The Heavenly Sage.

[Eldoria Academy],

Hesperia Empire.

In the heart of the dense Crystallis Forest, a towering medieval academy stood, its spires piercing the clouds and its walls shimmering faintly with enchanted runes.

Eldoria Academy wasn't just an institution; it was a fortress of knowledge, power, and prestige. Surrounded by ancient crystalline trees that glowed faintly under moonlight, the academy stood as a beacon for aspiring mages, knights, and scholars from across the empire.

The academy grounds were a blend of architectural magnificence and natural beauty. Winding cobblestone paths led to sprawling courtyards, their fountains enchanted to never freeze, even in the harsh winters.

In the middle of the academy grounds stood the central tower, known as the Spire Of Knowledge, loomed over the campus, housing an extensive library said to contain knowledge predating the empire itself.

However, in the central tower above the academy, also resided the office of the Headmaster of Eldoria Academy.

The Headmaster was no ordinary figure. He was one of the Archons, a being who had transcended mortality, attaining divinity and stepping into the realm of gods.

Known as, The Heavenly Sage - Elaric Alden his presence was akin to a living legend. Stories whispered through the halls spoke of his exploits.

His office was a sanctum of power and wisdom, a place where the fabric of reality itself seemed thinner.

It was said that the walls of his chamber were adorned with artifacts from realms beyond mortal comprehension, and the air within buzzed with the energy of untapped magic.

Sitting in the office, a white haired man seemed to be concentrating as he wrote. Elaric's quill moved swiftly across the parchment, his focus sharp. Yet, his gaze drifted northward, a subtle frown forming on his brow.

As being of great power, he was able to sense the massive disturbance at the north even if it was very far away.

Thus, he was able to sense the massive blast of mana in the north. Stoking his beard he thought about what could have happened however.

A moment later, a faint ripple passed through the academy's barrier, a fluctuation so slight that only someone with his senses could notice.

The barrier, a formidable force, was designed to withstand even the most powerful of intruders. Yet, there was only one being who could slip through its defenses with such ease.

Elaric sighed deeply, his mind drifting to the image of the woman—golden hair flowing like sunlight, a stoic expression carved into her flawless face. "As rude as ever" he muttered shaking his head.

Whoosh!

With a flick of his wrist, Elaric vanished, teleporting in an instant from his office. The very air around him shimmered as he reappeared on the outskirts of the academy, just before the barrier's edge.

Whirr! Whirrr!

In front of him, a shimmering portal materialized, its swirling edges glowing with an otherworldly light.

From the portal, a figure emerged, the same one that Cassandra had instructed, cradling a delicate bundle that seemed to barely radiate any energy at all. The child, despite the faint glow, was an enigma.

Elaric's sharp azure eyes narrowed, his mind already piecing together the situation. "That mana blast... and now this child, accompanied by a knight of Cassandra. This couldn't be mere coincidence, could it?"

The figure wavered, its form flickering as though it were struggling to maintain its physical presence. With a soft tremor, the cradle nearly slipped from its grasp.

If Elaric hadn't moved so swiftly, the fragile vessel would have fallen. His hand shot out, steadying the cradle effortlessly. The figure, as if it's supply had cut short vanished into thin air.

Elaric stood frozen for a moment, his thoughts racing. It was clear now. The pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place.

"She is gone," Elaric muttered, the words heavy with the weight of both realization and regret. He sighed deeply, the sound of his breath carrying a bitter finality. "Hah... What were you doing my idiot student?. " He spoke in sadness.

As his gaze landed on the boy sleeping in the cradle, his eyes caught a neatly folded letter tucked beside the infant. Curious, Elaric reached for it and unfolded the parchment.

The familiar handwriting brought a bittersweet pang to his chest. As his eyes scanned the words, a dry laugh escaped his lips, filled with a mix of exasperation and sorrow.

----

[Old man,

If you're reading this, then you've probably figured out what happened. Yes, I messed up, and now I'm entrusting you with the only thing that matters—my son. You said i can ask any one wish, right?

Then, this is my last wish. Don't you dare let anything happen to him. Protect him just till he turned sixteen. He's the last piece of us left in this world.

He's special, Master. I don't know if even I fully understand how much, but I know this—he'll need guidance, protection, and someone to keep him from losing himself. That someone is you.

You always said I was reckless, and maybe I am. But I know you. You're also stubborn, too damn wise for your own good, and annoyingly capable. If anyone can keep him safe, it's you.

So, raise him well, old man. Don't let him grow up too soft, but don't let him become like me either. And... tell him about us, when the time is right. Tell him that no matter what, his parents loved him.

Cassandra.]

----

Elaric sighed, folding the letter with care and slipping it into his coat. His gaze returned to the boy, who stirred slightly in his sleep. "Hah, reckless as ever, Cassandra," he muttered, shaking his head. "You always did know how to drop the world on my shoulders."

He adjusted the cradle, a hint of a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Well then, little one, welcome to Eldoria Academy... and to a very chaotic life."

"Hmm," Elaric muttered, his sharp gaze shifting to the child's tiny arm, where the skin was turning a blackish-blue hue.

His eyes narrowed, and for a fleeting moment, a hint of disdain flickered in them as he recognized the poison coursing through the boy's veins.

"Hmph, a mere poison," he scoffed, his tone laced with contempt for the pathetic attempt to harm the child. With a casual snap of his fingers, a vial filled with a shimmering, golden liquid materialized in his hand.

He uncorked the vial, the faint, glowing liquid within radiating an aura of potent healing magic. Without hesitation, he let a single drop fall onto the boy's arm.

The moment it touched the discolored skin, it hissed softly, and the blackish-blue hue began to retreat, as though the poison itself was fleeing from the vial's contents.