A New World

The world shined brilliantly for a moment before fading into clarity. Nero blinked as his vision adjusted. The sensation of stepping through the gate still lingered—like a weightless pull that had now settled into something solid beneath his feet.

He was inside a large hall, the ceilings high and adorned with bright, pulsing lights embedded in sleek metallic panels. Around him, dozens—no, hundreds—of students were emerging through the shimmering blue portal behind him, their expressions ranging from awe to excitement to nervousness. The faint hum of the gate still echoed in the air before finally dissipating.

They had arrived.

Faltheris.

Nero took a deep breath, following the movement of the other students as they began to make their way toward the exit. Iris nudged his shoulder.

"Well? You still with me?" she asked with a grin.

"Yeah," he let out a breath, his heart still hammering. "Just… taking it in."

They followed the crowd, stepping out of the hall and into the open.

And the world stretched before them.

Faltheris was nothing like Earth.

Two moons hung in the sky—Azed and Azar, the famed Twin Moons of Faltheris. One shone with a silvery-white glow, calm and serene, while the other was a deep crimson, casting a faint reddish hue over the landscape. Unlike the moon of the mortal world, these celestial twins were visible even during the day, ever-present reminders of Faltheris's differences. Together, they bathed the world in an otherworldly radiance.

Nero's eyes widened as he took in the sprawling city before him.

Eternia.

The heart of humanity in Faltheris.

A city that had taken over four centuries to build—layer upon layer of fortifications, technology, and expansion, forming the stronghold that now stood as the largest human settlement in this world. Towering structures with sleek metallic surfaces reflected the glow of the twin moons, their designs a perfect blend of futuristic engineering and ancient, battle-worn resilience. Wide, bustling streets stretched in every direction, filled with people of all kinds—humans, traders, warriors, scholars—each moving with purpose.

The sheer scale of it was overwhelming.

"So this is Eternia," Iris said, her voice filled with awe as she took in the towering skyline. "The greatest stronghold of humanity in Faltheris—massive, alive, and nothing like the stories could ever capture."

Nero nodded absentmindedly, his gaze still drinking in everything around him. He had watched endless footage of Faltheris before, studied its history, imagined himself walking these very streets—but nothing could compare to being here. The air was crisper, charged with something electric, something alive.

As they walked further, Nero noticed something even more fascinating—other gates.

Scattered throughout the transport hub, various shimmering portals connected to entirely different regions. He watched as people emerged from them, their clothing and gear vastly different from one another. Some wore sleek uniforms, others heavy cloaks and armor, and a few even carried weapons slung across their backs. These weren't just students—many of them were travelers, mercenaries, or researchers moving between different human settlements in Faltheris.

"Look at that," Nero murmured.

"Yeah," Iris said, following his gaze. "I've heard about these. The gates aren't just for traveling between Earth and Faltheris—they also connect different parts of this world. Some of these must have opened from other cities on Earth, while others lead to settlements deeper in Faltheris. It's all part of the same system." She paused, watching people step through. "Makes sense, though. With how vast Faltheris is, normal travel would take too long."

It was mesmerizing. The way humanity had carved out its existence in this dangerous world, finding ways to survive, to thrive.

As they walked, they reached a large intersection where several roads converged, branching off toward different parts of the city. The sheer scale of it all made Nero slow his steps.

Towering signs hovered mid-air, glowing softly as they displayed directions in multiple languages. People moved with practiced ease, navigating the bustling pathways. Some strode forward with clear purpose, while others—like him—paused to take it all in.

But what really caught Nero's attention was the transportation.

Hover trams—massive, sleek vehicles that glided effortlessly over magnetic rails—crisscrossed the city, ferrying people to their destinations. Unlike anything back on Earth, these machines blended technology and magic, built specifically to function in the unique conditions of Faltheris. They operated in interconnected loops, each station bustling with students, officials, and professionals alike.

"Whoa," Nero muttered. "I didn't expect this."

"What? You thought we'd be riding on horses or something?" Iris teased.

"No, I meant the size," Nero said, still staring. "Seeing them in videos doesn't do them justice."

Iris looked up at the massive trams, eyes gleaming. "Yeah… but seeing them up close is completely different."

Nero and Iris made their way toward a designated area where dozens of students had already gathered. The emblem of Skyreach Academy hovered above them, a brilliant insignia glowing against the backdrop of the terminal. Everywhere they looked, they saw brown—the uniforms of first-year students blending together in a sea of anticipation. The crowd was filled with murmurs of excitement, students glancing around as they took in their surroundings.

