Orientation start

[Analyzing magic array]

[Error: lack of data]

[Storing data for future use]

[Note: Understanding the teleportation array requires further use of similar arrays and knowledge of the purpose of the lines and markings.]

Kael blinked as the voice of Miara echoed in his mind, its usual cold and methodical tone providing the analysis he had requested. The sudden shift in his surroundings was disorienting. He was no longer in the grand hall of the Mage Association but in a nearly identical one, though with subtle differences in architecture and detailing. The teleportation array had worked flawlessly, but the lightheadedness hit him harder than expected.

He instinctively steadied himself, feeling the ground sway beneath him. The guide back at the association had warned them of this—teleportation arrays, especially ones of such magnitude, could leave even experienced mages feeling disoriented. Kael had brushed off the warning at the time, confident in himself, but now, standing in this unfamiliar hall, he felt the full effects.

His training kicked in, and he planted his feet firmly, refusing to succumb to the nausea that threatened to pull him down. It took only a few seconds to reorient himself, but in that time, he became acutely aware of the scene around him.

Behind him, chaos had unfolded.

Out of the fifty students who had teleported with them, only a small handful remained standing. The rest were scattered across the floor, groaning or clutching their heads as they fought off the effects of the teleportation. Some had fallen to their knees, others lay flat on their backs, and a few had begun retching into the corners of the room.

Rebecca was among those doubled over, clutching her stomach with a pained expression. The twins, Aria and Lyra, were both sitting on the floor, heads in their hands as they tried to steady themselves.

Kael's gaze swept over to Elowen, who, to his surprise, was still standing tall, showing no signs of discomfort. She stood apart from the rest of the group, her face expressionless and distant, as if the entire experience had barely affected her.

His brow furrowed. Elowen's cold demeanor had become more pronounced over the past few days. Normally, she would have found some way to confront him, to remind him of her superiority and to challenge him out of sheer spite. But since they'd arrived at the capital, she had become strangely passive, almost as if she were avoiding him. That in itself was unusual—and it made Kael uneasy. Had she figured something out? Had his true nature been exposed?

He couldn't afford to dwell on it now. He had more immediate concerns.

Kael made his way over to Rebecca and the twins, offering a hand to help them up. Rebecca groaned as she took his hand, her face still pale from the teleportation. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that," she muttered, clutching her stomach.

"Neither will we," Aria added, her voice weak as she leaned against Lyra, who was slowly regaining her composure. "I thought magic was supposed to make things easier, not make us feel like we're dying."

Kael chuckled softly, though his mind was still racing with thoughts of Elowen's behavior. "You'll get the hang of it. First time's always rough."

With the group back on their feet, they followed the rest of the students, some still recovering, as they walked towards a reception area on the far side of the hall. The building, though similar to the Mage Association in the capital, had its own unique charm. The walls were adorned with magical symbols and ancient tapestries, and the air itself seemed to hum with latent power.

As they approached the reception desk, a receptionist greeted them, taking their ID cards one by one. She was an older woman, her hair tied back in a tight bun, and she seemed efficient if not particularly friendly. She glanced at the cards, checking each student's rank and status as she assigned them to their dorms.

"Ask for the male dorm," she muttered under her breath after checking the first few cards, clearly noting the lack of surnames on most of the IDs. she handed each of them back, marking down which dorm they'd be staying in for the duration of their time at the academy.

When she reached Kael's group, she took Rebecca's card and assigned her to the female dorm without a second thought. The same followed for Aria and Lyra, the twins exchanging amused glances as they received their assignments. Kael was sent to male dorm, while Harlem was assigned to a private hostel, because he was an Earl's son.

Then came Elowen's turn. The receptionist took her ID, barely glancing at it before her eyes widened in surprise. Her back straightened, and her hand froze mid-motion as she read the name printed on the card: Elowen Everglade.

