The Academy's great hall was massive, ceilings soaring high with banners of glowing runes drifting lazily above. Hundreds of new students filled the rows, buzzing with chatter until a sharp clap silenced everything.
At the front stood a panel of teachers—robes shimmering faintly with enchantments. One of them, a tall woman with silver hair bound in a braid, raised her hand. With a flick of her wrist, light burst from her palm and spun into the air.
A glowing timetable materialized, floating like glass in front of every student.
"Here are your assigned classes," the woman said. "Combat Theory, Arcane Studies, History, Alchemy, and Elemental Control. Schedules are tailored to your aptitude levels. You will report to the proper wings at the designated hours."
Students leaned forward, whispering, tapping on their floating timetables to see what appeared. Zane squinted at his, muttering, "History, history, more history. Oh good, I'll die of boredom before a monster even gets the chance."
"Any questions?" the woman asked crisply.
Dozens of students shifted nervously. None raised their hand.
Except one.
Zane's arm shot up like he was answering a quiz show buzzer. "Yeah, question!"
Every head turned. Mira's stomach dropped. "Don't—"
The teacher gave him a wary look. "…Yes?"
Zane grinned. "Where do we sleep? You know, beds, pillows, blankets, the essentials. I'm very attached to my eight—no, nine hours of beauty rest."
Several students chuckled. Mira facepalmed.
The teacher's expression stayed stone cold. "Dormitories are provided. You will be paired in twos, same gender. One room per pair."
"Awwww." Zane dramatically slumped in his chair, turning to Mira. "Guess that means we don't get the same room. Tragic. All those late-night heart-to-hearts we could've had, gone."
The students around them snickered. Mira's cheeks flushed scarlet. "Will you stop—"
The teacher cleared her throat loudly, glaring at the crowd until it silenced again. "As for dorm arrangements—boys' hostel and girls' hostel will be in completely separate wings, with reinforced wards between them. This rule exists due to… incidents in the past. Which we will not go into detail about."
Zane sat up straight, eyes wide. "Wow. You make it sound so much worse by not explaining."
Half the hall stifled laughter. Mira wished she could crawl under her seat and vanish.
The teacher's eye twitched. "If there are no serious questions, orientation is concluded. You are dismissed to find your dorms."