Echoes of a Seraph

Lucy found a seat near the center, feeling the soft texture of the velvet beneath her fingers. Around her, other students chatted animatedly, proudly showing off their guardians. Suddenly, a loud, sharp noise drew everyone's attention to the stage. There stood a podium with a crystalline sphere emitting a faint glow—an orb of magical amplification. The auditorium lights dimmed.

Out of nowhere, a figure began to materialize on the stage, as if shadows were taking human form. A woman with dark hair and piercing eyes emerged. To Lucy's surprise, instead of wearing a robe like many present, she donned mostly black attire, save for the white shirt beneath her open jacket.

Many students seemed not to notice her presence. She stood with arms crossed, sizing up the students one by one. But the crowd continued its chatter. The woman waited, motionless, as the voices echoed without offering her the respect she was due.

She stomped her foot forcefully, the impact reverberating in the ribs of those present. Silence spread through the auditorium. Lucy straightened her back, noticing even Pico trembling slightly.

"I see you've finally decided to shut up," the woman's voice rang out with a stern gravity. The amplifying sphere carried each word with clarity, spreading them to every corner of the hall. Only then did Lucy notice the large hound with dark fur and a white mane lying beside her. "I'm not used to giving speeches, so I'll keep this brief. I am Morgana Selene, the vice principal of this institution. Let me be clear—the headmaster, Windwalker, is not here right now."

Lucy felt a pang of unease at Morgana's words. She had expected to see the legendary Headmaster Rolland Windwalker, the renowned binder whose fame spanned the continent. She recalled the worn pages of one of her favorite books that had accompanied her on many nights. Looking around, she saw she wasn't the only one surprised. Confused glances, hushed whispers, and slight head shakes spread throughout the seating.

"Does that mean the rumors were true?"

"What could have happened?"

Morgana stomped her foot again, silencing the auditorium once more.

"I figured this would happen," she remarked, noting the persistent murmurs spreading through the room. "I'm sure you're all confused, but this isn't some kind of joke. Do you think I enjoy standing here explaining all this nonsense?"

A student near Lucy dared to raise his voice.

"Then what happened to Headmaster Windwalker?" he shouted, trying to project his voice across the hall.

Morgana shot him a sharp glare that made him sit down immediately, paling on the spot. Some students chuckled softly, cutting the tension momentarily. The vice principal let out a sigh before raising her voice again.

"I'm sorry to say we currently don't know his whereabouts, nor those of the group he was supposed to bring with him."

An anxious murmur swept through the students. Eyes met in worry, and rumors began flowing like an overflowing river. Pico let out a soft sound, as if trying to comfort Lucy. Morgana pressed her lips together and stomped the ground a third time, creating a crash that shook the stage and filled the students' veins with icy apprehension.

"The next person who utters another word, I'll kill."

The threat was brutal, but the intensity of her tone, the firmness of her stance, and the fierce look in her eyes made it clear it was no joke. A heavy, dense silence fell over the room. Lucy felt the sweat on her palms. Morgana barely relaxed her shoulders.

"I understand you're all confused, but right now we don't have any clues about what could have happened. We're taking every necessary measure to locate the Headmaster and the missing students. In the meantime, our duty as teachers is to continue with the start of the academic year and ensure that you receive the education you've all come here to pursue." The deputy headmistress paused, her gaze softening slightly. "Once again, we will do everything in our power to find them. But for now, all I can ask of you is not to worry. Headmaster Windwalker is an exceptionally powerful person—one of the most powerful at this academy. If the students are with him, I am certain they are safe. Trust in him."

Some students seemed reassured by Morgana's words. Deep down, she was right—worrying wouldn't achieve anything. The best they could do was pray that everyone was safe and sound. Lucy's impression of the deputy headmistress shifted considerably. At her core, she was a good teacher.

"Well, that's all for my speech."

Or so she thought.

The woman yawned, a surprising gesture in such a situation. She glanced toward the back of the stage, where two figures had been waiting, almost invisible until now. Morgana waved lazily with her hand.

"President, you handle the rest."

