The auditorium was a cavernous space, its high ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes depicting historical scenes from Terra's rich past. Stained glass windows cast kaleidoscopic patterns across the marble floors, adding to the grandeur.

  I couldn't help but notice how Dior seemed almost seemed to glide through the crowds. There was something mesmerizing about the way she moved, her footsteps light and graceful as we navigated the sea of students. I found myself subconsciously trying to match her steps.

  We made our way to the back row, where Dior settled into a seat with a sense of purpose, her gaze scanning the room. I followed her lead, sinking into the plush cushion beside her.

  I sat there, staring up at the frescoes, feeling both insignificant and awestruck.

  It was just so... big and ostentatious. And the people, the students around us... they seemed like they belonged to another world altogether. It felt surreal to think I was now a part of this.

  Dior sat beside me, her hands resting in her lap, her expression unreadable. Yet her eyes were focused, observing the stage with a hint of curiosity. Her posture was perfect, and her face was calm. It was like she had shut everything out and was simply present in the moment.

  I wondered what her deal was. She was strange, but not in a bad way. Just... unique. She certainly carried an air of quiet mystery though.

  The opening ceremony began with a flourish as the lights dimmed and the stage lights flickered on. A tall, beautiful woman dressed in a suit and skirt combination stepped into the spotlight, her white ponytail swaying gently behind her.

  The auditorium fell silent, the collective gaze of the students settling on the woman. She carried herself with a confident, commanding presence, her deep sapphire eyes piercing through the shadows.

  The woman on stage stood out like a beacon, her white hair shimmering in the soft glow of the spotlight.

  "Good morning, students!" she announced, her voice echoing through the hall with a powerful resonance. "I am Headmistress Bridgette Egan, and I am honored to welcome you to this year's orientation ceremony. This academy has been a home to some of Terra's most elite and talented individuals since its establishment, and I have no doubt that each and every one of you will contribute to its legacy in your own unique way."

  She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the crowd with an air of authority. "You stand on the precipice of a new era, an era where magic and new breakthroughs in our technological knowledge have converged in recent years to create a boundless and bright future. It is here, at St. Antonia's, where you will learn to harness these forces, to become leaders and innovators who will shape the destiny of Terra... and potentially beyond."

  The Headmistress paused, eyes scanning the crowd with a deep intensity that made me feel she was speaking directly to me.

  "However, let me make one thing clear," she continued, her voice rising with authority. "With great power comes great responsibility. As future guardians of Terra, you will bear this responsibility," Headmistress Egan continued, her tone becoming more solemn. "Our world has faced its share of challenges. From the existential threats of the Aberrations that plague our world, to the countless.... internal conflicts that have tested our resolve. I must stress that above all else, it is through unity, innovation, and the unwavering spirit of our people that we have triumphed thus far."

  The Headmistress paused again, allowing her words to sink in before continuing.

  "And it is in this spirit that we must continue to move forward. As students of this institution, you have been given a rare opportunity and a great privilege. You will be taught by some of the most brilliant minds of our time, and I am more than certain you will all be able to flourish here. You, as students of this academy, have been chosen to represent the best and brightest that Terra has to offer. You are the vanguard, the hope for a better tomorrow. "

  Her eyes swept over the audience, locking onto different faces, and I felt a jolt when her gaze briefly met mine. "But remember, this privilege is not for your sole benefit. It is a responsibility - a duty - to use what you learn here to better our world. To innovate, to protect, and to lead with integrity and honor."

  The room was silent, every student hanging onto her words.

  "In your time here, you will face challenges, both academic and personal. You will be tested in ways you cannot yet imagine. But these trials are essential. They will forge you into the leaders and visionaries that Terra needs. Embrace these challenges. Grow from them. And emerge stronger and more capable than you ever thought possible."

  The Headmistress's voice softened as she concluded her speech. "The choices you make, the paths you choose, will shape the destiny of our world. Be wise, be courageous, and above all, be kind. For in the end, it is not just our knowledge or our strength that defines us, but our compassion and our humanity."

  She stepped back from the podium with her head held high, and the auditorium erupted into applause. I clapped along, feeling a mixture of awe and excitement. As a poor kid from Earth, I had my reservations about this elite academy, but listening to the Headmistress's words reignited my own hope for a better future.

