The auditorium, which once was the ballroom of the castle, wasn’t even half full, despite the entirety of the student body and teaching staff being there.
The floorboards creaked under the weight of about four hundred students, and two dozen or so academy staff. A section of the floor across the two-winged door was raised, creating a sort of stage for various purposes.
A young woman wearing a dark grey uniform with a crimson cloak was up on the stage. Four upside down swords in a circle were embroidered on her chest with golden threads, indicating her year and class. She was a thin, slender woman with short brown hair, and sharp features.
“Allow me to welcome all of you to Solus Military Academy. Second, third, fourth year students, welcome back from your long-term assignments. First years, congratulations on passing the entrance exams and proving you are worthy of learning in the most prestigious academy in Eldoria!” She raised her chin with pride as the sound of clapping filled the auditorium. A few moments passed before the noise was at a level where she could speak again.
“I will cut this short since nobody likes long speeches. You are all here to specialize in your own fields, be that logistics, research, or combat and strategy. So, specialize – don’t distract yourselves with frivolous pursuits, focus on your studies, overcome the challenges you face, and spend your four years here well.” She lifted her chin with pride and raised her fist as she shouted. “We are the blade and shield of the Emperor – we will prevail!”
“We will prevail!” The students shouted, raising their fists. Their voices echoed in the auditorium – a cry for victory when there was no conflict to begin with.
Another woman stepped onto the stage as the student walked off to join her class. She was the headmistress of the Solus Military Academy, though that was certainly not her biggest or most well-known achievement. Her long, white hair fluttered behind her as her powerful figure caused the students to fall silent.
“I am Moira Aoidh. Some of you may know me as the headmistress of Solus Military Academy. Others may know me as the Blade of the Emperor.” Her green eyes radiated with power as her gaze swept over the students. “I will leave you with the words of our founder, Emperor Morgan the Radiant; ‘Duty is heavier than a mountain; death is lighter than a feather.’”
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She let the words sink in for a few moments before she continued. “Your duty is to the people of Eldoria, to the future generations of this great empire, and to the emperor! You will take upon the mantle of our ancestors, you will carry on their will, you will become the foundation the future is built upon!”
With that said, the headmistress turned around and left. Her words lingered in the minds of the students, and for a few long moments, silence reigned.
Midhir’s lips curled up into a smile. Her demeanour wasn’t any softer than before. Fierce as always, and always ready for battle, Moira Aoidh was exactly as he expected to see her. She would never stop being the Blade of the Emperor – it was a title and responsibility she shouldered with pride.
Immediately after the headmistress left, another woman stepped onto the stage.
“Second, third, and fourth year students, you may leave and prepare for today’s first class. First years, please head to your respective Instructors.”
A blonde man wearing a military uniform shouted. “Logistics and Finance students, follow me!”
Another voice piped up at the same time. “Crystal Research and Development students, please follow me.” It belonged to a petite woman wearing large glasses. She used a cane to stand straight, and slowly began walking to the exit, giving the students plenty of time to catch up with her.
Moments later, the previously crowded auditorium was empty save for five people. Midhir, Arwen, Willow, a young man wearing the same uniform as them, and the woman standing on the stage.
“Right, and you four are in Practical Combat and Strategy.” Her voice rang like a bell as a mischievous smile spread across her lips. “I’m Soraya Valien, your instructor for the next four years.” She looked down from the stage as if she wanted to jump down, then decided to take the stairs instead and walked up to them.
She wore her bright blue dyed hair in a high ponytail. Her similarly blue eyes glimmered with mischief. She wasn’t particularly tall, nor did she seem strong and powerful at first glance. “Well?” She raised an eyebrow as her smile widened. “Did the cat get your tongues or what?”
The young man wearing the same uniform as Midhir cleared his throat. “Alistair Orlein, from Bareon.” He was a tall man with broad shoulders and sharp, well defined features. His brown eyes turned to the others, passing over Midhir and Arwen, and finally settled on Willow. “It’s a pleasure.” He said, turning his gaze back at the instructor.
“Willow Aulorn,” The girl piped up, and Arwen followed. “Arwen Maloid, a pleasure to meet you.”
“Midhir Induen.” Midhir introduced himself. His hands itched as he noticed Alistair’s gaze settle on him. A noble from old blood – one of the Orleins, and their eldest child at that. He was surely trained in the ancient Orlein battle style.
“Well then, let’s see…” Instructor Soraya pursed her lips. “I see two of noble blood, a foreigner and a commoner.” She smirked. “Perfect. In that case, shall we head to our first class?”