Chapter - 25 : Opening Ceremony

(Next Day Morning)

(Third Person View)

Under the soft embrace of the early morning sun, a river of eight hundred students flowed onto the open field, each wearing the same firm military attire.

Their full-sleeved shirt and trousers painted them into a single, irrespective of gender, menacing entity, like a sea of togetherness.

However, their disciplined division in their march hinted at their origins, marking the boundaries of separate dormitory blocks.

The clock hands brushed against 7 am, throwing a golden tint over the horizon.

It was the first day of classes for the first-year students of 'Elite-Class' at the Military Academy, and the air was thick with apprehension and excitement.

The event was the grand opening ceremony, which marked the AzureIsle Military Academy's[AMA] formal acceptance of its freshmen.

Amongst the bustling crowd, a cohort of Senior students surfaced, appearing mere years ahead of the fresh faces.

Their outfits, which were tinted with a different hue than the rest, recognized them as third-year students.

Despite their youthful appearance, their attitude rang with practiced efficiency, highlighting their seasoned status.

A symphony of steps emerged, a testament to the exact routine the seniors accomplished. While seemingly authoritative, they were approachable and welcoming.

They extended a hand of guidance to the newcomers, blending their youthful enthusiasm with a sense of responsibility.

The first year's gathering continued to hum with curiosity and whispered excitement, creating a mosaic of voices that mingled like a whispered symphony.

Yet, discipline was woven into the fabric of this chaos, ensuring that the chatter stayed quiet, respectful of the event happening.

A playful wind occasionally whisked snippets of conversation along.

The nervous laughter of new friends finding each other, whispers about the day ahead, and the anticipatory hum of shared hopes.

In the midst of it all, three distinct figures navigated through the crowd.

Kavir, a mask of stoicism, walked alongside Rai.

David, on the other hand, exuded boundless enthusiasm while occasionally bothering Rai with his questions.

Rai, nonchalant and detached, rarely answered David's inquiries with half-hearted engagement, his eyes wandering across the crowd.

Despite Rai's indifference, David remained undeterred as Kavir took it upon himself to answer, satisfying his curiosity.

The trio neared the open field where the ceremony would unfold, as the stage stood in quiet readiness.

Amidst the throng, Rai's gaze snagged on a particular figure near the stage.

Recognizing the figure he was about to avert his eyes when those of the other figure locked onto his.

In that fleeting moment, a silent exchange transpired, greeting passing between them.

Rai held the gaze for a beat before finally nodding, a subtle confirmation of his identity.

David, halted his questioning to observe Rai's sudden reaction and followed his line of sight.

His eyes landed on the third year female student standing by the stage, exuding an aura of both grace and authority and the very student Rai had nodded.

In response to Rai's nod, the figure also offered a nod of her own and diverted her attention from Rai.

Seeing the scene playing out in his front, a rush of curiosity swelled within David–

"Karnal, do you know, the Student Body President–Lady Jasmine?"(David)

His voice held astonishment, his surprise palpable.

"...Yeah, I guess."

Rai's response was vague and clearly uninteresting.

The figure Rai had greeted was indeed the Student Body President, a third-year student who is in charge of this grand opening ceremony.

"Is she a friend of yours?"

David's curiosity was insatiable.

"No.

–Rai responded, without much change in tone.

"Not even close. We're acquaintances from a party."(Rai)

He clarified with the same way he had responded to David's previous questions implying the indifference he held for the matter.

"Is that so?"

David muttered, dropping the topic.

Actually seeing Rai's unbothered attitude he wanted continue but the Kavir's quiet gaze from the corner made him shut his mouth.

By now, both Rai, Kavir and David have become decently acquainted with each other since yesterday's afternoon meeting.

Partially both Rai and David knew they had to coexist and respect each other's presence in the same room, unless one of them was totally dissatisfied.

So knowing it was inevitable, they tried to get along while sharing basic information about their origins and backgrounds within a short time frame.

