The Seminar

The first rays of dawn broke over the sprawling campus of Aetherium Academy. The air hummed with the anticipation of thousands of students converging on a single location. It was the day of the seminar, and every first-year student was required to attend. Kael and his companions were among the wave of people streaming toward the largest auditorium on the campus.

This was no ordinary hall—it was the pride of Aetherium Academy. Rarely opened except for significant events like the freshman entrance and graduation ceremonies, the assembly hall was a testament to the academy's grandeur.

The corridor leading to the auditorium was a masterpiece of architecture. A crimson carpet stretched across the floor, edged with intricate gold embroidery that glinted under the soft, ambient light. Chandeliers, floating mid-air as if held by invisible threads, cast a warm, golden glow across the space.

Along the walls, exquisite portraits of past luminaries drawn with upmost realism, their eyes seemingly following the students as they walked. Sculptures depicting heroic battles, legendary discoveries, and groundbreaking inventions sat beside the walls.

The hall itself was nothing short of palatial. It was a circular amphitheater capable of seating over 25,000 people. The tiered rows of seats were upholstered in deep blue velvet, trimmed with gold. At the center was a raised stage, its edges glowing faintly with embedded mana crystals. Above, a colossal dome ceiling showcased a breathtaking mural of the heavens, stars shimmering as though alive.

The incoming students gasped audibly, their awe palpable. Even Kael, who had tried to temper his expectations, found his breath catching in his throat.

"This is incredible," Aria whispered, her wide eyes darting around.

Rebecca smirked. "They sure know how to flaunt their wealth."

Kael nodded silently, his eyes lingering on the mural above. There was a beauty in the academy's grandeur, but it also carried an undertone of intimidation.

The Seminar Begins

The students filed into their seats, their excited murmurs fading into silence as a series of high-ranking individuals took to the stage. The first to speak was a wizened mage, his long, white beard flowing like a cascade of silk.

"Welcome to Aetherium Academy," the mage began, his voice amplified by a subtle spell. "You have passed the first hurdle to greatness merely by being here. But let me assure you, this is only the beginning."

The speeches that followed varied in tone. Some were encouraging, highlighting the endless opportunities the academy offered, while others were blunt, emphasizing the harsh realities of competition.

A woman clad in ornate robes took the stage next, her sharp gaze sweeping over the audience. "This institution is not for the faint of heart. Here, you will face trials that will test your resolve, your intellect, and your spirit. Only those with the determination to rise above will succeed."

Each speaker left a distinct impression on the audience. Some students were visibly motivated, their eyes alight with ambition, while others shifted uneasily in their seats, their confidence faltering under the weight of the expectations being laid out.

Kael listened intently, his mind absorbing every word. He could feel the tension in the room, a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

The final speaker of the day was a professor named Thalios. He was a tall man with an imposing presence, his black robes embroidered with silver runes that shimmered faintly as he moved.

"Freshmen," he began, his voice a deep baritone, "you stand on the precipice of your journey here. But let me remind you, not all of you will make it to the end."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

Thalios raised a hand, silencing them. "There are over 20,000 of you here today. By the end of this semester, that number will be reduced to 5,000."

The collective intake of breath was almost deafening.

"This is how it will work," Thalios continued. "There will be two exams. The first will occur this Friday. It will reduce your number to 10,000. The second, at the end of the semester, will determine the final 5,000 who will remain at this academy."

The room erupted into whispers, the students exchanging anxious glances.

"What will the exams entail?" they was the question on everyone's mind.

"The nature of the tests will remain undisclosed. Prepare as you see fit." He continued.

The tension in the hall thickened, and even Kael felt his chest tighten.

Thalios continued, "For those who pass the tests, your journey will truly begin. The academy operates on a credit system. Your credits will dictate everything—from your access to resources, to your progression through ranks, and even your eligibility for graduation. Credits can be earned through various means: completing missions, crafting items, subjugating beasts, and more. They can also be traded among students, serving as a form of currency."

His piercing gaze swept across the hall, silencing the last whispers of unease. He stood there for a moment, letting his presence settle over the thousands of freshmen before speaking, his voice calm but commanding.

"Before you leave this hall, there is one last thing I wish to say. For some of you, this will be your final week at Aetherium Academy. That's the truth of it. I won't dress it up or sugarcoat it for you. Not everyone is meant to walk the same path."

He paused, letting the bluntness of his words sink in. A few students squirmed in their seats, others clenched their fists in quiet determination.

"But I want you to understand something: failure is not the end. Not here, not anywhere. This academy is not the only road to success, nor is it the only measure of your worth. If you are cast out after the first test or the second, it doesn't mean you are without potential. It simply means your journey lies elsewhere."

Thalios's expression softened, though his tone remained firm. "For those who stay, know this—greatness is not handed to you. It is earned, carved out of your blood, sweat, and sacrifice. Every challenge you face here, every sleepless night, every grueling test, will shape you into something more than you are today. It will not be easy. It will not be fair. But it will be worth it."

The weight of Thalios's words hung in the air as he stepped down from the stage. The seminar was over, but the students' minds were left buzzing with questions and concerns.

Kael, Rebecca, and Aria left the hall together, the crowd around them a sea of nervous energy. The twins, Elowen and Harlem, were nowhere to be seen, likely lost in the throng of students.

"This isn't fair," Aria blurted out, breaking the silence. "How can they test everyone on the same criteria? I'm going to the logistics division—I'm not a mage or a swordsman. How am I supposed to compete with them?"

Rebecca nodded in agreement. "She has a point. The divisions are so different. It's impossible to have a single test that's fair to everyone."

Kael frowned, his mind racing. "They never said the test would be the same for everyone. They only mentioned the limited slots. Maybe the slots are divided by division?"

The suggestion seemed to calm Aria slightly, though her brow remained furrowed. "I hope you're right."

The group continued their walk back to their dorms in relative silence. Kael, however, couldn't shake the nagging feeling in his chest. The uncertainty of the test and the stakes involved weighed heavily on him.

As they neared their residence, Kael asked Miara "What do you think about all this?" he asked.

[I am not informed about what the test will be, but I don't think you can make any significant improvement in just a few days. Your believe your best bet is to gather information. Knowledge might give you an edge.]

Kael nodded, her words sparking an idea. "Rebecca, is there a library on campus?"

Rebecca shook her head. "Not that I know of. But there has to be one somewhere."

"Then that's my next goal," Kael said firmly. "I need to find the library and see what I can learn before the test."

The determination in his voice was clear, and his companions exchanged glances before nodding in silent agreement.

As they parted ways for the night, Kael's mind was already racing with plans. The test loomed ahead like a dark storm cloud, and he knew that if he wanted to survive the coming trials, he couldn't afford to waste a single moment.