpler garments. Professors bustled through the stone archways, their arms laden with rolled parchments or mechanical components. Occasional bursts of laughter and the whir of small gear-driven contraptions filled the courtyard, hinting at the energy brimming just beyond the threshold.
"Here we go," Orion murmured under his breath, gripping his satchel. He could practically feel the pulse of invention in the air.
An Unforgettable Welcome
Inside, the main atrium was alive with students milling about. A tall directory board displayed the day's schedule: orientation sessions, campus tours, lab safety briefings. Orion scanned the list, searching for his name among the new intake group.
"Orion!"
He turned to find Caitlyn making her way through the bustling crowd. She wore a simple but elegant outfit, her dark hair tied back. A bright grin lit her face, and Orion felt a rush of relief at seeing a friendly presence.
"Caitlyn," he greeted, returning her smile. "I didn't realize you'd be here this early."
She shrugged. "I convinced Mother to pull a few strings so I could check out the Academy on the first day. I'm not an official student—yet—but I might take a few preliminary courses." Then her gaze flicked to Orion's mechanical arm. "How does it feel? Ready for a full day of note-taking and demonstrations?"
He flexed the fingers experimentally. "A bit stiff. I've done some last-minute tweaks, but it should be fine."
She nodded approvingly, then handed him a small folded note. "It's from my father—Tobias. He wrote you a short message wishing you well. He's quite impressed by your determination."
Surprised, Orion tucked it into his satchel for later. "That's… really kind of him. Thank you."
Before they could say more, a robed professor with a strict posture clapped his hands near the entryway. "New students, gather, please! We'll begin the orientation tour in five minutes!"
Orion glanced at Caitlyn, who motioned for him to go on. "I'll catch up after the tour," she said. "I want to explore a bit myself."
"Sure," Orion replied, feeling buoyed by her support.
The Grand Tour
The group of first-year students followed the professor through the Academy's winding corridors. At every turn, Orion marveled at the architecture: towering columns inlaid with brass filigree, stained-glass windows depicting Piltover's storied inventors, and the occasional ticking automaton perched in a corner, diligently polishing the floor or delivering notes.
"This wing," announced the professor, gesturing toward a broad hallway lined with doors, "houses classrooms for theoretical lectures—mechanical physics, advanced mathematics, and some basic arcane frameworks."
Orion jotted a few notes, though he already knew roughly what to expect. Still, the scale of it all was beyond anything he'd experienced, and a ripple of excitement coursed through him.
They continued on, passing through an outdoor courtyard where older students tinkered with experiments. Some tested small flying contraptions, while others adjusted specialized gear sets, all of them deep in animated discussion.
"Our main workshop and labs lie ahead," the professor went on, guiding them past a set of double doors. "This is where you'll handle practical tasks—constructing prototypes, analyzing materials, perfecting designs. Cooperation and safety are paramount, so do abide by the rules."
Peering inside, Orion glimpsed row upon row of workbenches brimming with tools and half-finished inventions. The hum of machinery and faint crackle of electricity drifted out, making his heart pound.
"After orientation, you'll be assigned a schedule," the professor concluded. "Each student will have a personal mentor among the faculty, along with access to certain labs based on your progress. Work hard, and you'll have the Academy's full support."
The group dispersed, conversations buzzing with excitement. Orion found a seat on a nearby bench, catching his breath. He couldn't wait to begin.
Between Old Friends and New Faces
Shortly afterward, Caitlyn reappeared, a map of the Academy in hand. She handed Orion a neatly folded schedule. "I managed to snag a copy for you. Thought you might appreciate not standing in that line."
Orion's eyes glided over the parchment, which listed a range of classes—Introductory Mechanics, Theoretical Mathematics, Basic Arcana Concepts, Collaboration Labs. He whistled softly. "It's… a lot."
Caitlyn laughed. "Don't worry. You'll have time to adjust. Besides, from what I've seen, you thrive on busy projects."
Before Orion could respond, a trio of older students ambled past. One, a lanky boy with messy hair and an air of confidence, paused to look at Orion's prosthetic arm. "Whoa," he said, voice echoing through the hallway. "That's new. You build that yourself?"
Orion nodded, a touch wary. "I did."
The older student peered closer but showed no outward sign of mockery. "Neat. I'm Riven, second-year. If you ever need help hooking up specialized wiring, come find me."
Caught off guard by the friendly offer, Orion smiled. "Thanks, Riven. I'll keep that in mind."
The exchange ended as quickly as it began, leaving Orion slightly more at ease. Perhaps forging alliances wouldn't be as daunting as he feared.
A Glimpse of Advanced Projects
When lunchtime rolled around, Caitlyn and Orion wandered into a small refectory that overlooked the Academy's eastern gardens. Warm sunlight poured through tall windows, dancing off the polished tables. They selected simple meals, then grabbed seats by the window.
"I thought I'd be more intimidated," Orion admitted between bites of fresh bread. "But everyone seems… excited to be here, maybe even supportive."
