Towan glanced around the cafeteria, searching for a place to sit. The room was still relatively empty, with only a few early risers scattered across the vast space. Most of the tables were unoccupied, save for the occasional cluster of students chatting softly over their breakfasts.

“It seems I came in early,” he thought, making his way to a table near one of the tall windows. The light streaming in warmed the polished surface, giving the room a cozy yet grand feel.

He set his tray down and settled into the chair, the faint scrape of wood on the tiled floor breaking the quiet. Alone at the table, Towan let out a soft sigh, grateful for the moment of peace.

As he picked up his fork and took his first bite of scrambled eggs, his eyes widened slightly in surprise. The flavors were rich and perfectly balanced—the eggs were creamy and seasoned just right, and the orange juice tasted fresh-squeezed, vibrant and refreshing.

“This is… really good,” he muttered under his breath, glancing around as if to see if anyone else was marveling at the food. For a school cafeteria, the quality was a far cry from what he’d expected.

He ate slowly, savoring each bite as he let his mind wander. The quiet hum of the room, the soft clinking of cutlery from distant tables, and the occasional burst of laughter from other students created a tranquil atmosphere.

By the time he finished his meal, he felt a sense of calm but also growing anticipation. The academy’s luxuries were impressive, but he knew they came with expectations. Towan leaned back slightly, gazing out the window as the sunlight continued to brighten the grounds.

“This place really is something else,” he thought to himself, a mix of excitement and determination stirring in his chest.

As Towan finished his breakfast, the faint hum of conversation around him was interrupted by an unusual sensation. He felt it before he saw them—a subtle but undeniable flow of elemental Essentia radiating from nearby. It wasn’t overwhelming, but it was strong, steady, and deliberate, like an aura announcing their approach.

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“(Their Essentia is strong, huh,)” Towan thought, his grip tightening slightly on the fork. He didn’t turn around, but his senses were alert as two figures came up behind him.

“Hey! Are you new? What’s your name?” a bright, cheerful voice asked.

Towan looked up to see a girl with fiery red hair tied in a loose braid, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. She plopped down across from him without waiting for an invitation, and a boy followed suit, taking the seat beside her. The boy, tall and sharp-featured, had an air of practiced confidence, his posture relaxed yet commanding.

“I’m Alira. Alira Veyne,” the girl said, flashing him a grin.

“And I’m Kael Feryn,” the boy added, his tone clipped, as though offering his name were a mere formality.

Towan blinked, caught off guard by their forwardness. “Oh, uh, I’m Towan. No surname.”

For a moment, there was a flicker of astonishment in his voice—he wasn’t used to people seeking him out so casually.

“I knew it!” Alira exclaimed, leaning forward on her elbows. “You’re one of the new guys, aren’t you? How’d you convince the headmaster to let you in? Did you bribe him or something?”

Kael smirked, his sharp blue eyes appraising Towan as though sizing him up. “Doesn’t look like he could afford the entrance fee, Alira,” he said, his voice carrying a faint edge of derision.

Towan’s eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Alira swatted at Kael’s arm and made an exaggerated gesture, covering his mouth with her hand.

“Don’t mind him,” she said, rolling her eyes. “He’s like that to everyone who seems weak.”

Towan set down his fork deliberately and leaned back in his chair, meeting Kael’s gaze with a calm but confident smirk. “Do I look weak to you?” he said, his voice steady and unshaken.

Kael raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately, so Towan continued. “For your information, I was sent here by one of my masters. The headmaster seemed to know him well enough to let me in.”

Kael’s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. “Is that so? And what’s your master’s name?”

Towan’s smirk widened, but his tone turned cold. “None of your business,” he said, standing abruptly and gathering his tray. “Not until you learn some manners.”

Kael’s mouth opened slightly, as if he wanted to respond, but Towan was already walking away.