After settling into their suite, Artemis approached the door to her assigned room and hesitated before turning the handle. The moment her fingers brushed the cool crystal knob, a faint pulse of energy traveled through her palm. As the door swung open, she gasped softly. The room had transformed into a space that felt undeniably hers.


    Dark tapestries adorned the walls, decorated with intricate moon phases and celestial symbols. The furniture was sleek and dark, accented with silver and deep purple tones. A canopy bed with black sheer curtains stood against the far wall, and delicate fairy lights shaped like tiny stars were woven around the headboard. The shelves were lined with books on mythology and constellations, and a soft rug featuring a constellation map covered the floor. A large window framed the far end of the room, its view overlooking the academy gardens, where glowing fireflies danced over still fountains.


    On one wall, several K-pop posters were carefully arranged, featuring Ateez, BTS, Seventeen, Stray Kids, Twice, and Mamamoo. The vibrant images of the groups contrasted with the darker aesthetic of the room, yet somehow, they blended perfectly, adding a personal touch to the enchanted space. Artemis smiled, feeling a sense of familiarity in the midst of all the unknown.


    "The rooms are enchanted," Kayla’s voice came from behind her.


    Artemis turned to find their suite-mate leaning casually against the doorframe. "When you touch the handle for the first time, it adapts to your personal taste."


    Artemis ran her fingers along the silver-etched designs on the nightstand, feeling an odd sense of comfort. "That’s... actually amazing."


    Lydia let out a laugh from her own room. "Wish my parents’ house had that kind of magic. Would have saved me a lot of redecorating."


    Artemis grinned but quickly turned her attention back to her room. She let her fingertips trace the books on the shelf, finding some familiar titles and a few she had never heard of before. Her belongings, which had been neatly placed in the corner, seemed almost out of place in the flawless design of the room. She exhaled softly, wondering how long it would take before this place truly felt like home.


    After changing into their ceremonial uniforms, Artemis and Lydia took a moment to admire the fit. The uniform consisted of a black long-sleeve turtleneck shirt trimmed with red embroidery around the collar, designed to resemble a laurel wreath. The sleeves had a thin loop at the end, which Artemis assumed was meant to be placed around their middle fingers. Accompanying the shirt was a black skirt adorned with the same red embroidery around the hem. Inside the neatly arranged garments were also a pair of black ankle boots with silver buckles on the side. Completing the uniform was a high-low black robe, folded carefully beneath the rest of the attire, along with a red belt that wrapped around the waist, its large round buckle engraved with a laurel wreath.


    "Not bad," Lydia mused, adjusting the belt at her waist. "Definitely gives off that elite academy vibe."


    Kayla, already dressed, stood by the door, her gaze cool and stoic. "We should head to the dining hall. The banquet is about to begin."


    The three of them made their way out of the dorm and through the grand corridors of Mt. Olympus Academy, joining other students who were also dressed in identical uniforms. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, a mixture of excitement and nerves hanging thick in the air.


    On their way to the banquet, Artemis accidentally bumped into someone in the corridor of the main building as they turned a corner. The girl she bumped into was a vision of carefully cultivated perfection. Her waist-length, golden curls cascaded down her back in luxurious ringlets, each one seemingly placed with precision. Not a single strand was out of place. Her rose-pink eyes, framed by thick, fluttery lashes, narrowed in disdain as she surveyed them, her gaze dripping with barely concealed arrogance. Her skin was porcelain-smooth, with just the right amount of rosiness on her cheeks—almost as if she had been painted by an artist’s careful hand.


    Her posture was perfect, every movement deliberate and refined. She stood with one hand resting on her hip, the other brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve as though their mere presence had sullied her. She huffed dramatically, her glossy lips curving downward in a disdainful pout.


    "Watch where you''re going," she snapped, her voice dripping with condescension. "Don’t rub your filth on me. Ugh, why do I have to deal with people like you."


    She tilted her head, giving them a slow once-over, as if assessing whether they were even worth the time it took to scold them. Her expression made it clear—she had already decided they weren’t.


    Kayla crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You must be Amore Valentine—the new Aphrodite."


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    Amore flipped her hair over her shoulder and smirked. "Naturally. Took you long enough to recognize greatness."


    Artemis exchanged a glance with Lydia before stepping around Amore without another word.


    Lydia lingered for a moment, lowering her voice as she turned to Artemis. "She’s the daughter of Seraphina Lark and Damien Valentine."


    Artemis stopped mid-step, eyebrows lifting in recognition. "Wait—the Seraphina Lark? The singer?"


    Lydia nodded. "And her dad is that Oscar-winning actor. She grew up in the spotlight. No wonder she thinks the world revolves around her."