Morgana stepped away from the podium, and two young individuals emerged from behind the curtain, walking with confident strides. Leading them was a young man with black hair covering his left eye. His uniform, unlike the black-and-blue ones worn by upperclassmen, had a light blue hue. Behind him, arms crossed and chin held high, walked a student in a white uniform. Lucy recognized her instantly: Elena Rianor, the same girl who had guided her to this place. The redhead scanned the audience, seemingly looking for someone, though she didn't spot Lucy's gaze hidden among the crowd.

Meanwhile, Morgana retreated to a corner of the stage. Lucy caught a glimmer of a brief flame and the subtle smoke rising slowly. At first, she thought it was magic, but that wasn't the case. The deputy headmistress had lit a cigarette, taking a drag with indifference as if the ceremony were nothing more than an annoying formality. Lucy couldn't help but wonder if this woman was really a teacher.

The black-haired boy took a step forward toward the sound amplification sphere and spoke his first words in a calm tone.

"Pleasure to meet you all. My name is Steven Stilt, and I am the president of the student council. I'm sure you're still shaken by the sudden news, but that's not what I'm here to discuss. I imagine most of you are aware of the academy's standards."

The students exchanged glances, trying to discern what he was referring to. Steven sighed before continuing.

"Every year, approximately three hundred students enter the Binder Academy. However, out of those three hundred, only two hundred manage to advance to the next year. This selection process becomes harsher with each passing year. Last year, the academy recorded a total of fifteen graduates out of the hundred and twenty enrolled."

Lucy felt a chill run down her spine. She had heard that the Binder Academy was an institution where only a select few managed to graduate, but she had never imagined the numbers would be so low. Becoming a true Binder, beyond the basic training, offered opportunities to serve in the Royal Guard or secure prestigious positions. Reaching at least the third year already opened significant doors. Steven continued speaking, oblivious to the growing unease among the audience.

"First, let me make one thing clear: this is no game. It doesn't matter how good your grades were or how intelligent you think you are. You have six years to prove you are worthy of bearing the title of Binder. Those who don't take it seriously will be expelled before they even realize it. And it doesn't necessarily happen at the end of the year. In fact, it's common for some to disappear from the roster within days." His gaze slid to a few students who didn't even seem to be paying attention to his speech. "I wouldn't be surprised if some of you were expelled this very week. Though, as far as I'm concerned…" He paused briefly before continuing, "…I doubt many of you will even make it to the third year. These days, they'll hand out a guardian to anyone."

Steven's final comment provoked an outburst of anger among some students. A few stood up, faces red with fury. It was clear he wasn't afraid to speak his mind, but his attitude left much to be desired. He crossed his arms, unfazed by the growing glares of hatred directed his way.

"Well, that's all from me. Thank you for listening. Best of luck at the academy."

Steven bowed to the students, but they were still furious at his recent remarks. Some, unable to contain themselves, shouted back.

"You wish us luck after calling us useless? Are you an idiot or what?"

"And you're supposed to be the president?"

"Go to hell! Who do you think you are to say something like that?"

Steven's face lit up as he stared at the seats.

"Who am I? The best, obviously."

"Is there anyone normal here?" Lucy thought to herself.

Elena placed a hand on her forehead, exasperated, while Morgana chuckled beside her, cigarette lit between her fingers.

"Idiot," murmured Serena.

"Still as blunt as ever," Morgana muttered.

Noticing the hateful stares focusing on the president, Elena approached him.

"Don't you think you went too far? You were supposed to boost their morale, not make them hate you… again."

"I'm just being honest."

"Too honest, I'd say…"

Steven slowly stepped away from the amplification sphere, ignoring the seething looks directed at him. Attempting to calm the situation, Elena stepped forward, and the murmurs died down.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Elena Rianor, vice president of the council. I apologize for the president's behavior. He's… a bit special. If you have questions or concerns, I recommend coming to me instead."

With Elena's entrance, the tension among the students seemed to dissipate. Unlike the president or the deputy headmistress, she conveyed a sense of calm and reassurance with her words.