In an instant, the air around the desk seemed to shift. The receptionist's previously relaxed demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp, almost nervous professionalism. She knew the name Everglade well. There were only nine Dukes in the entire Bellum Empire, and the Everglade family was one of the most powerful. The moment she read the name, the weight of it sank in.

The receptionist cleared her throat, handing the card back with a slight bow. "Lady Elowen, welcome. You and your party will be staying in the Everglade private residence."

The change In the receptionist's tone didn't go unnoticed by the group. Rebecca and the twins exchanged glances, but remained silent. Kael's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed the exchange, though he kept his thoughts to himself.

A second guide, this one much more formal and sharply dressed, quickly appeared at the receptionist's side. He motioned for the group to follow him, his posture rigid and deferential. Without another word, they were led away from the commoner dorm assignments and toward a separate wing of the academy.

As they walked through the halls, Kael couldn't help but notice the stark difference in treatment now that Elowen's identity had been revealed. The guide spoke in hushed tones, clearly aware of the Everglade name's significance, and the other students they passed gave them curious, almost wary looks.

The Everglade private residence was located on the far side of the academy grounds, a spacious and well-maintained wing reserved for high-ranking nobles. It was far removed from the bustling common dorms, offering both luxury and privacy. The building itself was grand, with marble floors, polished wood furnishings, and large windows that overlooked the academy gardens.

When they arrived, the guide handed them a set of keys and bowed low before departing, leaving the group to explore their new home.

The Interior of the private residence was nothing short of opulent. The main hall was large enough to host a banquet, with a grand fireplace dominating one wall and several plush armchairs arranged around it. The windows were tall and arched, allowing sunlight to spill into the room, casting a warm, golden glow over the polished stone floors. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of legendary battles and heroic mages from centuries past.

A large spiral staircase led to the upper floors, where the bedrooms were located. Each room was spacious and well-furnished, with large beds, ornate wardrobes, and personal desks for study.

"This is… more than I expected," Rebecca murmured, her eyes wide as she took in the luxurious surroundings.

Aria let out a low whistle. "No kidding. I thought we'd be stuck in the common dorms, but this… this is something else."

Lyra, ran her fingers over the smooth marble of the staircase railing, her expression thoughtful. "Elowen's family must have some serious pull here."

Kael, for his part, remained silent. He had known Elowen was a noble of high standing, but even he hadn't anticipated the level of luxury they'd be given. The Everglade family's influence ran deep, and it was clear that Elowen's name carried a weight that few others could match.

Elowen, however, remained indifferent to the splendor around them. She walked through the residence with an air of detachment, her gaze distant. Even as Rebecca and the twins marveled at the luxury of their new home, Elowen seemed unfazed, as though it was nothing more than an inconvenience to her.

Kael watched her closely, still unsettled by her recent behavior. She had barely spoken to him since they'd left the capital, and her usual antagonism had vanished entirely. It was unlike her to remain so passive, and it only fueled his suspicions. Something had changed, but he couldn't yet figure out what.

As the evening wore on, the group settled into the residence, each of them finding their own way to relax after the long day of travel. The luxurious accommodations made it easy to unwind, and soon enough, laughter filled the hall as Rebecca, Aria, and Lyra shared stories and speculated about the upcoming academy life.

***

The beginning of September brought with it the refreshing, cool breeze of autumn, signaling the end of the summer heat. The sky above was a brilliant blue, unmarred by clouds, and the air carried a crispness that filled the students standing in the field with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The wind swept through the academy grounds, playfully tossing the leaves into the air, as if heralding the start of something new and unknown.

In the center of the vast field stood thousands of students, lined up perfectly. One might even think they were an army ready for war. Their faces were a mixture of nervous anticipation and curiosity, all here for the same reason: to prove themselves at one of the most prestigious magical academies in the world. The tension among the crowd was palpable, as if the weight of their aspirations pressed down on each of them.

