The Zenith Academy cafeteria was alive with its usual midday chaos—students talking over each other, trays clattering, and the aroma of sizzling meals wafting through the air. Among the noise, a particular table stood out, mostly due to the energy radiating from the group seated there.
Seraphina, Alden, Ethan, Charlotte, and Ava were happily enjoying their lunch. Their plates were stacked with Academy-tier delicacies—grilled mana-infused steak, golden rice, and floating fruit cubes that sparkled faintly with magical residue. It was a peaceful moment in their academy lives.
Henry sat at the end of the table, however, looking like a condemned man on death row. He clutched his spoon like it was a weapon and hadn't touched his food.
His face was pale, his eyes darting around as if expecting a dragon to drop from the ceiling at any moment.
Ava noticed and leaned in with concern. "Are you okay, Henry? You look like you're about to faint."
