Orion found himself in a garden of stone, bonsai and strange circular carvings on the sand. The decor reminded Orion of the oriental cultures he had seen on screen.

He recognised it as a zen garden and it was his first time seeing one in person. The black and white color of the rocks and sand contrasted with the green and brown of the bonsai.

A feeling of serenity filled Orion as he admired the details.

He noticed there was an old caretaker in the garden. The old man was bald and wore a loose set of grey robes.

He was trying to lift a rock and was having difficulty finding leverage. The other freshmen ignored him and continued to walk past Orion.

“Can I help you with this, sir?” asked Orion.

“That would be so helpful, young man.” replied the old caretaker weakly.

Orion heaved a breath and lifted the rock, cradling the boulder in his arms even as they shook from the strain. It was heavier than he thought and he shuffled hastily to the spot the old man pointed.

“Huff hufff hoo huff! Done, sir!” heaved Orion.

“Thank you so much for your kind help, young man. You saved my back today. Are you here to join the academy?” asked the old man in a kind voice.

“Yes I am. It’s a pleasure to help you, sir.” Orion replied respectfully while dapping sweat from his brows.

The old man smiled and directed him to the building for freshmen enrolment. Orion thanked him and entered the building. It had a sign that read: Admissions Office

“Welcome to the Arch Academy of Ether Arts. Are you here for your enrolment?” asked the receptionist.

“Yes, I am, m’dm.” replied Orion politely.

The lady smiled and handed him a card and an envelope after scanning his particulars.

“This is the key card to your room. Remember to go to your dormitory office later to collect your uniform. Please follow the sign to the auditorium next door. Oh, and welcome to the academy!” she said cheerfully.

Her bubbly attitude perked up Orion. He nodded appreciatively before leaving the reception counter.

Orion was greeted by a large building covered in yellow and green glass windows. It had the words “Speech Academy Auditorium” printed on a wall.

A queue was forming at the entrance. Two staff members were giving out booklets to the people in the queue.

Orion collected his welcome booklet and proceeded to enter the main auditorium. It looked like it could seat over a thousand.

He was ushered in by a line of uniformed personnel, some of whom are his age.

Orion took his seat and felt the looks of those beside him. He was alone while they were with their parents, grandparents and even their younger siblings.

This was a familiar moment to Orion and he had long since become used to the awkwardness.

He decided to direct his attention elsewhere by searching the crowd, hoping to see familiar faces.

A man and a woman in formal Academy suits walked on stage and proceeded to stand behind the podium.

They looked a few years his senior, probably student leaders. They had shiny gold badges on their blazers, denoting some sort of accomplishment or membership.

The man introduced himself as Sebastian and the woman gave her name as Mandy. They began to welcome the freshmen audience using the microphones in front of them.

Their voice and tone had a calming feel to it. The type of voice that makes people settle comfortably in a new setting, yet not forgetting to amplify the grandeur and importance of the occasion.

Orion knew who the speech was targeted at. It was to assure the parents that their children were in good hands.

He took out his phone and started to read his Ether feed instead. He was particularly eager to see new advancements in technology manufactured from Etherland materials.

Thunderous clapping interrupted his thoughts and he look up to see a grey-haired man on stage behind the podium.

“My name is Kelvin Tanner. I am a professor of this university. It is my pleasure to be here today. You can call me Kel if we have the opportunity to speak during your training here.”

“Each of you are talented and gifted with the power to help humanity. That is why we are privileged to have you join our school.”

Despite being a man in his middle age, his voice reverberated with confidence, yet remained humble and approachable. His features and gaze were both sharp and defined.

He was a poised and charming silver fox that would attract both young and old of the opposite sex.

“This university was established 10 years ago to produce humanity’s greatest protectors. During the Ether Divide disaster, the world was plunged into chaos in the blink of an eye.

The Ether Seed’s germination shattered our world and pushed us into the Ether, sending parts of our former world into unknown universes.

Friends and families were split and forever separated. I know that till this day, some of you are still searching for ways to find your long-lost loved ones.

Despite the separation, the Ether Seed connected Mankind to an Ether Gateway that transcends space and time.

This brought great technological advancement to our societies, allowing mankind to traverse the multiverse and even time itself.

Unfortunately, this connection also brought with it our biggest threat, the Shadows. This unknown lifeform is invading our universe and humanity is no longer safe. No longer are we the dominant species in our world.”

As Kel spoke of the Ether Divide, Orion’s heart raced as he remembered the events vividly in his mind. His fists clenched as memories pierced his heart like daggers.

“We need you all now more than ever. Men and women with the courage and strength to protect humanity.

You are the light that ensures our survival as a species. Hence, I wish that all of you will triumph in this challenging journey. I hope to one day see your portrait on these halls alongside your predecessors.

Orion looked towards the distant corridors, where dozens of portraits were lined up along the walls. Each of them was a familiar face, a hero who saved humanity in its time of need.

The wall also honoured those who brought technological advances far beyond what mankind could attain in hundreds of years.

Orion imagined his own portrait on the wall, a desire shared by most sitting in the hall.

“To commemorate your joining, we have a special orientation game planned for all of you today. My associates will help to guide you.” said Kel proudly.

Another round of applause filled the hall as the professor stepped gracefully off the stage.