The door to the dormitory block eased open with a faint metallic groan, catching briefly before giving way under Lucavion's palm.
The gate was old enough to possess character despite the Academy's obsessive maintenance. Its hinges resisted for a breath, then surrendered, allowing him into the residential compound.
Beyond it, several dormitory buildings rested between gardens, courtyards, and stone walkways. Morning had only begun to touch the place. Pale light stretched across hedges silvered with dew, while warding lanterns dimmed one by one as the darkness retreated.
Warm air drifted from the occupied buildings. It carried the stale mixture of breath, linens, breakfast preparations, and lingering mana. Students were beginning to wake. Footsteps sounded from open windows and covered walkways. Somewhere to his left, a door shut. Farther ahead, two voices argued quietly over whose turn it was to reserve a training chamber.
Morning had officially begun.
