Elias Draven stood at the edge of the Academy of Mystical Disciplines, gazing up at its towering spires and intricate arches. The grandeur of the ancient castle was a stark contrast to the squalor of his village, which had been reduced to ashes only months before. The memory of that night, filled with flames and the cries of his people, still haunted him.

Tightening his grip on the worn leather strap of his satchel, Elias took in the academy's imposing presence. His satchel contained little more than the essentials: a few changes of clothes, some personal items, and a fragment of a family heirloom that had miraculously survived the inferno. The academy's crest, a symbol of opulence and authority, was a constant reminder of the divide between him and the elite students inside.

With a deep breath, Elias stepped through the grand entrance. The interior of the academy was overwhelming in its grandeur. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of magical triumphs and historical battles. Students in elaborate robes moved about with an air of privilege that only highlighted Elias's own insignificance.

As he made his way down the marble corridor, he could feel the whispers trailing behind him—a mixture of curiosity and disdain. The eyes of the other students were heavy with judgment, making him acutely aware of his status as the outsider.

At the registration desk, a stern-faced clerk glanced up with an expression of practiced disinterest. "Name?" the clerk asked, barely masking their disdain.

"Elias Draven," he replied, his voice steady despite the tension.

The clerk's eyes briefly flickered with recognition before returning to the paperwork. "Draven… Ah, yes. The scholarship student." The clerk's tone was clipped and condescending. "You'll find your dormitory in the East Wing. Classes begin tomorrow. Familiarize yourself with the academy's rules and stay within your assigned areas."

With a curt nod, Elias took the key and proceeded to the East Wing. The dormitory was modest compared to the opulence of the rest of the academy, but it provided a sanctuary from the prying eyes of the elite.

As Elias settled into his room, the weight of his situation began to fully register. The academy was a battleground of intellect, politics, and social maneuvering. His past would be both a burden and a tool. He needed to understand the system, find allies, and make his voice heard.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. Opening it, Elias found Jax Mercer, a fellow student from the commoner dormitory. Jax's eyes were bright with curiosity and a hint of sympathy.

"Hey, you must be Elias Draven," Jax said, extending a hand. "I'm Jax Mercer. Thought I'd introduce myself. It's not often we get new faces around here, especially ones that make waves."

Elias shook Jax's hand, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty. "Thanks. I'm just trying to find my place."

Jax grinned. "Well, you've found it. If you need any help or a guide to navigate this place, just let me know. There's a lot more to this academy than meets the eye."

As Jax departed, Elias felt a small spark of optimism. The road ahead would be challenging, but with allies like Jax and a determination to uncover the truth, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.