Beginning at the Aetherium Academy

The morning sun crept through the windows of the Everglade residence, bathing the rooms in a soft, golden light. Kael stirred awake, his body still stiff from the previous day's explorations through the capital with Rebecca and the twins. Today, however, was a new day, and one that promised a return to focus and discipline—training.

For the first time since arriving in Ashavel, Kael felt at ease. Rebecca and the twins were still asleep, and the household was quiet. It was the perfect moment to sneak off to the training yard for some much-needed practice.

***

Kael stood in the backyard of the Everglade estate, his sword slicing through the crisp morning air. The rising sun painted the sky in hues of amber and pink, casting long shadows across the training yard. His movements were sharp and deliberate, each swing a step toward regaining the control he once commanded as the angel of war. Yet, he felt the limitations of his mortal form keenly—a stark contrast to the celestial strength he once wielded.

As he caught his breath, Rebecca's voice interrupted the solitude. "Training before dawn? You never change." She stood at the edge of the yard, a playful smirk on her face, with the twins, Aria and Lyra, groggily trailing behind her.

"Better get used to it," Kael replied, sheathing his blade. "The academy won't be any easier."

The excitement and nervous energy in their small group were palpable. Today was the day they would report to the Mage Association, the first step toward Aetherium Academy.

***

By mid-morning, the streets of Ashavel bustled with activity as Kael, Rebecca, the twins, Elowen, and Harlem made their way to the Mage Association building. Its towering facade loomed ahead, a symbol of power and neutrality in a world fractured by politics and rivalries.

Kael couldn't help but be impressed. The Mage Association was a globally neutral party, an organization too powerful and too influential for any noble house to challenge, no matter how prestigious. Its neutral standing was the reason none of the entitled nobles dared to push their way through the crowd, despite the large number of them that had gathered. Instead, everyone waited their turn, albeit with some impatience.

The group joined the line at the entrance, inching forward with the crowd. As they waited, Aria cast a curious glance at the massive building, her brow furrowed.

"Is this really where the academy will be held? It doesn't look big enough to accommodate all the students and facilities," she mused.

Lyra nodded in agreement. "It seems too small for something like a magical academy, doesn't it?"

Kael had already deduced what was likely the case. "This building probably serves as an administrative center. The actual academy is likely elsewhere."

Rebecca tilted her head, intrigued. "That would make sense. Still, wherever it is, it's bound to be impressive."

Kael nodded, though inwardly, the thought of being transported to a new location brought an uneasy feeling. He preferred the familiar, the known. Heading to a new place, especially one with untold dangers, did little to settle his nerves.

Elowen, who stood nearby, remained silent. Her expression was as cold and unreadable as ever, for the past few days, she had barely interacted with anyone, and even relieved the twins of their maid duties. She already knew where they were headed, that much was clear, but she was in no hurry to share that knowledge. While Harlem adopted a similar pose beside Elowen, not interacting with anyone.

'I wonder what she is thinking about.' Kael thought.

***

The line at the Mage's Association stretched endlessly, a sea of restless young awakened waiting to register. Elowen stood among them, her arms crossed, her sharp eyes focused on nothing in particular. The hum of conversation filled the air, but she paid it no mind, her thoughts fixated on Kael.

She hated him—or so she told herself. She had every reason to, after all. He was pathetic, trembling like a leaf whenever someone so much as glanced his way. Once, she had dreamed of putting him in his place, stepping on him both figuratively and literally, berating him until he was nothing more than a quivering mess.

But the memory of his failed suicide attempt loomed like a dark cloud, restraining her impulses.

'If I pushed him too far, he might try it again,' she mused bitterly. That thought alone kept her in check, though it didn't erase her frustration. Her roundabout attempts to make his life miserable without crossing the line had been an exercise in futility, and worse—they left her even more agitated.

The line shuffled forward, and she sighed, her grip on her composure tightening.

'Why do I care so much about what happens to him? He's not worth it. I should just focus on my studies, but stepping on him once or twice wouldn't be going too far–right?' she rationalized, though her resolve felt shaky. Kael's golden eyes and the memory of his weak, trembling form intruded on her thoughts, sending a shiver of conflicting emotions through her.

Elowen glanced down, staring at her boots as if the polished leather might hold the answer.

"I'll leave him alone. For now," she decided, her lips forming a thin line. "There's no point in wasting time or energy on him. I need to focus. The academy won't be forgiving if I fall behind."

"Elowen, isn't it?"

The voice belonged to Richard Veridion, the son of King Veridion–One of the four Kings of the Bellum Empire. His golden armor gleamed in the soft light of the chandeliers overhead, and his confident stride turned heads all along the line.

Elowen didn't look up, her expression neutral as she continued to ponder Kael. Richard, undeterred, stepped closer, his easy smile faltering slightly at her lack of response.

"Elowen, I—"

"Not interested." The voice that interrupted wasn't Elowen's.

Harlem appeared from the crowd, his presence commanding as he stepped between Richard and Elowen. His sharp features were lit with a smug smile, though his eyes glinted with challenge.

"Richard," Harlem said smoothly. "Fancy seeing you here. What's a prince doing mingling with the rest of us 'commoners'?"

