(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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The plaza outside the main spire was already buzzing with movement when Orion and the others arrived. Streams of first-years walked in long lines toward the familiar hall where Doran had announced their rankings the day before. The morning sun cast a soft glow across the white marble, reflecting off hundreds of silver-haired heads—though only a portion were pure-blooded Chronos.

Orion spotted Seris first. She waved both hands dramatically as if trying to flag down a carriage.

"There you are," she said when they reached her. "Thought you might've overslept on the most important day of the year."

"Why would I oversleep?" Orion asked.

"Because you look like someone who sleeps too easily," Seris replied.

Caelum gave her a look. "That doesn't even make sense."

"Yes, it does, my cousin has the same type of eyes he does, and he always oversleeps," Seris explained, shooting Caelum a glare.

Selene joined them soon after, quiet as usual. With the group assembled, they moved inside with the other students, the flow of footsteps echoing faintly against the tall stone walls.

The hall was almost identical to the previous day—vast, circular, layered with thousands of seats stretching upward toward the ceiling. Runes shimmered faintly around the perimeter, casting soft gold light across the room. Students filled every row, their conversations dying down slowly as more gathered.

Orion took a seat between Caelum and Seris, arms resting loosely on the chair's edges. The energy in the hall was a mixture of anticipation and nerves. For many, this was the official beginning.

Once the clock struck 9am, Orion immediately felt a change in space. No one could get in again.

Soon after.

A soft fold in space announced her arrival—clean, instantaneous.

Jessica Vaunt Chronos stood at the center of the platform.

Her silver hair fell neatly over her shoulders, her uniform perfectly fitted, her expression calm but commanding. The hall quieted at once. Even those who hadn't seen her before seemed to recognize instinctively who she was.

She surveyed the five thousand assembled students before speaking.

"Congratulations," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the hall. "Every one of you has passed the first requirement to stand within this academy. You have survived a trial designed to reflect both your potential and your weaknesses. You made it here."

A subtle wave of pride moved through the crowd.

Jessica continued, "Before we discuss your schedules, dormitories, and classes, you will need context. The history of the place you are now part of. And what you're about to get yourselves into."

She clasped her hands lightly behind her back.

"The Academy was founded two hundred years ago by the fortieth Patriarch of the Chronos family." She paused. "I won't give you his name. If you wish to know it, you may visit the Academy library after orientation. Consider it your first assignment."

A few murmurs rose, mostly amused.

"During his tenure," she continued, "the Chronos family reached a population unmatched in its history. With that growth came a problem—your predecessors no longer had the time, proximity, or structure to properly develop together. There were too many branches, too many isolated groups."

Seris leaned toward Orion. "I like her voice," she whispered.

Orion turned to her with a raised brow.

Seris just shrugged.

Jessica's gaze swept across the room.

"The Patriarch understood something crucial. Talent does not flourish in isolation. We needed a unified hub—a place where young Chronos descendants could meet, rival, challenge, and elevate each other. A place where bonds could form naturally. Where loyalty was cultivated not by force, but by shared experience."

She took a slow breath.

"That was how this academy came to be. A haven for training. A center for the rising generation. A foundation from which the Chronos would maintain its future."

Her tone softened slightly.

"And for two centuries, thousands of our greatest fighters, strategists, researchers, and innovators have walked the halls you now stand in. They became the pillars that held this family together. Not because they were the strongest at age ten… but because they grew here."

Silence settled naturally.

She continued, "This, however, will not be the last academy you attend. Our family is extensive. Our ranks, varied. And your path will branch into many specialized institutions over the years."

She lifted a hand, palm open.

"But the friendships you form here, the bonds you create, the rivalries you sharpen—and the skills you cultivate—will last you a lifetime. Despite your conflicts, your competition, your differences… remember this."

Her gaze sharpened, a flicker of authority entering her voice.

"We are one. Our blood may differ across generations, our talents may vary greatly… but we are still a family. And family grows together."

Across the hall, a quiet wave of acknowledgment spread. Even Orion found himself listening more intently than he expected. She spoke simply, directly—no theatrics, no unnecessary flair.

Jessica lowered her hand.

"Now. Some of you may believe that the trial you experienced two days ago was… difficult."

A few students gave small nods.

She nodded once, slowly.

"Good. Hold onto that belief."

Her expression shifted—serious, firm, almost cold.

"Because I am here to reinforce it. The trial you went through will be the easiest challenge you will face in this academy."

The temperature in the hall seemed to drop slightly.

"The talented among you will accelerate faster than you can imagine. You will face obstacles that will test every aspect of your being: your intelligence, your emotional control, your discipline, your resilience, your spirit."

Her eyes swept across the rows, steady and unwavering.

"You will be pushed beyond your limits—intellectually, emotionally, physically."

Her voice dropped a fraction.

"Because that is what is best for the Chronos."

Absolute silence fell.

Even Seris stopped fidgeting. Caelum straightened slightly. Selene's eyes widened just a little. Orion merely leaned back.

Jessica let the silence settle, then continued,

"If any of you believe you are not up to the task… I suggest you leave now."

Not a single student moved.

Not one breath wavered.

She nodded.

"Good."

Then, with a faint but unmistakable smile, she added,

"I am Jessica Vaunt Chronos… and one last time, welcome to the Chronos Academy."

The hall erupted into applause.

Beside him, Seris whispered, "Okay, I kind of like her."

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