Arrival at the Royal Academy

The Royal Academy of Eldoria stood as a beacon of knowledge and power, its towering spires piercing the sky. Nestled in the heart of the Human Continent, the academy welcomed only the most talented noble heirs, prodigies, and scholars.

As the carriage carrying Ethan approached the grand entrance, he peered through the window, his deep purplish-blue eyes reflecting the towering archway adorned with runes of ancient magic.

"So this is where it begins."

He stepped out, his black cloak flowing behind him. Around him, noble heirs from various duchies, marquisates, and counties bustled with excitement. Some exchanged greetings, while others cast wary glances at potential rivals.

But Ethan paid them no mind.

This place would be his stage.

The first order of business was the Magic Appraisal.

Every student would undergo an evaluation to determine their affinities and strength, deciding their class placement.

The academy's main courtyard had been transformed into a grand testing ground. At its center stood a massive crystal orb, humming with arcane energy.

A robed instructor addressed the gathered students.

"One by one, step forward and place your hand on the appraisal crystal. Your magical attributes and ranking will be recorded."

Noble heirs approached the crystal one after another. Some displayed high affinities for elements like fire, wind, or ice, earning elite placements. Others were more average, destined for the lower classes.

Then, it was Ethan's turn.

Whispers spread through the crowd.

"That's the third son of Duke Baron, the one who shocked everyone at his coming-of-age ceremony!"

"I heard he was weak… but now they say he's a monster."

Ignoring them, Ethan stepped forward, pressing his palm against the crystal.

The moment he did—

BOOM!

The crystal shone violently, surging with energy far beyond normal.

A projection appeared above it, displaying Ethan's magical attributes:

Darkness – Supreme Affinity Fire – High Affinity Lightning – High Affinity Spatial Magic – Rare Affinity Wind- High affinity

The crowd erupted into stunned silence.

"Supreme Affinity for Darkness?! That's unheard of!"

"He also has Fire, Lightning, wind magic and Spatial magic? That's five affinities!"

Even the instructors exchanged astonished glances.

The Headmistress, a woman in an elegant crimson robe, watched intently from the academy balcony. A faint smirk touched her lips.

"So… he truly takes after our bloodline."

Ethan withdrew his hand and turned away. He had already expected these results.

But the noble heirs who had looked down on him…

They were now looking up.

As the students moved toward their assigned dormitories, Ethan felt a presence beside him.

A young man with silver hair and sharp green eyes walked up, offering a lazy smirk.

"Ethan Baron, huh? That was an interesting display."

Ethan glanced at him.

"And you are?"

The boy chuckled. "Leon Ascar. Second son of Marquis Ascar."

Ethan had heard of the Ascar family—renowned for their exceptional swordsmanship.

Leon crossed his arms. "You seem strong. Guess I'll have to keep an eye on you."

Before Ethan could respond, a cold voice cut through.

"Tch. Strength means nothing without control."

A tall, black-haired youth stepped forward, his crimson eyes burning with confidence. He exuded an overwhelming aura of power.

Leon sighed. "Oh great, and here comes my insufferable Twin brother ."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Twin?"

Leon groaned. "Yeah, meet Alden Ascar. First son, family prodigy, and a pain in my ass."

Alden scoffed. "Unlike you, I take my training seriously, Leon. And you—" His sharp gaze locked onto Ethan. "You're strong, but don't think for a second that you're the best here."

A competitive spark ignited between them.

Ethan smirked. "I never claimed to be. But let's see if you can prove it."

Alden smirked back. "Oh, I will."

Thus, Ethan had gained both his first friend and his first rival.

Shortly after the appraisal results, all elite-class students were summoned to the Grand Hall.

There, the Headmistress awaited them.

A woman of grace and power, she radiated an aura that commanded absolute respect. Her raven-black hair was tied into a high ponytail, her sharp amber eyes scanning the room like a predator assessing its prey.

"I am Headmistress Yuna Hwarang."

Gasps rippled through the hall.

Hwarang.

That name carried weight.

The Hwarang Clan was one of the strongest martial families from the Nation of Eastern Warlords, a land known for its warrior kings and legendary martial arts.

And more importantly—

Ethan's mother was a Hwarang.

The Eastern Warlords were not a single kingdom but a coalition of powerful warrior clans.

Each clan followed strict traditions, training their children in the ancient arts of combat and magic.

The Hwarang Clan was among the greatest, known for producing warriors who could stand against armies alone.

Ethan's mother, Lady Aria Hwarang, had been one of the most talented martial artists of her generation before she married into House Baron.

That explained why Ethan's abilities were so extraordinary.

He carried the blood of warriors.

And now, he had gained the attention of the Headmistress.

Yuna Hwarang's amber eyes settled on him.

"Welcome to the Royal Academy, Ethan Baron. Your journey is only beginning."