The greatest academy on the continent
Chapter 8: Apex Academy
The world was too large to be ruled by a single hand.
The continent of Vaeloras was divided into five major regions, each governed by a cluster of ruling families and sovereign factions. And within each region were countries—kingdoms, republics, and sect-held lands—all entangled in a web of ancient rivalries, old alliances, and power struggles.
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Regional Map of Vaeloras:
1. Western Emberreach
Known for volcanic terrain and war-hardened cities.
Dominated by House Virellion and Crimson Spear Union.
2. Northern Ironspire Expanse
Mountainous, rich in ores and beast populations.
Controlled by House Durnhallow, Titanhold Guild, and Oreheart Dominion.
3. Eastern Skystar Dominion
Coastal cities, air islands, and aquatic zones.
Influenced by House Aeloria, House Zeyvorin, and Stormtide Fleet.
4. Southern Vale of Shadows
Dense forests, hidden ruins, cursed valleys.
Overshadowed by Umbra Sect, Gravecult Covenant, and Whispering Thorn Clan.
5. Central Celestian Belt
Home to floating cities, the Grand Dominion Council, and ancient legacies.
Divided among powers like the Celestial Fang Clan, Everlight Temple, and others.
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Tory Vale was born in a forgotten border slum between the Emberreach and Ironspire zones. But today, he stood within the borders of the Celestian Belt, inside the independent territory of Solhara County.
Solhara was protected by the Celestial Fang Clan, a reclusive but powerful family known for its mastery over Space, neutrality in war, and dominance in ancient teleportation arts.
Tory had no connection to them. But the System guided him here.
> [Location Assigned: Solhara County - Celestian Belt Region] [Access Granted: Apex Academy - Celestian Main Campus]
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Tory stood on the launch pad overlooking the horizon as the wind from the levitating shuttle rushed against his cloak. Behind him, Emberlight City slowly shrank into the distance. He didn't turn back. The guild, the orphanage, the broken streets he had once known—they were now behind him.
Jim stood beside him, arms crossed. "You ready for this?"
Tory gave a faint nod.
The invitation they received was no coincidence. Apex Academy, situated in the territory of the Celestial Fang Clan, was the greatest institution on the continent.
But it wasn't limited to one power.
Every year, the strongest heirs, lone geniuses, and bloodline elites from all twenty ruling powers sent their best to study, compete, and grow under the Academy's eye. It was the heart of advancement, war, and destiny.
Tory had no noble house. No birthright. But he had something more dangerous.
> [Reality Thread Sync: Stable - Cloaked] [Time Element: Concealed. Gravity/Space Bound. System Alignment: Independent Directive.] [Realm: Lord Stage 4 - Mid Level]
He didn't need a family name.
He would make one.
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The Apex Academy loomed like a myth. It was not a single structure, but an entire city suspended between floating islands, upheld by thousands of intertwined gravity arrays and ancient runes. Glowing bridges connected towers that pierced clouds. Elemental beasts soared in the sky, chained by silver thread as training partners.
Jim whistled low as their shuttle approached. "This place is insane."
Tory didn't answer. He was already reading through the entry contract, which had come not from an application, but from a direct summons.
> [You have been identified as a high-risk prodigy. By Order of the Celestial Fang Clan, your attendance is required.]
They were both sixteen. B-Rank hunters. But already pulling the attention of powers that could destroy cities with a thought.
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Arrival
At the entry gate, a massive arch forged from crystallized spatial ore shimmered with an inspection field. Students from all corners of the continent lined up—heirs of noble families, weapon prodigies, elemental beasts in disguise.
Jim stepped through first. The array flickered, scanned, then beeped once.
"Status: Approved. Lightning-Wind-Water-Flame-Earth-Dark. B-Rank Guild License. Lord Realm, Stage 3."
Gasps rippled around them.
Then Tory stepped forward.
The array glitched.
Flickered.
Then dimmed entirely.
"Error. Status unknown. Element signature: Concealed. Identity confirmed via Dominion Override."
The guards didn't question it. They stepped back and let him pass.
Inside, Tory exhaled slowly.
> [Time Element: Cloaked. Space Element: Passive. Reality Thread Output: 22%.] [Current Power Level: Lord Realm - Stage 4. Mid-Level.]
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The campus was a battleground of prestige. Dueling towers, cultivation sanctuaries, beast bond arenas, and flying martial platforms floated in view. Each dorm was more like a personal mansion, with arrays defending it.
They were assigned to Dorm Wing 3A: Ash Sector.
Ironically, their wing was the same one once dominated by House Virellion heirs.
"You think Jason's people go here?" Jim asked, casually cracking his knuckles.
Tory nodded. "Probably."
But Jason was dead. Tory had made sure of that.
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The Academy Opening Ceremony
In the central Sky Assembly Hall, 10,000 students gathered as holographic banners of the 20 ruling powers circled the arena.
A projection of the Grand Dominion Council flickered into view.
"To all who stand here: You are the future of Vaeloras. You are the sword and the shield of your families, factions, and fate. Welcome... to Apex Academy."
Then came the real shock.
A woman in white robes descended on a dragon of light. She bore the insignia of the Everlight Temple.
"This year, the top ten will be granted access to the World Gate, which opens once every 30 years."
Tory's eyes narrowed.
The World Gate. The path... beyond the continent.
And maybe, beyond the Saint realm itself.