The grand auditorium of Zenith Academy was packed with first-year cadets, second-years, third-years, faculty members, and a few important guests.
The ceiling sparkled with floating lights, holograms of past champions shimmered along the walls, and majestic banners waved gently despite the lack of wind. It was the First-Year Award Ceremony, and excitement buzzed through the air.
The vaulted ceilings glistened with crystal lights, and the murmurs of a thousands of cadets created a low, expectant hum.
Then, the giant golden doors creaked open.
Alex and Draven stepped through the massive double doors of the Zenith Grand Auditorium, their shoes clicking against the polished obsidian floor. The moment they entered, every eye in the room snapped toward them.
All eyes turned as Alex Dragonheart and Draven entered—sweaty, dusty, and looking like they'd just escaped from a jungle expedition rather than the student dorms. Leaves were still stuck in Draven's hair.
