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FLASHBACK
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A Few Hours Ago...
The soft hum of early morning resonated through the dormitory halls of Zenith Academy. Golden light streamed in through the arched windows, painting warm streaks across the marble floor.
Alex Dragonheart opened his eyes with a calm smile playing on his lips. Today was the day. Orientation. The first official day of his rise.
Draven, still groggy and rubbing his eyes, glanced sideways from his bunk.
"Why do you look like you won a war in your sleep?" he muttered.
Alex stretched, a glint of excitement flashing through his blue eyes. "Because I did. In my dreams, I ascended."
Draven blinked. "You're weird. Even weirder than usual."