They stepped fully into the wide hall, and the pressure in the air grew heavier.
It felt like an invisible weight pressing down on everyone’s shoulders. Breathing became harder. Muscles tightened without warning. For a brief moment, the hall was completely silent.
Senior students were scattered everywhere—leaning against pillars, sitting on railings, standing with crossed arms. Their eyes were cold and sharp, filled with challenge and cruelty. Each gaze seemed to say the same thing:
Prove you belong here—or break.
It was not spoken, but it was clearly understood.
Then— Everything fell apart.
From behind Philipa and Rowan, legs suddenly gave out. Several new students collapsed to the floor with frightened cries. Others screamed and turned around, pushing and stumbling over each other
