Chapter 33: Arrival at Elysium Academy
The skyship descended smoothly through the clouds, revealing the vibrant city surrounding Elysium Academy. The city itself was a marvel—grand buildings of ornate design, bustling marketplaces filled with rich fabrics, rare artifacts, and exotic foods, all catering to the students and faculty of the prestigious academy. Every street seemed to pulse with energy, the air alive with the hum of magic and the anticipation of a new academic year. This was no ordinary city—it was a thriving hub built around the most ancient and renowned academy in the central realm.
Argus stood at the bow of the ship, his sharp gaze fixed on the heart of it all: the towering, majestic gates of Elysium Academy. The gates loomed large in the distance, their gleaming stone covered in intricate runes that shimmered faintly with magical energy. It was an imposing sight—one that separated the academy's hidden realm from the bustling world outside.
In the courtyard before the gates, new students gathered with their families and servants. Carriages rolled to a stop, flying mounts landed gracefully, and other skyships like his own hovered above, releasing passengers. The air was filled with excitement and tension as noble families, dressed in their finest, stood alongside those of lesser status, all preparing for the journey beyond the gates.
"This is it," Argus muttered to himself as the skyship touched down, its engines powering down with a soft hum.
Iris, standing beside him, nodded, her expression steady but filled with awe. "It's quite the sight," she remarked, her gaze fixed on the towering gates. "The academy is more incredible than the stories made it sound."
Argus said nothing, but his eyes remained on the gates and the courtyard beyond. It wasn't the size of the academy gates that drew his attention—it was the sensation of power that seemed to radiate from the very stones. This place, he knew, was different.
As they disembarked, the scene in the courtyard unfolded before them. Noble children, dressed in elaborate robes, stood among commoners and knights, all awaiting the next step in their journey. A group of students clustered nearby, their voices filled with nervous excitement. Some parents exchanged tearful goodbyes, while others offered their children stern words of encouragement. Flying mounts rustled their wings as they landed gracefully, delivering students from far-flung regions.
"Argus!" a familiar voice rang out from the crowd.
Turning, Argus spotted Valerie weaving her way toward him, her fiery red hair bright against the backdrop of the crowd. She was all smiles, her usual energy radiating off her.
"I knew you'd show up in style!" Valerie exclaimed, giving him a playful nudge. "I was starting to think you'd flown off somewhere even more important."
Elara followed behind her, composed and elegant as always, her silver hair flowing like a river of moonlight. A small, reserved smile played on her lips as she approached.
"Valerie's been impatient," Elara said softly, her calm demeanor contrasting with her friend's enthusiasm. "She wouldn't stop talking about seeing you again."
"Only because I'm curious," Valerie retorted, folding her arms. "Anyway, it's good to see you, Argus."
Argus smiled. "It's good to see you both." His gaze flicked to Elara. "So, did either of you awaken yet?"
Elara nodded, her calm demeanor never wavering, though a small hint of pride flickered in her eyes. "Yes, I awakened when I was ten. I was lucky enough to inherit my family's power—mirror manipulation. It's... unique, to say the least."
Valerie quickly chimed in, unable to contain her excitement. "Unique? It's amazing! Elara can create mirror portals, reflect attacks, and who knows what else. She won't admit it, but it's crazy powerful."
Elara gave a modest smile, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "It's not quite at that level yet. I'm still learning the limits."
Valerie waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please. You're just being modest. You practically teleported through mirrors during training once!"
Argus chuckled, impressed. "That sounds like a bloodline power with a lot of potential. I can't wait to see it in action."
"And what about you, Valerie?" Argus turned to her with a grin.
Valerie's eyes gleamed with pride as she clenched her fist, flames briefly flickering around her knuckles. "I awakened a flame-infused strength. Not only can I enhance my physical power, but I can ignite my punches and kicks. The harder I fight, the hotter the flames get."
Argus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Flames and strength? That sounds like a dangerous combination."
Valerie grinned mischievously, her fiery spirit on full display. "You better believe it! I'm not going easy on anyone—not even you, Argus."
Elara chuckled softly, her calm presence a contrast to Valerie's energy. "With Valerie's flames and my mirrors, I suppose we'll make quite the team."
Argus smiled, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie. "It sounds like we're all in for an interesting time at the academy."
