Catalina High

The grand halls of Palace Nihil, Athena's stronghold in the capital, were cloaked in silence—until a royal messenger arrived, carrying a letter bearing the sigil of Catalina High.

Aron rushed forward, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Grandmother, look! They've sent the letter! Now I'll be going to Catalina High for my training!"

Athena, seated in her throne-like chair, unfolded the letter with calm precision. "Yes, Aron. And not just you—Ivan will be going as well."

Aron's excitement dimmed at the mention of Ivan. His jaw tightened. "Why? The rules state that only nobles are allowed to enter Catalina High. Ivan is no noble. He's just a beggar."

Athena's gaze was steady. "That does not matter. Ivan is my heir, and he will lead House Gorgon. He must go."

Aron's hands curled into fists. "Why? Why should he lead my house? I am of House Gorgon's blood! I will lead my house, not some street rat!"

Athena chuckled, amused by his defiance. "You are indeed the blood of House Gorgon, my boy. But when you become the Great Five Elementer, you will no longer be a Gorgon—you will be a Dragon."

Aron frowned. "But how can I be a Dragon? I was born in House Gorgon, not House Dragon."

Athena's expression remained unreadable. "Do you think House Dragon has a true bloodline? They never bore descendants like other noble houses. There is only ever one Dragon in a generation—one that is made, not born. Dragons are forged through magic, and the Great Five Elementer is created from magic itself."

Aron's breath hitched. "So… if I claim the Stellar Throne, I will become a Dragon, not a Gorgon?"

Athena gave a slow nod. "Yes. That is why House Dragon vanished long ago. If it hadn't, we would never have had the chance to rule. Now, focus on your training. You must pass the test to enter Catalina High."

Aron hesitated, then bowed. "Yes, Grandmother." With that, he turned and left the chamber.

The moment he was gone, Athena summoned Ser Arthur. Within moments, the knight entered, bowing deeply. "Your Grace, you summoned me. How may I serve you?"

Athena turned to him, her expression unreadable. "Ser Arthur, have you completed the task I assigned you?"

Ser Arthur nodded. "Yes, Your Grace. I replaced Ivan's original spellbook with a duplicate. Whenever he tries to cast a spell, it will be futile. And as per your orders, I am training him in basic self-defense, but ensuring he remains far beneath Prince Aron in skill."

Athena's lips curved in satisfaction. "Good. Now, burn the real spellbook. We cannot afford to let Ivan become an obstacle to Aron."

Ser Arthur hesitated. "Your Grace… if we allow Ivan into Catalina High, his hidden abilities could pose a threat to us."

Athena smirked. "Do not worry, Ser Arthur. I have already taken care of that. Prepare him well enough to pass the test—but no more than that."

Ser Arthur bowed. "At your command, Your Grace." He left the chamber, his footsteps fading down the corridor.

Left alone, Athena leaned back into her chair, deep in thought. The game was in motion. And she would ensure that the pieces moved exactly as she intended.

North – Palace Alpheratz

The grand halls of Palace Alpheratz buzzed with excitement as King Theoden turned to Nick, a broad grin on his face.

"Boy, you finally have the chance to go to Catalina High—the most prestigious Craft and Defense school in all of Stellaraether! It's where I learned my swordsmanship. Once you're there, you'll receive training from the finest experts, and it will set you on the path to great success. And, of course," Theoden smirked, clapping a hand on Nick's shoulder, "there will be plenty of girls from noble houses. You might even find yourself a beautiful wife!"

Nick looked at the king with quiet gratitude but remained silent.

Theoden laughed. "Don't be so shy! This is your time. Go meet as many girls as you can!"

With that, he declared a celebration in Nick's honor, and the palace erupted into preparations for the feast.

West – Palace Nembus

Chaos filled the royal halls of Palace Nembus, the voices of Queen Lucille and Princess Evylin clashing in heated debate.

Lucille's voice was sharp. "Evylin, you're being unreasonable. Only those of noble blood can attend Catalina High. Miriana does not belong to a noble house."

Evylin stood her ground. "Mother, how can you say that? From the moment you chose her as my handmaid, I've considered her my sworn sister. That means she does belong to House Lan."

