The auditorium buzzed with the kind of restless energy only a full house of students could generate. Rows upon rows of uniforms — neat, pressed, and expectant — filled the seats beneath the towering glass dome. Banners fluttered from the rafters, celebrating "Academic Excellence Week," and holographic displays shimmered above the stage, showing looping clips of the top scorers.
Xavier's face appeared front and center every few seconds — smug, perfect, the image of the academy's golden student.
He stood backstage, leaning casually against the wall, one hand in his pocket and the other loosely gripping a cup of black coffee. His eyes tracked Aldric Blackwood standing at the podium — perfectly composed, and radiating confidence.
Aldric's voice filled the hall, smooth and commanding. "Today," he said, "we celebrate not just achievement, but dedication, brilliance, and the spirit of competition that makes this academy thrive."
The students clapped politely. Xavier took another sip.
