Chapter 48: Family Call
( One Day Before Fresher Ball )
The soft hum of the dormitory's mana lamps filled the otherwise quiet room.
Michael lay back in his chair, one hand covering his eyes, as the weight of the day pressed down on him. Training, classes, professors, and the constant awareness that the Fresher's Ball loomed like a storm cloud above the Academy… all of it swirled in his mind.
Then—
Bzzzzt.
His Academy Smart Watch vibrated, the silver band lighting up with a soft blue glow. He frowned, lowering his hand. For a moment he thought it was another Academy alert, maybe an assignment reminder. But when the holographic screen unfolded above his wrist, the display made his chest tighten.
Incoming call – Darius & Lilly Willson.
Home.
Michael quickly straightened his posture. He hadn't seen their faces since the entrance ceremony.
The screen flared to life, projecting the grainy but warm image of his parents.
"Michael!"