Chapter 7: The First Day

The auditorium was vast, its high ceilings adorned with intricate murals depicting the Inner Gods and their divine blessings. Rows of polished wooden benches filled the space, each one occupied by a student dressed in the academy's uniform—a crisp white blouse with gold trim and a dark blue skirt or trousers. The air buzzed with excitement and nervous energy as the students chatted amongst themselves, their voices echoing softly in the grand hall.

Selune stood at the entrance, her violet eyes scanning the room as she clutched the strap of her bag tightly. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, but she took a deep breath, reminding herself of Eryndra's words. You're stronger than you think, Selune. And I'll always be here to protect you.

With a quiet resolve, she made her way down the aisle, her silver hair catching the light and drawing a few curious glances. She found an empty seat near the middle of the room and sat down, her hands resting neatly in her lap. The students around her continued to chatter, but Selune remained silent, her gaze fixed on the stage at the front of the auditorium.

A few minutes later, the room fell silent as a tall, imposing figure stepped onto the stage. The man had sharp features, his silver hair streaked with gray and his piercing blue eyes scanning the room with an air of authority. He wore a long, dark robe adorned with the academy's emblem—a star surrounded by a ring of flames. This was Headmaster Alaric Duskwind, the leader of the Starlit Academy.

"Welcome, students," he began, his voice deep and commanding, yet filled with warmth. "Today marks the beginning of your journey at the Starlit Academy. Here, you will learn to harness your abilities, to grow stronger, and to fulfill the destinies that the gods have laid out for you."

The students listened intently, their eyes wide with anticipation as the headmaster continued. He spoke of the academy's history, its mission to train the chosen ones, and the importance of unity and perseverance. Selune's heart swelled with pride as she listened, her determination growing with each word.

"But before we begin," the headmaster said, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "you must understand the ranking system of our classes. Here at the Starlit Academy, students are divided into classes based on their potential and abilities. Class 1 is reserved for the most promising students, those who have shown exceptional talent and dedication. Class 2 and Class 3 follow, with each class receiving the training and resources they need to succeed."

Selune's breath hitched as she listened, her hands trembling slightly in her lap. She had worked so hard to get here, but the thought of being placed in a lower class filled her with anxiety. She glanced down at the paper she had been given when she entered the auditorium, her heart racing as she unfolded it.

"Check the paper you received upon entering," the headmaster instructed, his voice echoing through the room. "It will tell you which class you have been assigned to."

Selune's hands trembled as she unfolded the paper, her violet eyes scanning the words written in elegant script. Her breath caught in her throat as she read the words: Class 1.

A wave of relief and pride washed over her, her lips curving into a small smile as she clutched the paper tightly. She had done it. She had been placed in the top class.

Eryndra, she thought, her voice echoing in her mind. I'm in Class 1.

There was a moment of silence before Eryndra's voice responded, warm and filled with pride. I knew you would be, Selune. You've worked so hard for this. I'm proud of you.

Selune's cheeks flushed with pride, her heart swelling with gratitude. She had come so far, and now she was ready to take the next step in her journey.

After the headmaster's speech, the students were dismissed to their respective classrooms. Selune made her way through the bustling halls, her bag slung over her shoulder as she followed the signs to Class 1. The other students chatted excitedly, their voices filled with anticipation as they discussed their placements and their hopes for the future.

Selune remained silent, her violet eyes focused on the path ahead. She could feel the weight of Eryndra's presence in her mind, a constant source of comfort and strength as she navigated the unfamiliar halls. Finally, she reached the door to Class 1, her heart racing as she pushed it open and stepped inside.

The classroom was spacious, with large windows that let in the morning sunlight. The walls were adorned with maps and charts, and the desks were arranged in neat rows facing the front of the room. A few students were already seated, their voices filling the air with excitement as they chatted amongst themselves.

Selune's eyes scanned the room, her gaze lingering on the other students. She recognized a few of them from the entrance ceremony—the fiery-haired girl with amber eyes, the tall, knightly woman with blonde hair, the pale, ghostly woman with long black hair, and the petite girl with short, wavy green hair. These were the heroines, the chosen ones blessed by the Inner Gods.

And then there was Elara Solvayne, the original protagonist. Selune's breath hitched as she noticed the girl sitting near the front of the room, her fiery red hair tied back in a loose braid and her amber eyes filled with determination. There was a faint, divine aura surrounding her, a shimmering light that seemed to radiate from her very being. Selune could feel the power emanating from her, a reminder of the journey that lay ahead.

But Selune's gaze didn't linger on Elara for long. Her eyes were drawn to the two girls sitting near the back of the room—the villainesses. One was a tall, elegant woman with raven-black hair and piercing green eyes, her expression cold and calculating. The other was a regal woman with white hair and icy blue eyes, her gaze filled with a quiet intensity.

Selune's heart raced as she took in the scene, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. These were the people she would be sharing her journey with—the heroines, the protagonist, and the villainesses. Each one of them was powerful in their own way, each one of them destined for greatness.

But Selune wasn't afraid. She had Eryndra by her side, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

She made her way to an empty seat near the middle of the room, her hands trembling slightly as she set her bag down and took her seat. The other students continued to chat, their voices filling the air with excitement and anticipation. Selune remained silent, her violet eyes fixed on the front of the room as she waited for the class to begin.

This is it, she thought, her heart swelling with determination. This is where my journey truly begins.