The classroom buzzed with faint whispers and the occasional scratch of quills on parchment as students settled into the monotony of their lessons. Zaryth sat near the window, his chin resting on his hand, lazily gazing at the world outside. The sunlight filtered through the glass, casting warm streaks across the polished wooden desks. A breeze ruffled the tips of his silver hair as it trailed behind him in soft waves. He could hear the faint hum of birds outside, and the distant murmur of students chattering in the academy grounds.
The teacher, an elderly man named Professor Kael, stood at the front of the class, his voice resonating with the weight of history. He tapped a long pointer against the chalkboard, where detailed genealogies and crests of ancient families were drawn.
"Now," Professor Kael began, "today we delve into the legacies of some of the greatest families in the empire—those descended from ancient power, though not all can truly be called archons."
He adjusted his glasses as his gaze swept over the students. "In today's world, only the strongest in a family earns the title of Archon, though it's symbolic, a relic of ancient times."
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The Noble Families
Kael gestured toward the first family crest—an elegant sun and crescent moon intertwined. "The Silverlight family. They are renowned for producing powerful figures of both Light and Darkness. Throughout history, the archon of this family has always been one who controls both sides of the same coin, a master of duality."
He gave a pointed glance at Ruby sitting in the middle row. "It is widely believed that Lady Elysia Silverlight, the Holy Knight of the Empire, will one day assume this mantle."
The students turned toward Ruby, some with admiration, others with envy. Ruby, ever composed, kept her head down, indifferent to the attention.
Professor Kael continued. "Next, we have the Natlan family, known for their mastery of elements and warfare. They do not rely on a single element like others. Their warriors, most notably Mavuika, are capable of wielding multiple elements with devastating effect."
Mavuika shifted uncomfortably in her seat, sneaking a glance at Zaryth, who remained silent, his attention drifting toward the window.
Kael's pointer moved again, landing on a crest of frozen waves and jagged ice. "The Glacius family," he said. "Masters of ice and frost. Their bloodline has produced many feared warriors, including Sirus Glacius, who is expected to carry the family's legacy forward."
Murmurs filled the room as students whispered about Sirus, still recovering from his humiliating encounter with Zaryth.
Kael continued, naming other noble houses—each renowned for their abilities and contributions. Yet, none seemed to hold any relevance to Zaryth.
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The Archon of Time and Space
Then Kael's voice lowered, his tone shifting to something more solemn.
"But there was one power... a being from ancient times that even the gods feared—an Archon unlike any other." He paused for effect, his gaze sweeping over the students. "The Archon of Time and Space—Aneomith."
A chill ran through the room, as if the mere mention of that name brought with it a forgotten weight. Students exchanged uncertain glances, their faces pale with confusion and intrigue.
"It is said that Aneomith wielded the power to bend time and traverse the boundaries of existence," Kael continued. "But such power comes at a price. The gods themselves saw Aneomith as a threat—an anomaly beyond their control. And so, they conspired to end him."
Gasps spread across the class. One student raised his hand hesitantly. "But... why would the gods fear him so much?"
Kael gave a grim smile. "Because anyone who can manipulate time becomes a danger not only to the gods but to fate itself. The gods—fearful of losing their dominion—sent their worshipers to hunt down any who could awaken such a power again."
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Zaryth's heart thudded in his chest. Aneomith… The name echoed in his mind, stirring something deep within him. He couldn't explain it, but hearing that name felt unsettlingly familiar, as if a buried memory struggled to surface.
He tried to focus on the lesson, but his gaze drifted once more toward the window. At first, everything seemed ordinary—the same lush trees swaying in the breeze, students laughing in the distance. Then, something caught his attention.
A thin column of smoke twisted upward from beyond the academy gates. Zaryth narrowed his eyes, focusing on the distant scene. The smoke was thickening unnaturally fast, and before he could process what was happening, a brilliant flash of light streaked toward him—a spear made of pure energy, moving faster than lightning.
---
Time slowed, but not enough for Zaryth to react. The light spear slammed through the window, shattering glass in every direction. A deafening explosion followed, tearing through the classroom walls and sending desks and students flying. Flames and debris filled the air, choking the room with smoke and heat.
Zaryth hit the ground hard, momentarily stunned, ears ringing from the blast. He scrambled to his feet, coughing as dust and ash swirled around him.
"Is everyone okay?" he shouted, his voice hoarse.
Miraculously, no one appeared to be fatally injured, though many students groaned in pain, clutching bruised limbs. Ruby coughed as she helped a nearby student stand, and Mavuika checked on those closest to her.
Professor Kael wiped blood from a cut on his forehead, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "What... What was that?"
Before anyone could answer, the door to the classroom burst open, and a panicked teacher stumbled inside, his face pale with terror.
"It's... It's an attack!" he cried. "We're under attack!"
The history teacher, Kael, staggered to his feet, his voice trembling with urgency. "Who did this?"
Another teacher, breathless and wide-eyed, answered in a hushed, fearful tone. "The gods... They've sent their worshipers. The gods want us dead."
The room plunged into stunned silence as the gravity of the situation sank in. Zaryth clenched his fists, the dream of Aneomith's warning replaying in his mind. This is the fate Olympus has chosen for you...
The storm had begun.