Chapter 35: The First Day

The gates of the academy loomed before me, towering and majestic. They seemed to mock the uncertainty within me, reminding me that I was stepping into a world far beyond the comfort of my own. The immense spires, the carefully cultivated gardens, and the regal architecture all served to reinforce the academy's reputation. It wasn't just a place for learning; it was a place where futures were made, where power and prestige were forged.

I wasn't sure whether I felt awe or dread. A mix of both, perhaps.

Gaia had left me with a few final words before my departure, something that stayed with me as I stepped through the entrance.

"Remember, Aria," she had said, her tone gentle yet firm, "You are more than they can see. Do not let their judgments shape your actions. Learn, grow, and choose your path. No one will decide your future except you."

I had nodded, grateful for her unwavering support, even if her faith in me felt like a burden at times. But the more I thought about it, the more her words resonated. Perhaps it wasn't about proving anything to anyone. It was about finding my own strength, in my own time.

As I entered the grand halls of the academy, I immediately felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on me. Royal children from various kingdoms stood in groups, some whispering to each other while others eyed me with a mix of curiosity and caution. The commoners were there too, though they didn't stand out as much. I could sense their unease, their hope that they, too, might earn a place among the elite.

I moved with purpose, my steps echoing in the vast corridors, though I didn't let the attention faze me. There was something about this place, something unsettling in the air, but I didn't let it get to me. The academy had a way of making you feel small, insignificant even, but I was Aria Velanova. And I wasn't going to let anyone here define me.

"Aria Velanova, right?"

I turned my head, recognizing the voice instantly. A young girl with long, auburn hair and sharp, amber eyes stood before me. She was dressed in the same academy uniform as the others, though there was a particular air of confidence about her that made her stand out.

"I'm Serena Rivenstone," she said, her tone measured and calm, though there was an underlying challenge in her eyes. "I've heard of you. Princess of the Elves. One of the most powerful beings in the world, they say."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her forwardness. "I'm not a princess," I said, my voice cool but not unkind. "I'm just me."

Serena didn't flinch, but her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Just you, huh? Well, I guess we'll see just how 'just' you are." There was a certain sharpness in her tone, as if she were measuring me, evaluating my worth in some way.

"I'm not here to impress anyone," I replied, giving her a flat look. "If you're here to test me, you'll be disappointed."

She laughed softly, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "We'll see about that."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the middle of the bustling hallway. I couldn't help but shake my head slightly. Serena was interesting, to say the least, but I had no intention of getting caught up in whatever game she was playing. I wasn't here to prove anything.

As I made my way through the corridors, I couldn't help but notice the variety of students around me—each one representing a different kingdom, a different race. Elves, dwarves, humans, and even some creatures I had never encountered before. I could sense their powers, their auras, and the ambition that radiated from many of them.

It was overwhelming, to say the least.

But then again, I didn't have time to worry about them. I had my own goals, my own path to follow. I wasn't here to make friends, though I supposed it wouldn't hurt to make a few acquaintances. But what really mattered was the knowledge, the skills I would learn here. I was here for one reason: to be ready for whatever was coming. And if that meant enduring this academy, so be it.

The first day was a whirlwind of introductions, orientations, and lectures. They had divided the students into groups, based on our race and magical affinities, and I found myself in the "Elven and High-Magical" group. A few others joined me, mostly from royal families, though there were some lesser-known names in the mix as well.

I was introduced to a handful of students who, despite their royal blood, had a much more relaxed air about them. They were not the arrogant, self-absorbed types I had feared, but rather inquisitive and eager to learn. Still, I couldn't help but notice the subtle competition that simmered beneath the surface.

One student caught my attention in particular—a girl with dark hair, dark skin, and piercing violet eyes. She wore a simple yet elegant outfit, something that didn't scream 'royalty' but hinted at her noble upbringing. She had a natural grace about her that seemed to command attention, yet she remained quietly observant as we went through the day's activities.

When we finally broke for lunch, I found myself sitting alone in the expansive dining hall, picking at the food on my plate. I had no desire to make small talk or engage in the usual idle chatter that filled the air. I preferred the silence, the peace of my own thoughts.

But it wasn't long before the girl with the violet eyes sat across from me, a slight smile on her lips.

"You're Aria Velanova," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "I've heard a lot about you."

I looked up, meeting her gaze. "I'm just here to learn," I replied nonchalantly, not bothering to hide my disinterest. "What about you?"

She raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Me? I'm Liara Valeria. From the Kingdom of Eldari. I'm here for the same reason you are."

"Really?" I asked, curiosity piqued. "You don't seem the type."

She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm not here to prove anything to anyone. Just want to learn. Like you."

I nodded, sensing no malice in her words. Liara seemed like someone I could at least tolerate—perhaps even befriend. But I wasn't ready to jump into anything just yet.

"So, what do you think of the academy so far?" she asked, leaning back slightly in her chair.

I considered it for a moment, taking in the vast room and the other students around us. "It's… overwhelming," I said, my voice soft but honest. "But it's also exciting. There's so much to learn here. I just hope I don't get too distracted."

Liara's smile widened. "You and me both."

For the rest of lunch, we exchanged a few more words, mostly about the academy's curriculum, and how different races were taught differently. It was clear that Liara had a lot of knowledge to share, but like me, she wasn't in a rush to assert herself. We were both here for one reason—knowledge. But how we went about acquiring it, that was up to us.

As the day wound down, I returned to my dormitory, my mind buzzing with the endless possibilities that awaited me. The academy was vast, and I had no idea what would happen next. But one thing was for certain: I wasn't alone here.

Not just because of the other students, but because I carried the weight of my mother's expectations—and my own hopes—on my shoulders.

And I had no intention of letting anyone down.

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