The Academy Announcement

The dust settled over the arena, the echoes of battle still lingering in the air. The weaker fighters had been knocked out, leaving only the real contenders. The air was thick with tension, and you could almost smell the magic hanging over the place.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the chaos had dwindled, leaving behind only the strongest.

Lyra hadn't been touched, standing like an ice queen on her platform, her cold eyes scanning the field. The Dreadwalker girl was still a mystery, her challengers vanishing into the shadows she controlled. 

Varys Atlas still stood firm, his blade never truly committed to a fight, yet his presence commanding respect. 

The big guy with the greatsword was still in it, using sheer power to keep his spot, while the girl with the lightning was crackling with energy, sparks flying as she fought off another desperate attacker.

From thousands of examinees, only 500 remained.

Ved stood on his platform, his sword resting lightly at his side, the remnants of ice from his last attack fading, his uniform slightly ruffled from the earlier exchange. His icy blue eyes scanned the arena—now littered with cracks, scorch marks, and remnants of shattered platforms. 

Over on the next platform, Lee Anil was catching his breath, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he shot a glance at Ved. The arena, once packed with fighters, now felt strangely quiet.

A loud boom echoed through the arena, pulling everyone's eyes to the floating platforms where the academy's instructors stood.

Headmaster Frederick Levitin floated down from his elevated position, his golden eyes sweeping over the remaining students. His expression was unreadable, but there was an unmistakable weight in his gaze.

The entrance exam was over.

"Congratulations," he finally spoke, his voice carrying effortlessly across the vast arena. "You have survived."

A wave of relief passed through the students. Some stood tall with pride, while others barely managed to keep themselves upright.

"As promised, only the strongest and most determined have earned their place in this academy. You are the future of the human domain."

Frederick waved his hand, and the massive arena trembled. The unconscious and heavily injured examinees that passed the exam vanished in a flash of light, teleported elsewhere—most likely the medical area.

"The wounded will be treated immediately," he continued. "As for the rest of you, you have earned the right to step forward."

The platforms began to descend, lowering the remaining students back to solid ground.

"And now, we move on to the next step," Frederick announced. "But first, you're officially a student of the academy."

With a quick flick of his wrist, a massive teleportation spell wrapped around the 500 students, pulling them away in an instant.

In an instant, Ved found himself standing in a grand ceremonial hall.

The place was massive, with towering pillars covered in glowing enchantments that pulsed with a soft, golden light. A long, detailed carpet ran down the middle, leading to a high stage where the headmaster and other academy officials stood.

The air was filled with anticipation. The students barely had a chance to look around before Frederick raised his hand, calling for silence.

"You stand here now as first-year students of Cawyo Academy," he announced. "But before you begin your journey, I have an important announcement. One that will not only change your experience here but the future of our entire domain."

Whispers started to spread through the hall. Even Ved, who usually didn't care much about anything, raised an eyebrow.

"For the first time in our academy's history," Frederick continued, his golden eyes gleaming, "we will have new transfer students."

The hall fell deathly silent.

Frederick's next words sent shockwaves through the hall.

"For the first time in history, we will welcome students from the Elven and Dwarven kingdoms."

The silence shattered.

Whispers exploded among the students, disbelief and excitement clashing in a chaotic wave.

"Elves and Dwarves? Here? That's unheard of.."

"What does this even mean?"

"Why now?"

Ved's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already working through the implications. The academy had always been just for humans. The Elves and Dwarves rarely involved themselves in human affairs, let alone sent their people to train in a human academy.

This was huge.

Lyra, next to him, didn't show much, but Ved could tell she was just as curious.

Across the hall, Varys Atlas smirked, his sharp eyes glinting with interest. Lee Anil, still catching his breath from their battle earlier, let out a low whistle.

Frederick allowed the noise to continue for a moment before raising his hand once more.

"I get why you're surprised," he said. "This wasn't a decision we made lightly. It marks the beginning of a new era. For too long, our three races have remained divided. But in the face of the threats beyond our borders, unity may be our greatest strength."

His words carried a deeper meaning, and Ved caught it immediately.

This wasn't just about expanding the academy's influence.

Something was coming.

Something big enough to make the academy, the very foundation of human power to reconsider its strict humans-only rule.

Frederick's gaze swept over them all.

"The first-year students of this year's academy will be the first generation to train alongside Elves and Dwarves. You will not just compete with them, but learn from them, fight alongside them."

His golden eyes gleamed with intensity.

"And perhaps, one day, stand together against a common enemy."