Orion did not sleep particularly well. It wasn't because he was afraid, but rather because the System had decided to lean into the dramatic again.
*Host Has Been Observed.*
The notification replayed in his memory like a broken record. There was no identity provided, no clarifying explanation—just a blunt, vague warning. The ancient entity running the interface clearly enjoyed suspense, a preference Orion did not share. He preferred actionable information.
When morning arrived, the academy exploded into a chaotic hive of activity. Students flooded the stone pathways, the distant training grounds rapidly filled, and instructors drifted between the various districts. The entire campus felt aggressively alive.
The moment Orion stepped out of Dormitory Seven, he noticed an immediate shift in the atmosphere. People were staring at him. Not just a few curious glances like yesterday, but dozens of sustained, intense looks.
