The airship descended slowly, billowing in the wind as the spires of the Human Academy came into view.
Luka stood near the railing, arms crossed, watching the familiar shape of the training fields, dorms, and courtyards spread below like a memory warming into focus.
Behind him, Serene adjusted her uniform and smoothed out her braid, clearly more excited than she let on.
"Looks like they rolled out the whole damn school," Gregor muttered behind him.
He wasn't wrong.
As the airship pulled down, the landing platform was packed.
A sea of students filled every staircase, railing, and balcony overlooking the arrival zone.
Banners with the academy's crest flapped in the wind.
Someone had even commissioned fireworks — modest ones, yes, but still very colorful and loud.
The moment the ramp dropped, the cheering began.
They all stepped out into a deafening roar of applause.
Teachers clapped from the sidelines.
First-years waved signs.
