With her proverbial best foot forward, Senna anxiously stepped forward to follow the man, Celica at her side while Reyna followed close behind. More of the red coated staff nodded or called out, giving the salute of Enzen. Several people in the crowd turned momentarily to see whom the staff were calling towards, but most didn’t seem particularly interested otherwise.

As they were led through the gates, Senna took her first step on the grounds that would become her school for the next several years. A brick path stretched forward toward the primary campus building, with several diverging paths branching off towards outlying buildings. The first building to their immediate right, just past the gate, was a surprisingly expansive stable. Several carriages and horses were housed, acting as the transports for VIPs and emergency medical use.

Much like the many walkways that had broken up the sprawling park of the Lunen district, the Brydelgard campus was no different. Minus the stables, their path was flanked by a column of trees on either side that were at least thirty feet high. Senna’s gaze kept wandering to the students and families bustling back and forth on the path, until the group emerged at the main courtyard of the academy.

In the central pavilion was a marble statue of a man on horseback, raising a staff to the sky. Its regal air left Senna mildly awestruck, despite having seen several similar pieces in the city. Gathered beyond the statue was a growing crowd of pedestrians, a sea of gray uniforms with maybe two-thirds of them accompanied by parents or family of some variety.

Scanning the crowd, Senna noticed that the school uniforms followed a similar tradition that she had seen on Earth in the past: ties of varying colors that indicated what year of school the student was in. She was quick to notice that new students were missing said accessory, while the others sported a bright banana yellow, an emerald green, or a deep, crimson red. This sparked her curiosity to what the color would be for the incoming freshman class.

At the front of the courtyard, at the beginning of the brick path that leads into the main hall was a portable podium that was likely used for events like this. On stage were several students with yellow or red ties, happily chatting amongst themselves. Senna assumed that they were likely a student council of some sorts, as no other students attempted to join them. The crowd itself seemed to be similarly aglow with jovial faces, a hundred different conversations intertwined amongst themselves into a mass of unintelligible sound.

Now standing at the right front flank of the audience, Celica and Reyna made small talk with the staff member, who informally introduced himself as Zyrn Ci’er. Senna awkwardly stood beside her mother, too anxious to join the conversation, instead taking the time to do some people watching, admiring the diversity of the audience that had gathered for the opening ceremony. Although she recognized several faces from her neighborhood, she couldn’t find her new friend Thiazzi amongst their numbers.

More people had filled the courtyard by now, their numbers from the avenue finally beginning to taper off. Senna’s heart fluttered to and fro anxiously as sweat beads started to line her palms. Despite the sunny skies overhead, she felt like she was trapped in a crowded room, her breath quivering in her lungs. Taking a deep breath in through her nose, she let it slowly exhale out her mouth, praying that her trepidation would filter out of her chest.

Keep it together. Don’t embarrass yourself again.

Before she could mentally berate herself any further, she felt a hand slip into hers and give it a delicate squeeze. Casting a glance back, she was met with a reassuring smile from Reyna who seemingly sensed the girl’s dread building. It was amazing what a single act of affirmation was capable of, as some of the tickling anxiety in Senna’s chest ebbed.

Senna had always been alone during opening ceremonies after her third year in elementary school. The memory of that day had burned itself into the back of her mind, living there rent free since.

She had been sick to her stomach with dread about the upcoming school year, after spending most the summer with neighborhood friends. During the entrance ceremony, she had become violently ill, much to the chagrin of her parents and disgust of her classmates. Horrified embarrassment turned to tears, fleeing the scene to find a rock to hide under.

Her parents gave almost no sympathy, stating how she had embarrassed them in front of their community. The following years, they stopped attending altogether, leaving their daughter alone for nearly all school occasions except for parent teacher conferences.

Not that they had ever been much comfort to begin with.

Noticing that the foot traffic from the avenue leading to the courtyard was finally tapering off, one of the student council members on stage walked towards the podium. He was a tall boy that looked at least eighteen years old with a flowing mane of red hair that was pulled up into an elegant ponytail, save for some braids on the left side. Lion-like ears at the top of his head as his tail flicked and swished excitedly.

