Monday Morning –
Arcadia Academy, Ground Zero
All first-year students gathered at Ground Zero, the academy's main training area—a huge open space and tall flags showing Arcadia's symbol.
Rows of students stood in uniform lines, whispering curiously among themselves.
Some were excited. Others were clearly nervous.
Cecilia was chatting casually with Elysia near the front, while Edwin and Jin stood stiffly to one side, glancing towards the stage.
A moment later, Professor Sylvia stepped onto the raised platform.
"First-years. I hope you all enjoyed your rest—because today marks the important events that we are going to help and it also adds points in the mid-term ranking."
A few students straightened up instantly. Others looked at each other in confusion.
"You'll be participating in your first major off-campus event—the Shadow Labyrinth Trial—held at the Mountain of Frostveil."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
