The morning sky over the Capital of Aezrith was veiled in silver clouds, as if offering a cold welcome to the new students of the Royal Academy.
Among the hundreds of noble carriages lined up in front of the academy gates, a modest one bearing the Rynthier crest came to a gentle stop.
The door opened. Kael stepped out, wearing a pitch-black training robe with a small family emblem over his left chest. His hair was slightly tousled from the journey, but his eyes were sharp.
In front of him loomed the massive gate—white stone carved with the royal insignia: two crossed swords beneath a dragon's crown.
> "Finally here," he murmured.
Beyond that gate lay a new world—a place where sword and sorcery converged, and only the strong endured.
---
Grand Hall – Entrance Ceremony
Kael's footsteps echoed against the marble floor as he entered the Grand Hall.
Thousands of new students stood in long rows. Each wore robes of varying colors and insignias, signifying their family's region or noble house.
Even from their auras alone, Kael could tell—this was no place to relax.
> "Where are you from?" someone asked suddenly.
A silver-haired young man stood beside him. His posture was upright, but his smile casual.
> "Rynthier," Kael answered curtly.
> "Oh? The one engaged to the Duke's daughter? Interesting. I'm Leinhardt, third son of Marquis Ibelion. Let's try to survive this place—or at least, not die in the first month."
Kael gave a small nod. A faint smile crossed his lips.
> "Once again, Leinhardt," the boy said, offering his hand.
Kael shook it firmly.
> "Kael Rynthier."
Before he could say more, the atmosphere in the hall changed.
Atop a grand platform stood an elderly man clad in long violet robes bearing the symbol of a golden eye on his chest. His silver-white hair gleamed, and the black staff in his hand pulsed faintly.
He was none other than the Headmaster—Archmage Thalvien Aerntis, one of the top three mages in the kingdom.
> "Welcome... future guardians of civilization."
His voice was deep, echoing across the hall.
> "Here, you will not be judged by blood, title, or wealth. You will be known by one thing only—power."
Silence fell. Not a single voice dared interrupt.
> "The next four years will test you. You will study magic, strategy, fieldcraft, diplomacy, and the art of survival. Not all of you will graduate. Not all of you will endure."
> "But for those who do… the gates of the world will open."
Eyes around the hall shimmered with awe—or fear.
Thalvien stepped back.
> "Now, a few words from our top senior student—second heir to the throne, and Princess of Aezrith—Seraphine Valeria Ignis Aezrith."
Thunderous applause erupted.
A girl walked gracefully to the podium. Her crimson hair burned like embers, and her golden eyes pierced through the crowd. Her robe was pure white with gold trim—a mark of royal blood.
Kael watched, unblinking.
> "Welcome... future rivals."
Her voice was gentle, yet laced with challenge.
> "Here, you won't simply study. You will be forged. Because when the world burns again, only the strong will determine which way history turns."
> "I look forward to seeing who among you is worthy to stand beside me... or face me."
Her slight smile was more terrifying than a threat.
Leinhardt leaned in and whispered,
> "That girl could annihilate a platoon with just a smile. Rumor is, she loves duels."
Kael said nothing.
He simply looked forward. In that moment, it all became real.
---
A Long-Awaited Reunion
As the students began exiting the hall, a girl stood on the upper steps, waiting.
Irelith.
She stood silently, but her gaze locked onto Kael from afar.
The echo of heels striking the grand stairwell drew everyone's attention.
A girl descended with elegance, wearing a modified academy robe—jet black with silver detailing and a sapphire brooch at the collar. Her silvery hair was half-tied, and her eyes sharp as blades.
Kael froze.
> "Irelith…"
She stopped just two steps in front of him.
> "You came," she said softly, yet firmly.
> "A promise is a promise," Kael replied, never breaking eye contact.
Irelith stepped even closer—until only inches separated their faces.
> "You've grown taller," she whispered.
> "And you're still as beautiful... and terrifying as ever."
She narrowed her eyes.
> "You've learned to flirt?"
> "No. Just stating facts."
A small smile touched her lips. She stepped back gently, but her right hand brushed against Kael's chest—right over his heart.
> "Don't let this world dull your heart, Kael. Because if it does... I'll be the one to destroy it."
Kael didn't reply. But inside his chest, something stirred.
---
Back at the Dorm
That afternoon, Kael walked along the stone corridor to his dorm room.
Beside him, Leinhardt kept rambling about which students were dangerous, which were noble heirs, and which were rumored duelists.
> "If we want to survive, we need to join a strong faction. I heard they'll start grouping us next week—based on the combat trial."
> "I'm not looking for protection."
> "Really? You think you can survive alone here?" Leinhardt looked at him seriously. "This isn't just an academy. It's a chessboard for noble families. One wrong move, and you disappear."
> "I don't need a board. I'll be the player."
Leinhardt went quiet, then laughed.
> "Damn. I really like you, Kael Rynthier."
---
System Reactivated
That night, in his room dimly lit by a magic crystal, Kael sat cross-legged in meditation.
As he took a deep breath—
> [Ding! Magic System Reactivated – Academy Module Online]
Status: Active Student
Path: Elemental & Combination Magic
New Skills Available
[Combat Simulation Trial Begins in 5 Days]
Kael opened his eyes. His right hand glowed with pale blue fire.
> "Five days. Fine."
---
End of Chapter – A Letter from Home
On a small desk lay a letter from home.
His mother's gentle handwriting stretched across the page. At the end, it read:
> "Take care of yourself, Kael. Alya is waiting for you... to bring her flowers."
Kael smiled.
> "I'll come home, Alya. But before that…"
He stood, gazing out the window at the towering training spire in the distance.
> "…the world will know the name Kael Rynthier."