Chapter-6
[Everyone is at the academy gates.]
Kael: "I'm still worried about what happened…"
Blake: "Father, don't be scared. I'll be fine."
Kael: "Alright. But if there ever comes a day you want to leave, just tell me. I'll get you out immediately."
Blake: "Okay. Bye."
[Blake, Jane, Scott, and Spencer enter the academy together.]
Receptionist: "Are you new students?"
Blake: "Yes."
Receptionist 1: ..Then please head into that room..
[She gestures to the same hall where the entrance briefings were held. They enter. Storm is inside.]
Storm: "Hey kid, how are you holding up?"
Blake: "Fine, sir. And you?"
Storm: "Doing fine. Sit there."
[Storm points at a row of seats. The group sits. A moment later, Grafarious Astiton enters the hall.]
Grafarious: "Greetings, students. I trust you are well. Let me get straight to the point. This academy has many rules — you will learn them as you go. For now, I'll only explain about your stay. You can choose who you want to live with, and yes, boys and girls may share dorms. That's all for today. The next four years will be days you will never forget. Now, everyone follow Storm to the dormitories. Except for Blake — stay here."
[The others leave with Storm. Grafarious approaches Blake.]
Grafarious: "Blake."
Blake: "Yes, sir?"
Grafarious: "I knew your father. And your uncle, Kane. In fact, I was your uncle's teacher. I promised him I'd guide the next in his line… and though I never imagined it would be like this, I intend to keep that promise by teaching you myself. Now, tell me — what weapons have you chosen?"
Blake: "Spear as my primary, bow and arrows as secondary."
Grafarious:"A fine combination. I will teach you archery myself. For spear… let me check."
[He unrolls a large parchment and scans the names.]
Grafarious: "Spear will be taught to you by Storm. If you need anything — anything at all — come directly to me. Understood?"
Blake: "Yes, sir. Thank you."
[Blake bows lightly and leaves. He returns to the reception.]
Blake: "Excuse me, where are the dormitories?"
Receptionist 1: ..Go through that side door. From there, the signs will guide you..
Blake: "Thanks."
[Blake steps through the door and finds himself in a breathtaking garden. The air is fragrant with jasmine, fountains murmur in the distance, and sunlight filters through climbing vines.]
Blake: This place… it's beautiful.
[Storm approaches from the dormitory path.]
Blake: "Hi, sir."
Storm: "Blake. You're Kael's boy… and Kane's nephew."
Blake: "Yes, sir. Could you help me find the dormitories?"
Storm: "Follow me."
[They walk together down the stone path.]
Storm: "How old are you now?"
Blake: "I turned twelve just two weeks ago."
Storm:"Twelve years ago… that was when Kane died. I taught him spear. Mr. Astiton taught him archaeological studies. Kane had talent — enough that everyone believed he would be the brightest student this academy had ever seen. Then, suddenly… no one knew what happened. They called it suicide. But…"
[Storm's voice trails off, heavy with memory. He clears his throat.]
Storm: "Anyway. What did you say your weapon choices were?"
Blake: "Spear, and bow and arrow."
Storm: "Good. As I said, I'll be your spear teacher. And Grafarious himself will guide you in archery. That shows the faith he places in you. Just remember this: Kane was special. Everyone thought so. Grafarious treated him like his own son. He'll expect the same from you."
[They arrive at the dormitory doors.]
Storm: "One more thing. One of your uncle's closest friends is still here, working at this academy. If you really want to know what happened to Kane… speak to him. Goodbye for now."
[Storm leaves. Blake looks up at the tall dormitory, fists clenching slightly.]
Blake: I have to learn the truth. Somehow, I'll find out what happened to Uncle Kane.