  As the applause died down, Dior turned to me, a hint of a frown on her lips. "That was a fascinating speech," she said softly. "But..."

  "But what?" I asked, sensing there was more she wanted to say.

  "This one wonders about her message," Dior mused, her eyes distant as she stared at the stage where the Headmistress had given her inspiring speech.

  "About using power responsibly?" I asked, not entirely following her train of thought.

  Dior nodded slowly, her brows furrowing in contemplation. "Does Ikki believe people can use power for the greater good? This one thinks it is difficult."

  I pondered her words, trying to grasp the weight of her doubt.

  "I believe in people," I replied honestly. "There's a lot of bad, yeah, but I think there's a lot of good, too. It's really about intent at the end of the day."

  She looked at me, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. "This one does not share your optimism. This one has seen what power and knowledge can do to people. Regardless of best intentions. It can twist even the kindest hearts. It can turn friends against friends and sisters against sisters. And in the end, the quest for knowledge and power can destroy even the most promising lives."

  Her words hung heavy between us, the air thick with a sudden melancholy.

  I bit my lips, knowing that Dior was likely speaking from experience. She had a point. History has shown that power could be corrupting, and knowledge could be dangerous in the wrong hands.

  I looked at Dior, considering her words. Her expression was serious, and I felt a pang of sadness at her cynical view of the world.

  "I get your point of view, Dior," I replied, choosing my words carefully. "And you're right, power and knowledge can be misused, but it's also what we choose to do with it at the end of the day. I don't know if the same idiom is on Terra, but we do say the 'Road to hell is paved with good intentions' back home. It's our responsibility to be self-aware about something as dangerous as power and knowledge at the end of the day. That's what this school is all about, right?"

  Dior nodded slowly, seeming to consider my words.

  "Perhaps you are right," she finally said, her voice softening. "This one has not known many good people in her life. But Dior hopes to be proven wrong."

  Before I could respond, the lights dimmed again, signaling the start of another speech.

  The Headmistress took the podium once again, her presence commanding attention. "Now, there is someone we must acknowledge. Please welcome... Her Grace!"

  At her announcement, a holographic image flickered to life on stage, revealing a breathtaking figure that made even Headmistress Egan's otherworldly beauty seem commonplace.

  The hologram displayed a captivating, green-haired young woman dressed in a chic, tailored military officer uniform. Her eyes were a captivating shade of gold that seemed to pierce through the holographic projection. They shone with an intelligence and cunning that belied her youthful appearance, making her seem much older and more mature than her appearance suggested. She looked like she was in her late twenties or early thirties at most.

  The woman in the hologram wore her dark green hair in an elegant braided hairstyle with long locks framing her face and cascading down her back. Her hair seemed to sway and bounce with an almost lifelike quality, even though it was just a projection. Her skin was porcelain smooth and pale, almost unnaturally so. She had a sharp, angular face that seemed sculpted to perfection.

  "And now, it is with great honor," she announced, "that I introduce our special guest speaker today. A reclusive figure of immense wisdom. One who has been pivotal in safeguarding humanity for centuries. She, who has lived for centuries accumulating knowledge and power beyond our comprehension. She, who has dedicated her life to protecting Terra from the Aberrations and other threats that seek to harm our world. I am proud to announce Duchess Edith Escathos as our surprise guest speaker for today's orientation ceremony."

  The room erupted in whispers and murmurs of excitement.

  Dior's eyes widened slightly, and I could feel the reverence and awe that permeated the room. A feeling of awkwardness settled in my stomach as I realized I had never heard of this Duchess before.

  Who was she, and why was everyone losing their minds over her?

  The auditorium fell into a hushed silence as heavy boots rang out through the auditorium. They echoed ominously with each step, sending shivers down my spine.

  Duchess Escathos stepped into view, her aura dominating the room.

  The Duchess's presence was overwhelming, commanding attention and respect. She was a study in contrasts, her youthfulness at odds with the weight of history in her eyes, and her beauty marred by an air of coldness.

  Her eyes, like molten gold, scanned the room as she strode purposefully to the front of the stage.