    Artemis sighed and cast a glance over her shoulder at Amore, who was busy admiring her own reflection in a compact mirror. "Well, that explains a lot."


    Amore snapped her mirror shut and flashed them a dazzling smile. "Are you two gossiping about me? It’s alright—I’m used to it. People just can’t help but talk when I’m around."


    Kayla, already a few steps ahead, called back, "Yeah, we were just saying how incredibly humble you are."


    Amore placed a hand over her heart as if touched. "I know, right?"


    Artemis rolled her eyes and started walking again.


    As they approached the dining hall, the sound of voices and clinking silverware filled the vast space. The dining hall was breathtaking. The ceiling soared high above them, supported by towering marble columns adorned with golden vines that shimmered faintly as if alive. A massive crystal chandelier hung at the center of the room, its intricate design resembling interwoven constellations. Countless dangling prisms refracted the candlelight, scattering a spectrum of colors across the walls and polished floors, giving the entire space a dreamlike glow.


    Long tables stretched across the hall, draped in elegant navy and gold tablecloths, embroidered with celestial patterns. Silver candelabras stood at intervals, their waxless flames flickering with an ethereal blue hue. Platters laden with fruits, pastries, and golden goblets of nectar and ambrosia awaited the students, the aroma of honeyed bread and spiced meats filling the air. Long tables stretched across the room, candlelit chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over the scene. At the very front of the hall, elevated slightly above the rest, was a long table reserved for the teachers and faculty.


    A hush fell over the hall as Headmaster Aiden Blake rose to his feet. His platinum-gold hair gleamed under the soft lighting as his glowing, nearly white eyes swept over the assembled students. When he spoke, his voice carried effortlessly across the space.


    "Welcome, new students, and welcome back returning students to Mt. Olympus Academy. You have been brought here because you are more than ordinary—you are the future of the divine. Here, you will train, learn, and discover the potential within yourselves. The path ahead will not be easy, but you are not alone. Look around you—these are your peers, your allies, and one day, perhaps, your greatest friends." His gaze lingered momentarily on Artemis, a gentle smile spreading across his face, before he continued. "For tonight, however, let us celebrate. Eat, drink, and prepare for the journey ahead. Welcome to your new home."


    A round of applause filled the hall as students began searching for food, their nervous excitement giving way to eager conversation.


    Before they could get up to look for food, a sudden gust of wind swirled through the dining hall, and shimmering figures materialized around them. The air nymphs, glowing with a soft, translucent light, floated gracefully above the tables, carrying silver platters laden with food. Their delicate, wispy forms moved effortlessly, their flowing garments appearing to be made of pure light. Some whispered in a language unknown to Artemis, their voices like the rustling of leaves in the wind. With a delicate bow, they placed the meals in front of each student before disappearing in a wisp of golden mist.


    "Whoa" Artemis exhaled, allowing herself a moment to take it all in.


    "You''ll get used to it," a voice interjected.


    They turned to see a young man approaching them. His very dark, nearly black-purple hair fell in messy waves around his face, and his eyes were a mesmerizing swirl of pinks, purples, and a bit of blue, almost like looking at tiny galaxies. His uniform was nearly identical to theirs, except for the circular, golden-trimmed red brooch pinned to his left pocket and connected by a double chain to his right pocket.


    "Archie Holmes," he introduced himself with an easy smile. "Second-year student. Figured I’d say hello and let you know if you ever need anything, I’m your guy."


    Artemis glanced at the brooch. "What’s that?"


    "Ah, these?" Archie touched the brooch lightly. "Every student gets one on their first day. It represents your year. First Years wear white, Second Years wear red—like mine. Third Years are green, Fourth Years are blue, and Fifth Years are gold. It’s a quick way to tell where someone stands."


    Cyrus grinned. "So, if we ever need help, we should just look for someone with a higher-ranked brooch?"


    "Pretty much," Archie confirmed. "But don’t be afraid to ask anyone—well, maybe don’t ask the Fifth Years. They’re a bit intimidating."


    Artemis nodded, appreciating the information. "Thanks, Archie."


    "No problem. Enjoy your meal, and welcome to Mt. Olympus Academy." He gave them a small wave before heading back to his own table.


    As Artemis took a seat, she let her fingers trail across the silver utensils, their ornate engravings resembling Olympian script. The atmosphere buzzed with eager conversations, students exchanging introductions and sharing quiet laughter. Every now and then, the chandeliers above would catch a flicker of movement from the floating air nymphs, their presence a reminder of the magic that thrived within these walls.


    She stole a glance at the faculty table, where Headmaster Blake and the other professors observed the students with quiet pride. This was not just a school—it was the beginning of her new life.