The Grand Hall of Aetheris Academy was a colossal structure, a masterpiece of divine architecture that defied mortal craftsmanship. Its towering columns stretched high into the heavens, inscribed with celestial scripts older than the empire itself. Thousands of students—some human, others not—filled the vast chamber, their voices a murmur beneath the grandiosity of their surroundings.
At the front of the hall stood a floating podium, where the Academy's highest officials would soon appear. A massive crystal sphere hovered in the air, its surface rippling like liquid silver. It would soon display the Academy's most important information—rankings, schedules, and announcements.
Lilith stood near the edge of the crowd, Liz at her side.
"You'd think a school like this would at least let us have breakfast first," Liz muttered, crossing her arms.
Lilith didn't respond, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. She had no interest in introductions, orientations, or pointless speeches. What mattered was the hierarchy.
And Aetheris Academy had one absolute rule—strength dictated everything.
A low hum echoed through the hall as the air shimmered with power. A moment later, six figures materialized on the podium, each exuding an aura so dense that weaker students instinctively lowered their gazes.
The Headmaster stood at the center—a tall, imposing man clad in dark robes lined with starlight. His eyes were ancient, filled with the weight of countless years. To his right and left stood the Five Grand Instructors, each a cultivator of immense power. Their mere presence was enough to send a clear message: This was no ordinary institution.
The Headmaster raised a hand, and silence fell.
"Welcome," his voice reverberated across the hall, calm yet absolute. "You stand within the walls of Aetheris Academy, the pinnacle of cultivation, knowledge, and power. From this day forth, your lives will be defined by your strength, your will, and your ambition."
A wave of energy pulsed outward, a silent warning to all who were weak-willed.
"This Academy does not cater to mediocrity. There will be no safety nets, no second chances. Those who cannot keep up will be cast out. Only the strong may remain."
No one dared to speak.
The Headmaster gestured to the floating crystal. Instantly, its surface flickered, and a list of names appeared in glowing letters.
The Rankings.
At Aetheris Academy, every student was categorized by their strength, achievements, and combat ability.
Elite Students – The strongest, the ruling class.
High-Ranked Students – Exceptionally talented but below the Elites.
Standard Students – The majority, skilled but not extraordinary.
Low-Ranked Students – The weakest, barely above expulsion.
Liz whistled. "Damn. They don't even pretend to be fair, huh?"
Lilith didn't react. Her name was already listed under Elite Students—a placement that was expected, yet still drew sharp glances from those around her.
Then, another name appeared beneath hers.
Seraphiel Zorathian.
Liz exhaled. "Oh, this is gonna be interesting."
Lilith ignored the whispers as the Headmaster continued.
"Your schedules have been assigned. Your first task as students of Aetheris is simple—prove your worth."
The crystal flickered again, revealing combat assessments scheduled for later in the day.
Lilith finally spoke.
"...A trial on the first day."
Liz grinned. "Looks like they really don't believe in easing us in, huh?"
Lilith's crimson eyes flickered.
She didn't mind.
After all—this was exactly what she had been waiting for.