For Asdras, some moments teetered on the edge of reality — a delicate balance between the tangible and the surreal. He felt it now, the dreamlike displacement pressing in on all sides. The sounds around him seemed muted yet sharp: whispers blending into echoes, footsteps resonating like distant drums. Faces blurred as they passed, familiar but alien, shadows cast by a world he wasn't certain he inhabited. Even the weight of his backpack against his shoulders felt both grounding and ethereal.

  "Chapters," he murmured to himself, the word rolling off his tongue like a secret revealed.

  He savored that notion — the idea that each turning point in his life was a new chapter waiting to be penned. Good or bad, each offered a fresh slate, a new opportunity. Yet the riddles and the scarcity of ink to script his story often tormented him. A wry smile tugged at his lips. More than the concept itself, he reveled in the thrill of novelty — a silent signal that he was on the right path. And part of that exhilaration stood right beside him.

  Lisandra Noctis.

  Her name clung to his thoughts like a persistent melody, weaving through the labyrinth of his mind. Instinctively, he felt drawn to her, hoping she might help him unravel the mysteries knotted within his memories.

  Ever since they'd departed the courtyard — the site of the enrollment ceremony — and boarded the Jumper bound for the academy, he'd found himself tracing her name absentmindedly in the air. He whispered it like a mantra, etching it into the fringes of his consciousness.

  Yet, the world outside the Jumper pulled at his attention. The landscape blurred, a tapestry of motion too fast for his eyes to fully grasp. Strange, triangular structures jutted amidst dense woods; creatures larger than his imagination allowed roamed freely. And above it all, ships soared — flying vessels he'd only ever heard whispers about. One sailed higher than the Jumper, its massive sails billowing like clouds.

  His eyes were wide with wonder. His breath fogged the surface as he exhaled slowly. ‘A new world,’ he thought.

  But amid the marvels lay things he dreaded. Near a distant mountain, he glimpsed a gaping maw in the earth — a cavernous hole that seemed to breathe darkness. For a fleeting moment, he thought he saw colossal hands grasping at the edges, a distorted face emerging from the depths. Its mouth hung open, and a tongue like a lizard's lashed out, whipping through the air to snatch trees and anything else in its path. A chill seeped into his bones, and he tore his gaze away, swallowing hard.

  The Jumper began its descent. When they finally arrived at the academy, Asdras stepped onto the platform and froze, eyes widening as he took in the sight before him. The academy was unlike any structure he'd ever seen — vast and imposing, it seemed to consume the horizon.

  "So strange," he whispered, the words barely audible.

  "Big!" Joah exclaimed beside him, his eyes darting across the towering edifices.

  "Finally, I'm here," Lisandra murmured, her gaze fixed ahead.

  The architecture defied conventional aesthetics, an enigma carved from dark stone. The central octagonal structure loomed massive, devoid of windows or embellishments. Three identical towers stood at each point of an equilateral triangle surrounding it, their surfaces smooth and unbroken save for a singular emblem adorning each face — a symbol Asdras didn't recognize but felt compelled to understand. The entrance was a door of staggering proportions, so immense that even the walls of Baurous paled in comparison. Yet, whispers spoke of something even more remarkable — the subterranean depths that lay hidden beneath.

  "Let's go!" Cactus urged, his enthusiasm cutting through the group's silence.

  They followed Elvira and Edsel toward the middle tower. Inside, a cavernous chamber greeted them, its vastness accentuated by its stark emptiness. The walls bore the scars of time — snow-like particles drifted from the high ceilings, and scratches etched stories long forgotten into the stone.

  "Why is it so empty?" Asdras asked, his voice echoing faintly.

  Edsel chuckled, the sound low. "It is but isn't. You'll understand later. What you see here is only the tip of the iceberg. Most students are on the other side, and the newcomers are already inside."

  "The other side?" Joah questioned, a note of curiosity in his tone.

  Edsel offered a cryptic smile. "No point in explaining now. You'll see soon enough."

  Elvira gestured for them to follow her toward an unassuming section of the wall. Inscribed upon the dark stone were the words "Door," written in a language familiar to them all. Yet, this was no ordinary door — it lacked a handle, hinge, or frame. Its elliptical outline shimmered subtly against the stone surface.

  "Stand inside the line on the ground," Edsel instructed.

  Asdras looked down to see a glowing mark encircling the area where they stood. It pulsed with a soft bluish light, thrumming in sync with an unseen energy. They positioned themselves within the boundary. Elvira stepped forward, pressing her palm flat against the word "Door."

  As she did, plumes of white smoke erupted from the stone, swirling around them like ethereal serpents. The vapor coiled and twisted, enveloping them in a cool embrace. The air smelled faintly of ozone and something ancient, something powerful. Asdras inhaled sharply, the sensation both exhilarating and disconcerting.

  Before he could fully process the experience, a sensation of weightlessness overtook him. His surroundings blurred, sounds warped, and for an instant, he felt as though he existed in a place between moments. Then, just as suddenly, it was over.

  Asdras kept his eyes shut tight, his mind grappling with the disorientation. His cursed hand tingled, warmth emanating from the mark that branded his skin. Distantly, he heard the laughter of Cactus and Edsel, their mirth echoing. A sharp voice cut through the haze.

  "Asdras!" Elvira's tone was impatient, edged with irritation.

  He opened his eyes to find her staring at him, arms crossed. "Are you with us?" she demanded.

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  He blinked rapidly, nodding. "Yes. Sorry."

  They stood at the mouth of a tunnel — its walls a blend of rough-hewn stone and polished wood. Overhead, cables stretched along the ceiling, emitting a soft luminescence that bathed the passage in a gentle glow. The air was cooler here, carrying the earthy scent of subterranean spaces mingled with the metallic tang of electricity.