Richard's smile returned, but it was sharper this time, his gaze locking on Harlem.

"Harlem," he replied coolly. "I could ask the same. But then, you've always had a knack for reaching above your station, haven't you? Elowen deserves someone of equal standing, not… ambition masquerading as talent."

Harlem's expression didn't falter, though his tone gained a cutting edge. "Rank means nothing here, Richard. Strength is what matters. And in that regard, you're sorely lacking, don't you think a merchant like yourself should be looking for goods to sell."

The tension between them thickened, drawing curious glances from those nearby. Yet, in the center of it all, Elowen remained detached, her thoughts never straying far from her sadistic desires. She hadn't even noticed the exchange, her mind turning over her decision again and again, the image of Kael's trembling form haunting her more than she cared to admit.

Her thoughts drifted again to the darker recesses of her mind as she tried to focus on the academy's demands. But no matter how hard she tried, the perverse fantasies crept back in—her new pet Rebecca, her young twin maids, and, most of all, Kael with his new golden eyes, and physique.

The line moved forward again, and Elowen clenched her jaw, frustrated with herself.

"Focus, Elowen," she muttered under her breath. But the pull of her thoughts, of those dark desires and her fixation on Kael, was impossible to ignore.

***

After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the front of the line. A staff member greeted them, a woman dressed in the deep blue robes of the Mage Association, with a pin on her chest that denoted her rank within the organization.

"Welcome," she said briskly, her voice professional but not unkind. "Please proceed to the counter to receive your identification cards. Once you have them, wait in the designated area until all students have been processed."

Kael accepted his ID card, a small, smooth token of polished metal with his name and rank inscribed on it. The others followed suit, each receiving their own ID, and they moved to the waiting area as instructed.

For over an hour, they sat in the grand waiting hall, the hustle and bustle of new students filling the air. Some were nervously whispering to each other, while others stood silent, sizing up the competition. Kael noticed several groups of noble students, their haughty attitudes betrayed by the subtle glances they exchanged. But no one dared make a scene. Not here. The Mage Association was no place for such petty displays.

***

An hour later, the waiting came to an end. A deep, resonant chime echoed through the hall, signaling the students to attention. The sound was so commanding that even the most restless among them fell silent.

A door at the far end of the hall opened, and a procession of staff members entered, led by an elderly man who immediately drew every eye in the room. His presence was undeniable—he had combed-back grey hair, sharp white eyes that gleamed with an almost predatory intensity, and an aura that made the air feel thick and heavy. His steps were slow, deliberate, as if every move he made carried the weight of authority.

Kael could feel it—the raw, oppressive power that surrounded the man. It wasn't magic exactly, but something else, something primal. His mere presence made the room feel colder, like gravity had doubled under his influence. Kael stood tall, unflinching, but he could sense the fear rippling through the crowd of students. He knew, without a doubt, that this man was far beyond any of them.

The man stopped at the podium in the center of the hall and surveyed the crowd with a gaze that seemed to pierce right through them. Even the most arrogant noble students seemed to shrink under his stare, their bravado vanishing in the face of his overwhelming authority.

"My name is Isaac Cromwell," he began, his voice deep and resonant. "I am a director at Aetherium, Head of the department of Space magic, and Head Archivist at the Mage's association"

His words were met with silence, the students hanging on every word.

"You stand here today because you possess a gift," Isaac continued. "The ability to wield mana. But let me be clear—that alone will not carry you through this academy. You will be tested, pushed beyond your limits, and only the strongest will remain. At the end of the first semester, those who fail to meet our standards will be sent home."

A murmur of unease spread through the crowd at this, but Isaac's cold gaze quickly silenced them.

"This academy is not a playground," Isaac said, his voice taking on a sharp edge. "It is a crucible, where only the most capable will survive. You will face challenges and If you are not prepared to give everything, you are free to leave now."

No one moved. No one dared to.

Kael felt his heart race, but not out of fear. Isaac's words stirred something deep within him, a fire that had long been dormant. This was what he had been searching for—a challenge worthy of his strength. The academy would be tough, but Kael was determined to rise above it. The mountain before him was tall, but it only made him want to climb it more.

Isaac's sharp eyes scanned the room, and for the briefest of moments, they locked onto Kael. The intensity of the man's gaze was almost unbearable, but Kael held his ground, his will unshaken. Isaac seemed to notice the fire burning in him and other talents before continuing his speech.

"You are the future in this empire. But power without control is meaningless. Strength without discipline is a curse. What you learn here will determine whether you rise to the heights of greatness or are cast aside as failures."

Isaac's words hung heavy in the air, settling over the room like a dark cloud. The weight of his presence and the enormity of what they were about to undertake sank in for every student present. There was no room for weakness here. No mercy for the unworthy.

After a brief pause, Isaac spoke again, his tone shifting slightly, though still heavy with authority. "For those of you who believe you can rise to the challenge, remember this: The academy will test not just your magical abilities, but your resolve, your character, and your will to succeed. It will be grueling. The weak will fall, and only the strong will remain."

