The Awakening Hall was packed.
Hundreds of gray-robed students stood in neat rows across the wide stone floor. Soft blue light from the Awakening Pillar washed over their faces. Teachers and examiners moved quietly between the rows with glowing datapads, checking names one last time. A low murmur of voices filled the air — nervous whispers, quiet jokes, and the occasional deep breath.
Then the principal stepped onto the elevated platform.
He was an elderly man in deep blue robes, his hair pure white and his back still straight. When he raised one hand, the entire hall fell silent within seconds.
"Students of Azure Cloud Martial Academy," he began, his voice calm but strong enough to reach every corner. "Today is the day many of you have waited for since you first stepped through these gates. Today, you will place your hands on the Awakening Pillar and learn the rank of the martial soul or spirit root that will walk with you for the rest of your lives."
