Chapter 3: The Academy's Unveiling

The morning sun bathed the Academy campus in a warm glow as Xavier Dragos walked through the grand entrance gates. The towering spires of the Academy loomed above him, a testament to centuries of knowledge and tradition. As he made his way towards the Orientation Hall, Xavier couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Inside the hall, students from all walks of life had gathered, their eager faces reflecting a diverse array of talents and backgrounds. Xavier's gaze swept across the sea of hopeful faces, searching for familiar ones. His heart skipped a beat as he spotted his friend, John Reyes, waving him over from a corner.

"Xavier! Over here!" John called out with a wide grin, his wavy black hair falling over his forehead.

Xavier couldn't help but smile in return as he navigated through the crowd to join his friend. "Hey, John. Good to see you again."

John clapped him on the back. "Likewise. This place is something else, huh?"

Xavier nodded, his eyes taking in the ornate decorations and the banners displaying the Academy's motto: "In Pursuit of Knowledge, For the Greater Good." "Yeah, it's pretty impressive. Have you heard anything about how they rank us?"

John leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Rumor has it they use a system of moral ranks: Novice, Journeyman, Night Lord, King, and Emperor. They evaluate your skills, your ethics, and your contributions to the Academy community."

Xavier arched an eyebrow. "Sounds like quite the challenge. But I'm up for it."

Their conversation was interrupted as a stern-looking instructor took the stage, commanding the attention of the assembled students. "Welcome, esteemed novices, to the Academy of Enlightened Minds. During your time here, you will undergo rigorous training to unlock your potential and fulfill your destinies as guardians of knowledge and virtue."

As the instructor continued with his speech, Xavier's mind wandered, thinking about his encounter with James and the looming threat of expulsion. He knew that proving his worth within the Academy was crucial not only for his own future but also to challenge the prejudice against Null Bloods.

The orientation proceeded with various workshops, lectures, and skill demonstrations. Xavier found himself engrossed in learning about the history of the Academy, the different branches of study, and the intricate moral ranking system. The more he absorbed, the more he realized that this was more than just a place of education; it was a crucible where ideals clashed and true character was revealed.

During a break, Xavier and John joined a group of students huddled around a holographic display, discussing the intricacies of a particular spellcasting technique. Xavier's keen intuition allowed him to grasp the concept quickly, and he contributed insights that impressed both his peers and the Academy instructors.

As the day drew to a close, Xavier's confidence had grown, and he felt a renewed determination to prove himself. He knew that the path ahead wouldn't be easy, especially with James watching his every move. But Xavier was ready to face the challenges head-on, armed with his intelligence, skills, and a sense of justice that burned brighter than ever.

As he walked out of the Orientation Hall alongside John and their newfound friends, Xavier couldn't help but smile. The Academy was a world of endless possibilities, and he was determined to rise through the ranks, not only for his own sake but for the sake of all those who believed in him. The journey had only just begun, and Xavier Dragos was ready to make his mark.