He waved his hand and a purple sigil appeared above what looked like a primitive microphone. As the ritual disappeared, the mic sprung to life. Clearing his throat, the boy spoke with a clear, baritone voice as a hush blanketed the audience.

“Good morning, everyone! As many of you know, my name is Ry’leth Terzen, the student council president for the last two years. To all the incoming freshmen and transfer students…”

His voice trailed off as he scanned the crowd. A sly grin spread across his face as he launched his arms upward, gesturing grandly.

“WELCOME!” His voice booming. The mood was electric as students and families alike cheered proudly in response. Senna remained silent, forcing a shy smile as she watched the audience grow animated. At this point, she felt Celica’s hands grip her shoulders, her presence even more reassuring than Reyna.

“Welcome to Brydelgard Academy! Today marks the three hundred and forty-fourth class to step foot onto academy grounds. Another year of potential clerics, alchemists, enchanters, scholars, mages, and combat specialists that help support the communities and common clay that makes up our beautiful world! However, I’ll keep this short so I don’t steal any thunder from our headmistress, Nivere Gullveig. Never hesitate to seek our help with anything you need; although individuals make up a chain, we are only strong when linked together!”

Applause and cheers were short lived as the audience grew silent, the boy taking a few steps back, gesturing towards the next speaker that wasn’t there. Murmurs ran through the crowd while he patiently kept his arms extended, everyone staring on expectantly. Everything grew so quiet that Senna could hear a somewhat snide whisper from Reyna to Celica.

“You know she can’t resist a flashy entrance.”

As if her whisper had been heard, a screech rang out from the heavens above as a drake flew out from behind some buildings on a distant hill. Its blurry form sped through empty cerulean skies like a bullet, arcing down towards the school grounds on its approach.

Every single hair on Senna’s body stood on end; this was the cry of a dangerous creature, a predator to beast and person alike. About half the audience shifted warily, desperately trying to keep their eyes trained on the winged shadow in the sky. The carefree demeanor of the student council behind the podium seemed to be the only thing keeping everyone from panicking, although more than a handful of people began to back up.

Flaring out its wings to slow down, the drake gracefully landed on a lawn behind the stage, letting out a roar as it turned to face the speechless crowd.

Bowing its horned head, it wrapped itself up in its own wings to a degree that seemed to defy reason, before dissolving into a cloud of mist. From the center of what had been the dragon’s form, a woman with silver, wispy hair and shining crimson eyes stepped out. She was wearing an outfit that resembled a three-piece suit; a white button up blouse under a cream-colored waistcoat with black accents, and form fitting slacks that matched the waistcoat. Draped over her shoulders was a blood-red officer’s jacket with the emblem of their nation, Tiburon, on the left breast over her heart.

Awed by the grand entrance, the crowd cheered as she approached the podium.

“Welcome, everyone, welcome! As Ryleth said, my name is Nivere Gullveig, and I’m thrilled to be back in Enzen! And even more excited to oversee another school year at Brydelgard Academy!

She paused for a moment, giving the audience a smile that radiated warmth.

“As you may know, I spend my summers drilling Tiburon’s soldiers, especially the Cloudbursts. Yet, as much as I enjoy my work, I long for Enzen. It’s not just my birthplace, it’s my home. I know these streets well; I see families in this very crowd that have lived here for generations beside my own kin. I may love the sparkling, azure gulf that kisses the shores of our kingdom’s capital at Valermo, but my heart yearns for the grassy seas of grain, the verdant northern forests like Argen and, most of all, to nap on the sandy banks of the Chulainn River after a day of fishing.”

Senna fought back the jaded adult of her past life as she listened to the speech, sensing genuine sincerity in headmistress Gullveig’s words. It wasn’t unlike something you’d hear a politician say back on Earth, but she was willing to give this woman the benefit of the doubt.

Seemingly sensing what Senna was thinking, her mother whispered in her ear.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“She loves grand entrances and rousing speeches, but her heart’s in the right place.”

Nivere continued her speech.

