Eric walked down the long aisle.
The palpable hostility of the Red Group members bored into his back like a thousand sharp needles. He finally reached the very front of the auditorium.
This was where the first row of empty chairs was situated. Just a short distance away was the elevated platform. This was where the teachers and professors of all three ranks were seated.
Eric noticed that some of the ornate fancy chairs on the platform were empty. In the very center of the stage there was a podium for speaking. Behind it were three grand empty chairs.
To the side of these three more empty chairs were arranged. These he surmised were likely reserved for the Principal and the highest-ranking professors of the Academy.
Eric chose the first seat in the front row. It was at the corner where the aisle met the large block of empty chairs. This placed him in close proximity to the seated and still scowling members of the Red Group.
He was sitting right next to his new enemies.
