Lux Aeterna Academy

The soft glow of morning light filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room.

Fenix slowly opened his eyes, feeling the weight of the day ahead settle in his chest.

Today was the day.

Today, he would step into Lux Aeterna Academy.

The calm days of his 'vacation' were over.

Sitting up, he ran a hand through his now golden-white hair, a lingering reminder of his Awakening.

His body felt stronger, more refined, more… alive.

But there was no time to dwell on that.

He had preparations to make.

Fenix checked his phone, scrolling through the instructions that had been sent to him:

[Academy Arrival Instructions]

Arrival Time: 09:00 AM

Transportation: Academy-designated buses will take Awakeneds to the campus.

Meeting Point: Main Assembly Hall.

Duration: 1-year intensive training.

Further Details to Be Announced.

'One full year…'

The thought lingered for a moment.

After that, everyone would decide their own path.

Some would join factions, some would become mercenaries, some would work for the government, some will continue studying in the academy.

And some… would simply disappear into the world, forging their own way.

Fenix exhaled, grabbing the standard-issue black jacket that had been provided to him and slipping it on.

With one final glance at the room he was leaving behind, he grabbed his phone and stepped out.

The bus ride was uneventful.

A handful of other Awakeneds sat silently in their seats, some staring out the window, others absorbed in their own thoughts.

Fenix didn't bother starting conversations.

He simply leaned back against the seat, arms crossed, watching the scenery shift as they left the government facility.

It didn't take long before the Academy came into view.

And when it did—

Fenix's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.

It was massive.

Not just a school.

A fortress.

No—

A city.

Lux Aeterna Academy sprawled across the horizon, a massive, self-contained metropolis dedicated entirely to Awakeneds

Towering ivory buildings, futuristic infrastructure, and state-of-the-art training grounds stretched as far as the eye could see.

Everything was clean, efficient, and well-organized, built with a clear purpose.

'This is on a whole different level…'

As the bus rolled to a stop, Fenix's phone buzzed again.

 [Instruction Update: Enter through the main gates and head directly to the Assembly Hall for orientation.]

Without hesitation, he stepped off the bus, following the crowd of new Awakeneds.

The Main Assembly Hall was nothing short of breathtaking.

It was enormous, capable of holding thousands of Awakeneds at once.

Rows of seating lined the massive auditorium, a raised stage looming at the front where several high-ranking figures stood.

A deep, buzzing energy filled the air, a mix of tension, excitement, and quiet anticipation.

This was it.

This was the starting point for all of them.

A voice echoed through the hall, amplified by the sound system.

"Welcome, new Awakeneds, to Lux Aeterna Academy."

A tall, commanding figure stood at the podium.

His black uniform bore the insignia of the Academy, and his piercing gaze scanned the entire room.

"You have all survived your Soul Trials and proven your right to stand here today. But make no mistake—this is only the beginning."

Fenix watched as the man's words held the attention of thousands.

"For the next year, you will undergo intensive training. You will push your limits. You will discover your true potential."

A moment of silence followed, before the final statement was made.

"After this year, you will decide your future. Whether you choose to join an organization, work for the government, or carve your own path—this year will determine what you become."

A murmur ran through the crowd.

A single year.

That was all the time they had to prove themselves.

Fenix felt a small smirk tug at the corner of his lips.

'Interesting.'

After the orientation, the Awakeneds were guided through the Academy's halls, heading toward their designated classes.

Each student had chosen courses that suited their goals.

Fenix, naturally, had been strategic about his selections.

Among his chosen courses:

Combat

TrainingSurvival & TacticsAdvanced

Awakened Theory

SoulRealm Studies

History

The last one had been a calculated choice.

'If the Trials are based on past events, then learning more history might help me understand what I experienced.'

When he arrived at the classroom, he took a seat near the back, uninterested in unnecessary interactions.

And then—

A familiar presence.

A faint scent of mint and steel.

He turned his head slightly.

A girl with silver hair had just walked in, moving gracefully as she scanned the room.

Sylis.

Her deep blue eyes briefly flickered toward him.

There was no shock, no surprise.

Just the same, calm confidence.

As she passed by, she gave him a small, knowing smirk.

"You again, huh?"

Fenix let out a short, amused exhale.

"Looks like it."

She slid into a seat a few rows ahead, her back straight, completely at ease.

It seemed their paths were crossing once more.

And Fenix had a feeling…

This wouldn't be the last time.

Fenix settled into his seat, arms crossed, eyes briefly scanning the classroom.

The atmosphere was quiet but tense—everyone here was an Awakened, each person carrying their own weight, their own ambitions.

But his attention quickly shifted when Sylis turned around in her seat, facing him.

Her deep blue eyes met his crimson ones, sharp yet unreadable.

"Fenix, huh?" she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

"So, you actually know my name now."

Sylis rested her chin on her palm, tilting her head slightly.

"Yeah. I heard you introduce yourself earlier."

Fenix smirked.

"And here I thought you didn't care."

Sylis gave a small shrug.

"I don't. But if we're going to keep running into each other, it's good to know."

Fenix leaned back in his chair.

"Guess that means I should know yours, too."

She smirked.

"I already told you, remember?"

Fenix tapped his fingers against the desk.

"Sylis." He let the name roll off his tongue.

She nodded.

"Good. Would've been a shame if you forgot."

Fenix chuckled softly.

Something about her attitude intrigued him.

She wasn't overly friendly.

She wasn't trying to prove anything.

She just… existed. Confident. Self-assured. Unbothered.

"So," he said after a moment. "What made you pick History?"

Sylis tapped her fingers against her desk, looking thoughtful.

"Information is power."

Fenix raised an eyebrow.

She continued.

"Most people focus only on strength, but knowing the past can change how you fight in the future."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Smart answer."

Sylis glanced at him again, her smirk mirroring his.

"And you? Let me guess… you picked this class because of your Trial?"

Fenix's eyes narrowed slightly.

"You're sharp."

She chuckled softly.

"It wasn't that hard to figure out."

Before he could respond, the classroom doors opened.

The instructor entered, marking the start of their first lesson.

Sylis turned back around, but before class officially started, she whispered one last thing.

"Let's see if history teaches us something useful."

Fenix smirked.

'Let's see indeed.'

The first class of Lux Aeterna Academy was about to begin.