Rai also shared his background status as Prince of a Kingdom, while David talked about his sponsored admission to Elite-Class by his family to pursue his dreams despite their commoner origins.

Though David hasn't mentioned it directly, Rai caught the meaning behind sponsorship being a 'debt' made by his family. However, Rai knew his boundaries and didn't question them.

On the other hand, getting to know Rai's background, David, contrary to one's expectations of distancing himself from Rai, boldly proposed a friendship using the Academy's rules of being treated equally.

Rai also didn't object, but he still acted reserved.

.

Soon, all the first year students arranged themselves in the designated lines, the trio finding their place at the forefront, expectant gazes focused on them.

The crowd completed its formation, assuming the semi-circular arrangement that ensured each individual had a window to the proceedings ahead.

Accordingly, stepping onto the stage, Jasmine as the Student Body President took hold of the microphone, her presence arresting the crowd's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and fellow students.

"As the sun rises on this new day, we stand united at the precipice of a journey that will shape not only our individual paths but the legacy of our esteemed AzureIsle Military Academy[AMA].

"I–'Flamelore Jasmine'–your Student Body president, am honored to address you on this momentous occasion.

"In the presence of our dedicated Vice-Principal–'Thornton Malcolm'–and the spirit of our absent Principal–'Whitaker Garrett'–we gather as a community bound by common purpose and unwavering dedication to excellence.

–She introduced herself, acknowledged the Vice-Principal in attendance, and conveyed the Principal's regrets for not being present.

"Today, we welcome a fresh cohort of students, our newest comrades in arms. To those taking their first steps within these walls, I extend my heartfelt welcome."

As the speech unfolded, not one member of the trio was fully engaged.

Kavir stood in rigid attention, without any moments.

Rai mirrored his stance, but his occasional side glances continued.

Meanwhile, David's voice continued to run his mouth, seemingly speaking to himself, as neither Rai nor Kavir paid attention.

And in between David's chatter, a question broke through–

"What kind of Principal doesn't show up in his own opening ceremony..."

David asked no one in particular.

"*yawn~

"How would I know…?"

Rai, who had been ignoring any involvement with David's monologue, unexpectedly responded with a lengthy yawn and an unintended volume.

His words traveled further than intended, reaching the stage.

This unplanned outburst drew attention, and Rai, realizing the mistake, cast a cautious glance towards the stage, hoping the disruption went unnoticed.

Rai's gaze was again connected with a pair of eyes that held an uncanny knowingness.

The eyes held Rai's for a brief moment before a soft smile acknowledged the shared secret, and the speaker continued the speech, unruffled.

"F*ck"(Rai)

Rai cursed under his breath.

His insight let him see through the facade, seeing that the smile merely masked an underlying irritation.

[Well, the feeling is mutual, I guess.](Rai)

Simultaneously, the other individual was aware that Rai had accurately perceived their genuine intentions.

"My fellow junior students, let this year be one of growth, resilience, and accomplishment.

"Let us embrace the lessons, seize the opportunities, and march forward with unwavering determination.

"Thank you, and may our time at the AzureIsle Military Academy[AMA] be marked by achievements that reflect the true spirit of our institution."(Jasmine)

The speech concluded, and the assembly began to disperse.

.

"Hey Karnal, do you think I didn't notice you looking at the President during the speech?"

David's voice, never-ending, caught Rai's ear once again.

"...

–Rai paused, absorbing the words, and then turned his attention to David, his expression blank.

"*chuckle…

"David, let me share a secret with you.

"You have a unique way of seeing things."(Rai)

The moment stretched before Rai let out a defeated chuckle, a mix of amusement and acceptance.

"Uh, thanks?"(David)

David's face registered a mix of confusion and awkwardness, unsure if he had just been complimented or criticized.

.

(To be continued…)

★─────⇌•★•⇋─────★

Chapter words : 1400

Total words : 35.71K