Aethel Academy

Mr. Nivel walked through the open gates of the campus, but I stood there, frozen, fear gripping my heart.

-"I shouldn't be here at all..."

I didn't know why I was shaking, but I felt like I was going to faint.

"Julian, what are you waiting for?" Ezekiel called out, having already crossed the gates.

I felt an odd, mysterious energy emanating from beyond the gates.

"Uh... I should just stay here," I stammered. "I can wait for you guys."

"...?"

Ezekiel and Nivel looked at me in surprise. Nivel nodded slowly, as if understanding something I didn't.

TAP...TAP...TAP...

As soon as Nivel stepped through the gates, I felt another disturbance, a wave of energy washing over me. It made me feel weak, nauseous.

"Julian, are you okay?" Ezekiel asked, concern furrowing his brow. "You don't need to worry about status or anything else in this academy. Just walk through. It'll be fine."