  Her formal military-style uniform was made of rich, black velvet embellished with gold embroidery, adorned with a a pair of ancient runes sewn along the suit.

  There was something about her - a sense of immense power held in check, a depth of knowledge and experience that was almost tangible. She radiated an aura that made it clear that she was not to be taken lightly.

  As the Duchess reached the center of the stage, the lights seemed to dim around her, as if even the room itself bowed to her authority.

  "Duchess Escathos," the Headmistress announced, "is not only a renowned sorceress and one of the greatest inventors in history, but also the mastermind behind the defense strategies that have protected Terra from the Aberrations and Chaos Beasts. Her contributions have been instrumental in our survival and advancement. Ladies and gentlemen, please show her the honor she rightfully deserves."

  The applause that followed was thunderous, filled with respect and admiration as the other students jumped out of their seats.

  On the other hand, Dior stood up and glared at her silently.

  And… she started growling.

  "Thank you, Headmistress Egan," Duchess Escathos said smoothly, her voice cutting through the applause. "And thank you all for such a warm welcome."

  Her voice was calm, smooth, and confident and lacked the projective strength of the Headmistress, but it still commanded attention. On top of that, her voice seemed to carry around the room without the help of a microphone.

  "Greetings, students of Shoreline City," she said, her eyes scanning the room. "I come here today not to preach, nor to brighten your day with words of encouragement. Rather, I come here to speak of reality."

  The room fell into a tense silence as everyone waited on the edges of their seats for what she had to say.

  The Duchess began pacing the stage, her hands clasped behind her back. "The world we live in is not an easy one," she began. "It is fraught with danger, uncertainty, and conflict. You have the potential to be the guardians of humanity, to protect and lead the masses. But with this privilege comes a heavy burden of responsibility. The reality is that our world is constantly under threat. Every day, we face new challenges that can only be overcome by the strong, the skilled, and the cunning. We live in a world where power is everything, and those who do not have it suffer. Knowledge and virtue alone is not enough to ensure our survival."

  Her eyes locked onto mine for a long second as she spoke, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. An intense sharpness in her gaze seemed to pierce straight through me.

  Why was she looking at me like that? Did she know me somehow? Or did she just know that I wasn't from this world? My thoughts were a mess of confusion and worry.

  As the Duchess continued to speak, my mind was racing. What did she know? And more importantly, how did she know it?

  I couldn't tell if it was curiosity or suspicion talking, but her attention made me feel uneasy.

  The Duchess paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in. "Throughout the ages, man has always sought power." Duchess Escathos continued, her voice low and intense. "It is a natural instinct. But with it comes responsibility, as we have heard from the Headmistress. You all must understand that power is a double-edged sword - it has the potential to do incredible good or horrific harm. You may be wondering why I am here, of all years to address you. Why this year? What is she doing here?"

  She grinned, staring intently at several individuals in the crowd, before resuming her pacing.

  "Why this year, indeed," Duchess Escathos mused, her voice resonating through the auditorium. "The answer is simple — we stand now at a critical juncture."

  The Duchess suddenly spun, snapping her fingers and causing a prismatic orb to appear in the air in a flash. It spun around, sweeping lights over the crowd like a disco ball, before vanishing. Then, a golden light appeared over the head of a pretty girl with dark skin, long blue hair, and navy blue eyes in the third row.

  The girl gasped and looked up in surprise; her eyes widened as she saw the golden light flicker above her head like a spotlight.

  Duchess Escathos strode towards her with purposeful steps, her eyes fixed on the girl's face as she paused at the edge of the stage.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  "Why don't you introduce yourself? What is your name, girl?"

  "My name's Laurel, Laurel Brahms," the girl stammered, visibly shaken by the Duchess's sudden attention.

  Duchess Escathos gave her a small, encouraging smile. "Laurel, that's a lovely name. Tell me, have you ever felt powerless before?"

  The question seemed to take her by surprise. Laurel hesitated, her gaze shifting nervously. "Yes, I have," she finally admitted, barely eking out a whisper.

  "Oh? The heiress of the Brahms Conglomerate has felt powerless? How interesting," the Duchess murmured. "Do you not have access to power and resources that others can only dream of?"