A line of hover trams stood ready, sleek and imposing, their doors sliding open and shut as batches of students boarded.

"This is us," Iris said, nodding toward the nearest vehicle.

As they stepped onto the hover tram, Nero took a moment to glance around. The interior was sleek, lined with rows of cushioned seats that adjusted automatically when students sat down. A soft hum resonated through the floor, a constant reminder that this was no ordinary vehicle—it was a product of Faltheris's advanced technology, far beyond what Earth had.

Iris plopped down into a seat near the window, stretching her legs out. "Not bad," she said, tapping the armrest. "Guess we won't be bouncing around like sacks of potatoes on this ride."

Nero chuckled before settling into the seat beside her. He had barely gotten comfortable when someone stumbled into the aisle in front of them, nearly dropping the small satchel he was carrying.

"Ah—! Sorry!" The boy quickly straightened, brushing off his uniform. He had messy black hair, light freckles, and wide, brown eyes that darted around like he was overwhelmed by everything at once. He looked nervous, almost like a lost puppy.

Nero raised an eyebrow. "You good there?"

"Y-Yeah! Just—uh—wasn't expecting this many people," the boy said with a sheepish laugh. "Kinda crowded, huh?"

Nero nodded. "It is." 

Iris leaned forward with an easy grin. "Hey! I'm Iris, and this is Nero."

Nero gave a small wave. "Hi."

The boy sat down opposite them, gripping the strap of his satchel like it was a lifeline. "Oh—uh, I'm Jaris," he said, his voice a little uncertain before he offered a shy smile.

Then, as if his nerves had been momentarily replaced by excitement, he adjusted his satchel and leaned forward. "Man, I still can't believe we're really here. Faltheris! And Skyreach of all places!" His words tumbled out in a rush. "Did you guys see the twin moons yet? They're so much bigger in person than I thought they'd be. And the city—wow. I read about Eternia, but seeing it is something else."

Iris smirked. "You're really into this, huh?"

Jaris nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing! I mean, yeah, it's dangerous, but we're the next generation of explorers, right?" He puffed out his chest slightly before immediately deflating. "...I just hope I don't get expelled. Or fail miserably. Or, you know—trip on the first day, fall down a flight of stairs, get run over by a hover tram, or have the gate randomly malfunction and teleport me into the middle of nowhere."

Nero snorted. "Aim for at least the second month."

Jaris let out a dramatic sigh. "Harsh, man. Harsh."

The hover tram doors sealed with a soft hiss, and a smooth voice rang out from the overhead speakers.

"Welcome, Skyreach students. The transport will now depart for Skyreach Academy. Estimated travel time: forty minutes. Please remain seated."

With a low hum, the tram lifted off the ground, accelerating smoothly along its track. Through the wide windows, the city of Eternia stretched endlessly before them—a breathtaking mix of towering structures, sprawling districts, and glowing transit lines weaving through the urban expanse. In the distance, past the protective barriers, glimpses of Faltheris's raw beauty peeked through—vast forests lining the horizon, rivers cutting through untouched land, and distant mountains standing like silent guardians.

* * *

The tram slowed as it approached the academy gates, gliding seamlessly through the massive entrance. Skyreach had its own designated station, a sleek platform built to accommodate the constant influx of students.

Through the wide windows, Nero, Iris, and Jaris took in the academy grounds with wide-eyed awe. Towering structures of white stone and dark metal stretched across the landscape, a perfect blend of modern technology and ancient craftsmanship. Pathways crisscrossed through the open courtyards, lined with banners bearing the academy's emblem—an intricate silver crest against a deep blue background.

But what really stood out were the students.

Everywhere, groups of students moved about, chatting, sparring, or hurrying to their destinations. The color of their robes made it easy to distinguish them—most wore deep purple, signifying their second-year status, while a few, clad in red, stood out as third-year seniors. Compared to them, the first-years felt almost out of place in their plain brown robes.

As they stepped off the tram, the crowd of new arrivals was quickly ushered forward. A group of third-year students—recognizable by their red robes stood waiting for them, their expressions varying from disinterest to barely hidden amusement.

Then, from among them, two figures stepped forward.

