The Ceremony

Airen sat on his designated seat, eagerly awaiting the commencement of the ceremony welcoming new students to the esteemed academia. As his gaze swept towards the stage, he caught sight of a familiar face taking the podium. With grace and confidence, Amber Blaikie, the newly appointed professor, began addressing the audience.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and cherished students,

Good afternoon,

With a heart brimming with excitement and a profound sense of privilege, I stand before you today as your professor and guide in this collective journey into the realms of knowledge and discovery. I am Amber Blaikie, and it is my great joy to lead you on this voyage.

As we gather in this hallowed institution, the impact that Selcer can have on shaping minds and futures is profound. Our shared pursuit of a better tomorrow is a testament to the unyielding belief that humanity will not surrender. Let us create an environment where curiosity knows no bounds and where the exchange of ideas fosters a vibrant tapestry of perspectives.

Thank you, and please welcome SIR Alden Velgour."

A hologram materialized on the stage, projecting the image of a man in his 40s, his face marked by a deep cut, adding a certain disfigurement. With a growly voice, Dean Alden Velgour spoke sternly.

"Welcome to the academic journey that lies ahead. I am Alden Velgour, your Dean, and I stand before you today with a message that may seem stark, yet it is an undeniable truth we must confront as we embark on our pursuits.

Many of you may harbor dreams of becoming formidable arcanists in the future. The allure of mastering arcane arts, wielding unparalleled powers, and unraveling the mysteries of the mystical world can be enchanting. However, it is my duty to impart a sobering reality, one that stems not from a lack of faith in your abilities but from the acknowledgment of the challenges inherent in such a formidable path.

The pursuit of becoming an arcanist is no easy feat. It is a journey fraught with peril and unpredictability, demanding discipline, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. History has shown us that not all who embark on this path emerge unscathed, and the road to mastery is lined with obstacles that may lead to, in some cases, irreversible consequences.

Keeping this in mind, you should be prepared for the challenges you are about to face. If there are ever any inquiries about anything, my doors are open to you all without the need to follow the chain of command. All of you will be given your IDs soon; keep them on your person at all times. Everything depends on them, including your cafeteria access and your dormitories. Are there any questions or confusions?"

Airen seized the opportunity to clear his confusion, raising his hand. Miraculously, he was chosen, and he spoke, "My name is Airen Altrof, and I wanted to clear up a confusion. Why are some students wearing white coats while others are wearing black?" Laughter erupted throughout the auditorium, leaving Airen bewildered until he noticed that everyone else had frozen in fear due to the immense pressure emanating from the dean.

Clearing his throat, Dean Velgour addressed Airen's question, "The white coats belong to old students who are continuing their studies here from Ardian Academia, meaning they already have experience in controlling their abilities. Meanwhile, students wearing black coats are from different institutes and are still novices in their abilities. Does this clear up your confusion?" Satisfied with the answer, Airen sat down, pondering the potential problems this distribution might cause in the future.

"I would like to end today's ceremony with these words: Even in the depths of despair, my fellow seekers of knowledge, I implore you not to lose hope. It is in these moments of darkness that the seeds of resilience are sown. The journey of life, much like the pursuit of arcane arts, is fraught with challenges and shadows that threaten to engulf us. Yet, it is precisely in those moments of obscurity that the promise of light becomes most profound."

In a flash of light, the hologram disappeared, and the auditorium resounded with applause. As the applause faded, Airen couldn't shake the feeling that the distribution of coats might lead to issues, and he silently hoped that no potential conflicts arise. but as Airen thought this he was stopped by a hand over his shoulder