  Laurel seemed taken aback by the question, and for a moment, she seemed lost for words. "Yes, but... it's complicated," she said finally.

  "Complicated?" the Duchess repeated, raising her brow. "I see. Is that why you started a charity for orphaned children from Earth under a pseudonym, Laurel? To compensate for your perceived powerlessness and guilt? The guilt of treating them as nothing more than playthings to maintain face and status with your peers?"

  Laurel looked stunned. "How did you know about that?" she asked in a hushed voice.

  At the mention of the charity, the room buzzed with whispers of derision and judgment. Laurel nodded, her expression softening.

  "Yes, I wanted to make a difference in the world. To use my privilege to help others who weren't as fortunate."

  "How quaint, and hypocritical," the Duchess replied with a smirk. "To start an anonymous charity, all while mocking them and profiting from their suffering behind the scenes. Isn't it true that your family has taken advantage of the absence of labor laws and dangerous working conditions in the immediate post-war legal vacuum, all to maximize productivity? You may have tried to hide your tracks, but everything has a way of coming to light. Your family's power and resources have come at a cost. And now, you sit here, feeling self-pity, guilt, and powerlessness. Quite humorous, is it not?"

  The murmurs in the auditorium intensified into a low hum of disapproval as the Duchess's words sank in. A few people started exchanging looks of disgust and disdain.

  "You see, Laurel, your power has blinded you. You think that by giving charity, you are doing good, but it is simply a way to appease your conscience, a way to feel better about yourself without actually making any real change. Deliverance will not come from anonymous charity, but from true conviction. To look in the mirror, and accept the product of your actions. To take responsibility for your mistakes," Duchess Escathos said sternly, her eyes locked onto Laurel's.

  Laurel's face flushed with embarrassment and shame as the Duchess exposed her family's dirty secrets in front of the entire auditorium. The other students whispered among themselves, the air thick with tension.

  "Now, many of you may be quick to judge her, scorn her, now that I have exposed her faults," the Duchess continued, her voice echoing off the auditorium's walls. "But let me ask you, how many of you are truly innocent? How many of you have not done something in the pursuit of power, status, adoration, or to have your whims served that you are not proud of? It was truly by chance that she was chosen, and I could have easily put any of you under the spotlight."

  No one answered. The room was silent; the only sound was the Duchess's heeled boots clicking on the stage.

  "That's what I thought," she said finally, a hint of satisfaction creeping into her voice. "We all have our flaws, our sins, but how we choose to deal with them truly matters. Will you choose to hide behind a veil of anonymity, or will you face them head-on?"

  As she spoke, the golden light above Laurel's head flickered and disappeared, and the girl slumped back in her chair, her cheeks wet with tears.

  Duchess Escathos continued, her voice low and commanding as she addressed the crowd. "Power can be a burden. It can corrupt and destroy those who do not wield it responsibly. It is up to each and every one of you to decide how you will use your power, how you will wield your knowledge. Will you choose to be responsible? Or will you succumb to the temptation of corruption?"

  The Duchess's piercing gaze swept across the room again before she continued. "I implore you all to remember this - power has its price. Whether it be through the pursuit of knowledge, greater wealth, or the strength of magic, we must use it wisely and with caution."

  "And you," she pointed at another student in the front row. At her command, a tall, athletic boy with messy brown hair and piercing heterochromatic eyes appeared on a split screen. "What about you? What have you done with your power?"

  The boy's eyes widened as he realized he was the next target of the Duchess's scrutiny.

  He stood up slowly, his expression guarded as a golden spotlight appeared over his head. "M-my name's F-fFnn," he stammered. He had a British accent as well, bordering into a Scottish accent. His voice was slow and measured as he finally caught his breath. "Finn Mac-."

  Duchess Escathos smiled, but it was a cold and calculating smile that made Finn shiver and pause. "Finn Mac Leod. You come from a long line of powerful magic wielders, do you not?"

  Finn hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, my family has a history in magic."

  The Duchess leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. "And what have you done with that magic, Finn? Have you used it for good, or have you been tempted by its dark side? Have you ever used it to bend the wills of those weaker than you or to inflict pain on others for your own pleasure?"

  Finn's face darkened at the accusation. "No, I would never do that," he said firmly. "I've only used my magic to help others."

