The Aetherless Boy

The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the sprawling grounds of *Celestial Ascendant Academy*. The towering spires of the academy pierced the sky, their surfaces shimmering with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with Aether, the lifeblood of the universe. Students clad in robes of varying colors—representing their tiers—moved about the courtyard, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Among them, a lone figure stood out, his plain gray robes marking him as a member of the Mortal Class, the lowest tier of the academy.

Kael Ardent adjusted the strap of his satchel, his fingers brushing against the worn fabric. He had arrived at the academy just that morning, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. For as long as he could remember, he had dreamed of this moment—the chance to prove himself, to rise above his humble beginnings and become someone worthy of respect. But now, standing amidst the grandeur of the academy, he felt like an imposter.

"Hey, watch it!" a voice snapped, jolting Kael out of his thoughts. He stumbled back as a boy in blue robes—a member of the Aether Class—bumped into him, his expression one of disdain. The boy's eyes flicked over Kael's gray robes, and a sneer twisted his lips. "Mortal Class? What are you even doing here? You're just wasting space."

Kael clenched his fists, his cheeks burning with humiliation. He opened his mouth to retort, but the boy had already turned away, his laughter echoing as he joined a group of similarly dressed students. Kael exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm. He had expected this. He had been warned. But knowing it would happen didn't make it any easier to bear.

"Don't let them get to you," a soft voice said beside him. Kael turned to see a girl with warm brown eyes and a gentle smile. She wore the same gray robes as him, but there was a quiet confidence in her demeanor that made her stand out. "They're just trying to feel superior. Ignore them."

"Thanks," Kael muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced at her, noting the way her hair caught the sunlight, framing her face like a halo. "I'm Kael, by the way."

"Aria," she replied, her smile widening. "Aria Windrider. It's nice to meet you, Kael."

Before Kael could respond, a loud chime echoed through the courtyard, signaling the start of the orientation ceremony. The students began to file into the grand hall, their robes rustling as they moved. Kael fell into step beside Aria, his nerves returning as they approached the massive double doors.

The grand hall was even more impressive than the courtyard, its high ceilings adorned with glowing Aether crystals that cast a soft, ethereal light. Rows of seats stretched out before a raised platform, where the academy's headmaster stood, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. Kael's breath caught in his throat as he took in the sight of the man—tall and imposing, with eyes that seemed to pierce through to his very soul.

"Welcome, students," the headmaster began, his voice resonating through the hall. "You have been chosen to attend Celestial Ascendant Academy, the finest institution for Aether Manipulation in the world. Here, you will learn to harness the power of Aether, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to become the leaders of tomorrow."

Kael's heart swelled with pride, but it was quickly tempered by a wave of doubt. He glanced down at his hands, remembering the countless times he had tried—and failed—to summon even the faintest spark of Aether. He had been born without the ability to manipulate Aether, a rare condition that made him an outcast in his village. But he had refused to give up, pouring every ounce of his determination into earning a place at the academy. Now, standing here, he couldn't help but wonder if he truly belonged.

The headmaster's speech continued, outlining the academy's history, its values, and the expectations placed upon its students. Kael listened intently, his resolve hardening with each word. He would prove himself. He would show everyone that he was more than just an Aetherless boy.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the students were dismissed to their respective dormitories. Kael followed the crowd, his mind racing with thoughts of the challenges that lay ahead. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the group of students blocking his path until it was too late.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" a voice drawled. Kael looked up to see the same boy from earlier, flanked by two others. They wore the blue robes of the Aether Class, their expressions smug and mocking. "The Aetherless wonder. Tell me, how did someone like you even get in? Did you bribe the admissions committee?"

Kael's jaw tightened, but he forced himself to remain calm. "I earned my place here, just like everyone else."

The boy laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Earned your place? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a waste of space. You'll be lucky if you last a week."

Before Kael could respond, Aria stepped forward, her eyes blazing with defiance. "Leave him alone. He's done nothing to you."

The boy's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his gaze flicking between Kael and Aria. "What's this? The Aetherless wonder has a little protector? How cute."

Kael's patience snapped. He stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "Say that again."

The boy's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, it seemed like he might take the bait. But then he laughed, shaking his head. "Not worth my time. Come on, let's go."

As the group walked away, Kael exhaled sharply, his hands trembling with suppressed anger. Aria placed a hand on his arm, her touch grounding him. "Don't let them get to you," she said softly. "They're not worth it."

Kael nodded, though the humiliation still burned in his chest. He would prove them wrong. He would show everyone that he was more than just an Aetherless boy. But as he followed Aria to the dormitories, he couldn't shake the feeling that the road ahead would be anything but easy.