Not long after, all the students of the academy were gathered in the massive academy hall, standing shoulder to shoulder in long rows that stretched from one end of the chamber to the other. The hall itself, with its towering marble pillars and glowing crystal chandeliers, felt unusually heavy, as if the walls themselves understood the weight of the announcement to come.
The atmosphere was thick with unease. Each student carried a different expression—some wore wide, frightened eyes, their bodies trembling slightly as they clutched at their uniforms, while others looked irritated or restless, already bored by what they assumed would be another tiresome lecture. A few of the more confident ones leaned against the pillars, their lips curled into smirks, whispering carelessly as if none of this concerned them.
