Chapter 192 Entrance Ceremony
Loud drums, horns, trumpets, and other instruments were played at their arrival. An orchestra of music that made their entrance sound grand, before calming down. These musicians, who were students, sat at the side of the massive stadium in front of the passing students.
They played their instruments with magic. They weren't touching them with their hands.
Lyrian looked around and took it all in for a moment. The large assembly they were in was lit up with chandeliers and stage lights. Kids cheered from the seats higher up in the walls.
Looking beside him, he saw the 50 students who had passed along with them. He was sat next to Alten and Leon, but Rylan seemed to be missing somehow. There were many rows of seats behind them which were unfilled. They looked to be placed only in the front few rows.
His attention then spanned over to the actual stage. A line of different people stood at the back with delighted smiles on their faces. Some looked younger, like students, and others seemed to be teachers.
There was a single microphone stand behind a pedestal in the middle.
After the applause calmed itself, the ensemble of music began getting louder once again as a thunderous bolt of lightning suddenly descended from out of nowhere, striking the stage right behind the podium with immense power.
The music ended abruptly with a powerful finesse. As the smoke cleared, A dominant figure slowly collected out of thin air, looking over the kids.
"Greetings, victors! I hereby welcome you to the foreground of the Academy Of Magical Excellence, Anaviotis!" Julius Reinhardt's voice boomed with enthusiasm, capturing the attention of the eager crowd.
Drenched in youthful vigor, Julius stood before the eager assembly, his vibrant blue eyes ablaze with excitement. His arms extended wide, embracing the palpable anticipation in the air, while a mischievous grin played at the corners of his lips, revealing his inherently friendly nature. The charismatic aura he exuded drew the students toward him irresistibly.
"As the Vice Principal of this esteemed institution," Julius addressed them, infusing his voice with a touch of formality, "I stand before you today with the highest honor. I've witnessed countless talents grace these hallowed halls, and I hold no doubt that among you lie the future leaders and magicians of our realm."
The crowd burst into cheers and applause, their enthusiasm stoked by Julius's words. He paused briefly, allowing their excitement to settle before resuming.
"Throughout history, Anaviotis has nurtured and guided innumerable gifted individuals, unlocking their latent potential and molding them into extraordinary beings. Yet, my young friends, remember that it's not just raw talent that sets one apart. It's the unwavering dedication, the burning desire to grow, and the commitment to honing your skills that will propel you towards greatness."
Julius's gaze traversed the audience, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration for the students gathered before him. He understood the weight of their dreams and the trials they would inevitably face.
"You no longer require an introduction to this academy from me. Not only do you know why you came here, but you've also fought for it, sacrificed for it, and earned it!"
A surge of determination surged through the students, their gazes unwavering, brimming with resolve. In response, the entire assembly of students erupted into thunderous applause. Julius possessed a unique gift for eloquence, setting him apart from all others. His charisma, unwavering confidence, and genuine nature made him a master of conveying messages that resonated deeply.
He waited patiently for the applause to subside before continuing, "There's no time to waste. You've all endured 30 grueling days of hardship, and what's more, without even realizing it, two other groups of 800 examinees did the same! That's right, within your group of 50 young individuals, there exist three Golden Tiered Cores!"
A few gasps and sounds of astonishment rippled through the small crowd of examinees as they exchanged intrigued glances.
"Anaviotis operates beyond the jurisdiction of any kingdom. It stands as a neutral ground between Yuun, Yaltas, and Veridrake, three of the largest kingdoms in the eastern region of the Mortal Plains! The examinees from all three kingdoms took their entrance exams in three distinct locations: the Tasnan Wilderlands, the Sky Ruin Temples, and Atlantis, the legendary city of gold!"
The gasps of awe now echoed even louder throughout the stadium, especially from the students seated higher up. The mention of these locations left an impression, as each one was a renowned landmark in the Mortal Plains.
One was a vast expanse of untamed wilderness, where diverse biomes stretched across endless miles, teeming with untamed and uninhibited life.
Another comprised a breathtaking ring of floating islands, adorned with the abandoned temples of long-forgotten gods, suspended amidst the open sky—a sight that stirred the imaginations of all who heard it.
Lastly, the third location was a fabled landmass beneath the ocean's depths, a place steeped in mystery and home to some of the mightiest and most enigmatic creatures that roamed the seas. The mere thought of it sent shivers down the spines of those who contemplated its secrets.
"Before any other announcements or speeches, I would like us all to stand, with our hands placed on top of our hearts."
All the students in the farther stands and rows of seats in the higher walls quickly stood up. They seemed to know this ritual already. Seeing everyone do so, the 50 in the front did the same, but with a bit of hesitation.
"This, new friends, is our pledge to mana, and to the academy of Anaviotis. These things bind us all together."
With this, a few gasps of realization and intrigue made their way through the crowd.
"We, as a body of curiosity, interest, prestige, and power, are all beads thrung onto a single thread, a thread of magic. The origin, ending, and all of fate resides within the glory of mana, all of which we shall uphold."
As Julius spoke the pledge, more and more kids joined in. Before long, every single kid recited exactly what they heard. After a short pause, Julius spoke once again.
"Power!"
He proclaimed into the crowd with an aura of excellence.
"Power!"
The crowd roared back, it's tone mighty and prideful.
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