Lucille sighed, exasperated. "She will receive the best training through WuDao XiuLian. It is no lesser than Catalina High."

Evylin scoffed. "Then why are you sending me to Catalina High?"

Lucille hesitated, momentarily speechless. Then, after a deep breath, she said, "It's… culture."

Silence hung between them. Finally, Lucille relented. "Alright. I'll speak with the council and do my best to secure Miriana a place at Catalina High… but I can't promise anything."

A bright smile spread across Evylin's face. "Thank you, Mother." She embraced Lucille before hurrying off to her chambers.

Inside, Miriana was dusting the furniture when Evylin rushed in and snatched the duster from her hands.

"How many times do I have to beg you not to clean my room?" Evylin huffed. "To others, you may be a handmaid, but to me, you're my best friend."

Miriana chuckled. "Evy, it's my duty. Besides, you always say I'm your friend—and friends help each other."

Evylin pouted. "You always know what to say, don't you?" Then, her eyes lit up. "I have good news for you!"

Miriana's eyes gleamed. "What is it, Evy?"

"I talked to Mother! She said she'll speak with the council to help you get into Catalina High! I know she'll make it happen."

Miriana hesitated. "But… what if they refuse? I'm not a noble like you."

Evylin took her hands. "Don't worry. Mother will find a way. And who says you're not noble? You are my family, and that makes you a daughter of House Lan."

Miriana glanced toward the door, lowering her voice. "Evy, don't say that so loudly. If the Queen hears, we'll be in trouble."

Evylin waved a hand dismissively. "You worry too much! Don't you remember what your father used to tell you? You are sharp like an orca, fast like a peregrine falcon, and strong as the tide. Why would you fear my mother? Trust me, she won't do anything to you. I promise."

East – Mirach Palace

The halls of Mirach Palace were unusually crowded, the presence of Prince Alastair drawing curious glances.

Prince Charlie crossed his arms. "What is it, Alastair? Why are you here?"

Alastair let out a breath. "Charlie, you're the only one I can turn to."

Charlie raised a brow. "And what exactly do you need?"

Alastair hesitated before blurting out, "Charlie, you know that in three months, there's a test to enter Catalina High. I must pass that test, or my father will kill me."

Charlie smirked. "And what do you expect me to do about it?"

Alastair leaned in. "Come on, don't act like you don't understand. My father is too injured to train me right now, and you are the only one I can count on. Please help me pass."

Before Charlie could respond, King Trillwick entered the chamber. His gaze landed on Charlie.

"Your friend is in need, Charlie. You must help him."

Both princes bowed.

Trillwick turned to Alastair. "How is your father, Prince Alastair?"

Alastair shrugged. "He's… I don't know. Yesterday, he looked like he was on his last leg, but this morning, he was radiant."

Trillwick's eyes darkened at the remark. He said nothing and left the room.

Charlie frowned. "You shouldn't speak like that about your father."

Alastair scoffed. "Like what? I'm telling the truth."

Charlie sighed. "Never mind. Let's start your training."

The past three months had been filled with rigorous training, and the long-awaited day had finally arrived. Children from noble houses across Stellaraether had gathered at Catalina High, the most prestigious academy for Craft and Defense.

The grand halls of Catalina High's headquarters were adorned with banners representing the Four Great Regions—North, East, South, and West—alongside the emblem of the Capital. Seated in a semi-circle were the council members, representatives of each ruling house, watching as the academy's principal, Mrs. Siuan Cauthon, addressed them.

"I welcome you all, lords and ladies of noble houses," she began. "For centuries, Catalina High has maintained its reputation as the finest institution for training in Craft and Defense. Many of history's greatest warriors and mages, including the legendary Five Elementers, were once students here. As tradition dictates, the children of noble houses have gathered once again to prove their worth.

"This year, twenty aspirants have arrived from the North, including the heir of House Pendragon, who will one day rule the region, along with noble heirs from cities such as Valescar, Durnholde, and Whitehaven. Twenty-five come from the East, including Prince Charlie of House Tyrron, accompanied by nobles from Ravenspire, Eldoria, and Harrowfall. Eighteen from the South, including Prince Alastair of House Caratheon, with representatives from Stormmere, Goldhaven, and Caeldon. Fifteen from the West, including Princess Evylin of House Lan, alongside young nobles from Moonshade, Draywick, and Seraphis. Finally, two from the Capital, including Prince Aron of the royal family."

