The Inaugural Ceremony

The anchor stood confidently at the satge, his voice ringing across the grand hall. As he concluded his speech, he raised his hand signaling the end of his address. "Now, we invite the top student of the entrance examination, Miss Elissa, to join us on stage" he announced gesturing to a young girl seated near the front.

The tall and poised girl, Elissa, with black hair and the striking emerald eyes, the hair tied in an elegant braid stepped onto the stage with an air of calm confidence. The crowd murmured in awe as she ascended the steps, her movements as gracious as her reputation suggested.

"She definitely looks like she belongs up there" Leif whispered to Melch with a mischievous grin. "Think she'd give me pointers? Or do you think she'd just tell me to try harder in the written test like usual?"

Melch rolled his eyes. "Maybe she'd just tell you to stop joking around for five seconds."

Leif chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Nah, that's what you're here for to keep me grounded while I bring the fun.

On the stage, the anchor presented Elissa with a relic that shimmered under the magical lights illuminating the grand hall. It was a bracelet, intricately designed with golden vines wrapping around a crystalline core. "This" the anchor explained "is Raigoced. A rare relic capable of storing up to three spells, allowing the user to cast them instantly. However, be mindful recharging its power requires exponentially more mana each time it's fully depleted.

Elissa bowed and accepted the relic. The crowd applauded loudly, and then stepped aside politely.

Leif leaned closer to Melch and his voice took a light tone as he said, "That thing's gotta be worth a fortune. Wonder what they'd do if I asked for two."

Melch shot him a deadpan look. "You'd be lucky to get a keychain, Leif."

The applause was fading down as the anchor began to speak again. He explained what was planned for the students after the entrance exam; the entire structure of the academy. "Each student will be assigned to a department based on their entrance examination results. However" he continued, "first-year students will attend a general curriculum, sharing classes with peers from all departments. This allows for a broader foundation before specialization begins in the second year. Should you ever want to take courses outside of your major department, you will have to get a higher rank in your own department or get a recommendation from your department head.

"Sounds like they're setting us up for a lot of work" Leif muttered, slouching in his chair.

"Work you might actually need to do if you want to survive here" Melch replied raising an eyebrow.

Leif laughed and pretended to be offended. "I'm hurt, Melch. Actually, you think I am incapable of ."

"Well. Yes."

Leif burst out laughing, earning some disapproving glances from nearby students. "Fair point" he was still trying to fake seriousness while stifling chuckles.

Not bothered with the conversations during the session, the anchor continued. "To complete your department's registration, you will need to go to the enrollement hall. The enrollement hall is situated at the right side of the grand hall, and it takes in entries for seven days, so you'll have the time. Remember that if you want to change the department, this has to be done during the first two months when classes are starting. Beyond that, you're locked to your choice.

The anchor became more serious as he addressed a final point. "For those who are unable to decide within seven days, a department and lecturer will be assigned to you at random. Choose wisely, and consider the path that aligns with your goals."

With that, the ceremony broke up. The hall resumed with a positive hum of students breaking up to leave. Some headed straight to the registration booth while others stayed in smaller groups trying to figure out the plan of action they would take.

Leif nudged Melch as they also prepared to leave. "Think they'll let me sign up for all the departments? Just in case" he added.

Melch shook his head. "So you can avoid making a decision?".

A crowd of students surrounded Elissa nearby. Compliments and introductions were hurled in her direction like confetti.

"Now she's certainly enjoying the spotlight" Leif said sneering.

Melch glanced around at the scene. "Or maybe she wants to get out of there.

As if on cue, a tall, red haired boy stepped forward that was Edwin, cutting through the crowd with ease. He placed a hand on Elissa's shoulder, offering her a way out. "Come on" he said, his voice cold. "You'll never get to the enrollment hall at this rate."

Elissa smiled brightly at him, then trailed behind as he made his way to the door. In no time at all, the two found Melch and Leif standing at the rear of the hall, waiting for them.

"Appears you two did well in avoiding the crowd" Edwin said lightly.

Leif chuckled. "What can I say? We're not exactly the top students it seems and nobody is waiting to question my D in the written exam."

Elissa chuckled softly. "At least you're honest about it."

Melch gave a small nod of acknowledgment. "Congrats on the relic, Elissa. It's impressive."

"Thanks" she replied. "But I'd trade it for a bit of peace and quiet right now after what we faced."

The group decided to wait before heading to the enrollment hall, noting the long line of students already forming. Instead, they wandered outside finding a quieter spot under the shade of a large tree.

"So" Edwin began leaning against the trunk "any thoughts on which department you'll choose?"

Melch hesitated looking at the badge in his hand. "I'm leaning toward the Medicine Department. It aligns with what I want to do like I said before."

Leif nodded, though his carefree manner wasn't going to crack. "Figures. You've always been the thoughtful one." He paused, then added with a smirk "I'm still deciding. Maybe I'll just pick whichever one has the least homework."

Elissa raised an eyebrow. "Good luck with that. From what I've heard, none of the departments are easy."

Leif sighed dramatically, throwing an arm around Melch's shoulders. "Looks like I'm stuck with the Medicine Department too. Someone's gotta keep an eye on this guy."

"You just want an excuse to slack off" Melch retorted, pushing him away.

The banter continued as the group enjoyed the brief reprieve from the day's chaos. Eventually, they made their way back to the booth, ready to take the next step in their journey at Theoder Academy.