Luminae Conservatory Of Magic (5)
*****
The sun hung low, casting elongated shadows across the sprawling campus of the Luminae Conservatory of Magic.
Its golden rays danced across the grand, towering spires of the academy, illuminating the intricate carvings of runes and symbols etched into the stone walls.
The air pulsed with residual magic, a lingering testament to the spells that had been woven in practice just moments before.
Amon stepped forward from the shaded archway, his presence blending into the lively scene before him.
Students of various races filled the open courtyards, their laughter and conversations intermingling with the sounds of hurried footsteps and the occasional flicker of magic.
The atmosphere was vibrant, brimming with the anticipation of a new academic year.
And then—
"Everyone—silence!"
The voice, clear and unwavering, rang across the entire courtyard like a bell cutting through fog.
It was feminine, yet carried an unmistakable weight of authority, a tone that brooked no disobedience.
The once-bustling students froze mid-step. Conversations died instantly, as though a spell of silence had been cast over them.
Heads turned in unison, their gazes locking onto the figure that now stood elevated above them, commanding their full attention.
Atop a grand marble platform, framed by the towering pillars of the academy's entrance, stood Vice Headmistress,
Audrey Frost.
Her very presence seemed to demand reverence.
Long, raven-black hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, its silken strands catching the light like woven obsidian.
Her features were sharp and symmetrical, her piercing icy-blue eyes scanning the crowd with an intensity that made even the most confident students shift uncomfortably under her gaze.
She exuded the aura of a seasoned commander, someone who had led armies and shaped destinies.
When she spoke again, her voice carried not just authority, but an expectation of absolute discipline.
"Today marks the beginning of a new academic year at the Luminae Conservatory of Magic."
Her tone was steady, deliberate.
"I stand before you and see an assembly of promising individuals, each of whom has earned the right to be here through talent and perseverance. But let me make one thing abundantly clear—admittance to this institution is not a guarantee of success."
Her gaze swept across the gathered students, lingering on a few before moving on.
"This institution is not a place of idle learning, nor is it a sanctuary for those who wish to merely exist in the shadows of their predecessors. Here, you will be tested, pushed beyond your limits, and stripped of any illusions of mediocrity. Only those who prove themselves—through intellect, skill, and unwavering resolve—will rise above the rest and carve their names into history. The weak will falter, the unworthy will fade, and only those willing to struggle will endure."
A heavy silence followed her words, the weight of them sinking into every student present.
She didn't ended her speech right there as she continues,
"Greatness is not bestowed—it is seized. Earned through struggle, through pain, through unyielding effort. Here at Luminae, you will be tested beyond anything you have ever known. The weak will falter. The complacent will fail. Only those with the resolve to rise above their limits will endure."
She added
"I will not waste my breath with empty encouragement. If you seek comfort, you will not find it here. If you seek an easy path, you are in the wrong place. But if you seek strength—if you seek to forge yourself into something greater—then welcome. Your journey begins now."
Amon, standing in the midst of the crowd, studied her with sharp, assessing eyes.
There was no need for grand displays of power—her mere presence was enough to hold an entire audience captive.
He had read about her personality in the Ascended grey, figures who commanded respect through sheer will alone.
Yet seeing it in person—feeling the palpable intensity of her aura—was an entirely different experience.
In the world he had come from, a woman of such stature would not have simply been admired—she would have been worshipped.
A goddess walking among mortals.
A slow smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"This academy might just be more interesting than I thought."
*****
When the headmaster called upon me to deliver the opening speech for the new freshmen, I must admit—I was taken aback.
It was unexpected, a duty I had not anticipated nor particularly desired.
But refusal was not an option.
To reject the request of the headmaster, especially in front of the faculty and students, would not only be improper but outright disrespectful.
I have never been one to shy away from responsibility, nor do I falter under the weight of expectation.
If the headmaster believed I was the right person to set the tone for this year's incoming students, then so be it.
I would ensure that my words carried the weight they needed to.
Standing upon the marble platform, my gaze swept across the vast sea of fresh faces below.
So many hopefuls, filled with dreams of grandeur, ambition flickering in their eyes.
Some would rise to the occasion, proving themselves worthy of the name Luminae Conservatory of Magic.
Others—most, if I were to be honest—would falter, crumbling beneath the very weight of the trials that awaited them.
I took a measured breath, allowing a moment of silence to settle over the crowd before I spoke.
"Everyone—silence!"
The air itself seemed to still at my command. Conversations ceased.
The restless shuffling of feet stopped.
Eyes turned to me, their expressions shifting from excitement to rapt attention.
"Today marks the beginning of a new academic year at the Luminae Conservatory of Magic."
I let my voice carry, ensuring that even those standing furthest away would hear every word with perfect clarity.
"I stand before you and see an assembly of promising individuals, each of whom has earned the right to be here through talent and perseverance. But let me make one thing abundantly clear—admittance to this institution is not a guarantee of success."
Some students flinched slightly, their initial enthusiasm dimming under the weight of my words.
Good.
They needed to understand this now, rather than later.
"This institution is not a place of idle learning, nor is it a sanctuary for those who wish to merely exist in the shadows of their predecessors. Here, you will be tested, pushed beyond your limits, and stripped of any illusions of mediocrity. Only those who prove themselves—through intellect, skill, and unwavering resolve—will rise above the rest and carve their names into history. The weak will falter, the unworthy will fade, and only those willing to struggle will endure."
My gaze sharpened as I took a slow step forward.
"That is a mistake."
A ripple of unease passed through the crowd, though none dared to speak.
"Greatness is not bestowed—it is seized. Earned through struggle, through pain, through unyielding effort. Here at Luminae, you will be tested beyond anything you have ever known. The weak will falter. The complacent will fail. Only those with the resolve to rise above their limits will endure."
I let my words hang in the air for a moment, watching as the weight of them settled upon each student.
Some looked nervous, while others—those who possessed true potential—stood unwavering, their eyes burning with determination.
"I will not waste my breath with empty encouragement. If you seek comfort, you will not find it here. If you seek an easy path, you are in the wrong place. But if you seek strength—if you seek to forge yourself into something greater—then welcome. Your journey begins now."
With that, I allowed silence to reclaim the space once more.
I did not need applause.
I did not need validation.
I had spoken the truth.
Whether they had the will to face it—that would be decided in time.
*****
Perfection is my life.
Praise the fool