Grand Academy of Veyna

Cearen showed him around the academy, and the longer they walked, the more Corin realized how gigantic this place really was.

Each wing was almost like its own little world, with its own rooms, training halls and libraries. The combat faculty was loud and full of energy, from halls with training dummies to sprawling arenas for sparring sessions.

The Pathology Faculty was quieter, crisscrossed by long corridors with statues and plaques reminiscent of ancient heroes.

The Blessings faculty had strange rune-lit halls where students tried to control their abilities. And the Death Zone Faculty... Corin had the feeling that the air was different there. A whiff of something strange, ominous.

Then there was the underground stadium, a huge arena, hidden beneath the academy, where the best fighters competed. Training areas, an impressive library, a huge bathhouse, and numerous places where students could spend their time, the academy offered more than enough possibilities.

"So," Cearen began as they stood near a large courtyard.

"Do you already have a rough plan of what you want to do?"

Corin thought for a moment before answering. He couldn't give too much away.

"My knowledge of the academy and many of the subjects isn't particularly in-depth yet," he said quietly.

Cearen laughed.

"Oh come on, you're new. No one expects you to know everything."

Corin shrugged his shoulders.

"Still, I want to get an overview. I'll probably attend every main course in every faculty. Just to see what I get the most out of."

Cearen raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Ambitious. Most people just pick what suits them best."

Corin leaned against a stone parapet and let his gaze wander over the campus.

"I want to be sure before I make up my mind."

Cearen grinned. "I see. But you're still interested in the combat faculty, aren't you?"

Corin nodded.

Cearen grinned with satisfaction.

"Then I guess we'll be seeing more of each other. I'm already part of it. So if you have any questions or need someone to spar with, let me know."

Corin eyed him briefly.

"How good are you?"

Cearen pretended to be indignant.

"What kind of question is that? I'm excellent, of course."

"Excellent enough to prove it?" Corin asked with a slight grin.

Cearen laughed. "I like you already, Denoir."

Then he tapped his temple.

"But first, let's keep looking. There's still a lot to see."

Corin followed him as the academy bell chimed in the background, a dull sound that spread across the campus. His new life had begun.

When they reached the Dorms, the atmosphere relaxed noticeably. Cearen stretched and gave Corin a curious look.

"Tell me, your eyes..." he began casually as he flopped down on his bed.

"I've never seen such deep black eyes. Is that to do with your Blessing?"

Corin paused for a moment. He had been expecting the question, it was bound to come eventually.

"Yes." His answer was short but firm. "That's all there is to it."

Cearen eyed him briefly, then shrugged.

"I see. It's smarter that way, too. Most people here are an open book, a noble title often comes with a familiar path. Everyone knows what to expect."

"And I don't."

Cearen grinned. "Exactly. That's what makes you exciting."

Corin left that uncommented and turned to his timetable. He filled in the selection fields with precise strokes, skimmed over his options again and nodded with satisfaction. He had decided on a balanced mix of compulsory subjects and special electives. Most things would not start until next week anyway.

He then leaned back, his gaze briefly fixed on his spear, which was still leaning against the wall. Something wouldn't let him go. An instinctive feeling that urged him to pick it up once more.

When his fingers touched the cool shaft, it happened.

The metal began to move, to writhe as if it were alive. The spear contracted, its shape changed until it finally became a dense, black and gold hoop that nestled around his right wrist. Perfectly fitted, as if it had always been there.

Cearen had watched the spectacle and whistled appreciatively through her teeth.

"Now you're really creeping me out."

Corin looked at the bracelet thoughtfully.

"I didn't know he could do that..."

"Then it seems he finds out as much about you as you do about him."

Cearen grinned and threw himself onto his bed.

"You're a really interesting guy, Corin. I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Corin said nothing, running his finger over the cool metal on his wrist and feeling the familiar heaviness. He was curious to see what the next day would bring.