“Most of all, Brydelgard reflects what I love most about this city. Our school doesn’t run for profit, nor does it merely exist to sustain titles or bloodlines based on some ancestor that merely got lucky and decided their bloodline was somehow divine. Anyone with enough determination, a burning spirit, and hard work can attend these halls and seek an education that will help secure not only their own future, but the future of their community, whether that be here or abroad. We embrace all who cross those gates with an earnest heart and desire to learn.”

Several members of the audience clapped or cheered as Nivere patiently waited for their excitement to subside.

“To the students who will be graduating this year, congratulations! Your work will improve the world at large!”

Cheers of the older students towards the front of the crowd burst out.

“To the returning students continuing their education, let us continue to work hard towards our passions and pursuits.”

A vast majority of the audience roared at this, fists and excitement filling the air.

“And, most of all, to the newest students… Welcome to our beloved academy! Please, explore the grounds with your family and friends, be sure to check the rosters for your assigned classes posted in the main hall, and most importantly, we will see you this upcoming Muirtanz when the new semester begins!”

The entire audience was now clapping or cheering, headmistress Gullveig’s face glowing as she bowed to their numbers. The audience began to file out of the space in every direction as they eagerly sought their class assignments and to get a lay of the land for the campus. Meanwhile, Senna turned to face Celica and Reyna.

Hands on the back of her head with a carefree grin plastered across her face, Reyna laughed.

“Can you believe how much I used to tease her? The quiet bookworm became quite the ferocious soldier, let alone the headmaster of a prestigious school.”

Celica gave a pained smile in response. “We were in the same literature club while we were here and had the same taste in books. I can’t really tease her.”

Senna couldn’t help but laugh at their exchange, throwing her own comment in.

“Of course you both know her. I’m beginning to think the list of people you don’t know is shorter.”

“In our defense, we weren’t particularly close, and she was a year older to boot.” Reyna responded, reminiscing on memories of the past.

“Regardless…” Senna started nervously, “Should we see what class I’m assigned to and maybe take a tour of the campus?”

“We’d love to show you around, angel. We already know what class you’ll be in, but it’s kind of a tradition to go see where you’re assigned.” Celica beamed at her. It was dawning on Senna how much her mother had been looking forward to this day.

“Why don’t you walk in with the students and go look at your class roster? We’ll wait here for you.”

Swallowing the knot in her throat, Senna nodded, and turned towards the main entrance of the school building. The campus resembled something she would have read in a fantasy novel, yet actually standing there felt bizarre. The centuries-old structures had probably seen countless thousands of students and, for a brief moment, she felt like just another face that would be lost in time’s memory.

Although the courtyard had been congested for the opening speeches, people were now dispersing onto the various paths that lead around the campus. New students that still lingered began to file towards the main hall, as Senna noticed most of them were missing the tie that distinguished their grade. Feeling less claustrophobic now, Senna followed the other students, a cautious eager energy filling her legs.

The foyer of the main hall was somehow plainer than she expected. Immediately to her right-hand side, there was a reception desk with a mailroom behind it, several staff members leafing through letters and documents.

Even in a fantasy world, there’s paperwork to do…

To the left-hand side was a room with an iron barred door, a desk, and rows of lockers behind it. Senna couldn’t fathom what the purpose of the room was, her panicked thoughts swirling wildly, believing it to have some kind of disciplinarian purpose. Her concerns were immediately alleviated as a plaque indicated it was a storage room where training weapons were kept under lock, key, and strict supervision.

Ahead, was the hallway that leads to the student commons area, the nurse’s office, and the message boards where announcements, club flyers, and class rosters were posted. Gathered around the postings was a half-circle of new students, chattering amongst themselves about where they had been assigned. Students were quickly jotting down their assignment, before stepping away to explore the building.

Senna took her time waiting for some of the students to leave before comfortably approaching the board.

Let’s see… It looks like there are seven classes listed. I hope I’m three or seven, those are my lucky numbers!

Next to every designated class number was the name of the homeroom teacher overseeing it, with each class having about twenty to twenty-five students. One by one, Senna scanned each class and roster, but each time she realized that her name wasn’t listed. As she approached the final class, her heart began to sink, unable to find her own name.

There’s got to be a mistake, right?