  "Is that so?" the Duchess asked, arching an eyebrow. "Would you like to tell us about your most recent use of your magic, Finn? I believe it involved a little village boy in the woods."

  Finn's eyes widened at the mention of the incident. "How did you know about that?" he asked hoarsely.

  The Duchess smirked. "I have my ways," she said cryptically. "But that's not important. What is important is what you did with your magic in that situation. Did you use it to help, or did you use it to dominate and control?"

  Finn shifted uncomfortably in his seat, unsure of how to respond. "I...I did use my magic, but only to help him," he finally said. "He was lost in the woods, and I used a spell to guide him back to his home. That's all."

  She studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Is that really all there is to the story, Finn? Or is there something else you're not telling us?"

  The Duchess raised a hand, and a holographic projection appeared in front of her, displaying a recording of Finn's encounter with a younger boy in the woods. Finn watched in horror as the recording showed the boy crying and pleading with him to let him go while Finn used his magic to manipulate his limbs and force him to walk alongside him.

  Finn's face paled as he realized the gravity of his mistake. "I...I didn't mean to," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "I just wanted to help him find his way back home... He wouldn't listen to me or calm down."

  As the recording finished, the room fell silent. All eyes were on Finn, who was pale and trembling.

  "That's not what happened," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "I was trying to help him. I didn't mean to hurt him."

  The Duchess shook her head, her expression cold and unforgiving. "I'm afraid the evidence suggests otherwise, Finn," she said coolly. "You used your magic to control and dominate another person, traumatizing him for life."

  Finn hung his head in shame, tears stinging his eyes. He knew he had made a grave mistake. He had let his emotions get the best of him, and now he would have to suffer the consequences.

  "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I was just trying to help."

  The Duchess looked at him sternly, her gaze unyielding. "I understand that, Finn," she said, her voice said flatly. "And the reality? You will never face consequences for your actions."

  Finn looked up at her, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked.

  "I mean that you have power, Finn. And with that power comes privilege," the Duchess explained flatly. "The fact that you are the most promising Filídh practitioner to come from the Mac Leod clan in generations gives you an advantage that others do not have. And unfortunately, it also means that you will likely never face consequences for your actions."

  Finn stared at her, feeling numb. "But that's not fair," he protested weakly. "I should be held accountable for what I did. The other people who do the same should as well. I've had nightmares about this for weeks. I can't just ignore it and move on like nothing happened. My own Da won’t even hold me to account, for as much as he rambles on about justice."

  The Duchess scoffed. "Unfortunately, we do not live in a fair world. Those with power often get away with more than they should, while those without are punished unfairly. In the context of the MacLeod clan’s lands, you are the law."

  Finn bowed his head, feeling helpless. "So what do I do now?" he asked quietly.

  "What you do now, is hold yourself to account. Personally I will not judge the good or bad. The right or wrong of a situation, but to merely illustrate the reality of your positions. I say what I do today not to judge, but to postulate this."

  She paused, summoning a jeweled, ceremonial sword in her hand, inspecting it as she paced around the stage.

  “As the Duchess of Cornwall. The Chancellor-For-Life to the House of Tudor. As the Witch of and Sovereign of Babylon. The Grand Bishop of the Anglican church — how many times have I personally committed great sins in service of my goals? How many times have I had to weigh the lives of a hundred thousand against the lives of a million? A billion? I stand before you, not as a paragon of virtue and a hero, but as a living monument to the burdens of power."

  Her voice, tinged with an undercurrent of steel, filled the room.

  "In your time here, you will learn about the complexities of interdimensional relations with Earth, the art of survival in a world always at risk of large-scale war — and magical theory, should you have the talent for it. All this, on top of a rigorous standard curriculum. But most importantly, you will learn about the burden of power. For many of you, this will be your first time exposed to those outside your bubbles as peers. I challenge each of you within this bubble to think critically about the power you hold, the privileges you enjoy, and the responsibilities that come with them. You are Terra's future, and your decisions will shape the world for generations to come. Use your power wisely, and always remember its impact on those around you."

  er words resonated through the auditorium, leaving a heavy silence in their wake. I could see their effect on the students; some looked introspective, others uncomfortable, but all were undeniably impacted.