Siuan's gaze sharpened as she glanced at two names on her list. "However, there are two figures whose noble status is unclear—Miriana from the West and Ivan from the Capital."

A murmur spread through the council until Queen Athena of the Capital spoke up. "You are mistaken, Siuan. Ivan is a Gorgon."

King Trillwick of the East raised a brow. "Queen Athena, can you explain?"

Athena's expression remained unreadable as she addressed the council. "Ivan is my nephew's son."

King Theoden of the North scoffed. "I was unaware you had a brother."

Athena sighed, her voice steady. "My father, King Bradon of House Gorgon, had a relationship with a woman named Nayeve Moonshire, who bore him a son. However, my father refused to acknowledge them, choosing instead to raise my brother in secret. Recently, I received news that my brother and his family succumbed to an illness, leaving only one survivor—Ivan. Regardless of his birth, he carries Gorgon blood."

Siuan nodded before turning to Queen Lucille of the West. "And what of Miriana?"

Lucille exhaled before answering. "Miriana is my daughter's handmaid. However, Evylin has sworn her as a sister, and in doing so, she is now part of House Lan."

A tense silence followed until King Theoden finally spoke. "Very well. Both Ivan and Miriana now possess nobility. However, only those who pass the test will be admitted into Catalina High."

Siuan gestured toward the center of the room, where a floating mirror hovered in the air. "Through this mirror, we shall monitor the students' progress."

Outside, in the vast courtyard of Catalina High, students stood eagerly, awaiting the beginning of the test. Alastair, ever curious, noticed Princess Evylin standing with another girl and approached.

"Hello, Evylin! Who is she?" he asked, nodding toward Miriana.

Evylin smiled. "She's Miriana, my best friend."

Alastair extended his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Miriana. I'm Alastair, Prince of the South."

Miriana hesitated before shaking his hand, offering a polite smile.

Nearby, Prince Charlie of the East bumped into Ivan, who was frantically searching the crowd.

"Whoa, still as reckless as ever," Charlie teased. "What's the rush?"

Ivan muttered, "I'm sorry Your Highness, I'm looking for Aron."

Charlie chuckled. "You can drop the formalities and just call me Charlie."

Ivan hesitated before asking, "Has Nick arrived yet?"

Charlie raised a brow. "How would I know? I'm from the East, and he's from the North."

At that moment, Nick approached them, his usual calm demeanor intact.

"Hello, everyone," he greeted.

Charlie smirked. "Look, Ivan—Nick is right here. Seems like you were looking for him?"

Ivan's posture stiffened. "I-I was just wondering if you were attending—"

Before he could finish, Siuan Cauthon's voice rang across the courtyard.

"I welcome you all, my dear aspirants!" Siuan's voice carried authority. "I am Siuan Cauthon, Principal of Catalina High. To earn your place in this academy, you must pass three trials.

1. The First Trial: Physical Strength

This will test your endurance, agility, and resilience. Work together, and remember: this is a test of skill, not cruelty.

2. The Second Trial: Spellcasting

You will demonstrate your mastery over spells and control over Craft.

3. The Final Trial: ???

This will be revealed only to those who succeed in the first two trials.

"Two rules must be followed:

1. No outside assistance—cheating will lead to immediate disqualification.2. Do not inflict serious harm upon your fellow participants.

"Each of you has a band on your wrist. This is your pass. If you feel you cannot continue, simply remove the band, and you will be escorted to safety."

Siuan's gaze swept across the gathered students. "If anyone has questions, speak now."

A tense silence followed. The test had begun.

Author's Note:

The term WuDao XiuLian (武道修炼) translates to "Martial Way Cultivation." It refers to the practice of refining one's body, mind, and spirit through the disciplined pursuit of martial arts, often intertwined with mystical or supernatural elements.

In this world, WuDao (武道) means the "Way of Martial Arts," encompassing various combat techniques, philosophies, and mastery over one's inner strength (Qi, YinYang, or other energy sources depending on the setting). XiuLian (修炼) means "Cultivation" or "Training," signifying the continuous journey of self-improvement, both physically and spiritually.