  They began to move forward, the group falling into step. Asdras took in his surroundings, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship. The tunnel walls bore subtle carvings — patterns that seemed to shift and dance at the edges of his vision. Some passages narrowed, forcing them to walk single file, while others expanded into small chambers adorned with peculiar flora that glowed faintly.

  Cables and wires crisscrossed above, humming softly. Asdras could feel the energy in the air — a muted vibration that resonated with something deep within him. After several minutes, the tunnel opened up, and they emerged into a vast subterranean plaza.

  Asdras halted, his breath catching. The square was enormous, an architectural marvel suspended within a colossal cavern. Platforms and staircases spiraled downward, anchored by massive chains that disappeared into the darkness above. Energy cables wove between structures like vines, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow.

  Life thrived here in defiance of the sunless depths. Strange plants and trees grew inverted from the ceiling, their roots weaving into the stone above while their branches reached downward. Leaves shimmered with bioluminescence, painting the space in hues of emerald and sapphire. Pools of water reflected the light, creating illusions of depth and sky. The square bustled with activity. Newbies mingled in clusters — some engaged in animated discussions, while others observed.

  "Incredible," Asdras whispered, his eyes wide with awe.

  "Newbies," Cactus scoffed lightly. "Wait until they see the other side. This is nothing."

  Edsel and Elvira exchanged a knowing glance. "We need to ensure everything is prepared," Elvira said curtly. "You three, wait here."

  "Go there and wait," Edsel added, gesturing toward an open area near the center.

  Asdras watched them depart, a slight unease settling in their absence. He turned to Joah and Lisandra. Silence hung between them, heavy and palpable. Asdras shifted his weight, searching for words.

  "So, uh... we're here," he began lamely.

  Joah stood rigid, arms crossed over his chest, gaze fixed somewhere distant. His shoulders were hunched, tension radiating off him. "Yes, we're here," he replied curtly.

  Lisandra's eyes roamed the surroundings, taking in every detail. Her expression shifted subtly — awe, concern, calculation. For a moment, her gaze lingered on Asdras's hand, the cursed mark visible against his skin.

  "It's bigger than I expected," she said softly, her tone measured.

  Joah sighed, a hint of frustration threading through the sound. "Noctis," he muttered, the name heavy on his tongue.

  Asdras sensed an undercurrent he didn't understand. The way Joah said her name — it carried a weight, perhaps disdain or something more complicated. Lisandra tilted her head slightly, meeting Joah's gaze with a calm intensity.

  Asdras felt like an outsider intruding on a story already in progress. He cleared his throat. "So, I take it you two know each other?"

  Lisandra didn't look at him immediately. "I guess you could say that," she replied, her eyes still on Joah.

  Joah's jaw tightened. "Yes."

  Asdras nodded slowly, considering. His gaze shifted between them. "And me?" He met Lisandra's eyes. "Why do I feel like I know you?"

  She turned to face him fully, her expression inscrutable. A flicker of something crossed her eyes — recognition, perhaps? "You don't," she said, but the certainty in her voice faltered.

  It should have been a definitive statement, but it hung in the air unresolved. Before Asdras could probe further, Joah gestured toward his hand.

  "That mark," Joah said pointedly. "What is it?"

  Asdras glanced down at his hand, the intricate lines of the curse etched into his skin like dark veins. He flexed his fingers, the mark warming slightly. "A curse," he admitted. "I'm hoping to learn more about it here."

  Lisandra stepped closer, her gaze fixed on his hand. "It looks... familiar," she murmured. "I feel like I've seen it before, but I can't place where."

  Joah frowned. "Where could you have seen something like that?"

  She shook her head slowly. "I don't know."

  A flicker of hope ignited within Asdras. "Lisandra, do you know something about it? About the Awakening?"

  Joah shifted uncomfortably, arms uncrossing. "We don't even know what the Awakening truly is," he interjected.

  "I've heard rumors," Lisandra said, her tone contemplative.

  Asdras leaned in slightly. "Go on."

  She folded her arms, her gaze distant. "They say the Awakening isn't the same for everyone. That it adapts to the individual. It finds something within you, something hidden or buried, and brings it to the surface. It changes you."

  Joah arched an eyebrow. "Or it's completely random," he countered.

  Asdras considered her words. "So it could be fate," he mused. "Or chaos."

  "Maybe both," Lisandra agreed, a faint smile touching her lips.

  Joah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Point is, we don't know. And I don't like not knowing."

  Asdras observed them both. Joah's tension was palpable, a coil wound too tight. Lisandra seemed composed, but her eyes betrayed a depth of thought. They had questions, fears — just like he did.

  "Well," Asdras said resolutely, "we'll find out soon enough."

  Lisandra nodded, her gaze meeting his. "Yes, we will."

  A silence settled over them, but it was less oppressive now — filled with unspoken understanding. Asdras let his eyes wander, taking in the activity around them. A group of students was gathered near a fountain, its waters glowing with an inner light.

  He glanced back at Lisandra. "I'm glad we're here," he said softly.

  She tilted her head, studying him. "So am I."

  Joah offered a grudging nod, his posture relaxing ever so slightly. "I suppose we are in this together."

  Asdras smiled faintly. "Whatever lies ahead, we'll face it."

  Lisandra extended her hand toward him, palm up. After a moment's hesitation, Asdras reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. The contact was brief but electric — a spark that seemed to pass between them.

  "To new chapters," she said, her eyes reflecting the luminescent glow of the surroundings.

  "To new chapters," Asdras echoed.

  Joah exhaled a soft chuckle. "Fitting."

  A distant chime echoed through the cavern, drawing the attention of everyone in the square. Conversations hushed, and heads turned toward the source of the sound.