Reviewing the list again, she slowed down to make sure that she hadn’t missed her own name somewhere in the excitement. Yet, as she rechecked the list of first year students, her name remained missing. Beside the list there were other postings for older students, detailing honors placements, special field research teams, and internships with local trade and adventuring guilds. Finally, towards the bottom of the posting, was a class roster.

Alternative Learning Program - Class A (First Floor, Room 109)

Spellcasting Instructor: Eris Linhardt

Weapon Mastery Trainer: Melchior Scarletforge

Teacher for Scholarly Academics: Zyrn Ci’er

Students:

- Lyra Delsen

- Senna Lorenz

- Beryl Veldt

- Zoval Celestin

Alternative Learning Program? I wonder if that’s a special placement class for someone that’s been in a coma like I was…

Senna retrieved a piece of note paper and scrawled the information down as quickly as she could, not wanting to keep her mother waiting. Heading back out the way she came in, she couldn’t help but notice the excitement that hung in the air as a new school year was about to start. Unlike her school years on Earth, everyone here seemed ecstatic to be there.

Standing in the courtyard once more, Celica and Reyna were sitting on a bench having a casual conversation. Zyrn had already left, and they both waved and stood up as Senna approached.

“Did you get your class assignment?” Celica smiled, clearly loving every part of this milestone.

“Yeah, I did! I couldn’t find my name on any of the seven classes, but then saw I’m part of a different class. Something called an ‘Alternative Learning Program’?”

“Yes, while you were inside, Zyrn was speaking to us about that.”

“Is that a class for kids who were sleepers like me?” Senna asked, a genuine curiosity in her tone. She couldn’t imagine that she was some child prodigy that was already ahead of the curve, so assumed it must be for those in similar situations as hers.

“Not just sleepers, but also those who may have disabilities, medical conditions, or just learn differently than others. Regardless of circumstance, this school and most of our city believes in uplifting everyone who wants to be helped. Leaving others behind and setting some arbitrary standard to hold everyone against is a silent cruelty for those who simply don’t fit said standards.”

Senna’s facial expression remained neutral, but she felt blindsided by a community that truly sought to care for their own people.

“I spoke with the school about a week ago, and although you’ve been working hard to learn how to read and write, you’re still years behind your peers in the academics of Messaris as well as spellcasting and combat. We both felt like this would be the best fit for you.”

Unable to argue with the logic of it, as the truth was undeniable. Months of laborious study had resulted in a basic comprehension of their world, but despite being fourteen and starting an equivalent to high school, she was academically closer to a nine-year-old outside of math and basic sciences.

Processing all of it, Senna shook her head.

“No, that makes complete sense. Truth be told, I’m just thankful that I’m privileged enough to live in a place where people will take the time to get me caught up with everyone else. I can’t imagine everyone in the world is that fortunate.”

Before Celica could respond, Reyna ruffled Senna’s hair with a hand.

“Yer a good kid, you know? I know… I know you’re not necessarily an ordinary kid, but your heart and head are where they should be. It’s not fair, but you’re making the most of it.”

Celica wore a thoughtful expression before nodding in agreement.

“You’ve always taken things in stride, even before you fell asleep. I still see my child in you regardless of what life throws at you.”

She raised a hand to caress her daughter’s cheek, before the latter turned away, blushing in embarrassment.

“We’re in public, mom!” Her cheeks were momentarily scarlet, a hint of a smile betraying the outburst.

“Anyways, I’m a little too stressed to be upset about something I have no control over like that. Catching up is going to be a mountain of work, I just hope my teachers can be patient with me.”

“They will be, they’re specialists for exactly this sort of situation. If they aren’t, I’ll channel the fires of Rasuum itself over it!”

Reyna immediately belted out a laugh.

“For someone that’s so strong, your threats don’t sound particularly threatening!”

Senna couldn’t help but privately concur.

“Yeah… It feels weird hearing such a kind hearted person make threats.”

Slightly embarrassed, Celica turned away, trying to save face.

“Well, shall we explore the campus a bit and after I’ll make lunch for everyone?”

Senna and Reyna readily agreed to the plan, and the trio set out to give Senna a tour of the school. The latter ignored the butterflies in her stomach, knowing that the following week was her first week of school in over fifteen years.