The Path To The Academy

The sun hung high over the Capital as Elias and Darius made their way through the bustling streets toward the Academy. Unlike the more chaotic districts filled with merchants and commoners, the area surrounding the Academy was pristine. Towering buildings of white stone lined the roads, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering mana inscriptions. Banners of various noble clans fluttered in the wind, their symbols marking the presence of powerful families whose heirs would soon step into the halls of the most prestigious institution in the realm.

As they approached the Academy's entrance, Elias took in the sheer scale of the institution. Massive wrought-iron gates, reinforced with mana, stretched high, flanked by statues of legendary warriors who had once walked these grounds. Beyond them, the Academy itself stood like a palace, its domed roofs and spire-adorned towers glistening in the sunlight. The main courtyard was paved with enchanted stone, forming intricate patterns that glowed faintly with latent magic.

Darius turned to Elias. "This is where I leave you, young master. The Academy's rules prohibit escorts beyond this point." His sharp gaze softened slightly. "Remember, the Raelith name may not hold weight here, but your strength will. Prove yourself."

Elias nodded. "I will."

With that, he stepped forward alone, blending into the sea of students arriving from all corners of the kingdom. Some arrived in grand carriages, escorted by guards bearing their clan's sigils, while others walked with nothing but a sword at their waist and determination in their eyes.

A group of instructors stood near the entrance, clad in deep blue robes with silver embroidery. Their presence alone exuded authority. One of them, a tall man with neatly combed silver hair and piercing emerald eyes, raised a hand, signaling for silence. The murmur of the crowd died down almost instantly.

"Welcome to the Academy," the man's voice carried through the courtyard, sharp and unwavering. "I am Instructor Alden, one of the Academy's senior evaluators. You stand here today as hopefuls, but not all of you will pass. The entrance exam is designed to separate those worthy of walking these halls from those who lack the capability. This is your first trial."

A tense atmosphere settled over the crowd. Some students exchanged nervous glances, while others merely scoffed, their confidence unwavering.

Elias kept his focus ahead, listening intently.

Alden continued, "The entrance exam will consist of multiple evaluations, each testing a different aspect of your abilities. Your first test will begin shortly. Gather at the central training grounds. There, your initial assessment will be revealed."

The murmurs resumed as students began making their way toward the designated area. Elias followed, keeping a careful eye on those around him. He could already tell there were those who viewed this as nothing more than a formality—likely nobles with renowned backgrounds, expecting to breeze through the tests with ease.

A presence moved beside him, and Elias instinctively turned his head. A young woman with long midnight-blue hair and violet eyes walked at an even pace beside him. Her attire was refined but practical, a dark blue tunic with silver embroidery marking her noble status.

She glanced at him briefly. "You're from the Raelith clan, aren't you?"

Elias met her gaze. "I am."

Her lips curled into an amused smirk. "Interesting. I didn't think any Raeliths would be entering this year."

"And you are?" Elias asked.

She tilted her head slightly. "Selene Vaelith."

Elias recognized the name instantly. The Vaelith Clan was one of the more respected noble families, known for their expertise in spatial magic. Not as dominant as the Top Council clans, but still highly influential.

"I see," Elias replied simply.

Selene studied him for a moment before shrugging. "I suppose we'll see if you live up to any expectations. Or lack thereof." Without another word, she walked ahead, vanishing into the crowd.

Elias exhaled, shaking his head slightly. It seemed he was already drawing attention—whether good or bad remained to be seen.

As he arrived at the central training grounds, he found himself standing among hundreds of other students. The field was vast, surrounded by spectator stands and training dummies lined in rows. Arcane formations were embedded in the ground, likely for safety measures during combat evaluations.

Alden stepped forward once more, standing atop a raised platform.

"The first stage of the entrance exam is about to begin." His gaze swept over the gathered students, assessing them with a calculating look. "Prepare yourselves."

And with that, the true test was about to commence.