The next morning, the students gathered by the fountain, where they had first met Jessica the previous day. The early morning light cast a soft glow over the academy grounds, adding a sense of mystery and excitement to the day's beginning. As Jessica approached, her calm, confident presence stilled the chattering students, who fell silent, eyes filled with anticipation.

"Good morning, everyone!" she called out, her voice both warm and authoritative. "Today marks an important moment in your journey here at the Fate Academy. You'll be meeting the headmistress and your professors. Each of them is among the best in their field, and every single one will play a critical role in your training. Make the most of this opportunity."

Excitement rippled through the crowd. The prospect of meeting the academy's renowned faculty sparked curiosity and eager whispers among the students, who glanced at each other in awe. Isaki's heart pounded with anticipation. He shared a quick, wide-eyed look with his friends, Rael and Lian, both of whom mirrored his excitement. Today, they would finally glimpse the formidable figures who would guide them over the coming years.

Jessica led the group across the sprawling academy grounds to the Master Hall. Inside, the Master Hall was vast, able to hold thousands of students if necessary. But today, only a hundred chairs were arranged in perfectly spaced rows, each one strategically separated. The sparse arrangement made the hall feel even grander, and the air was thick with an almost ceremonial solemnity.

As they filed in, the students noticed that about thirty other individuals were already seated, each bearing a determined look. Their faces carried the weight of experience, a quiet strength that came only through hard-fought battles.

Jessica, noticing the puzzled expressions, offered an explanation, "These students didn't pass the first-year. They've returned this year for a second chance. And with the new changes to the program, they'll be joining us for today's introductions."

Understanding dawned on the students, who took their seats with renewed respect for those who had come before them. Each one silently acknowledged the dedication it must have taken to return, determined to succeed this time. Jessica took her place at the front, stepping to the side as a tall man with a strong, steady presence emerged onto the platform at the far end of the hall.

The man stood at the center of the raised stage, his piercing gaze sweeping over the room. His very presence commanded attention, and soon the hall fell silent in anticipation.

"Welcome to the Fate Academy," he began, his voice a deep baritone that resonated through the hall. "My name is Jurg. Some of you may remember me from yesterday's trial. I will be your instructor in Aura Manipulation for the next three years. It is not an easy path. You'll be pushed beyond what you believe you can handle. But those who persevere will learn to wield power beyond their imagination."

He paused, letting his words settle as he studied the young faces before him, many of them filled with awe and apprehension. "Aura is more than a tool," he continued, "it's a reflection of your soul, strength, and your discipline. Through mastery, you'll learn to channel it and shape it, but only if you are willing to face the depths of your own potential."

The students were riveted, hanging on his every word. Jurg's unwavering stare made it clear that he expected nothing less than complete commitment. After a few more intense moments, he stepped back, his expression giving nothing away as he moved aside, making room for the next speaker.

From the left side of the hall, a woman approached the platform with calm elegance, her sharp, black eyes and short brown hair catching the light. She stopped at the center, her gaze cool yet comforting as she scanned the faces of the young cadets.

"Good morning," she greeted, her voice warm and authoritative, carrying a softness that hinted at the depth of her wisdom. "I am Delia, and I will be guiding you in the Department of Magic. My responsibility is to help you understand and unlock your magical potential, pushing you to become more than mere wielders of magic. Magic is not just a matter of power; it's about control, focus, and intention."

Her voice grew quieter, compelling the students to lean in. "Here, you will learn more than spells. You'll learn the art of casting, the finesse of control, and the wisdom to use your power responsibly. Magic, in its true form, is both limitless and demanding. Those who seek true mastery will learn to respect it."

The room was completely silent, the students enraptured by her calm confidence and the promise of growth that lay in her words. After another moment, she inclined her head slightly, then stepped back, joining Jurg.

Then, finally, Jessica stepped forward once more, a faint smile playing on her lips as she surveyed the students. The familiarity of her presence drew their eyes, and a slight excitement rippled through the crowd as they waited for her to speak.

"I'm sure by now, you know who I am," she began with a slight smirk. "But let me officially introduce myself once more. I am Jessica, and I will be your professor in the Department of Martial Arts, specializing in swordsmanship. It is my responsibility to shape each of you into warriors who can wield weapons as extensions of your mind and body. We will train not just in skill, but in discipline and strategy. Every move, every strike, every block will become a reflection of who you are and the journey you undertake."

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She paused, her gaze sharp but encouraging. "And there is one more thing. As of this year, I have been honored with the title of Deputy Headmistress of the Fate Academy."

Gasps of surprise filled the hall. The students exchanged glances, their whispers tinged with awe and admiration. For someone so young to attain the title of Deputy Headmistress was a remarkable achievement, marking her as one of the most powerful individuals in the academy. It was clear that her strength and skill were formidable, likely surpassed only by the mysterious headmistress herself.

