Aurelius Academy stood as the host, its grounds now shared with three others: Virex Dominion, Solmara Institute, and Dravenfall Academy. Each carried its own reputation. Each brought its strongest.
And each had come for one thing.
Victory.
By the time the last group had arrived, the academy grounds had begun to settle.
Students were escorted to their assigned dormitories. Staff moved efficiently, guiding them, organizing accommodations, ensuring everything ran smoothly. The earlier excitement slowly faded into a quieter rhythm.
Doors closed.
Lights turned on.
Voices softened.
Night began to take over.
Most students returned to their rooms.
Rest was expected.
Tomorrow would begin preparation in earnest.
But Jelo—
Couldn't.
He stepped out onto the academy grounds, hands in his pockets, his pace slow and unhurried.
The night air was cool.
Calm.
A sharp contrast to the noise from earlier.
His thoughts weren't.
He had seen them.
The students from the other academies.