Before their conversation could continue, a deep rumbling sound filled the air. The massive gates of Elysium Academy began to open slowly, stone grinding against stone as the runes flared to life. The crowd hushed, all eyes turning toward the gates as they revealed the hidden realm beyond—a shimmering world of magic, vast forests, rivers, and mountains, with the academy's towering spires in the distance.
A tall figure emerged from the gates, his presence commanding the courtyard's attention. Dressed in violet robes that shimmered with magical energy, the teacher moved with purpose, his steps firm as he addressed the gathered students.
"Welcome, new students, to Elysium Academy," his voice boomed across the courtyard, silencing any remaining chatter. "Before you lies the gateway to your future. Only students and their chosen maid or servant—if you have one—may pass beyond these gates. Families must say their farewells here."
Around them, parents began saying their goodbyes. Valerie quickly embraced her parents, giving her mother a hug, while Elara remained calm, standing quietly beside Argus. Her family had not accompanied her, similar to Argus's situation.
Iris, who had remained silently by Argus's side, stood at attention, awaiting further instruction. Argus gave her a small nod, signaling that he was ready.
As the teacher motioned for the students to follow, the crowd began to thin. One by one, the students stepped through the gates, passing from the outer world into the academy's isolated realm. The atmosphere changed the moment they crossed the threshold—the magic in the air became palpable, the colors of the world around them sharper and more vibrant.
Elysium Academy's grounds unfolded like a vast kingdom of its own. Towering spires reached into the sky, shimmering with enchantments. Forests, rivers, and mountains framed the horizon, creating an awe-inspiring landscape that was both wild and magical. The grounds were expansive, filled with terrain that would test the students in ways they could only imagine.
"This place is incredible," Valerie whispered, her eyes wide as she took in the view. "It's like nothing I've ever seen."
Elara nodded, her gaze steady but filled with wonder. "It's more than I expected."
Argus remained silent, observing everything. The academy was far more than just a place of learning—it was a world unto itself, filled with power and possibility.
The teacher led them toward the Grand Hall, where the headmistress would address the students. As they walked, a few of the noble students whispered among themselves, glancing at Argus and his companions. There was already a sense of hierarchy among them, but Argus paid it no mind.
As they neared the Grand Hall, servants were directed to the noble dorms, where they would prepare for their masters' arrival. Iris gave Argus a small nod before following the other servants.
The Grand Hall itself was a marvel of architecture—its towering arches and intricate carvings glowing faintly with magical energy. As the students filed inside, they were greeted by the sight of long rows of benches, all facing a grand podium at the front of the hall.
As the students gathered in the grand hall, an almost palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air. The chatter faded, replaced by a hushed silence as a figure appeared at the top of the towering steps leading to the podium. Sylthana Silverleaf, the headmistress of Elysium Academy, stood at the top, her presence commanding attention without uttering a word.
Sylthana was breathtaking. Her silver hair cascaded like a waterfall of moonlight down her back, gleaming even in the mid-morning sun. Eyes of the deepest emerald shimmered with an ethereal glow, and her skin, flawless and pale, held the ageless beauty of the Elven race. Dressed in a flowing robe of rich violet and gold, intricate Elven runes embroidered into the fabric, she appeared regal—untouchable, yet exuding a warmth that captivated those who beheld her.
As she descended the steps, there was an unmistakable grace to her movements, her steps silent, almost as if she were gliding. Every eye was drawn to her, students and staff alike. There was an aura around her, a subtle yet overwhelming power that made even the strongest Awakened feel insignificant. It was the power of an Eternal, the kind of strength that could bend worlds if she wished it.
Sylthana's gaze swept across the sea of students, locking eyes with each individual for the briefest of moments, yet leaving a profound impression on every one of them. Her presence was magnetic—impossible to ignore.
When she reached the center of the podium, she lifted her hand ever so slightly, and the faintest whisper of magical energy rippled through the air. In an instant, the entire gathering fell into absolute silence.
"Welcome to Elysium Academy," her voice, soft yet carrying immense weight, resonated through the courtyard, as if each word was infused with magic itself. "You stand on the threshold of greatness. What you achieve here will shape the course of your future—and perhaps, the future of the realm."
There was no need for theatrics in her words. Her presence alone was enough to inspire awe and a deep sense of respect. As she continued, it was clear to everyone that Sylthana Silverleaf was more than just the headmistress. She was a force of nature, a living legend.