  Duchess Escathos suddenly turned her attention to me, her golden eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat in dread as she tapped her sword in her hand.

  Then, she snapped her fingers and the same golden spotlight that had appeared twice before shone over my head.

  "And you. Yes, you. Ikazuchi, the sole visitor from Earth who will be studying among us. The first to ever step foot in an institution like St. Antonia's. What unique perspective do you bring to our world of Terra?"

  Whispers broke out among the students as they turned to look at me. I felt a knot form in my stomach as my heart began to pound like a drum in my chest. I had been so caught up in Finn's story that I had almost forgotten I was also here.

  "I...I don't know," I stammered, suddenly feeling flatfooted and out of my depth. "I'm just a student like everyone else here."

  My voice somehow carried, and I felt all eyes in the auditorium turn to me. Some were curious, some were dismissive, but all of them were watching me intently.

  The Duchess smirked as she looked me up and down, her gaze piercing and cold. "Are you really, Ikazuchi? Or are you just trying to blend in? To be invisible, unnoticed? You come from a world where magic does not exist, and yet here you are. Surely that must give you a unique perspective? Especially that of power and privilege."

  I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, feeling exposed. "I suppose... I mean, yes, it's definitely different from what I'm used to. But I'm still learning, just like everyone else."

  The Duchess's lips curled into a smile. "A boy who grew up surrounded by violence and turmoil, somehow rising above it to place in national-level robotics competitions on Earth and score well within the top point-one percentile on the assessment exam. A historically high score at that. How interesting," she mused, pacing around the stage. "And yet, you claim to be just like everyone else here?"

  "I don't know what you want from me," I said honestly.

  The Duchess leaned forward on the stage, her golden eyes locking onto mine. "What do you feel, Ikazuchi? What emotions are swirling inside you right now?"

  I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "I feel exposed," I admitted, my voice trembling slightly. "I feel like everyone is looking at me and expecting something from me, something that I'm not sure I can give. You've called two people out on their privileges in new wealth and magic, and I don't exactly have a special story here like theirs. I'm just a kid from Earth who happened to get lucky on a test and now I'm here. Shining a spotlight on me like this, well… I have to be perfectly honest when I say you're probably going to create one hell of a bad time for me here soon."

  I had already seen the discrimination and skepticism Earthlings faced on Terra. Being singled out like this, especially by someone as influential as Duchess Escathos, could either make or break my time at St. Antonia's. I wasn't just an anonymous student anymore; I was a topic of curiosity, a specimen under a microscope. She was clearly setting me up as the target for some sort of lesson, but I had no idea what she was planning.

  Duchess Escathos tilted her head, considering my words. "Indeed, you are in a unique position, Ikazuchi. But let me offer you a different perspective. Your experiences, your journey from Earth to Terra, imbue you with insights that others here lack. You've seen the consequences of power and war firsthand. And a lack thereof. You've lived in a world without magic and have now stepped into a realm where it is a part of everyday life. That perspective is invaluable."

  The room was silent, every eye on me. I felt Dior move closer, her hand reaching out to subtly pat my back reassuringly. I took a deep breath, feeling slightly more confident.

  "Your journey will bridge two worlds, allowing us to understand our differences. The start of understanding. And perhaps, one day, using that understanding to make a difference. I urge you not to shy away from the spotlight, but to embrace it and use it to highlight the lessons and experiences you bring with you."

  The Duchess's words lingered in the air, and I felt myself beginning to see things from her perspective. She was right. I had a unique perspective that no one else had, which could be valuable. Maybe I could use my experiences to help bridge the gap between Earth and Terra and to help prevent the kinds of discrimination and chaos that I'd seen on both sides of the portal. Just a bit.

  But still, I couldn't help but wonder about Duchess Escathos' intentions. Why had she called attention to me like that? What did she want from me?

  "I... I'll try," I said finally. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try to make the best of this situation and learn what I can."

  The Duchess nodded, smirking in response. "Good. That is all we can ask. Now... I will not be accepting any questions. But I trust that each and every one of you will embrace the challenges ahead of you. Remember that the burden of power is heavy, but when used wisely, it can change the world for the better. I believe it's time for us to adjourn. I wish you all the best in your studies, and to enjoy the rest of your orientation week."

