(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they mean a lot. As usual, please don't hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)

Power stones people, Gimme it.

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Soft light seeped through the window, touching the edges of Orion's room. The faint chirping of birds echoed as he opened his eyes. Morning had come faster than he expected.

He sat up, stretching once, then swung his legs off the bed, heading to the bathroom.

After washing up his face, he left his room dressed inlight clothes. The corridor was silent except for the faint footsteps of attendants preparing for the day. Outside, the air was crisp, laced with the faint scent of dew and stone. The academy's main courtyard stretched wide before him, surrounded by marble walkways and trees swaying in the morning breeze.

He began his usual routine, focusing on precision — light stretches, footwork transitions, and controlled bursts of mana circulation through hisbody. His breathing evened out as his pace picked up, each motion fluid and deliberate.

But this time, he wasn't alone in thought.

His mana sense expanded quietly, spreading across the courtyard like a veil. He'd been keeping an eye out since he'd gotten back to the dorm—trying to sense for that stalkers mana signature.

Nothing.

Not a flicker of intent or presence. The stillness of the courtyard was absolute.

He exhaled lightly, muttering, "Still nothing, huh?" and resumed his drills.

A voice broke the silence behind him.

"Are you looking for me?"

Orion froze.

His body reacted before thought caught up — mana surged to his limbs as his form flickered. A punch appeared directly in front of the intruder's face, stopping just short of impact.

Thaddeus.

The silver-haired boy stood there, expression faintly amused, hands in his pockets. "You really are jumpy in the morning," he said with a grin.

Orion blinked, lowering his arm slowly. "I think I'm starting to hate you."

Thaddeus chuckled. "You're not the only one. My grandpa's an expert in that."

Orion stared at him, expression flat but eyes sharp. His senses hadn't even twitched. That wasn't normal — not at his current level. He replayed the moment in his mind, searching for the faintest sign he might've missed. Nothing.

'Mana sense alone would be far from enough to catch him, I have to find another means of detection, using Margaret is far from ideal,' he thought grimly.

"Your grandpa?" Orion asked aloud.

"Yeah. Very grumpy old man," Thaddeus said, stretching lazily. "Hates that he can't sense me even when I'm standing right behind him."

"Even he can't sense you?"

"Nope," Thaddeus said with a satisfied grin. "Hence his frustration."

Orion exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly. The image of some powerful elder from the Chronos estate fuming in confusion was almost enough to make him laugh — almost.

But the implications sat heavier. For Thaddeus to escape the perception of someone that strong meant his ability wasn't just stealth — it was something deeper.

The image of his status came back to mind.

His gaze lingered on Thaddeus, who was now jogging in place as if he hadn't just appeared out of nowhere.

"It's like you were born to hide," Orion muttered.

Thaddeus chuckled. "Maybe I was."

The two exchanged a brief look — an unspoken mix of acknowledgment and mild irritation — before returning to their routines.

They ran the length of the courtyard together in silence. Neither spoke again until they both slowed near the dorm steps, breath steady despite the morning's exertion.

"See you later," Thaddeus said simply, turning away.

Orion gave a short nod and headed back toward his room.

By the time he'd washed up again, the sun had climbed higher, spilling golden light through the dorm windows. When he stepped into the corridor, Caelum was already waiting outside, uniform crisp, expression as neutral as ever.

"Morning," Orion greeted.

Caelum gave a short nod. "You're later than usual,"

"I had company."

Caelum glanced at him briefly but didn't ask. They made their way downstairs together.

The dining hall was already alive with chatter. Dozens of students filled the tables, though the space still managed to feel airy and bright. The smell of warm bread and roasted beef hung pleasantly in the air.

Orion and Caelum took seats near the same table from the night before. Erevan wasn't there yet, though several of their peers greeted Orion with nods and murmured "good mornings."

A few of them looked half-asleep, others far too awake for the hour. Conversation buzzed — predictions about orientation, speculations about instructors, the usual excitement before a new term began.

Halfway through his meal, Orion noticed Erevan entering, his usual grin in place. He carried a plate piled high with food and dropped into the seat across from him.

"Morning, champion," Erevan said.

Orion didn't even look up from his plate. "You're loud for someone who placed second."

Erevan's smile stiffened. "You just have to rub that in, don't you."

Their exchange drew amused looks from nearby students.

Midway through the chatter, the air shifted faintly.

A tall figure in a tailored black uniform entered — Corin, Magnum one's butler. His presence alone silenced most of the room.

"Good morning, young masters," Corin began, his tone calm yet carrying easily across the hall. "Allow me to extend congratulations on successfully completing the entry trials."

A ripple of acknowledgment passed through the tables.

"For those who did not retain their position in Magnum One," Corin continued, "your belongings will be arranged and transferred to your assigned dormitories before the end of your orientation. You will be escorted accordingly."

There were quiet nods, a few sighs, but no complaints. Everyone knew how narrow the margin had been.

Corin inclined his head slightly. "Breakfast will conclude at 08:40. Orientation begins promptly at the Main Spire thereafter. I'd advice punctuality."

He stepped back, offering a brief bow before departing the same way he came.

Erevan stretched, grinning. "You heard the man. Don't be late."

"Unless someone would like to test what would happen otherwise." Erevan said, his eyes on Galen

"I'm not that brave," Galen said from across the table.

"Not yet," Erevan corrected, earning a few laughs.

By the time the clock struck 08:40, the group was on its feet. Trays clattered softly as they returned them, chatter rising again as they exited the hall.

Orion walked ahead of them, pace steady, the faint morning light glinting off their silver hair. Caelum followed silently at his side, Erevan and the others trailing just behind.

Another day had begun.

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