Kaeleen stepped down from the carriage, squinting against the harsh sunlight. Before him, the academy's main building rose with a majesty that surpassed any description he'd heard at the training camp. Tall towers and walls adorned with golden emblems surrounded the white stone structure, and arches carved with mythical creatures framed the entrance.
Beside him, Elise and Borik shared his astonishment. Though they both tried to hide it, their expressions betrayed a mixture of nerves and admiration. Kaeleen felt a blend of emotions as he took in the academy's grandeur. This would be the place where he'd have to prove himself and, finally, learn to control his power.
"This is impressive…" Elise murmured, casting a shy glance towards Kaeleen.
Kaeleen nodded, feeling the weight of expectations settle heavily on his shoulders.
Groups of students strolled around the courtyards and gardens surrounding the entrance, and it wasn't long before Kaeleen and his friends attracted attention. Figures from various races filled the area: silver-haired elves, sturdy dwarves, and a few beastfolk walked among human students, all wearing the academy's emblem of blue and gold.
"Looks like we'll be here with all kinds of people… and creatures," murmured Borik, casting a wary glance at a group of elves passing by with an air of superiority.
Before Kaeleen could respond, a familiar voice broke through the atmosphere. Ithan, one of the bullies he had met at training, was approaching with a sneer. Erik, as always, was by his side, ready to back up any provocation his friend might make.
"Well, well… if it isn't our friend, the 'dark mana prodigy,'" Ithan said, enunciating each word mockingly as he crossed his arms. "I guess they're letting just anyone into the academy these days."
Kaeleen felt his blood simmer but forced himself not to respond. He knew it wasn't worth falling into Ithan's provocations. Yet, something in Ithan's posture was different; his confidence seemed more imposing than back at the training camp.
"Leave Kaeleen alone, Ithan," Elise replied, her voice calm but carrying a firmness that surprised him.
Ithan let out a mocking laugh and tilted his head towards Elise.
"Why defend this weirdo, Elise? You're only putting yourself in danger. Everyone knows dark mana is dangerous."
The tension was palpable, and other students began to pause, watching the confrontation.
"What's going on here?" asked a firm voice from behind them. The students stepped aside as they saw a figure approaching in an elegant white and gold cape. Princess Selene.
Kaeleen's eyes widened in surprise at seeing the princess in the academy. He remembered her imposing presence from the day of the summoning, but seeing her here, among students, made the situation even more surreal. Selene observed the scene with a mixture of sternness and curiosity.
"I hope you're all preparing for classes and not causing trouble," Selene warned, casting a particular look at Ithan.
Ithan straightened up, lowering his head in respect, though the scowl on his face betrayed his resentment. Satisfied, Selene turned to Kaeleen and offered him a faint smile.
"Kaeleen, Elise, Borik, welcome to the academy. I hope you find everything you need here to strengthen your abilities."
Kaeleen nodded, grateful for her intervention. However, he felt a strange discomfort in the way the other students watched him. The princess's attention had only made things worse, especially with Ithan, whose gaze grew colder.
Once Selene had left, Ithan smirked and muttered, "Enjoy your moment of glory. We'll see how long your luck lasts here."
Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik exchanged glances and decided to walk away, avoiding giving the confrontation any more importance. As they walked toward the main entrance, the sensation of being watched lingered. Kaeleen knew that his time at the academy wouldn't be easy and that the challenges had only just begun.
The Great Hall of the academy was a place that defied description. The walls were adorned with ancient banners from wars won and alliances formed. Rows of seats lined the room in front of a stone podium, waiting for the new students. The vibrant colors of the emblems seemed to glow with a faint magical light. All the new students took their seats as professors assembled at the front.
As Kaeleen observed the professors, he recognized some faces from the training camp, though there were many unfamiliar ones. One of them, a tall woman with curly hair and a dark blue and white robe, stepped forward to the podium. Her bearing and expression reflected an undeniable authority.
"Welcome to the Royal Academy of Ethelia," the woman announced, her voice clear and firm. "I am Headmistress Ethel Arannis. Here, you will learn to control your abilities, to understand the essence of your power, and to become worthy representatives of our kingdom."
Kaeleen felt the weight of her words press down even more. The expectation in her eyes was evident; not only did he have to survive in a hostile environment, but he also had to prove his worth.
"Remember," Headmistress Arannis continued, pausing meaningfully, "the academy is a place where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential. However, only those who demonstrate discipline, respect, and loyalty will succeed. I assure you, the path will not be easy."
Kaeleen took a deep breath, resolved to persevere no matter the obstacles. He knew he was in a place where he could finally understand the nature of his dark power. However, a shadow of doubt settled over him as he observed the faces of his peers.
After the welcome ceremony, students were directed to their respective classrooms. Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik were assigned to Basic Magic class, where their instructor, Nylaen Fira, awaited them.
Professor Nylaen, a woman with a warm demeanor and bright green eyes, smiled at everyone as they entered. She wore a light blue robe and had a friendly, enthusiastic expression that contrasted with the rigid formality of some other professors.
"Welcome to your first Basic Magic class," she said with enthusiasm. "Here, we will learn to handle the essential aspects of mana. This energy manifests in every living being and allows us to use our magical affinity. The first step is learning to respect and understand it."
Kaeleen listened closely, trying to ignore the side glances from some of his classmates. He knew dark mana was viewed with suspicion, and he braced himself mentally for any remarks or provocations.
"Now," Nylaen continued, "each of you has a different affinity, and we'll learn to channel it safely." She looked over the students and pointed to Kaeleen. "Kaeleen, could you tell us your affinity?"
Kaeleen felt a pang of discomfort but chose to face it. He stood up and replied firmly, "My affinity is with dark mana."
A murmur spread through the class. Some students exchanged surprised looks, while others, predictably, appeared afraid. Ithan, seated at the back, let out a mocking laugh, joined by Erik's smirk.
Professor Nylaen, however, showed no surprise or disdain and nodded understandingly.
"Dark mana is a complex affinity and requires a lot of discipline," Nylaen said. "But like any other, it's a form of energy that can be used for good or evil. With proper training, you can learn to control it."
Kaeleen nodded, relieved by her understanding response. For the remainder of the class, Nylaen explained how to channel basic mana, guiding them through a concentration exercise to help stabilize the energy flow in their bodies.
After class, Kaeleen, Elise, and Borik headed to the dining hall. The academy's dining hall was a vast room with walls adorned by the ancient banners of the four great kingdoms and long tables where students of different levels shared space.
As Kaeleen and Elise sat at a table, a group of fifth-year students entered with a commanding air. Among them, Kaeleen recognized Luka Thalamar, the young noble he had seen the day before. Luka seemed to have noticed the princess's attention toward Kaeleen, and it didn't sit well with him.
Luka approached slowly, flanked by his loyal friend Revan. Both carried an air of superiority, and the other students grew quiet as they noticed their presence.
"So you're the dark mana kid everyone's talking about," Luka said, crossing his arms as he observed Kaeleen with a mix of disdain and curiosity. "I don't see what the princess sees in someone like you."
Kaeleen tried to ignore him and continue eating, but Luka wasn't willing to let it go.
"Listen carefully," Luka continued, leaning closer. "In this academy, the weak don't belong. They only get in the way."
By the end of the day, Kaeleen was exhausted. The weight of the stares, the taunts from Ithan and Luka, and his own struggle to control dark mana were beginning to wear on him. But Elise and Borik, his loyal friends, remained by his side, reminding him that he wasn't alone in his fight.
With these words resonating in his heart, Kaeleen made his way to his dormitory, promising himself that he would grow stronger, master his power, and, one day, prove that he deserved his place at the academy.