Enrolling into Academy

It was already past six in the morning when even the sun seemed reluctant to rise, its golden rays only just beginning to spill across the sleepy rooftops and dew-kissed streets. Birds perched high among the budding branches greeted the dawn with gentle chirps, flitting from twig to twig as though to celebrate the start of another day. A crisp breeze wove its way through narrow lanes and bustling avenues, carrying with it a subtle, earthy fragrance that stirred old memories — the kind of nostalgic scent that seemed to whisper of simpler times long past.

"Ahh! Jeez, it's so cold," muttered a boy, drawing his red scarf tighter around his neck as he trudged along the path. Each puff of breath left his mouth in a small cloud before dissolving into the morning air. The boy was none other than Aether Ryens, the protagonist of this story. Just a week ago, he had turned fifteen — the long-awaited age that opened the gates to a future most could only dream of. With that birthday came his acceptance into one of the four great Magic Academies. Given that he lived in the eastern reaches of the realm, it was only natural that he would attend Himwarrry Magic Academy, a name known far and wide, whispered with awe or envy depending on who spoke it.

Today marked the true beginning of Aether's story. The first step into an academy that would shape the next five years of his life — and perhaps decide far more than that. Though he tried to keep his pace steady, there was a faint hesitance in his stride, an unconscious caution as if some part of him already sensed that once he crossed the threshold of Himwarrry, nothing would ever be quite the same again.

Upon arriving at the grand campus, sprawling with ornate towers and broad stone courtyards, Aether didn't linger to take it in. Instead, he made his way straight toward the massive gathering area where all new enrollments were instructed to convene. His steps were slow but not from fear exactly. Was he scared? Well, if you looked into his eyes — those clear, unwavering pools of light-dark blue — you wouldn't find the usual signs of trembling nerves or cocky arrogance. As the saying went, the eyes rarely lied, and in Aether's case, they revealed a young man who simply knew himself well. Not overconfident. Not meek. Just grounded in the quiet certainty of his own thoughts.

"This academy really does live up to its reputation, huh?" he murmured under his breath, scanning the sea of students already milling about. "So many people trying to get in… unbelievable."

He edged through the throng, careful not to jostle anyone, until he spotted a vacant spot on one of the stone benches arranged around the courtyard. "Ahhh, found one. Better claim it before someone else does." With a small, satisfied sigh, he sat down, tugged his scarf loose, and let his gaze wander across the crowded space.

Everywhere he looked, there were new students filled with almost tangible excitement. Their eyes sparkled as they chatted in clusters or pointed out intricate carvings on the surrounding walls. Of course, it wasn't all smiles — some faces were drawn and moody, their owners clearly lost in worry or simply overwhelmed. It was a mosaic of anticipation, anxiety, and bright ambition.

Time slipped by, measured in the shuffling of feet and the growing murmur of voices. Then a clear, authoritative voice boomed out across the courtyard. A man stood at the front, his presence commanding enough that conversations faltered at once. "The headmaster is arriving to give a speech to all new enrollments. Kindly keep your voices down," he announced.

Everyone scrambled to find seats or simply stood at respectful attention. It felt oddly like being back on the first day of primary school, uncertain what to expect but knowing instinctively that it was important to appear composed. Aether straightened in his seat, folding his hands in his lap as he whispered, almost to himself, "Guess it starts now."

The headmaster arrived moments later, sweeping forward with practiced grace. His robes were deep emerald, adorned with fine silver sigils that caught the morning light. His eyes, sharp and appraising, seemed to weigh every student present. When he spoke, his voice carried with effortless power.

"Greetings to all the new enrollments," he began, offering a stately nod. "This academy is pleased to welcome you. You are the future — the bright young minds and strong hearts who will, in days to come, help bring peace and stability to our world." The crowd broke into spontaneous applause, though some clapped more out of habit than genuine fervor.

