Welcome to The Academy

Kaeleen stepped down from the carriage, squinting his eyes against the intense sunlight. Before him, the main building of the academy rose with a majesty that surpassed any description he'd heard back at the training camp. Tall towers and walls adorned with golden emblems surrounded the white stone structure, while arches carved with figures of mythical creatures formed the entrance gates.

Beside him, Elise and Borik shared his astonishment. Although both tried to hide it, their expressions betrayed a mixture of nerves and admiration. Kaeleen felt a mix of emotions as he observed the grandeur of the academy. This would be the place where he would have to prove himself, and finally, where he would have to master his power.

"This is impressive…" Elise murmured, casting a shy glance towards Kaeleen.

Kaeleen nodded, feeling the weight of expectations on his shoulders.

Groups of students strolled around the courtyards and gardens that surrounded the entrance, and it didn't take long for Kaeleen and his friends to catch their attention. Figures from various races filled the place: silver-haired elves, sturdy dwarves, and a few beastfolk walked among human students, all wearing the academy's blue and gold emblem.

"Looks like we'll be here with all kinds of people... and creatures," murmured Borik, casting a cautious glance at a group of elves walking by with an air of superiority.

Before Kaeleen could respond, a familiar voice broke through the atmosphere. Ithan, one of the bullies he'd met during training, walked toward them with a disdainful expression. Erik, as usual, was by his side, seemingly ready to back up any provocation his friend might throw.

"Well, well... if it isn't our friend, the 'dark mana prodigy,'" Ithan said, enunciating each word mockingly as he crossed his arms in front of him. "I guess they're letting just anyone into the academy these days."

Kaeleen felt his blood boil but forced himself not to respond. He knew it wasn't worth falling into Ithan's provocations. However, something in his rival's posture was different; the confidence he displayed was more imposing than it had been at the training camp.

"Leave Kaeleen alone, Ithan," Elise replied, her voice calm but with a firmness that surprised him.

Ithan let out a mocking laugh and tilted his head toward Elise.

"Why are you defending this weirdo, Elise? You're only putting yourself in danger. This guy can't control his power, and we all know how dangerous dark mana can be."

The tension in the air was palpable, and other students started to stop and watch the confrontation.

"What's going on here?" asked a firm voice from behind them. The students stepped aside as they saw a figure in an elegant white and gold cape approach. Princess Selene.

Kaeleen's eyes widened in surprise at seeing the princess in the academy. He remembered her imposing presence from the day of the summoning, but seeing her here, among students, made the situation even more surreal. Selene observed the scene with a mix of sternness and curiosity.

"I hope you're all preparing for classes and not causing trouble," Selene warned, casting a particular look at Ithan.

Ithan tried to straighten up, lowering his head in respect, though the scowl on his face betrayed his resentment. Satisfied with his reaction, Selene turned her gaze toward Kaeleen and offered him a faint smile.

"Kaeleen, Elise, Borik, welcome to the academy. I hope you find everything you need here to strengthen your abilities."

Kaeleen nodded, grateful for the princess's intervention. However, he felt a strange discomfort in the way the other students looked at him. It seemed that the princess's attention had only made things worse, especially with Ithan, whose gaze had turned colder.

Once Selene had left, Ithan smirked maliciously and muttered, "Enjoy your moment of glory. We'll see how long your luck lasts in this place."

Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik exchanged glances and decided to walk away, avoiding giving the confrontation any more importance. As they walked toward the main entrance, the sensation of being watched didn't fade. Kaeleen knew that his stay at the academy would not be easy and that the challenges had only just begun.

The Great Hall of the academy was a place that surpassed any description. The walls were adorned with ancient banners of won battles and alliances with other realms. Rows of seats arranged in front of a stone podium awaited the new students. The vibrant colors of the emblems seemed to glow with a faint magical light. All the new students took their seats as the professors lined up before them.

