(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they mean a lot. As usual, please don't hesitate to comment or drop a review. ENJOY)

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"I wish you the best of luck," Alira said with a smile.

The sigil flared, and Orion felt a brief pull in his stomach, as though the air itself folded around him. The faint sensation vanished in the next heartbeat, leaving him standing in front of an enormous structure.

The first impression was one of scale. The castle rose high above him, walls of pale stone shimmering faintly under the sun. Gold and silver accents ran along the archways, and tall banners of deep blue fluttered lazily in the breeze. A fountain marked the entrance, water cascading into a pool lined with carved Chronos sigils. The air here was quieter, even calmer than the rest of the academy—almost as though the grounds themselves were deliberately isolated from the outside bustle.

Orion let his gaze drift across the courtyard. The paths were clean, flowers carefully trimmed, hedges cut into neat patterns. Everything gave the impression of old money—refined, patient, deliberate. It wasn't beauty meant to dazzle; it was beauty meant to establish presence.

He exhaled softly. "So this is it."

A movement at the steps drew his attention. A man in a crisp black uniform stood waiting, posture straight, one hand folded behind his back. His silver hair was neatly combed, and his expression was calm but professional.

"Welcome, Young Master Orion," the man said, bowing with practised ease. "I am Corin, head butler of this lodge. It will be my responsibility to see to your needs during your stay in Magnum 1.1"

Orion observed the man, noticing his similarity to Shaw; it seemed all butlers were similar..

'They probably are.' He thought.

"Magnum 1.1, as in for first years?" Orion asked.

"Correct," Corin replied.

Corin gestured toward the large double doors. "If you will follow me, I will give you a brief tour before showing you to your quarters."

The doors opened silently, revealing a grand entrance hall. Orion stepped inside and instinctively slowed.

The ceiling stretched far above, a dome painted with murals of constellations and the Chronos crest. Chandeliers of crystal hung down, their glow steady and white. The air carried the faint scent of polished wood and something floral—lavender, perhaps. The floor was marble, polished to the point where Orion could see his reflection.

"This is the main hall. Most formal gatherings are conducted here before meals or announcements." Corin said.

Orion's gaze trailed along the walls. Portraits lined them—solemn men and women of silver hair and sharp eyes. Ancestors, no doubt. Some carried swords, others scrolls, some nothing but an austere gaze. It felt less like student housing and more like a hall of remembrance.

Orion said nothing.

Corin continued. "The dining hall is through that archway."

He pointed to a set of carved double doors on the right.

"Meals are prepared by our staff and served at scheduled hours. However, should you require food outside those times, a request can be placed." He said.

Orion nodded.

They ascended a wide staircase lined with a velvet carpet. Maids moved quietly in the background, heads bowed as they worked, but none spoke or intruded.

Corin led him through a long corridor lit by crystal lamps. Each door they passed had a small engraved plaque with numbers.

At the end of the hall, Corin stopped before a double door slightly larger than the others. He pushed it open and stepped aside.

"Your quarters, young master." He said.

Orion entered.

The first thing that caught his eye was the size. The room was not a student's dorm but a noble's suite. A wide bed draped in silver and navy fabrics sat near the centre, polished wood frames carved with subtle patterns. To the left stood a writing desk, its surface smooth, with a shelf of empty compartments waiting to be filled. Mana lamps stood ready at its edges.

A door on the far side opened into what seemed to be a bathing chamber, faint steam rising from inside. Another door led to a walk-in wardrobe, rows of hangers and drawers prepared, and he could see his luggage in there already.

Near the back, glass doors opened onto a balcony. Orion stepped toward it, pushing them aside to let the light in.

The balcony overlooked a wide stretch of the academy's inner grounds. From here, he could see the faint outlines of the training courtyards and, further in the distance, the towering main building with its four towers. The breeze was steady, carrying the faint rustle of leaves.

For a moment, Orion simply leaned against the railing, silent.

A smile was written all over his face; he was excited, very excited. He couldn't wait to start.

On earth, the concept of school had always brought reluctance and laziness, but this was different, very different.

He turned back towards Corin,

"Where are the other students? I heard some had arrived earlier." Orion asked.

"Presently, you are the ninth to have arrived. Others are in their rooms settling in; they are most likely asleep, tired from their journey." Corin explained.

"Oh, ok," Orion nodded.

"If you need anything or have any requests, there's a sigil at the bedside; you simply have to tap on it to call a maid," Corin explained.

"Alright, thank you, Corin," Orion said with a smile.

"It's my duty," Corrin replied.

"By the way, I have a friend on the female side. If I wish to meet her, how do I go about it?" Orion asked.

"There is an open area for all Magnum 1 students with various amenities and stores, whatever you might need, although, considering today is entry day, not many of the stores would be open. Still, there is a park and it's always open, so you can meet her there." Corin explained.

"When you are ready, a maid will direct you on how to get there." He said.

"Noted, thank you," Orion said.

Corin bowed and walked out, closing the door behind him.

"Alright, settle in and go see Seris," Orion muttered with a smile.

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