Chapter 28: Chapter 29. Aurelius Vance.

<Bastion Academy, Sunday, 14th July, 2346.>

The academy gates were flooded with a sea of faces, young and old, buzzing with anticipation for the first day of the new academic year.

Excitement thrummed through the air as new students, some accompanied by parents or guardians, others by stoic butlers and servants, filled the courtyard. The atmosphere crackled with youthful energy, most faces lit with bright smiles. A few, however, seemed lost in their own thoughts, their expressions tinged with disappointment or loneliness.

Soon, the crowd was directed toward a large, semi-circular platform resembling a stadium, complete with shaded seating that offered respite from the sun. A vast, empty space dominated the center.

Kyoji found his place, Butler James at his side. Nearby, Ethan sat with his grandfather and little brother, Timmy.