  With that, the Duchess began to swept out of the room, the students rising to their feet in a chorus of polite applause as she marched toward the back. I followed their example, standing and clapping nervously. As the Duchess walked down the aisle next to me, I could hear whispers and murmurs breaking out among the students nearby.

  Many of them were curious about me and were exchanging furtive glances in my direction. It was clear that she'd painted a giant target on my back, and I had no idea what would come of it.

  I stayed tensely as I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest. The Duchess was close to us now, close enough for me to hear the click of her heels and the rustling of her clothes.

  She turned her head ever so slightly in our direction as she approached. I saw the predatory glint in her eyes and felt a shiver run down my spine. I could barely hear the words over the noise of the crowd.

  "I'll be keeping a close eye on you, Ikki. Do not disappoint me," she said quietly, her voice sending shivers down my spine. It sounded like she was giving me a warning, a threat. But what did it mean?

  As she walked past us and through the exit, Dior turned to look at me, her eyes now wide with concern.

  I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd started holding, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as she vanished out the door.

  As I turned to look around the room, I could see other students whispering to each other and casting suspicious glances in my direction. A chill ran down my spine as I realized that the Duchess's words and my response had left a lasting impression on the other students.

  Dior looked at me with her intense green gaze, a glint of worry flashing in her eyes as I huffed.

  "I think I just screwed up," I muttered, my voice low as I rubbed my temples in frustration. The Duchess's words had made me realize just how far out of my element I was, and how little I knew about the world of Terra and magic.

  "You did not. This one thinks… that you spoke well and with truth in your heart. That is more important than any rehearsed speech." Her expression softened slightly, and she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You are not alone here, Ikki."

  I smiled weakly, grateful for Dior's reassurance. I didn't know what the future held for me at St. Antonia's, but at least I knew I had one person on my team at least.

  As the rest of the students started to leave, Dior's gaze lingered on the stage, and I could see her mind was working.

  "Did she have some sort of special relationship with you? I was curious about that." I said.

  Dior shook her head, her gaze distant. "This one does not know her personally, but this one knows of her. She is very famous. Her story is known to all in this world. She was the first person to ever kill a Count-class Chaos Beast and then, she saved our world and ended the First Great War. Her story with her lover is one that has been passed down through generations as a fairy tale. This one did not expect her to be here."

  She paused, a troubled look on her face. "Her speech... she is a powerful woman, one of the most influential on Terra. The most knowledgeable as well, from what the records have to say. But she does not do anything without purpose. Why did she single you out, this one wonders."

  I shook my head, feeling a little unnerved. "I have no idea, Dior. But it looks like we're both going to find out. Let's get out of here."

  Dior nodded stoically, and we stepped out of the auditorium together, the morning sun casting long shadows behind us. The future was uncertain, filled with unknown challenges and lessons to be learned.

  "Ikki," she murmured softly, "This one thinks… she will have much to learn here. Not just from the curriculum, but from you as well." Her voice had a note of concern that I hadn't expected from the stoic first impression she gave me

  I blinked in surprise, not expecting her to say that. "What do you mean?"

  Dior smiled at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "This one has been.... isolated for too long, and she has never learned to see things beyond her own... upbringing. This one has only started making friends again recently, and you are the first from Earth she has ever spoken to. She hopes to learn from you, to understand your worldview and gain a new perspective on things."

  I felt a small spark of hope ignite within me at her words.

  "I'd like that," I said, smiling back at her. "I think we can learn a lot from each other."

  Dior nodded, her expression turning serious. "This one hopes that the rest of St. Antonia's will be as accepting. But do not worry. Dior will look out for Ikki, this one promises."

  I felt a warmth fill my chest at her words. Maybe things would be okay after all. I smiled, feeling grateful for the unexpected friendship that had blossomed between us. "Thanks, Dior. That means a lot to me. And hey, right back at you. I've got your back and I don't just say that as a platitude."

  I stood up with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead. "Come on then," I said, shouldering my backpack. "Let's see what else this place has to offer us today."

  One thing was clear – our time at St. Antonia's Academy had just begun, and I had a feeling it was going to be anything but dull.