Morning Assembly!

"Huh, what's this list…?"

Aether squinted at the large parchment pinned to the board, positioned right by the stairwell where he'd nearly brushed past it unnoticed. Lines of elegant script sprawled across it, shimmering faintly with a minor enchantment to keep it legible under any lighting.

"To all students: you may purchase furnishings, comforts, and other essential items for your dormitories at the Academy Exchange. Items identical to those provided in the gifter dormitories are also available for non-gifters. Transactions are conducted via the points system."

Aether's brow arched higher the more he read.

"So basically… if I gather enough points, I can turn my dorm into a mini paradise too?"

His eyes trailed lower, finding a sample catalogue with little illustrated diagrams—luxurious cushions, enchanted lamps that adjusted brightness on command, personal hot-water baths, even mini spell-forges for private crafting.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad at all…"

But the moment his gaze snagged on the pricing, his hopeful smirk crumpled.

"100,000 points?!"

His shoulders drooped, expression deadpan.

"Are they serious? That's absurd. Who the hell racks up that many points before they start growing grey hair?"

Because in this academy, everything came down to points. You earned them by helping professors, completing campus tasks, contributing to research, or demonstrating feats that benefited the school. For most, it was a slow, steady slog—weeks of errands for a handful of measly credits. Which, clearly, wasn't going to cut it if Aether wanted those upgrades anytime before graduation.

"Haah… so that's how it is, huh? Fine then."

A shadow of mischief crossed his features.

"I'll play this little game of yours. And I'll make sure I win it my way."

✦✦✦

Back in his dorm room, Aether collapsed onto the bed, limbs splayed out. The ceiling fan spun lazily above, its gentle rhythm matching the rise and fall of his breathing. He lifted one hand toward it, fingers stretching as if to catch the blades.

"So… it begins. My grand little journey. Gonna be a mess, I can feel it already. But… guess there's no backing out now."

His eyes drooped, exhaustion creeping in.

"…so… sleep—"

The next thing he knew, a distant alarm bell was shrilling through the hallways. Aether jerked upright, nearly rolling off the bed.

"Wah! Morning already? Crap—did I actually fall asleep? Ugh, I'm so lame…"

Muttering curses, he darted through a quick wash, tugged on his uniform, and raced out of his dorm, the door clicking shut behind him.

✦✦✦

The corridors were packed. Not just with first-years, but older students too—second, third, even final-years in their differently marked cloaks, chatting or marching by with confident, easy strides.

As Aether made his way through the bustling throng, voices started to trail after him.

"Woah, who's that pretty boy? First-year maybe?"

"He's cute…"

"Hey hey, what's your name?"

Aether nearly tripped over himself as three older girls—clearly seniors by the subtle extra embroidery on their uniforms—veered straight into his path.

"Ehhh?! Crap, senior girls. Three of them at once. This is a death flag, right? I should've walked faster—"

He had no choice but to stop, offering a tiny, stiff smile.

"Um. I'm Aether."

Their gazes slid down to the cloth band sewn on his sleeve—a quiet but unmistakable mark that identified him as a non-gifter.

"Ehhh, judging by that bandage, you're one of the non-gifters, huh?"

Aether's shoulders slumped.

"Well… there it goes again. Here comes the snide remarks or pity…"

But instead, one of the girls stepped closer, her eyes warm.

"It doesn't matter."

Aether blinked, surprised enough to raise his head.

"It doesn't matter what class you're in," she continued. "Just don't lose hope, okay? Anyone can make it here if they try their best. Same goes for you too."

Another of them flashed him a bright grin.

"Yeah, keep that chin up. If you ever need help… or, heh, want to learn naughty things, you know who to come to."

Aether's face went scarlet in an instant.

"Ah—I-I'll do my best!"

He gave a frantic little bow and made his escape, the girls giggling behind him.

"…Wasn't expecting that. Guess not all gifters are stuck-up after all."

His lips twitched into an unguarded smile.

"That actually… kinda made my day."

✦✦✦

By the time he reached the grand assembly courtyard, it was already packed shoulder-to-shoulder with students. The speaker—dutifully dubbed so by Aether for convenience—stood at the fore, amplifying his voice with a simple echo charm.

"Good morning, everyone. I trust you're all present. Shortly, the headmaster will arrive to deliver several important announcements."

A ripple of tension ran through the crowd. Everyone straightened. Moments later, Headmaster Edward Ryke himself strode onto the stage, robes trailing, his presence commanding immediate silence.

"Attention, all students."

His voice was calm but firm, effortlessly slicing through the chatter.

"This is your second day here, and I trust you're beginning to adjust. Today, I have two announcements to deliver. First: your official classes will commence tomorrow morning. I expect punctuality and dedication from each of you."

Aether's thoughts skipped ahead.

"Tomorrow huh… guess the real grind starts then."

"Second," the headmaster continued, "I wish to announce the selection of this year's Child of Lights—the ten students chosen from the first-year mage class who possess the highest demonstrated magical levels."

The entire courtyard stirred. Even the older students craned their necks. Whispers broke out immediately.

"Child of Lights… already?"

"Wonder who made it this year…"

✦ Child of Lights ✦

They were more than just honor students. In each of the four great academies across the world, ten were selected per year—fifty per legion, two hundred total across the globe. These were the future pillars: mages whose raw power and control outstripped all their peers. They'd lead their cohorts in battle, carry the weight of academy pride in inter-school tournaments, and eventually rise to defend the world itself from its darker threats.

"As you all know," Headmaster Ryke intoned, "these chosen ten will stand as examples and spearheads among your year. However, do not allow yourselves to be disheartened. Anyone can prove themselves worthy. Work hard, hone your abilities, and there may yet come a time when you stand in their place."

Aether stood off to one side, hands tucked in his pockets, watching the headmaster's sweeping gaze.

"Hoho… so these are the fabled Child of Lights, huh?"

A smirk crept up his face, eyes glittering with an emotion halfway between amusement and silent challenge.

"Let's see if they're really all that impressive."

Little did anyone know—certainly not the hopeful first-years or the self-assured seniors—that hidden right there among the crowd was a boy who carried in him the Stairway of Heaven, the very magic the world most feared. And that he, too, had every intention of seeing just how brightly he could shine.

"…Guess this game's about to get a whole lot more interesting."

And with that quiet thought, Aether leaned back, waiting to see which names and faces would shape the battlefield of his next five years.