The academy's orientation was held in the Grand Atheneum—a vast dome where holographic constellations mapped known worlds and Corrupted incursions.
A stern woman with elven features and military bearing addressed the new recruits. "I am Commander Selene. This is not a school for glory. It is a forge. You will be broken, reshaped, and tested against the entropy that seeks to unmake all realities. Look to your left. Look to your right. One of you will not survive the first term."
She paced before them. "You will take core classes: Combat Forms, Energy Manipulation, Multiversal History, and Corrupted Biology. You will also choose a specialization: Vanguard, Scholar, or Specialist. Your performance earns Aethel Points. Points buy knowledge, gear, and the right to survive."
Leyla leaned toward Echo. "I'm choosing Vanguard. Close combat."
Mira nodded. "Scholar. I need to understand my bloodline… and spatial theory."
Echo kept his voice low. "Specialist. It's broad. Lets me stay flexible."
After orientation, they toured training grounds—simulation rooms, sparring arenas, and the ominous Zero-Gravity Corruption Zone, where students fought real Corrupted specimens in contained environments.
That evening, after Mira and Leyla left for their first study sessions, Echo waited for nightfall.
His wrist-band chimed with a location: Restricted Archives, Sub-Level 9. Access granted—temporary.