Kael stood among the students, silent and still, his eyes scanning the rows of youths around him. He could feel the unspoken pressure that seemed to hover over them, the heavy weight of expectation that hung in the air. The academy had a reputation for being ruthlessly selective, and even among those gathered here, only the truly capable would remain by the end of the semester. Failure wasn't just a possibility—it was a looming threat.

Beside him, Rebecca stood with her usual confident posture, but even she was uncharacteristically quiet. Her fingers drummed absently on the hilt of her shield, a clear sign of her nerves. Behind them, the twins, Aria and Lyra, exchanged silent looks of concern. Normally lively and full of banter, they too seemed affected by the gravity of the moment.

The oppressive silence that enveloped the field was soon interrupted by the sharp, rhythmic sound of heels clacking against stone. Clank… clank… clank… The noise echoed across the courtyard, announcing the approach of a woman whose mere presence commanded attention.

The students turned their heads to see a tall, striking woman walking toward them. She had long, curly ginger hair that cascaded elegantly over her shoulders, and her emerald-green eyes swept over the crowd with a gaze that was both detached and intimidating. Her form was voluptuous, but she moved with a grace and confidence that exuded authority. Dressed in an elegant lavender sundress, paired with a wide-brimmed sun hat, her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the anxious energy in the field.

Her heels made a final, deliberate click as she stopped just short of the front row of students, surveying them with a dispassionate expression. For a brief moment, she said nothing, allowing the tension in the air to build. Then, in a voice as smooth as it was distant, she finally spoke.

"Good morning to you all," she began, her tone laced with boredom as though addressing a group of strangers rather than the future of magical society. "I am Director Blaire Krishna."

Her introduction was devoid of any fanfare, and she didn't wait for a response. The sheer force of her presence alone demanded silence and respect, and no one dared to speak. The students stood still, their attention fully captured by the figure before them.

Director Blaire glanced over the sea of young faces, her tone never wavering from its indifferent quality as she continued. "You are all here because you've been accepted into the Bellum Empire's most prestigious magical academy. However, this academy is not a place for mediocrity. You will either grow, or you will be discarded. There is no middle ground."

Her words cut through the air like a blade. Though spoken without emotion, they carried the harsh reality of the academy's reputation. This was not a place where students could coast by on natural talent or prestige alone. The academy was ruthless in its pursuit of excellence, and those who fell short would be swiftly removed.

"The academy is divided into five primary divisions," Director Blaire continued, "each focusing on a different aspect of magical study and application. These divisions are Combat, Support, Logistics, Crafts, and Research. Within each division are various subdivisions known as classes. Your first task, as students, is to choose a class that best fits your skills and potential. You will also have the option of selecting a sub-class, though it is not mandatory."

The murmurs began immediately after this revelation. Groups of students exchanged glances, whispering about which division they might choose. Kael, however, remained still, his expression unreadable. He had been thinking about this for some time but had yet to settle on a definitive choice. His past experiences, as both an angel and a human, didn't align perfectly with any single class, and he knew his decision would have lasting consequences.

"You have one week to finalize your choice of class," Blaire stated, cutting through the whispers. "While many of you may have already made your decision, you are free to change it during this orientation period. After that, your choice will be locked in."

Rebecca, standing beside Kael, leaned in slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "One week to decide the rest of our lives, huh? No pressure."

Kael smirked, keeping his gaze forward. "Pressure is what makes people stronger."

Blaire glanced at the file in her hand before addressing the group. "There are 11,629 of you gathered here, and that figure only includes combat and support personnel. According to tradition, this number will be reduced to 5,000—1,000 from each combat class and 1,000 from the support classes. A test will be conducted at the end of orientation to decide who will stay. Keep in mind, this isn't a test of strength but an opportunity to showcase your potential." Murmurs of discontent rippled through the crowd, but a sharp look from Blaire quickly silenced any protests.

