A beautiful morning revealed itself over the white and gold gothic spires of Awakener Supreme, spreading its yellow glow across the sprawling campus.
Even though they were smack in the middle of the term, the atmosphere buzzing through the courtyards felt entirely different.
It felt like the very first day of school.
The wide stone paths that cut through the academy grounds were alive with movement. Students filled them in steady streams, uniforms pressed and polished, armor repaired and gleaming, boots striking the pavement with renewed energy.
Conversations overlapped in every direction, louder than usual, more animated, as though every person had something to say and no intention of keeping it to themselves.
First-years moved in clusters, still unsure of themselves but visibly energized. Second- and third-years walked with more purpose, their voices carrying excitement rather than routine boredom.