"As my colleague mentioned, the academy consists of six years, but you can only repeat a year once. Those who fail to meet the required grades will be expelled. However, there's no need to panic. I'm currently in my third year, and like you, I once sat where you are now. I know you're nervous, but I can assure you that if you give it your all, you'll achieve great results. I don't want to take up too much of your time, so I'll keep this brief. I'll explain a few things you should know about the academy." She approached the podium and pressed something, causing a holographic image of the academy to project before the students. The image displayed a detailed map of the campus. She stepped closer to it and pointed to a specific spot. "You are currently in the main building. If you cross the garden, you'll find the first-year building. Once you advance, you'll gain access to the main building, but for now, you'll have to make do. This year, you'll spend most of your time in the main building. Here, you'll also find the library, combat rooms, and some club spaces. That's about it."

Several students responded with spontaneous applause. Lucy joined in with slow claps. Elena patiently waited for the applause to die down before continuing.

"Normally, classes would begin on your first day, but due to unforeseen circumstances, only afternoon practical sessions will be held today."

Lucy blinked, slightly disappointed. She was far more interested in theoretical lessons than practical sessions, though it was clear she wouldn't be able to avoid the latter. At least she wouldn't have to participate in duels or battles, as she hadn't signed up for them.

"Use the morning to explore the academy, find your rooms, and settle into your new home. That's all for now. You may go out."

After the ceremony ended, all the students left the auditorium, murmuring about the news of the missing director. Lucy decided to head toward the outer gardens, seeking a moment of tranquility. What overwhelmed her the most was being surrounded by people; she had never been good at that. Her path led her down a stone walkway winding between marble-carved fountains and sculptures of magical beasts. The splashing of the ponds blended with the singing of birds.

She ventured onto a narrower path, where she encountered many students. Some, even her age, were already wearing the uniform. Hers was waiting in her room, though she wasn't in any rush to retrieve it. She reached a clearing guarded by blossoming cherry trees, their branches forming a pink and white canopy. Watching some students practicing magic with their guardians, she sat on a wooden bench, feeling the soft petals falling onto her shoulders.

Footsteps sounded among the trees, approaching along the path. Lucy turned her head and recognized the young man who had accidentally bumped into her earlier. Upon seeing her, he quickly avoided her gaze. Lucy was accustomed to that reaction, to those repeated gestures. When people didn't want to be rude, they simply pretended not to see her. However, her eyes soon shifted to the figure emerging behind his shoulder: a tall young man with dark skin and black hair, wearing a matching black vest.

His amber gaze, shining brightly on his face, fixed on her, igniting Lucy's cheeks with a sudden warmth. She averted her eyes, feigning a sudden interest in the petals scattered on the ground.

The dark-skinned young man approached the other boy, who still stood there, frozen and unsure. He gave him a light tap on the head.

"Don't you think you should apologize for earlier?"

The first boy averted his eyes, visibly uncomfortable, as the other sighed and approached Lucy with slow, deliberate steps. Petals fell onto his shoulder as he extended a hand toward her, offering it without demand.

"Excuse my friend. Sometimes he behaves like an idiot. That's why I'm here—to fix his mistakes."

Lucy hesitated for a moment before responding. Deep down, she was very shy, and when a stranger approached her, she often got nervous—especially if it was a boy. She looked at him for a moment, fearing that when he saw her eyes, he would turn away like the others. But he didn't. He was looking at her without even flinching. Immediately, Lucy averted her gaze again and tried to hide her nervousness behind the thin veil of her hair.

"Don't worry, I'm used to it."

Her words came out as a murmur. She tried to appear calm, but her hand clutched her bag tightly, her knuckles tense against the fabric. He kept his hand extended, but Lucy held her bag firmly. With a slight start, she stood up. Unable to summon the courage to shake the offered hand, she gave an awkward bow, then turned on her heel and left the clearing in quick strides.

She left the garden behind, entering the silent corridors where oil torches crackled with a flickering light. The hallway curved, and as she rounded a corner, she glimpsed an ancient stained glass window that let through a ray of colored sunlight, painting the floor with irregular shapes. She paused for a second to contemplate them, trying to recompose her calm.

