Chereads / The Gods Hath Fallen / Chapter 27 - Under Great Redrafting

Chapter 27 - Under Great Redrafting

The line moved, and Aiden found himself passing the huge stone gate that seemingly teleported him to an entirely different place. He stood at the edge of a mountain, a magnificent lake stretched in front of him. 

At the heart of a vast lake, the academy stood alone, encircled by distant, rugged mountains that formed a protective barrier on the horizon. Layers of mist drifted along the water's edge, merging with the lake's surface to shroud the academy in an aura of mystery, sparking questions within Aiden's mind. Every day here would be a test, each moment a challenge to endure.

"Woah!" Caelum said, hovering above him, flickering in excitement. "This is exhilarating. I remember the good old days at Gold Moon Pavilion."

"You mean the days when you'd always get punished for dozing off in class?" Lucius said. "You're right. I always rejoiced whenever you got punished."

The ground rumbled as a path of white bricks unfurled from the depths, resembling white waves rolling out like a carpet, parting the water around it. Aiden caught some droplets from the delicate water fountains that arched skyward, sending crystalline streams into the air. The fountains transformed the sunlight into rainbow prisms that rippled along the path as he walked toward the towering structure ahead.Riven flickered. "This place..." he said. "It's scattered with celestial energy."The two wisps were interrupted on their banters, and they both took their moment to feel their surroundings. 

"You're right," Lucius said, his light beaming brighter and brighter, "The closer we get to that building, the odder the feeling."

Mr. Busty neighed from the cold mist that brushed past his ears, and their gazes darted toward the academy. Its white stone towers and golden spires stretched upward in graceful arcs, adorned with intricate carvings that hinted at ancient secrets. Sky-blue stained glass windows dotted its facade, catching sunlight and casting cerulean reflections across the water below. They stepped into an expansive quadrangle, the very heart of the academy, where towering walls and ornate architecture converged in a breathtaking display of grandeur. After the last carriage had passed, the ground rumbled once more, causing the stone path behind them to vanish. A thick mist immediately enveloped the path they had taken--leaving only a long stretch of lake in sight. "Those people look strong," Riven said, his gaze nagging at the scholars loitering around different floors of the academy. "Especially those in gold capes."All the students in the quadrangle wore black robes, but all the students that watched them from above were clad in different colors. There were several gray, white, silver, and golden robes--as well as a few red, green, blue, and yellow garments. "Where did they get those robes from?" Caelum wondered. "How come we didn't get one?"Lucius chuckled. "You're really dumb aren't you?" he said. "Of course he'd get his robe after an initiation or whatever. Remember how you got a wooden token on our first day at Gold Moon Pavilion and I got a gold? This is exactly it."Riven bobbed his head in agreement, his gaze surveying the younger batch of scholars. "Though from the looks of it," he said. "I'm pretty sure you'd be wearing a black robe soon."Aiden's face went slack. "Thanks, I will remind myself not to get any expectations."A sharp but serene flute sound reverberated around the quadrangle, and all the students lent their attention toward the balcony perched at the center of the academy. A stern-looking lady appeared clad in a violet attire, intricate patters on her clothes assuming her nobility and position at the academy. 

"Welcome, students," she said, her stern voice enough to silence everyone present. "Today, we have some special announcements."

She raised her hand, beckoning for the people on her back to make their appearance, and four students clad in golden robes appeared, earning the cheers of everyone in the campus.The one that stood out in the middle was a guy who appeared to be eighteen years old. Just from his stature alone, anyone could feel how strong his cultivation was. He held the expression of a strong leader, the strongest student in the academy, and everyone admired him. Caelum sighed, his gaze jumping between Aiden and Francis. "Would be great if was the one to hear us."The three wisps were left with an outcast like Aiden. "The king himself awarded four of our students with great merits for their contribution at suppressing the rebels at the border," she beamed proudly, "And for his great leadership, I will grant Francis Aitkin with the Sky Guardian Token."The crowd gasped."This token represents me," the headmistress said. "All students are to follow Francis's orders whenever he presents it. Are we all clear?"Every student pressed two fingers to their chests before replying, "Yes, Head Mistress.""That guy looks strong. I bet he'll put out some good punches," Aiden recommended ever so seriously. 

Riven gave him a smug look. "Wow, you're even giving out suggestions as to who punches you, huh?"

"It's not like I have a choice," he said. "So, I gave up easy."

In his black robe, however, he was taller than his classmates, and obviously older. Most of them were entry-level 8-year-olds. Even the boy who approached him earlier stood in front for being on the shorter end of the spectrum. Just when he thought he was the oldest and the tallest, a big burly kid stood last on the line beside him. This one seemed to be his age. About eleven or twelve.

"I guess we found him," Caelum nodded. "And he's your classmate. Perfect."

Riven disagreed with a slight dim of his light. "No. We need someone with inner force. The book said to tap with inner essence. That boy obviously don't know any magic at all."

Aiden let out an exasperated sigh, already accepting his destiny. "Great. I can't wait to get punched by an upperclassman."

The students began to sing the academy's hymn. All the students from different cohorts sang their hearts out, but only a few knew the lyrics from Aiden's batch. The toothy boy wearing glasses, and three other kids. 

Right at the end of the commencement, Lord Greyson stood at the podium to give his speech. He gave some inspirational whatnots and encouraged the students to grab the chance to be stronger every single day. For only a second, he glanced at Aiden's direction, before immediately looking away. Of course, he didn't want to be associated with a screw up.

The commencement finished after Lord Greyson's speech, and the students dispersed to their respective halls. Aiden, on the other hand, was led to the dean's office with three other newcomers. 

"Hello, young ones!" A beautiful woman greeted them. She spread out her hands, urging the students to sit, and Aiden chose to sit on the farthest one he could find. The dean began to babble, her manner of talking as if she was talking to kindergarteners, in her sweet-sweet voice.

"Her name's Martha," Riven said, relaying the words of the mortal female to Aiden. "She says it's nice to meet you all, blah blah."

Caelum bobbed himself up and down. "She's welcoming you all on your first day." he laughed. "Would you look at that? All your classmates are babies!"

Aiden held a bland look on his face. "They're obviously eight-year-olds."

"Ba-bies." Lucius seconded.

Dean Martha gave a final announcement that a certain Mr. Beauregard must stay behind before dispersing the students. The students began to stand, following the lead of a teenager who would usher them to their classroom. Aiden followed the flock, as the dean could be heard repeatedly calling out for a Mr. Beauregard from behind.

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