The Blackthorn Tower Wizard Academy stood at the southeastern corner of the Wizard Continent. To the east lay the vast and mysterious mainland, severed by the thorny, impassable Zhenji Forest. To the west, the infinite ocean stretched into a gem-like sea, aptly named the Gem Sea, further isolated by the Blackthorn Mountains. Thus, the academy remained an enclave, shrouded in solitude.
For ordinary wizard apprentices, the wilderness was a formidable barrier. Yet, for wizards who had mastered flight, such obstacles posed little threat.
After half a month, Grimm had thoroughly familiarized himself with the academy's layout and organization. At its heart stood the Blackthorn Tower, the academy's true core. However, only the lower seven levels were open to ordinary apprentices; the remaining hundred or so upper levels were veiled in secrecy, accessible only to powerful wizards. Outside the tower, three hubs served the apprentices: the Grand Lecture Hall, the Library, and the Bounty Loft.
Today marked a significant event—the academy's once-in-a-decade enrollment day, aligning with the unified recruitment day across all wizard academies on the continent.
Typically, each academy held sway over its designated territory, recruiting promising apprentices within its domain based on their strength. Yet Blackthorn Tower was clearly not one to adhere to such conventions.
A bustling crowd of new initiates, led by senior apprentices, streamed into the academy. Brimming with curiosity and arrogance, the newcomers wandered through the campus, marveling at the architecture and whispering amongst themselves. Some boldly declared their ambition to become legendary wizard kings.
Among them was the Bloodsail Alliance, blending seamlessly into the throng. In stark contrast to the exuberant newcomers plucked from the mainland, the alliance members, tempered by brutal experiences, remained composed. Observing the fresh faces, they saw reflections of their own former arrogance and ignorance.
On the polished marble square, nearly two thousand new recruits stood in orderly rows. Above them, a towering podium hosted a dozen wizards, each distinct in demeanor. Draped in voluminous robes that concealed their secrets, the wizards exuded an aura of mystery.
Unlike nobles, wizards were devoid of flowery courtesies, especially when addressing their subordinates. Instructions and commands flowed naturally, a reflection of the competitive, hierarchical rules of their world.
Time in the wizarding realm was measured by hourglasses, each natural day equaling twelve turns. A single turn of the hourglass roughly corresponded to two hours by the Eastern Coral Island's standards.
After three-quarters of an hourglass, the wizards outlined the academy's basic rules and the tasks and trials awaiting the apprentices. For the Bloodsail Alliance members, any naive expectations were swiftly extinguished.
In summary, new initiates were granted a three-year grace period—though this so-called grace amounted to a paltry monthly stipend of two magic stones and exemption from compulsory tasks. Afterward, a trial awaited, a harsh filter designed to eliminate the unfit.
As for the magic stones themselves, Grimm was still unclear about their intrinsic properties. However, among the academy's students, it was evident that nearly all avenues of advancement were tied to these stones. Borrowing books for a week required a stone, attending a wizard's lecture cost half a stone, and purchasing experimental materials seemed a bottomless expenditure. With enough stones, apprentices could even privately seek guidance or assistance from wizards.
In essence, magic stones were more valuable than gold in this world, serving as the cornerstone of wizardly transactions.
By the end of the gathering, the wizards, mindful of their precious time, abruptly dismissed the assembly. Yet, before departing, they delivered a rare piece of good news.
"Listen closely! The academy offers every apprentice a free crystal ball and seven introductory wizardry lectures. This is a gift from the great Seven Ring Tower to all."
Crystal ball? Wizardry lectures? Seven Ring Tower?
Grimm was thrilled by the mention of the crystal ball and lectures, but the unfamiliar term "Seven Ring Tower" piqued his curiosity even further.
Three days later, Grimm, Yorkris and his sister, and Bingham secured front-row seats in Lecture Hall No. 9. While waiting for the instructor, Bingham, ever the chatterbox, leaned over to Grimm.
"I've got a secret for you. The academy's owls? They're not what they seem. I overheard from an upperclassman—they're spies for the enforcement squad." He licked his lips conspiratorially before continuing, "Also, there are two places rookies like us should avoid. One is said to be plagued by strange occurrences, and the other? A gladiator arena for apprentices."
"Strange occurrences?" Grimm mused aloud, concluding that such oddities were likely born from apprentices' ignorance of higher wizardry.
As for the arena, Grimm had already heard whispers about it.
Despite the academy's explicit ban on internal killings, enforcement was lax. Two unspoken rules governed: if one's methods could evade detection, the victim's death would go unquestioned; and in the so-called "Despair Courtyard," the enforcement squad's sole duty was to collect bodies.
On the other side of the hall, Bingham, seeing Grimm's skepticism, added fervently, "I'm serious! Even the most esteemed wizards can't entirely explain or stop the strange events."
Intrigued but cautious, Grimm asked, "Where is it?"
"South of the academy, at the abandoned water tower. But it only happens at night, when you're alone. Go see for yourself if you're curious…" Bingham teased.
Grimm remained noncommittal.
As they spoke, the hall filled with apprentices, each row seating five. Conversations and whispers filled the air until an unexpected disturbance shattered the calm.
A girl, clad in a finely tailored gown, entered. Her regal bearing and striking appearance—a cascade of violet-brown hair, a gem-studded headband, and intricate embroidery adorning her dress—marked her as nobility, perhaps even royalty.
Unlike most apprentices who mimicked the wizards with oversized robes, she flaunted her aristocratic elegance. Her alabaster skin was a canvas for her grace and mystery, far surpassing even Raffi in noble demeanor.
However, in the wizarding world, status was measured by knowledge and power, not birthright.
Irritated, the girl addressed the boy trailing her like a shadow. "You said there'd be plenty of seats. Now nine halls are full. What's your explanation?"
The boy, flustered, glanced around nervously. Based on prior years, eight full halls were the norm. This unexpected surge of new recruits had caught him off guard.
Glaring at Yorkris and his sister, the boy barked, "You two! Move!"
Before Yorkris could react, Raffi leapt to her feet, eyes ablaze. "Are you talking to us?" she hissed, her words dripping with venom.
Within moments, Grimm, Bingham, and Yorkris stood beside her, defiance etched into their faces.
"What the hell do you think you are?" Yorkris growled, his voice echoing through the hall.
The tension was palpable, the crowd's murmurs falling silent. Even a bespectacled boy nearby distanced himself, muttering, "Fools courting death."
Unfazed, Raffi sat down, glaring at the boy. "Let's see how you make me disappear in six months."
Before the boy could retort, a resounding slap echoed. One of his companions, as though bewitched, struck him across the face. The hall erupted in shock as dozens of students stood, their expressions icy.
Two figures emerged: the radiant Light King, Amrand, and the one-armed Puppet King.
"Bloodsail Alliance," Amrand declared, his voice cold and commanding. "Clear the hall."