The ceremony concluded gradually rather than abruptly. After Vice Dean Seraphine finished her speech and formally declared the opening of the academic year, the massive gathering on the ceremonial grounds began to loosen. The organized rows of students slowly dissolved into clusters of conversation as instructors stepped away from the platform and academy staff began guiding the flow of students across the grounds. The quiet discipline that had held the thousands of young scholars in place moments earlier transformed into the lively murmur of excitement, curiosity, and nervous energy.
Students stretched their arms after standing so long, adjusted their uniforms, and immediately began discussing the academy grounds around them. Some spoke about the speech they had just heard, while others were already speculating about professors, courses, and the difficulty of the coming year.
"Did you hear what she said about challenges?" one student whispered to another.
