Chapter 267: The Solemn Dedication of Burn Hall

There are many traditions in Burnhall University that truly complement the most discerning standards of its academic offering, drawn from the many years of its experience starting from its inception by St Michael the Archangel, and inspired by the intelligent gathering of the best students (or Novices) that helped shape its admirable culture and student activities.

Although "Motto Day" ranks as the most important tradition enumerated by the Dean of the Office of Student Involvement and Traditions, the occasion celebrated today, the Solemn Dedication of Burn Hall, is the most awaited event in the campus every academic year.

Burn Hall is the most revered edifice in the whole spread of the Burnhall campus. Aside from its architectural fabric and its rich history, beginning in the first holy profession of Celestial Education that was proudly hosted in its august halls to the coronation of Mary, Queen of Heaven in that title (presumably made immediately preceding the Assumption), Burn Hall has become, in itself, an iconic feature of Burnhall University and its surrounding environs.

During the celebration of the Solemn Dedication, all student Houses participate in friendly competitions in Academics and Non-Academic fields, from Quiz Bowls on every topic available to intense Power Volley matches, but the culminating activity is always the Game of Prophecy that happens immediately after the Great Feast at the Most Sacred Burn Hall.

Tonight, the Feast included chicken roasts, beef stews, potato salads, steaks and soups, as well as an assortment of all desserts and beverages imaginable. And as everyone was readying their Houses and their corresponding entries in the Game of Prophecy, something strange happened in the midst of the observance.

Instead of the Institution Plate accepting the array of questions that the several House Council has cleverly hidden to deceive the opposing Houses from solving the Game of Prophecy, the Institution Plate's Yellow Fire of Wisdom was suddenly extinguished, and along with it are the forty two questions surrendered to its jurisdiction. 

The students at Burn Hall was stunned as the Institution Plate immediately came back to life with a raging red fire.

The Dean himself was surprised as well. This event has never happened before in recent memory. But there were several legends of public knowledge pertaining to this happening. The students who were familiar with such urban legends were abruptly shocked, too.

"This is a bad omen," the Dean murmured weakly.

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