Rebecca shifted beside Kael, her fingers fidgeting as the tension in the room grew thicker. Aria and Lyra exchanged glances, their usual playfulness replaced by a newfound seriousness. Even the most confident nobles in the room had fallen silent, their arrogance tempered by the daunting prospect of what lay ahead.

Isaac turned his piercing gaze to the front row of students, his expression unwavering. "The academy will begin on Monday. Right now we will be transporting you all to the academy. As some of you already know the academy is located in the magical beast forest, and not just the Bellum empire, but other students from the Vindict alliance, and other parties would be in attendance. Be guided in every action you take, and do not bring shame to the Empire."

The announcement of their destination had sent ripples of panic through the hall. Nervous whispers turned into hushed arguments, the less informed students openly questioning the academy's decision to locate itself in such a perilous place. The mention of the Vindict alliance, their sworn enemies, only fueled the tension. Faces turned pale as some clutched at their seats, others casting worried glances toward the exits as if reconsidering their choices. A few braver students began to voice their doubts aloud, their voices trembling but defiant.

But the chaos was short-lived. Isaac's sharp gaze cut through the noise like a blade, and the room fell silent almost instantly. His presence demanded respect, an aura of authority that left no room for rebellion.

With that, Isaac stepped back from the podium and motioned to one of the staff members at his side. The staff member stepped forward, bowing slightly before addressing the students. "Please follow the staff in groups of 50. They will guide you."

The hall was suddenly filled with movement as the students began to shuffle into their designated groups. Kael, Rebecca, Harlem, Elowen, and the twins were led by a stern-looking woman in dark robes, her pace brisk as she guided them through the winding halls of the Mage Association building.

As they walked, Kael found himself replaying Isaac's speech in his mind. His presence had been nothing short of overwhelming, and his words had struck deep. This would be no ordinary academy, and the challenges ahead were likely far greater than any of them had anticipated. Yet, as daunting as it was, Kael couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The academy was the perfect opportunity to test his limits, to grow stronger—and to prepare for whatever lay ahead.

Rebecca's voice broke through his thoughts. "I knew the academy would be tough, but I wasn't expecting it to be… like this."

Aria nodded, her brow furrowed. "It feels like we're walking into a battlefield."

Lyra, ever the optimist, said confidently. "It'll be hard, sure. But no big deal... right?" but her confidence fades at the end.

Kael glanced at the twins and Rebecca. They were young, still filled with hope and ambition, but they lacked the battle-hardened experience that came with centuries of life. Still, he appreciated their optimism. They would need it in the days to come.

***

Their guide eventually stopped in front of a massive door, the surface adorned with swirling carvings that seemed to dance under the flickering torchlight. With a firm push, the door groaned open, revealing a spacious hall that stretched far beyond what they had anticipated. Intricate patterns and runes were etched deep into the floor and walls, glowing softly with an ethereal blue hue that pulsed like a heartbeat. Several cuts of colorful gems, embedded along the walls, sparkled in the dim light. Each gem radiated a faint aura, feeding into the complex system of magic woven throughout the room.

The air felt charged, as though the room itself was alive, humming with ancient power. Kael instinctively tightened his grip on his luggage, his senses alert as they entered. Elowen, walking beside him, surveyed the room with a mixture of awe and curiosity, her eyes lingering on the swirling runes beneath her feet.

"This room," their guide began, her voice carrying easily through the quiet space, "is a teleportation gate. It connects the Mages' Association to Aetherium academy you will be attending. These gems and runes are part of the system array designed to facilitate travel between the two locations, almost instantaneously."

Kael raised an eyebrow at the explanation, his heart rate quickening at the thought of being torn from one place and thrown into another in the blink of an eye. He glanced at the others, noticing their varied reactions—some students were wide-eyed with excitement, while others looked uneasy, shifting nervously on their feet.

The guide continued, gesturing toward the large circular array in the center of the room, where the glowing runes seemed to pulse in sync with one another. "You might experience a slight nausea during the journey, but it will pass quickly. Please step into the center of the array and place your belongings beside you."

The group of fifty students hesitated for a moment before obeying, their footsteps echoing as they filed toward the glowing center. Kael moved in with the rest, but the weight of the magic in the air pressed down on him, a reminder of how far he had come since his days of obscurity. Elowen's presence at his side was a bitter reminder of the world he had to navigate.

Once everyone was in position, a deep hum filled the room, growing louder as the gems along the walls began to glow more intensely. The runes on the floor floated upward, spiraling around the group in intricate patterns. Kael's pulse quickened. The sensation of magic building was tangible, like static in the air before a storm.

The guide raised her hand, and with a sharp flick of her wrist, the array activated.

Blinding light filled the room, and for a moment, Kael felt weightless, as though he had been plucked from reality. A strange pulling sensation tugged at his stomach, nausea rising as the world around him blurred. Elowen stumbled slightly beside him, her hand gripping his arm reflexively before she quickly released it, regaining her composure.

The runes spun faster, their glow intensifying until everything was consumed by light.

And then—silence.

In the span of a breath, they were gone.

The teleportation hall, once filled with fifty students and their guide, stood empty, the faint hum of residual magic the only sound that lingered in the stillness.