One of them, a girl with messy shoulder-length dark brown hair, stretched her arms above her head, letting out a long yawn before lazily waving at the crowd.

"Yeah, yeah, welcome to Skyreach," she said, her voice dragging with boredom. "I'm Lene, current council president, and I'd give you the whole grand speech about how amazing this place is, but blah blah, yada yada, you get the idea. You're here, so congrats or whatever."

A murmur ran through the first-years, some exchanging amused glances, others looking completely lost.

Before Lene could continue her half-hearted introduction, the guy beside her—a tall, well-built student with neatly tied-back dark blond hair—sighed and promptly knocked her on the head.

"At least pretend to be professional," he muttered before turning to the group. "Apologies for that. I'm Yuren, the vice president of the student council. Unlike her, I actually care about first impressions."

Lene shrugged. "I care. Just not enough to make this all dramatic."

Yuren ignored her, instead addressing the first-years properly. "Skyreach Academy is one of the great five academies, and you are now part of it. That means you have expectations to meet—so pay attention. The following weeks will determine if you have what it takes to stay here."

Lene yawned . "Or if you'll be on the next ride back home."

A wave of murmurs rippled through the first-years, some exchanging uneasy glances while others scoffed in defiance. Amid the noise, Jaris shifted uncomfortably, "They make it sound like we're already doomed…"

Iris rolled her eyes, nudging him with her elbow. "Relax, Jaris. You act like they're about to throw us off a cliff."

"Yeah," Nero added with a smirk. "If anyone's getting sent home, it won't be us."

Jaris let out a nervous chuckle, shaking his head. "You two are way too confident."

"And you worry too much," Iris shot back playfully.

"Alright now, newbies, follow us," Lene said, waving a lazy hand before turning on her heel. The third-years barely waited before striding forward, expecting the first-years to keep up.

The crowd of brown-robed students moved together, some whispering among themselves, others still glancing around in awe. As they left the station, another set of transports awaited them—sleek, open-air vehicles, smaller than the trams but just as advanced. The streamlined designs reminded Nero of mini carts, except these hovered smoothly above the ground, without a single wheel in sight.

One by one, the students were ushered into the vehicles, each seating around six people. As soon as they sat down, a small device was handed to them—a metallic badge no bigger than a playing card. The moment Nero touched his, the surface lit up, scanning his palm before displaying his name and details in glowing text.

Nero Ruvan

Skyreach Academy – First Year

"These are your IDs," Yuren explained. "They're linked to you now, so don't lose them. They function as access keys, payment methods, and identification within Skyreach. Keep them on you at all times."

Lene yawned. "They also tell us if you suddenly drop dead in the middle of training, so, y'know, handy stuff."

Some students gave nervous chuckles, others shot wary glances at their badges.

"As for your dorms," she continued, "each year has its own designated area. First-years? You guys are over in the east. Second-years stay in the west, and third-years—like us—get the north, where all the best facilities are." She stretched, flashing a grin. "Seniority perks and all that."

Yuren ignored her smug tone. "Your room assignments are based on your registration numbers for now. Later on, you'll be able to request changes, but for the first semester, it stays as it is."

As the transports glided through the campus, Nero finally got a proper look at Skyreach. The academy was massive, its buildings a mix of towering structures and sprawling courtyards, all teeming with students. Some were in training grounds, sparring under instructor supervision. Others moved in and out of libraries, research centers, or simply relaxed in open plazas.

"Wow," Jaris murmured, clutching his badge like it was the most valuable thing he'd ever received. "This place is huge."

Iris flipped her badge between her fingers. "The way they have everything organized makes sense. It'd be chaos if every year shared the same space."

"Still," Nero mused, "I didn't expect it to be this… alive." He had imagined Skyreach to be structured and disciplined, but the sheer energy of the place was something else.

Jaris nodded rapidly. "I know, right? I thought it'd be all rigid and strict, but look at this—people are everywhere, doing their own thing. And did you see those second-years training? They already look insane!"

Iris smirked. "Guess that means we have a lot to catch up on."

Their conversation was cut short as the transports slowed, approaching a large, multi-story building at the eastern end of the campus. A group of staff members in simple academy uniforms were already waiting at the entrance.

"Alright, brats, this is where we leave you," Lene said, stretching her arms above her head. "The staff will take care of the rest. Try not to get lost on your first day."

Yuren sighed. "Welcome to Skyreach. Now go find your rooms."