After the banquet, Artemis, Lydia, and Kayla made their way back to their suite, exhaustion settling in after the long and eventful day. The halls of Peacock Dorm were quieter now, with students murmuring amongst themselves about their first impressions of the academy. When they reached their suite, the three exchanged brief goodnights before retreating to their rooms.


    Artemis stepped inside her room and exhaled, finally allowing herself a moment to process everything. She changed into a comfortable pair of pajama shorts and a soft t-shirt before sitting on her bed and pulling out her phone. She hesitated only a moment before dialing her mom’s number.


    "Artemis! Sweetheart, how are you? Did you make it safely?"


    "Yeah, Mom," Artemis said, smiling softly. "I made it. It’s... a lot. The school is amazing, and I’ve already met a few people. Lydia and Kayla are my suite-mates, and they seem really nice."


    Daniel’s voice chimed in from the background. "See? Told you she’d be fine."


    Evelyn sighed dramatically. "I know, but a mother worries."


    Artemis laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest she hadn’t realized she needed. "It’s going to take some getting used to, but I think I’ll be okay."


    "You will," Daniel reassured her. "You’re strong, Artemis. You’ll do great."


    They spoke for a few more minutes before Artemis finally said, "Tell my sisters I said hi and that I miss them, okay?"


    Her mother’s voice softened. "Of course, sweetheart. They miss you too."


    Feeling reassured, Artemis lay down and closed her eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, she slept peacefully.


    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


    The next morning, Artemis woke up feeling refreshed. She stretched and got out of bed, glancing at the soft morning light filtering through her curtains. It was time to get ready.


    She opened her wardrobe, where her school uniform was neatly hung. The blazer-style jacket was dark red with black accents, the silver laurel wreath symbol embroidered onto each sleeve. Underneath, she wore a black blouse with a neatly tied red tie. The skirt was black with a dark red hem, giving it a polished yet stylish look. She finished it off with knee-high black socks and a pair of sturdy yet comfortable black boots.


    Stepping out of her room, she met Lydia and Kayla in the common area. "Ready for our first class?" Lydia asked, adjusting her own blazer.


    "As ready as I’ll ever be," Artemis replied, though her stomach fluttered with nervous energy.


    Together, they made their way through the grand hallways toward their first class—Mr. Sage’s class. Mr. Sage was not only their homeroom teacher but also the Battle Strategy instructor.


    The room was spacious, with large windows allowing sunlight to spill in and stadium sittings that wrapped around the back of the room. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and at the center stood an ornate, full-length mirror with an intricate silver frame.


    Mr. Sage stood at the front of the room, his expression calm but firm. "Good morning, students. Before we begin today''s lesson, each of you will receive your First Year brooch." He gestured to a box sitting on his desk, filled with small, circular brooches with a white gemstone at the center. "These brooches indicate your year at Mt. Olympus Academy. First Years wear white, Second Years red, Third Years green, Fourth Years blue, and Fifth Years gold. Wear them proudly—they are a sign of your journey here."


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    One by one, students stepped forward to receive their brooches, pinning them onto their uniforms. Artemis fastened hers to the left lapel of her blazer, the white gemstone catching the light. It felt official now—she was truly part of the academy.


    Once everyone had received their brooch, Mr. Sage continued. "Today, we begin an essential part of your training—The Buddy System. Throughout your time at Mt.  Olympus Academy, you will be paired with a training partner. This person will assist you in combat exercises, strategy lessons, and field assignments. Your success here will depend greatly on how well you work together."


    Artemis swallowed hard. A training partner? She wasn’t sure how she felt about that.


    Before the pairing began, Amore turned to Artemis with a smirk. "Just so you know, being the headmaster’s daughter won’t get you any special treatment. You’re just another student here."


    Artemis raised an eyebrow, unfazed. Before she could respond, Lydia stepped in, crossing her arms. "Mind your own business, Amore. Worry about yourself."


    Amore flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Oh, I am. I just hope you end up stuck with someone completely lame."


    Mr. Sage gestured toward the mirror. "This is The Oracle’s Mirror. This mirror will assign your partner. One by one, you will come down and step before the mirror. You need to state your name, and it will reveal who you are paired with."


    A ripple of anticipation spread through the class as Mr. Sage called the first name. "Lydia Swan."


    Lydia straightened and walked confidently to the mirror. "Lydia Swan."


    The surface of the mirror shimmered, swirling with colors before settling on an image—Sorrel Ayers, the tall and slender young man with cascading light navy blue hair that flowed down to his back, framing his sharp, well-defined features. His seafoam blue eyes shimmered with an almost ethereal glow, reminiscent of sunlight filtering through clear ocean waves. Despite his composed demeanor, there was an air of quiet intensity about him, as if he held untold depths beneath his calm surface.. Lydia''s expression faltered slightly, wariness flashing in her eyes. Sorrel, from where he sat, offered a polite nod, but she still seemed uncertain.


    Mr. Sage continued. "Kayla Liu."


    Kayla stepped forward and said her name. The mirror shifted again before revealing her partner—Eric Rutherford. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his wavy, light blonde hair falling just to his shoulders in an effortlessly tousled manner. His stormy blue eyes were piercing, filled with an unwavering confidence that bordered on arrogance. He carried himself with a sense of authority, his arms often crossed as if perpetually unimpressed with those around him. A smirk spread across his face, an air of arrogance about him. Kayla’s lips pressed into a thin line as she studied him. It was clear she was already annoyed.


    Then, Mr. Sage spoke the next name. "Amore Valentine."


    Amore sauntered up to the mirror confidently. "Amore Valentine."


    The mirror shimmered, swirling before revealing her partner—Skye Allegri.


    A wiry, energetic boy with sky-blue eyes that sparkled with boundless enthusiasm. His copper brown hair was cut in a slightly messy, windblown style, as if he had just sprinted through a storm and enjoyed every second of it. He was shorter than most of his fellow male classmates, but what he lacked in height, he made up for with an infectious, almost overwhelming liveliness. His grin was wide and mischievous, always hinting at some prank or adventure forming in his mind. Even standing still, his fingers drummed against his sides, unable to contain his restless energy. "Oh my gosh! We’re gonna be the best team ever!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands together.


    Amore’s confident expression dropped, her eye twitching slightly. She had been hoping for one of the cute boys in class, not someone who looked like they had downed five energy drinks before breakfast. "You’ve got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath.


    Lydia smirked. "Looks like you got what you wished for, Amore. Someone completely ‘lame’."


    Amore shot her a glare but said nothing, crossing her arms in frustration as Skye continued to chatter excitedly.


    “I don’t think he’s actually lame but I just really wanted to get under her skin.” Lydia leaned to Artemis and whispered, pulling a soft chuckle from the black haired girl.


    Finally, Mr. Sage called the next name. "Artemis Blake."


    Artemis''s heart pounded as she walked up to the mirror. She took a deep breath before saying, "Artemis Blake."


    The mirror darkened momentarily before swirling with light. Then, the image solidified—Ren Vangelis.


    The air in the room seemed to still. Ren sat at the back of the class, his face remained emotionless, his golden red eyes revealing nothing. Unlike the others, he showed no reaction. Artemis felt nerves twist in her stomach. Of all people, she had been paired with the quiet, mysterious boy who radiated an aura of detachment.


    Lydia leaned toward her and whispered, "Well… this should be interesting."