Ray's gaze sharpened as he observed Jessica. He had suspected she was powerful, but this revelation confirmed that she was indeed a force to be reckoned with. - So she really is as strong as I suspected. He had sensed an aura about her from their first meeting, something that set her apart from the others, but this confirmed it—Jessica was far stronger than the average professor at the academy.

As Jessica finished her speech and stepped back to join Jurg and Delia, the hall fell into an expectant hush. The atmosphere shifted, brimming with anticipation, as the headmistress of the Fate Academy made her entrance. Celya moved toward the center of the room, each step radiating a quiet but undeniable power. There was an aura around her—both commanding and enigmatic—that seemed to thicken the air. Isaki felt goosebumps prickle along his arms, as if the very atmosphere acknowledged her strength. For him, as for many others, each of her steps carried a weight that left a profound impression.

As she reached the center of the hall, Celya paused. Her mere presence seemed to draw the attention of everyone in the room. Then, with a simple snap of her fingers, the single chandelier illuminating the hall sprang to life. Flames sparked to existence across the other chandeliers, bathing the room in a warm, golden light that softened the shadows yet seemed to amplify her powerful silhouette.

"Now," she said with a half-smile, her voice steady but layered with authority, "that's better—this is the right atmosphere." The room brightened fully, revealing intricate, age-old paintings of legendary battles on the ceiling above. Warriors and mages alike clashed across vast landscapes, their epic tales captured in vivid strokes and colors. The students gazed in awe, the sense of wonder in the room palpable.

An excited murmur spread among the students as they whispered to each other.

"Is this how powerful she is? Just her presence changes the whole room," one whispered, eyes wide with awe.

"I heard she's more than just strong," replied another, "she's the most powerful mage in Moirai."

Isaki sat riveted, unable to look away from Celya. Her poise, her presence—everything about her exuded the kind of strength he could only dream of. He found himself already hoping that one day he might learn directly from her. Just as this thought crossed his mind, he felt Lian and Rael lean in, whispering to him from either side.

"She's the strongest in the region," Rael murmured with wide-eyed admiration.

"Yeah," Lian added, nodding. "The most skilled in all of Moirai."

Isaki's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and respect. His desire to learn, to grow, flared within him as he took in the reality of Celya's power. If he could one day reach even a fraction of her ability, he might achieve his dreams.

Across the room, Zirko watched in silence. His gaze was sharp, and he assessed her with a determination tempered by awe. This was a moment he had waited for, a chance to see the might of the region's strongest mage firsthand. He remembered the stories his father told him about her, tales of her skill and strength, but also of her relentless attitude. Celya, his father had often warned, despised weakness in others—especially in those who gave up after failing once. The words echoed in his mind, and he clenched his fists, feeling the pressure of her reputation like a silent challenge.

Finally, Celya spoke, her voice calm yet resonant, pulling all eyes and ears toward her. "Welcome to the Fate Academy," she said, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I expect great things from each and every one of you." Her tone carried both encouragement and warning, a subtle reminder of the responsibility now resting on their shoulders. "This year marks a new chapter, one that will test you in ways you may not yet understand."

She paused briefly, letting her words settle in, then continued with a detailed outline of the Academy's program. "At the Fate Academy, there are two primary departments: the Department of Magic and the Department of Martial Arts. Your choice should be made based on your individual strengths. If you have an affinity for magic, the Department of Magic awaits you. If your skills lie in combat and physical strength, then the Department of Martial Arts will be your path."

Her gaze was firm as she emphasized, "But remember this: mastery of your Aura is the foundation of everything. Without strong control over your Aura, you will never achieve true power." Her words were not merely instructions; they were a clear challenge to each student present. Her voice softened slightly as she surveyed the room, noticing the eager, anxious faces before her. "In reviewing you all," she went on, "I see that some of you have already reached the second level of Aura, while others are still on the path to attaining it. Do not worry—for by the end of this year, our aim is for each of you to master the essential principles and advanced applications of the second level. This foundation will be the key to your progress here."

Her words sparked excitement, tempered by nerves, as students glanced at one another with renewed determination.

Celya then explained the examinations that awaited them at the end of the year. "There will be two primary exams you will face—one practical and one theoretical. Do not let yourselves fall into the trap of thinking that physical strength alone will see you through. Strong theoretical knowledge is equally crucial, and this is where many students falter." Her gaze held a trace of warning, her words underscoring the reality of the challenge ahead. "So, stay focused, vigilant, and prepared for anything that comes your way."

She gestured subtly toward the back of the hall, where students could glimpse the double doors leading to the Academy's expansive library. "You'll find the books you need for your theoretical studies in our library. Use them well, and prepare yourselves thoroughly. Everything you need to succeed is here—but it's up to you to seize it."

Finally, Celya offered a parting wish. "Good luck to each of you in the year ahead. May you rise to meet every challenge you face."

As she stepped back, the weight of her words settled heavily in the room. The students knew that this was the beginning of an intense, transformative journey—one that would test them, mold them, and, perhaps, lead them to greatness.