As Kaeleen observed the professors, he recognized some faces from the training camp, but there were also new and unknown ones. One of them, a tall woman with curly hair and a white and dark blue robe, stepped forward to the podium. Her bearing and expression reflected an imposing authority.

"Welcome to the Royal Academy of Ethelia," said the woman, her voice clear and firm, easily carrying across the hall. "I am the Headmistress, Ethel Arannis. Here, you will learn to control your abilities, to understand the essence of your power, and to be worthy representatives of our kingdom."

Kaeleen felt the weight of her words press down on his shoulders even more. The expectation in her eyes was evident; not only did he have to survive in a hostile environment, but he also had to prove his worth.

"Remember," Headmistress Arannis continued, pausing meaningfully, "that the academy is a place where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential. However, only those who show discipline, respect, and loyalty will succeed. I assure you, the path will not be easy."

Kaeleen took a deep breath, determined to persevere, no matter the obstacles. He knew he was in a place where he could finally understand the nature of his dark power. However, a shadow of doubt settled in his mind as he observed the faces of his peers.

After the welcome ceremony, the students were guided to their respective classrooms. Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik were assigned to the Basic Magic class, where their instructor, Nylaen Fira, awaited them.

Professor Nylaen, a woman with a warm appearance and bright green eyes, smiled at everyone as they entered. She wore a light blue robe and had a friendly and enthusiastic expression that contrasted with the stiffness of some of the other professors.

"Welcome to your first Basic Magic class," she said with enthusiasm. "Here, we will learn to handle the most essential aspects of mana. This energy manifests in every being and allows us to use our magical affinity. The first step is learning to respect it and understand it."

Kaeleen listened intently, trying to ignore the glances of some classmates who eyed him sideways. He knew dark mana was viewed with suspicion and mentally prepared for any comments or provocations.

"Now," Nylaen continued, "each of you has a different affinity, and we will learn to channel it safely." She looked over the students and pointed to Kaeleen. "Kaeleen, could you tell us your affinity?"

Kaeleen felt a slight discomfort but decided to face it. He stood up and said firmly, "My affinity is with dark mana."

A murmur spread through the class. Some students exchanged surprised looks, and others, as expected, appeared frightened. Ithan, who was seated at the back of the room, let out a mocking laugh, while Erik wore a complicit smile.

Professor Nylaen, however, showed no surprise or disdain and nodded understandingly.

"Dark mana is a complex affinity and requires a lot of discipline," Nylaen said. "But it is, like any other, a form of energy that can be used for good or evil. With the right training, you will learn to control it."

Kaeleen nodded, relieved by her understanding response. For the rest of the class, Nylaen explained how to channel basic mana, guiding them through a concentration exercise to help stabilize the energy flow in their bodies.

At the end of class, Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik were heading to the dining hall when a tall, thin man in a dark robe approached them. His gaze was penetrating, and Kaeleen felt an odd discomfort in his presence. He introduced himself as Professor Seraphis Morvane, the instructor for Private Classes in Dark Mana Control.

"Kaeleen," he said, looking him directly in the eyes, "I've heard about your unique affinity. I'll be in charge of your private classes in handling dark mana. It's a challenging field, but I'm sure that, with my guidance, you'll manage to control it."

Kaeleen felt a mixture of nerves and curiosity. He wasn't sure what to think of this professor, whose cold and controlled expression made him feel a bit uneasy.

"Thank you, Professor," he replied with a slight bow.

Elise looked at him with concern once Seraphis had walked away.

"That professor… there's something strange about him, don't you think?" she whispered.

Kaeleen nodded, sharing Elise's intuition. There was something about Professor Seraphis's presence that triggered a sense of alert within him. However, he knew he needed to learn to control his power, and if that meant accepting his help, he would do it.

"In any case," Borik interjected, trying to lighten the mood, "looks like we'll have to learn to watch our backs."

With that, the three continued to explore the vast grounds of the academy, knowing that the real challenge was only just beginning.