Once the headmaster's smile faded, he continued with a more formal tone. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Edward Ryke, and I am the headmaster of Himwarrry. Now let us move on to matters of structure. As many of you know, within our world there exist both gifters and non-gifters. Accordingly, here at Himwarrry, these groups will undergo separate classes to ensure each student receives the education best suited to their talents."

Aether listened closely, his thoughts spinning. It's as expected, separating mages from non-mages so problems don't arise… but — he couldn't help the bitter thought that formed next — no matter what they do, misunderstandings always happen. The strong abuse the vulnerable. That cycle repeats itself everywhere. Gifters preying on non-gifters…

His inner voice trailed off into silence, replaced by the familiar chill of resignation. This world wasn't so perfect as to erase human nature. Not everyone with power abused it, certainly. But enough did. Enough sought adoration and dominance, leaving the weak to endure or resist as best they could. It was an ugly truth, one that followed wherever civilization blossomed.

Meanwhile, Headmaster Ryke's speech rolled on. "There will be three classes prepared for the gifters: High Hexes I, II, and III. These will group you according to your magical stage and proficiency. For our esteemed non-gifters, two classes have been established: Technomancy I and II, which will focus on technological development and mechanism mastery. To determine your placements, each of you will soon undergo a small trial. This assessment is mandatory, and it will begin shortly after this assembly concludes."

He offered one last sweeping nod. "Until then, please take this opportunity to familiarize yourselves with our campus. That will be all." With a brief gesture, he stepped back, signaling the end of the formalities. The crowd erupted into a low buzz of conversation, students rising from their seats in groups or wandering off with tentative curiosity.

"A test, huh…" Aether mused aloud as he stood and stretched. His shoulders felt oddly stiff. "I wonder how tough it'll be. More importantly… I'm kinda curious about my dorm. Heard we all get individual rooms for the next five years. Hope they're comfortable — gotta live there long enough."

With nothing better to do, he started exploring the academy grounds. The scale of it all was overwhelming. Towering spires glittered with floating runes, fountains churned with water that seemed almost alive, and carefully manicured gardens wound between ancient stone arches. Everything was spotless, almost impossibly so. At one point he found himself frowning slightly. How long would it even take to clean a place this huge? The very thought was enough to make him sigh. "Ugh, thinking about it is making me tired already."

As he wandered through one of the broad avenues that cut between dormitories and practice fields, a sharp voice snapped his attention forward. Up ahead, a heated argument was unfolding — more accurately, it was a one-sided barrage. A pair of gifters, their uniforms already bearing small sigils that hinted at family prestige, had cornered a nervous-looking non-gifter. The poor boy seemed to shrink back with every harsh word, hugging his satchel close to his chest.

"So it starts already, huh…" Aether muttered under his breath, watching as the non-gifter tried to stammer a reply only to be cut off by sneers. It wasn't even a physical fight, just words — but somehow that felt even uglier.

Luckily, before the situation could escalate further, a figure in deep blue robes arrived. One of the academy's supervisors, by the look of the crest pinned at his shoulder. With little more than a stern glare and a few curt words, he dispersed the gathering, sending the offending gifters stalking off with scowls. The non-gifter gave a grateful bow before hurrying away, still looking rattled.

Aether shook his head slightly and resumed walking, only to be stopped by a sudden booming announcement echoing from enchanted braziers set along the courtyard walls. "Attention to all students. The placement trials are about to commence. Please proceed to the main hall and form two lines — one for gifters and one for non-gifters."

"Alright then… here we go," Aether said softly, feeling his pulse quicken. He tugged his scarf once more for comfort, squared his shoulders, and set off toward the hall. This was the true beginning — the point of no return. Whatever awaited inside would sort him into his proper class, charting the course of his next five years.

And though uncertainty gnawed faintly at the edges of his calm, Aether's eyes stayed steady. Neither boastful nor afraid, simply resolved — ready to see just what path awaited him inside the vast, storied halls of Himwarrry Magic Academy.