Chapter 17: The Academy

After his encounter with Severian, Kael continued exploring the city for a while longer, taking in the sights and energy of Eryndor. Eventually, as night approached, he returned to his lodging—a modest yet comfortable place Lucian and Edric had arranged for him.

The moment he stepped inside, Lucian glanced up from his chair, smirking. "So? What kind of trouble did you get into?"

Kael chuckled. "No trouble, just wandering. I met someone who's also going to enroll in Arcanum Athenaeum."

Lucian nodded. "Good, good. Now go to sleep. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

At dawn, Lucian took Kael straight to Arcanum Athenaeum to officially enroll him. The school's entrance was heavily guarded by two men wielding spears. As they approached, Lucian greeted them casually, and they allowed him inside without question.

The academy was massive—far bigger than Kael had expected for a school that only accepted sixty students each year, thirty for Inveris and thirty for Gaianis.

Kael noticed the halls were eerily empty. "Where is everyone?"

Lucian shrugged. "Most students aren't here yet. It's still the enrollment period, so only the professors are around."

They continued walking through the academy, past sprawling courtyards and towering lecture halls, until they reached a set of large double doors. Lucian knocked twice.

"Come in," a voice called from within.

As they stepped inside, Kael found himself in a dimly lit office. At the center of the room sat a single man behind a desk. He wore a featureless mask, with only small openings for his eyes and nose, giving him an eerie and unreadable appearance. The sight was unsettling, and Kael felt a slight chill run down his spine.

Lucian greeted him. "Headmaster Cyrus Vale."

Cyrus gave a small nod. Kael couldn't tell if he was smiling under that mask, which made him even more uneasy.

Lucian gestured toward Kael and began explaining. "This boy possesses a relic, and given the situation, he needs to be enrolled. His abilities are already beyond the norm for his age, and he requires proper guidance."

Cyrus tilted his head slightly. "I see. That makes sense." However, I can only enroll him into the Gaianis division."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Gaianis students are in lower demand, and you are more than qualified for it. Inveris, on the other hand, has too many elite applicants this year."

Kael considered it for a moment before shrugging. "That's fine. I was leaning toward Gaianis anyway."

Cyrus nodded. "Good. Given your special circumstances, you will also be placed in an additional Relic Studies course. Normally, only the top graduating student is allowed to select a relic from the academy's vault, but since the last student failed to bond with any relic, you will have one-on-one training with Professor Orpheus Locke for the entire year."

Kael perked up. That sounded great—but Lucian, on the other hand, groaned. "That maniac is still here?"

Cyrus let out a quiet chuckle—at least Kael thought he did, since the mask hid his expression. "Yes. We've yet to find anyone with greater knowledge of relics than Orpheus."

Lucian sighed. "Well… good luck, kid. Try not to die."

Kael frowned. How bad could this Orpheus guy really be?

Cyrus handed Kael an enrollment form, instructing him to fill it out. Kael sat down, carefully writing his details:

Name: Kael Voss

Birth Year: 442

Place of Birth: Wolfbane

As he wrote, Lucian casually glanced at the page. His eyes widened slightly as he observed Kael's handwriting. It was immaculate—far too refined for a child raised in a rural village. Usually, only nobles received the kind of education that produced such precise penmanship.

This kid is full of surprises… Lucian mused silently.

Once Kael completed the form, Cyrus collected it. "The school term begins in two weeks, after the entrance exams are finished. For the next three days, students will undergo written exams, followed by a two-day break, and then two days of physical combat trials. You are free to spectate the latter if you wish."

Kael nodded, though he felt a small pang of disappointment that he wouldn't get to participate.

Cyrus then handed him a key. "This is for your dormitory. First-years reside on the first floor, second-years on the second, and so on. I advise against visiting the upper floors—older students do not take kindly to younger ones wandering in their space."

Kael smirked. "How strong can they really be?"

Lucian chuckled and patted his shoulder. "Why don't you find out?"

After completing the enrollment, Lucian escorted Kael to the student dormitory. As they reached the entrance, Lucian grinned. "You're taking my old room from when I was a first-year."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "That supposed to mean something?"

Lucian laughed. "It's the best room. End of the hallway, perfectly positioned to sneak out unnoticed at night."

Kael grinned. That's definitely useful.

Before leaving, Lucian introduced Kael to Varric, the dorm warden, explaining Kael's early arrival.

Kael then turned to Lucian. "So where are you and Edric going now?"

Lucian's expression darkened slightly. "We're hunting a criminal organization trying to mimic Legio Obscura. Their goal is to take control of all Vaelthar, but for now, they're not a serious threat."

Kael nodded. "Well, be careful. And tell Edric I said goodbye."

Lucian smirked. "Will do. Take care, kid."

With that, they parted ways. Kael, now officially a student of Arcanum Athenaeum, stood at the threshold of his new journey.

End of Chapter 17