"Our first event... FIRST-YEAR INDIVIDUAL COMBAT!" Professor Vash's voice boomed across the arena.
The crowd's roar intensified, anticipation building.
"And now, let us welcome the REIGNING CHAMPIONS!" Professor Vash's voice dropped to something almost reverent.
"For more than a decade, undefeated in overall house rankings, the house that sets the standard for excellence, SILVER CROWN!"
The eastern gates opened.
A senior student emerged first, walking with measured dignity.
In their hands, they carried a bronze brazier containing sacred flames of the phoenix, shifting and dancing without consuming fuel.
Behind them came the five Silver Crown first-year representatives.
Verelia Rithvale walked with perfect posture, her silver hair with blue streaks catching the light. Expression neutral, blue eyes forward, radiating cold competence.
Alaric Glimor moved with controlled ease, his bearing neither arrogant nor humble, just present, aware, calculating.
