The Prologue 1

In a sleek, futuristic dorm room illuminated by the soft glow of mana-powered lights, I stirred beneath the covers. The air was cool and crisp, regulated perfectly by the subtle runes etched into the pristine white walls. The room was spotless and minimalist a far cry from the grand, traditional manor of House Night.

Groaning, I sat up in bed, running a hand through my messy black hair. My vibrant blue eyes blinked against the artificial light, taking in the simple yet elegant furnishings: a sleek desk, a compact bookshelf, and a wardrobe carved from polished white wood reinforced with mana enchantments.

"This isn't home," I muttered with a dry chuckle, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. My bare feet touched the cool floor, sending a shiver up my spine. "But it's Nexus the capital."

I stretched, glancing at the sleek desk where a worn map lay folded in the corner. My chest tightened with excitement, but my thoughts drifted elsewhere to the ceremony, the cheers, the pride in my father's voice.

"Space-Time," I murmured, the words still foreign on my tongue. "I actually awakened the Space-Time element."

It still felt surreal. Space-Time was legendary a rarity that set those born with it apart. The memory of placing my hand on the crystal orb and watching the elders' astonished expressions felt like stepping into a different life.

My father's words echoed in my mind, filled with both pride and warning. "Kai," he had said, his piercing gaze fixed on me, "nobility is earned, not inherited. This family rose to the rank of Count through service and strength. If you want to elevate us further, you'll need to prove your worth."

The Astrea Empire's noble hierarchy was strict a meritocracy where rank reflected power, achievement, and influence:

Baron → Viscount → Count → Earl → Marquis/Margrave → Duke.

Above them all were the 12 Great Houses and the Imperial Family entities whose power was as unshakable as the throne.

My family, House Night, was a small but ambitious lineage. My father, Count Roderick Night, had earned his title through military service and strategic alliances. But compared to the Great Houses, we were still striving an emerging family looking to solidify its place among the elite.

"With an element like Space-Time," I said aloud, smirking, "Count is just the start."

I turned back to the desk and carefully unfolded the map. My fingers traced the faded lines and intricate glyphs until my eyes stopped at a bold name etched in elegant script: Redwyrm Forest. Surrounding the name were swirling arcane symbols, centered around an unmistakable emblem: a spinning hourglass.

The symbol of Magnus Arcanis.

"Magnus Arcanis," I whispered, shivering at the weight of the name. He wasn't just a legend he was an Archmage, one of the few to ever stand at the pinnacle of magical power.

In the Astrea Empire, magic was life. At sixteen, every individual awakened their element, beginning their journey through the ranks:

Each person had a mana core attuned to 1 element and would be the only element they could use although there were way to use multiple.

Novice → Apprentice → Adept → Expert → Master → Grandmaster → Archmage.

Beyond even the Archmages lay the realm of the divine a dream for most. Even for a mage that wielded space-time

As for Redwyrm Forest, it was a natural anomaly. Most forests in Nexus were artificial creations, painstakingly grown by human and elven mages after the Great Fire had razed much of the empire's wilderness. Redwyrm was one of the few natural forests that remained, an ancient place steeped in mystery.

Yet, it was infamous for more than its origins. The forest was home to a Master Rank Mana Beast called the Red Wyrm, a guardian feared and respected in equal measure. While the beast was known to tolerate humans, "friendly" wasn't exactly the word I'd use to describe it.

How had I come to hold this map, anyway?

The memory rushed back vividly.

Two weeks ago, I had been wandering the bustling Astrea Nexus marketplace when a hooded figure approached me. Their face was obscured by shadows, their gravelly voice low and cryptic.

"Looking for something rare?" they'd asked.

Scammers were everywhere in Nexus, hawking fake relics and ancient "treasures." I almost brushed them off—until they unfolded the map with a careful precision that made me pause.

"This," they said, their voice dropping to a whisper, "is the key to Magnus Arcanis' legacy. The Archmage of Space-Time himself."

The weight of the claim froze me in place. "How do you know it's real?" I asked, trying to keep my voice skeptical.

They chuckled darkly. "That's for you to find out. If you have the courage to follow it, you'll know soon enough."

Against my better judgment, I bought the map. Even now, I couldn't say why I believed them.

A soft chime pulled me from my thoughts. The glowing screen on the wall displayed a message from my mother:

Kai, remember the academy starts in three days. Don't be late, and make sure you're ready for the entrance duel. We're all counting on you.

Three days. My pulse quickened as the weight of her words sank in. The entrance duel wasn't just a tradition—it was a test, a way to evaluate new students and determine their placement. For most, it was an opportunity to showcase their abilities. For me, it was a chance to stand out.

My eyes drifted back to the map. The legacy of Magnus Arcanis could be the edge I needed.

"I'll get it before the academy starts," I said aloud, the decision solidifying in my mind.

I grabbed a sheathed sword resting against the wall. It was nothing special, just a basic enchanted weapon for training, but it would have to do. With the map in hand, I headed for the door.

The bright streets of Nexus greeted me as the door hissed open. Boarding the mana-powered train toward Redwyrm Forest, I kept my head down, trying to avoid attention.

"First time in the Nexus?"

I glanced to my right. A fellow student, wearing an academy uniform like mine, grinned at me.

"Yeah," I replied.

"Same here. It's overwhelming, huh?"

I nodded, forcing a smile.

"You ready for the entrance ceremony? I hear the duels are brutal."

"Not yet."

He chuckled nervously. "Well… good luck, I guess."

The train glided to a smooth stop, and I stepped onto the platform at Redwyrm Forest Station.