Blaire's gaze swept over the crowd once more, her eyes narrowing slightly. "At the end of this semester, there will be a series of tests tailored to your chosen class. Those who fail to meet the academy's standards will be expelled. There are no exceptions."

The tension in the field grew heavier at this. The excitement that had filled the air when the students first arrived had all but evaporated, replaced by a creeping sense of dread. For many of them, this was the beginning of their greatest challenge, and failure wasn't just a possibility—it was a very real threat.

Blaire continued, "This may seem harsh. But you must remember that you were all accepted based on your potential, not your current abilities. The academy will provide you with the environment, resources, and guidance necessary to grow. But if you fail to bloom, even with all the nurturing we provide, then you will be discarded."

Harsh, yes—but the academy had a reputation to maintain, and that reputation was built on the success of its students. Only the best would rise through its ranks, while the weak would be left behind. Blaire's words were not cruel, just brutally honest.

"Before you can begin your studies, you will all undergo a magical analysis," Blaire continued, her voice carrying effortlessly across the field. "This process will determine your magical capabilities, elemental affinities, and proficiency levels. It will also help guide you toward the most suitable class."

Blaire paused, letting her words settle before continuing. "After the analysis, you will receive two handbooks: one detailing each class and the requirements associated with them, and the other outlining the academy's code of conduct. I suggest you study both carefully."

Her speech came to an abrupt end, with no fanfare or grand conclusion. Blaire turned on her heel, ready to leave without further ceremony. The students, still processing her words, remained silent, unsure if they should move or stay.

As Blaire began to walk away, a young man, likely an assistant, hurried up to her, leaning in to whisper something in her ear. Blaire sighed audibly, a look of mild annoyance crossing her features, before she turned back to the students.

She raised a hand and gestured for them to follow her. Without another word, she began leading the way across the academy grounds, her pace slow and deliberate.

Rebecca, trying to lighten the mood, nudged Kael as they walked. "That was… inspiring," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I feel so motivated now."

Kael smirked. "She's not here to hold our hands. It's sink or swim."

"Still," Aria piped up from behind, "you'd think the director would at least pretend to care. "

Lyra, ever the optimist, shrugged. "Maybe she's just seen too many students. We're probably just another batch to her."

Rebecca grinned. "Well, I'm not just another face in the crowd. I plan to stand out."

The students continued to follow Director Blaire as she led them to a large, arched building on the other side of the academy grounds. It was a grand structure, with tall, stained-glass windows and heavy wooden doors that creaked open as the group approached.

Inside, the hall was even more impressive. Magical runes and symbols adorned the walls and floor, glowing faintly with energy. At the center of the room stood a large crystal ball mounted on a pedestal, with wires and conduits running from it to an array of magical circles inscribed on the floor. It was a strange but powerful apparatus, clearly designed to analyze the magical capabilities of each student who passed through.

Director Blaire took her place behind a desk near the crystal, her posture as relaxed and indifferent as ever. "One at a time," she instructed, gesturing to the crystal. "Step forward, and I will analyze your magic."

Hours passed, and as each student was appraised, the crowd slowly dwindled from nearly ten thousand to about a thousand. Some left with hope in their eyes, others with disappointment. The results of the magical analysis were varied—some students discovered new potential, while others were reminded of their limitations.

Miara remained diligent in its evaluations, and even Blaire, who appeared bored throughout, continued her task without complaint, though her tone was robotic, almost as if she were merely going through the motions. She would glance at each student's results and inform them of their magical affinities and potential without any enthusiasm, her voice as detached as it had been during her initial speech.

As Kael and his group waited for their turn, they observed the various reactions of the students who had already been appraised. Some left the crystal with wide smiles, eager to begin their magical journey, while others walked away with slumped shoulders, clearly disappointed with the results. A few, particularly those who lacked magical ability altogether, wore expressions of defeat, but there was still hope for them—they could find roles in logistics, crafts, or research, though the standards for these roles were higher than those for awakened.