"At last, I've found you."

The echo of that voice broke through the hallway's silence. Lucy turned and recognized the figure of Elena approaching with quick, graceful steps. The slender silhouette of the vice president stopped next to Lucy, whose pupils still traveled through the chromatic hues on the floor. The newcomer frowned, concerned by Lucy's expression.

"I didn't see you after the presentation. I told you to wait for me outside. But I knew you wouldn't go far."

Lucy swallowed hard before responding. She needed to organize her thoughts, which still seemed to be wandering in the bench beneath the cherry blossoms. She tried not to avert her gaze as she recalled the awkward moment with the dark-skinned young man.

"Sorry... I just needed some air."

Her voice faltered at the end, enough for Elena to tilt her head with concern. Lucy's eyes focused on the veteran's light uniform, so different from the darker clothing worn by everyone else.

"You never told me you were the vice president of the council. It caught me completely off guard."

"I get enough attention just because my uniform is a different color. Besides, you'd probably act even shyer if you knew."

"Maybe," Lucy admitted, recalling the fleeting images of the president and Deputy Headmistress Morgana. "The two people with you were... peculiar."

"You have no idea. The worst of the two is the president. And I have to put up with him every day."

"I'm surprised someone like him is president. He doesn't seem very responsible."

"He isn't..." Elena pressed her palm to her forehead. A sigh escaped her lips. "This academy isn't like others. Here, the president isn't chosen for being the most studious or exemplary. You'll understand eventually. Anyway, don't waste your time on Steven. If there's someone you should be wary of, it's Deputy Headmistress Morgana."

"I still can't believe that woman is a teacher."

"You're not the only one. Luckily, she only teaches combat classes, so if you haven't enrolled, you won't have to deal with her much. Just make sure to avoid her classes. She's made several students faint. Her methods are brutal."

Lucy's face paled for a moment. Any lingering thoughts of signing up for combat classes vanished like dust in the wind.

The two girls continued walking through the vast corridor, though Elena's gaze lingered behind, toward the garden. She turned to Lucy with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Changing the subject... Are you not going to tell me anything about the boy who approached you in the garden?"

"What?!" Lucy exclaimed, though not loudly. "You saw that?"

Lucy felt her cheeks flush again. She tried to describe him casually, as if he were just another one of the many students wandering the academy. Elena raised her eyebrows, a slight smile forming. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief.

"If you'd like, I can tell you who the dark-skinned boy is..."

"You know him?"

Lucy answered immediately, but as soon as she did, she forced herself to lower her gaze, hearing Elena's soft laugh beside her.

"His name is Alan Weaver, and before you ask, he's a year older than you."

"A year older?" Lucy blinked. "Isn't he also a new student?"

Elena nodded, deepening the confusion.

"You see, Alan comes from a fairly prestigious noble family. He obtained his guardian a year ago and trained privately with tutors at home. No one knows why, but he decided to enroll in the academy."

Lucy now understood why the young man seemed older despite supposedly being her age. Elena crossed her arms beneath her chest, leaning slightly toward her companion. Her tone carried a teasing sweetness.

"You might have some competition, my dear."

Heat rose up Lucy's neck, coloring her face the same hue as her right eye. Her hands trembled briefly.

"No, it's not what you think. I just... It's just..." She searched for words amidst her rising anxiety. "It's the first time a boy has approached me and hasn't run away when he saw my eyes. Usually, they leave with some excuse or tense up. He was the only one who looked at me directly without backing away."

Elena let out a soft, good-natured laugh, as though enjoying a shared secret.

"Well, then I wish you the best of luck." She raised a thumb in approval, signaling her support for Lucy.

"I already told you it's not like that!" Lucy protested.

The young girl tried to maintain her dignity, adjusting her bag on her shoulder and attempting to regain her composure.

After a tour around the academy, they headed toward the first-year dormitories. The lower-class dorms were simple, at least. They were clean and well-maintained but lacked sophisticated furniture or wall decorations. The building's interior was painted beige and had stairs leading to the upper floors, with hallways lined with rooms on each level.