Orientation

Kai stepped out of his room confidently. 

Maybe it was the confidence of having an early morning dalliance with the maid or from having a high affinity for all four elements but he knew that being confident came quite easily in this body.

It felt like 'arrogant' was his default mode and he had to tone it down to confidence.

He walked through the stone corridors of Mythreach Academy, following his memories of last night when Kai had arrived at the academy. He retraced his steps, whistling jauntily as he walked.

Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating the corridors. Without them, it would look like he was walking to some kind of dungeon.

He could hear the distant sounds of students talking and laughing, mixed with the occasional clink of armor. This world was nothing like the one he left behind.

"This place is unreal." He muttered in astonishment as he passed an actual suit of armor, running a hand through his hair. 

Everything about it felt larger than life, from the tall marble pillars to the colorful banners hanging along the halls.

Finding the orientation hall wasn't difficult. Other students were heading in the same direction, and he followed the flow. 

When he entered, his eyes were immediately drawn to the high ceiling, covered in glowing runes that seemed to shift and shimmer. 

Wooden benches were arranged in rows, circling a raised stage at the center. Dozens of students had already arrived, filling the room with excited chatter.

Kai's eyes wandered over the crowd. 

There were many young faces, each carrying a mix of nerves and excitement. That didn't register to him because his attention was immediately grabbed by the ladies. 

A tall elf with shapely hips and golden hair stood at the front, her elegant posture impossible to ignore. 

A giddy grin appeared on Kai's face. This world had elves!

Not far from the beautiful elf was a redhead with freckles and a lively sparkle in her eyes. She was speaking animatedly to a group of students who were clearly hanging on her every word.

The thing that actually caught his attention was how her boobs jiggled with every gesture.

This academy is definitely more interesting than I thought, He mused, smirking. 

Leaning against one of the benches, he let his eyes roam the room a little longer. 

When the redhead glanced his way and caught him staring, she gave him a playful wink. He chuckled to himself, shaking his head.

"You're not wasting any time, are you?" The voice startled him. 

He turned to see a lanky boy with messy brown hair and a crooked grin standing beside him. His clothes were slightly wrinkled, and he had an easy, carefree air about him.

"Well, someone has to keep things lively." Kai replied with a grin. "Who are you?"

"Arlo." The boy said, extending a hand. "And you?"

"Kai." Kai said, shaking his hand. "Kai Velroth."

Arlo's eyebrows shot up, and he gave an exaggerated bow. "A high lord's son? I'm honored."

Kai snorted. "And what about you? You don't exactly scream 'noble upbringing.'"

Arlo grinned, clearly unbothered. "You're not wrong. I'm the bastard son of Lord Graham, another one of your high lords."

"The only reason I'm here is because I managed to awaken a high affinity for Water and Fire. Toss in a low affinity for Air, and suddenly they think I'm worth the trouble."

Kai raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Sounds like you've got talent. They don't let just anyone in here."

"True." Arlo said, scratching the back of his head. "But I'm pretty sure it's more about appearances. Gotta make it look like Graham's bastard is being taken care of, you know?"

Kai chuckled, finding himself liking Arlo's straightforwardness. He'd definitely make a decent companion in Kai's pursuit of a carefree life. "Well, lucky us. Let's make the most of it."

"Deal." Arlo said, holding out a fist. 

Kai bumped it, and the two shared a laugh.

Their conversation was cut short when the room fell silent. 

A man had stepped onto the stage, and his very presence demanded attention.

Headmaster Kairos. 

One of the most powerful archmages, a master of Water and Earth.

He was tall and stern, with a long silver beard and deep blue robes with the hems designed with the four main elemental symbols.

His piercing gaze swept over the students, silencing even the most restless among them.

"Welcome to Mythreach Academy." Kairos said in the resulting silence, his voice deep and commanding. 

"For centuries, this academy has stood as a beacon of excellence, training the greatest mages, warriors, and scholars in the kingdom."

"And having turned eighteen and awakened your affinities, you're here because you have shown potential."

"But know this. Potential means nothing without effort."

He paused, making sure that every student was focused on him now.

"At Mythreach, you will be tested. You will be pushed to your limits, and some of you will break. But those who endure will emerge stronger, capable of shaping the future of our world."

Kai glanced at Arlo, who rolled his eyes slightly. Kai smirked but kept his attention on the headmaster.

"This academy is more than a school." Kairos continued. "It is a crucible."

"You will face challenges that will define who you are. Many of you will rise, but only if you have the courage to face what's coming ahead of you."

The hall was completely silent now, some students not even daring to breathe.

"And now, it is time to see where you stand." Kairos said, his voice going hard. 

"Your placement tests will begin immediately. They will determine what your year would be like in Mythreach. Where you eat, where you sleep, and which classes you attend."

"Consider this your first trial."

A grin appeared on Kai's face, excitement surging through his body. 

He couldn't wait to begin learning magic.

Besides, he'd always loved a good challenge, and this sounded like one he couldn't wait to tackle.

"Your test begins now."

Before anyone could react, the solid ground beneath them dissolved into paste, and in an instant, the students were falling.