On either side of the main road of the Ichrite Academy, ancient oak trees spread their dense crowns. Light filtered through the leaf gaps shone on the stone path, forming dazzling streaks of radiance.
Not far away, the Learning and Education Building stood tall and imposing, always a lively hub, and one of the defining symbols of the academy.
Lanci, Hyperion, and the new classmate were walking down this road when they suddenly saw Dean Loren.
The minor friction between Dean Loren's leather shoes and the ground as he approached them was drowned out by the laughter and chatter of other students, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
"Lanci, Hyperion,"
Dean Loren began, his eyes fixed intently on them,
"What was that duel between you and Adams all about?"
He was too preoccupied to ask why Lanci and Hyperion were mingling with a student from the Arolan Kingdom.