Chapter 4: Power Dynamics

He spoke with calm precision — but his words struck deep.

> "All fifty students in this class were chosen as elites among the first-years.

But don't let that go to your head.

When midterms come, anyone whose scores fall below those in other classes will be demoted.

Top performers from other classes will be promoted here."

———

After a pause, Evander said, "Maybe some of you already know how the power structure works between knights and mages — but let's go over it properly. Listen carefully."

He continued, "Knights and mages share the same kind of magic circle system, but their ranks are named differently. I'll explain the knight ranks first."

He began reciting them slowly:

> "A knight who forms their first magic circle is called an Initiate.

With two circles — Square.

Three — Shield.

Four — Flame Errant.

Five — Realm Knight.

Six — Inner Knight.

Seven — Finite Knight.

Eight — Astral Knight.

Nine — Celestial Knight.

Ten — Infinite Arcanum.

Eleven — Infinite Knight.

And finally, the legendary twelfth and thirteenth ranks:

Sovereign and Mythic Knight."

He paused for a moment, letting the names settle into the air.

"The principal of this academy, Bastian Thornfield Ashbourne, is an Infinite Knight — that is, an eleventh-circle knight. As for the Mythic Knight, records of this rank are unclear. No one knows whether such a knight truly exists."

He looked over the class.

"However, legends say that in every era, there is one Mythic Knight per continent — seven in total — each one unknown and hidden. Whether this is true or not, we can't confirm."

The class murmured in awe. Even Aiden was surprised. He hadn't heard about the Mythic Knight rank — and seeing Calista equally surprised made him wonder,

> Maybe our parents wanted us to learn these things at the academy...

Then Evander added, "Now, let me explain the mage system. While this is a knight academy and all of you are knight aspirants, it's still important to understand the mage ranking structure for future reference."

> "One-circle mage — Beginner.

Two — Novice.

Three — Disciple.

Four — Flame Scholar.

Five — Realm Mage.

Six — Inner Mage.

Seven — Archmage.

Eight — Astral Mage.

Nine — Celestial Mage.

Ten — Grand Sage.

Eleven — Infinite Sage.

Twelve — Arcane Sovereign.

Thirteen — Mythic Mage."

He glanced around.

"Principal Faelina Montclair Nightwell, who co-runs this institution, is an Infinite Sage — an eleventh-circle mage."

Then he added, "Just like the Mythic Knight, the Mythic Mage is also unconfirmed. Legends say that one Mythic Mage exists in each continent per era, forming a balance of power with the Mythic Knights."

Gasps and hushed voices echoed in the room. Even Calista's typically unreadable expression showed a flicker of curiosity.

"Silence," Evander said firmly.

The class immediately went still.

He continued, "Now let's talk about the world you live in."

"We are on the Ascalon Continent — the largest of the seven continents, and also the most populated. The other continents are:

Lumara,

Arcenterra,

Aurephira,

Nivellum,

Velmira, and

Auralei."

"Auralei is particularly known for Ice and Snow magic. Most knights and mages from there possess affinities for those elements."

He paused again.

"But our continent, Ascalon, is versatile — here, knight aspirants can have affinities for any type of magic."

———

Evander pulled out a stack of papers and handed them out.

"Here is your class list. Your compulsory classes are:

Magic Circle Training

Physique Training

General Knowledge."

He tapped the desk.

"You are required to select two additional classes from the list on this sheet. Fill it out and submit it to me before this weekend."

He glanced around once more.

"That's the end of today's class. But before heading back to your dorms, go to the library. The librarian will give you a book about forming your first magic circle. Study it carefully."

Then he looked serious.

> "Your midterms will take place in six months.

If you fail to form your first magic circle by then — you will be demoted."

"Have a good day," he said, before walking out.

———

The door closed behind him.

Alaric groaned. "This much pressure on the first day... how are we supposed to relax?"

He nearly cursed, but stopped himself.

Aiden simply smiled.

Alaric and Elric followed him as he walked out of the class — again.

He wondered briefly why they always followed him, but chose not to say anything.

Suddenly, another thought popped into his mind —

> My sister's graduation is just a few days away.

Lucia, his sister, studied at Celestial Magnus Hall, a mage academy. To graduate, one needed to become a fifth-circle mage or knight.

And Lucia? She had become a Realm Mage in just three years.

Pride and admiration filled Aiden's heart.

He, Alaric, and Elric walked together to the library, where they collected the recommended book on forming magic circles.

Aiden bid farewell to his classmates, then hurried to his dormitory — his mind buzzing with excitement.

Tonight, he would begin his journey.

He would form his first magic circle.