A Clash of Wills

The morning sun bathed the campus of Maya Academy in a golden glow, and Adam stepped out of his dormitory.

Dressed in the standard black coat emblazoned with the academy's emblem, he felt a strange mix of anticipation and unease.

The black coat was reserved for students of respectable but non-noble backgrounds, distinguishing them from the white coats of noble families and the red coats of royals.

Adam's coat felt more like a target than a uniform.

The courtyard buzzed with activity as students milled about, adjusting their attire or chatting in groups.

Adam noticed a few students glancing his way, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Before he could decipher their intentions, a group of older students approached him, their own black coats marking them as second-years.

"New here, aren't you?" one of them asked, a smirk playing on his lips.