Caitlyn sipped her tea thoughtfully. "Piltover's built on collaboration, I guess. Still, don't be surprised if some rivalry crops up once the real projects begin."
Chuckling, Orion nodded. "Competitive spirits can push innovation, or so I've heard."
They finished eating, then decided to explore the campus further. Caitlyn guided Orion through a side corridor that ended at a small library annex. Inside, shelves lined every wall, groaning under the weight of mechanical treatises, arcane theories, and historical tomes. The smell of parchment and old leather bound them in a cozy hush.
At the far side, Orion noticed a few advanced volumes on the interplay of biology and machinery—a topic close to his heart. He ran his fingers along the spines, eyes alight with possibility. "I'll need these if I want to refine the mechanical eye design," he mused.
Caitlyn brushed dust from a nearby shelf, pulling out a thick volume titled Anatomical Approaches to Prosthetic Enhancement. "This might be useful," she said, handing it to him. "It looks dense, but maybe it'll have something about nerve interfaces."
"Thank you," he said, tucking the book under his arm. "It's exactly what I'm looking for."
A Surprising Invitation
That afternoon, after a short orientation lecture, Orion was approached by another professor—a tall, bespectacled woman named Professor Elania. Her neat ponytail and brisk manner reminded him of an enforcer, but there was warmth behind her eyes.
"Orion, correct?" she asked, glancing at a clipboard. "I've heard from Professor Heimerdinger about your unique projects. I'd like to invite you to a special weekly workshop series for advanced thinkers. Normally, it's reserved for older students, but we make exceptions for… exceptional cases."
Orion felt a thrill ripple through him. "That sounds incredible, Professor. Thank you."
Professor Elania offered a small smile. "We'll see if your work lives up to the hype. Next session is in two days, Lab 12A. Bring any prototypes or designs you want to develop further."
She turned on her heel and departed, leaving Orion reeling. This was precisely the sort of opportunity he'd hoped the Academy could provide—direct mentorship, access to specialized equipment, maybe even a chance to refine Energon safely.
He hurried off to find Caitlyn, mind buzzing with news. He spotted her near a row of lockers, engaged in conversation with a first-year enforcer cadet about some training protocols. When she saw Orion's wide grin, she excused herself and drew him aside.
"Something good happened?" she teased, noticing his excitement.
"Better than good," Orion said in a rush. "I just got invited to a special workshop for advanced students. I—this is more than I expected on my first day!"
Her eyes lit up. "That's wonderful. You'll have to tell me all about it, or even let me sit in if visitors are allowed."
He nodded eagerly. "I'll check. Professor Elania might allow it if we keep things quiet."
Reflections at Day's End
By the time evening came, Orion felt a contented fatigue settle over him. He left the Academy's main gates with Caitlyn, who was heading home to the Kiramman estate. They paused at the top of the marble steps, admiring the sun setting behind Piltover's skyline.
"Thanks for sticking around today," Orion said softly. "Having a familiar face… it helped."
Caitlyn smiled. "I'm glad. And I enjoyed seeing the Academy from a new perspective. I'll be in and out, but I plan to take a few courses soon, once I finalize things with my parents."
A comfortable silence stretched between them, the glow of the setting sun bathing the courtyard in rosy light.
"So," Caitlyn ventured, glancing at Orion's mechanical arm, "think your first day lived up to expectations?"
He flexed the fingers lightly, a faint whir in the joints. "More than I could've hoped for, actually. Now, I just want to dig into the labs and see how far I can push my designs."
With a bright laugh, Caitlyn said, "Just promise you'll share some of that excitement with me. I want front-row seats when you unveil the next big invention."
Orion's cheeks flushed, but he grinned. "Deal."
They parted ways, and Orion's journey home felt buoyed by a sense of accomplishment. Grant and Clara awaited him in the living room, looking eager for news.
"How was it?" Clara asked, voice bright.
Orion spread his arms wide. "It was amazing," he breathed. "The teachers, the workshops… even the students. Professor Elania invited me to a special advanced group. I— I can't believe it."
Grant let out a low whistle, his eyes shining. "Told you this city was ready for your ideas, son. Seems they can't wait to see what you'll do."
Clara wrapped Orion in a warm hug, her relief and pride evident in the way she squeezed his shoulders. "We're so proud. But remember to rest. You'll burn out if you don't pace yourself."
Orion nodded, a gentle fatigue tugging at him now that the day's adrenaline had worn off. "I will, Mom," he promised softly. "I just… can't wait to see what tomorrow brings."
That night, as he lay in bed, Orion found his thoughts drifting between images of the Academy's vast corridors and glimpses of the next prototypes he wanted to build. The mechanical eye blueprint pinned on the wall caught his gaze. Soon, he thought, he might discover the missing puzzle pieces to transform that dream into reality.
A quiet determination took root inside him, bolstered by the friendships he was forming and the opportunities the Academy provided. He could feel it: the future was opening like a newly turned gear, ready to mesh with everything he had to offer.
Tomorrow would be another step along that path, and Orion intended to make every moment count.