With a flash of blue light and a strange tugging feeling in his stomach, Kai felt the world spin around him. When the dizziness faded, he opened his eyes to find himself in a completely new place.
The academy stood before them, a massive building made of gleaming white stone. Tall towers reached into the sky, their tops hidden by fluffy clouds. The main entrance was marked by huge wooden doors, carved with symbols Kai didn't understand.
"Wow," Mercedes whispered, her eyes wide with wonder.
Even Jessica, usually so cold, looked impressed. Her dark eyes scanned the building, taking in every detail.
Edana stepped forward, her red braid swinging behind her. "Welcome to the Royal Academy," she said, her voice proud, but then she went further "The academy is called royal academy but it doesn't belong to the kingdom, it belongs to someone whose strength is unfathomed." She said, but he others were too busy admiring the academy to hear her
As they walked towards the entrance, Kai noticed other students around them. Some looked human, but others... were different. He saw a boy with blue skin and gills on his neck, chatting with a girl who had flowers growing in her hair. Near a fountain, a group of students were practicing magic, making colorful lights dance in the air.
"Remember what I said," Edana warned. "Humans aren't the only ones here. Be careful and respectful."
Eva nodded eagerly, her hazel eyes bright with excitement. "This is amazing! I've never seen so many different kinds of people in one place."
As they reached the doors, they swung open on their own. Inside, the entrance hall was huge, with a ceiling so high Kai had to crane his neck to see it. Paintings of famous wizards and warriors covered the walls, and floating candles provided warm, flickering light.
A tall woman with silver hair and pointed ears approached them. She wore flowing robes of deep purple and carried a staff topped with a glowing crystal. "Welcome, new students," she said, her voice musical and kind. "I am Professor Lyra, your guide for today."
Kai felt nervous, but he straightened his back and tried to look confident. He noticed Jessica doing the same, her face a mask of calm. Mercedes, on the other hand, was bouncing on her toes, barely containing her excitement.
"Today, we'll sort you into your classes based on your abilities," Professor Lyra explained. "But first, let's tour the academy."
As they followed her, Kai's head spun with all the new sights. They passed a room where students were brewing potions, the air filled with strange, colorful smoke. In another, he saw people transforming into animals and back again.
"This is so different from training in the North," Kai muttered to Eva.
She nodded, her freckled face flushed with excitement. "I know! In the East, we mostly learned about plants and healing. This is a whole new world."
As they walked, Kai noticed other students watching them curiously. He heard whispers and saw pointing fingers. It made him uncomfortable, but he tried to ignore it.
"And here," Professor Lyra said, stopping in front of a large set of doors, "is where you'll have your combat training."
The doors opened to reveal a massive arena. Students were sparring with swords, bows, and magic. Kai's hand instinctively went to his silver sword, eager to join in.
Jessica's eyes lit up for the first time since they arrived. "Now this looks interesting," she said, a small smile playing on her lips.
After the tour, they were led to a circular room with a strange, glowing platform in the center.
"This is where we'll determine your abilities," Professor Lyra explained. "Who wants to go first?"
Before anyone could volunteer, a loud explosion rocked the building. Screams echoed from outside, and through the windows, Kai saw dark smoke rising from the city.
Edana's face went pale. "That's coming from the palace," she gasped.
Professor Lyra's kind face turned serious. "Stay here," she ordered, rushing out of the room.
Kai looked at his new friends, seeing his own fear and confusion reflected in their eyes. What was happening? And what were they supposed to do now?
The academy that was supposed to be their new home suddenly felt a lot less safe. As another explosion shook the ground, Kai knew their real test was about to begin – and it had nothing to do with classes or sorting.