The morning sun rose over the Royal Academy of Vornis like a silent proclamation.
Tall white towers stretched toward the sky, their surfaces etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly as mana flowed through them. Bridges connected buildings at different heights, and wide courtyards bustled with movement as students crossed paths—some excited, some nervous, some already wearing expressions of confidence that came from noble upbringing.
For many students, this day had been a long time coming.
Those who lived far away had arrived days earlier, settling into the academy dormitories, slowly forming groups based on background, status, and ability. Friendships had already begun. Rivalries too.
But for students from the royal capital—
Today was their true first step as academy students.
***
Across the central plaza, clusters of students stood talking.
Sons of dukes and marquesses gathered confidently, discussing family legacies and expected rankings. Gifted commoners stayed together more cautiously, listening more than they spoke. Foreign exchange students observed everything with calm, calculating eyes.
Whispers drifted through the air.
"I heard, this year will have a lot of powerhouses…"
"He's from a swordmaster family…"
"Class A this year is supposed to be terrifying…"
Then—
The atmosphere subtly shifted.
Two figures entered through the main gates.
White hair catching the morning light.
Silver eyes calm and unreadable.
Aster Snowflake Wynfall.
Astra Snowflake Wynfall.
Unlike many new students, they did not pause to admire the academy. They did not look overwhelmed. They walked forward with steady steps, as if this was simply another place they needed to be.
Heads turned.
Then more.
Then nearly everyone noticed.
"That's them…"
"The Snowflakes…"
"The twins from Dawnforge Arena…"
"The singers…"
"The inventors…"
Some gazes held admiration—almost reverence.
Others carried irritation or thinly veiled disdain.
"They perform for commoners…"
"They don't behave like royalty…"
"They think talent excuses everything…"
Aster ignored all of it.
Years of attention had taught him how to filter noise from meaning.
Astra walked beside him, posture graceful, expression gentle but distant.
Behind them, hurried footsteps approached.
"Hey—wait up!"
Lea Kingscrown jogged forward, her academy uniform fitting snugly over a body trained by physical magic. She grinned as she caught up.
"You two walk like you already know where you're going."
Aster replied calmly, "You're late."
Lea scoffed. "Morning training. You should try it."
Astra smiled faintly. "We already do—just differently."
Together, the three stepped into the *General Assembly Hall*.
***
The hall was enormous.
Rows of seats curved upward like a stone amphitheater, filled with hundreds of first-year students wearing dark academy coats trimmed with silver thread. High above, mana-light crystals illuminated the space with a soft, even glow.
When the massive doors closed—
Silence fell.
A single student stepped onto the central platform.
He wore the insignia of a *top-ranked second-year*, his posture straight, his expression disciplined.
"My name is Roland Veyne," he announced. "Top student of the second year."
Murmurs spread immediately.
Roland raised one hand, and the noise faded.
"Welcome to the Royal Academy of Vornis. You are here because you passed the entrance examinations—tests of magic aptitude, mana control, and foundational knowledge."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"But do not misunderstand. Passing the exam means nothing once classes begin."
Several students stiffened.
"In this academy," Roland continued, "you will be divided into four classes—A through D."
A projection rune ignited behind him.
"Class A contains students with the highest overall scores. Exceptional mana pools, rare attributes, or outstanding control."
Whispers erupted instantly.
"Class B consists of strong and balanced students."
"Class C contains students with potential that requires refinement."
"And Class D…" Roland's gaze sharpened slightly. "Is where those who barely passed must prove they belong here."
The hall grew tense.
"Promotion and demotion are possible every term," he added. "Your position is never permanent."
With that, Roland bowed once.
"Survive the year."
***
A gentle but overwhelming pressure filled the hall.
Cool. Heavy. Calm.
Water mana.
Students fell silent as an elderly man stepped onto the platform, leaning lightly on a staff shaped like flowing, frozen waves.
Archmage Thalorien of the Tides.
Principal of the Royal Academy.
The strongest water mage in the world.
Many students instinctively stood. Others forgot how to breathe.
Thalorien smiled kindly.
"Please, relax. I am not here to intimidate you."
Soft laughter rippled through the hall.
"This academy is not built solely to create warriors," he said calmly. "Yes, you will learn combat. You will learn to fight, to defend yourselves and your nation."
His gaze swept the room.
"But you will also study history, strategy, ethics, crafting, and rune engraving."
At the word *rune*, Aster's attention sharpened.
"Power without understanding destroys nations," Thalorien continued. "Remember that."
With a gentle nod, he stepped back.
***
Class assignments followed.
Names appeared one by one.
"Aster Snowflake Wynfall — Class A."
"Astra Snowflake Wynfall — Class A."
Whispers surged.
"Lea Kingscrown — Class A."
Lea grinned, pumping her fist quietly.
As students were dismissed toward their classrooms, tension and excitement filled the air.
***
Class A was located in the western wing—larger rooms, reinforced walls, stronger mana dampening arrays.
As Aster and Astra entered, students immediately noticed.
Several approached.
"Your concert was incredible."
"I've never heard sound magic like that."
"Are those inventions really yours?"
Aster responded politely, briefly.
Astra smiled warmly.
Then, without discussion, they moved to the *last bench*.
Lea blinked. "The back?"
"Less noise," Aster replied.
The bench was wide—designed for *four students*.
They sat down.
Lea took the seat beside Astra.
The fourth seat remained empty.
Then—
A girl approached.
Dark blue hair tied neatly behind her head.
Clear blue eyes like still water.
A calm, composed presence.
"Is this seat taken?" she asked politely.
Astra shook her head. "No."
The girl sat smoothly.
"I'm Rain Lancelot," she said. "From House Lancelot."
Lea tilted her head. "That's a water mage family, right?"
Rain nodded.
"Yes. My family specializes in water magic—precision and control."
She glanced briefly at Aster—not with awe, but quiet curiosity.
"I liked your album," she added simply. "Especially the third track."
Aster nodded. "Thanks."
Around them, whispers continued.
Some filled with excitement.
Some with resentment.
A group of noble students cast cold glances their way.
"So that's Class A…"
"They really think they belong here… with forgotten 'sound magic' "
Aster leaned back slightly, silver eyes half-lidded.
Astra whispered softly, "Feels like another stage."
Aster replied, calm and certain, "Then let's perform well."
The bell rang.
Class A's first lesson began.
And the Royal Academy of Vornis—
Had officially become the Snowflakes' next arena.