***
Ignotus had technically been supposed to give this speech two months ago. Back when all first years had their grand introductions, group assignments, orientation—that whole Academy opening week nonsense.
He, of course, had skipped all of that.
Some were optional, some were mandatory; he didn't give a damn.
So now, as he floated in the center of an empty courtyard, where many pairs of eyes stared up at him like he was some mysterious figure that had been often mentioned in passing whispers, he found himself quite annoyed.
Below him, the courtyard was packed full of first-years, ones that had long since split into factions, and they certainly whispered.
"What was his name again?"
"Sixty Second Fool!"
"He's been in our batch?"
"I thought he was a second year."
"Yeah, I heard some nasty rumors about him."
"He's the guy with Gaia?"
"I heard he killed a student."
"He did... some poor guy."
"Wait, they're married?"
"No way—that's Lady Gaia's—"
