Eren's journey to the Aurelian Academy began at sunrise. With his meager belongings packed into a small satchel and the system's faintly glowing interface guiding him, he left behind the crumbling village he had called home.
The academy was located in the heart of Aetheris City, a sprawling metropolis filled with adventurers, merchants, and nobles. It was a world far removed from Eren's humble beginnings, and the idea of walking among the elite made his heart pound with a mixture of excitement and dread.
The city gates loomed ahead as Eren approached. Built of gleaming white stone, they were guarded by two knights clad in silver armor. Their piercing gazes swept over every traveler, and Eren felt his nerves spike as he got closer.
"State your business," one of the knights commanded, his voice gruff.
Eren gulped, holding up the academy's acceptance letter—a plain document stamped with the academy's golden seal. The knight scrutinized it before nodding.
"Proceed. The academy gates are straight ahead," the knight said, his tone softening slightly.
Aetheris City was unlike anything Eren had ever seen. The streets buzzed with energy as vendors hawked their goods, street performers dazzled crowds with displays of magic, and adventurers in polished armor strode confidently through the throngs of people.
As Eren marveled at the sights, a loud crash snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a boy about his age sprawled on the ground, surrounded by the shattered remains of what looked like a fruit stand.
"You idiot!" the vendor shouted. "Do you know how much that cost?!"
The boy scrambled to his feet, brushing dust off his expensive-looking cloak. His golden hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his emerald-green eyes glared at the vendor.
"Do you know who I am?" the boy snarled, his voice dripping with arrogance. "I could buy your entire stand without a second thought!"
Eren frowned, watching the scene unfold. The boy's haughty attitude rubbed him the wrong way, but he decided to keep his distance.
When Eren finally arrived at the academy gates, his breath caught in his throat. The Aurelian Academy was a masterpiece of architecture, its towering spires reaching for the heavens and its golden banners fluttering in the breeze. Students in pristine uniforms milled about the courtyard, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
A booming voice interrupted Eren's awe.
"All new students, gather here!"
Eren turned to see a tall man with a scarred face and a commanding presence standing at the center of the courtyard. His uniform bore the insignia of an instructor, and his sharp eyes scanned the crowd with a hawk-like intensity.
"I am Instructor Varick," the man announced. "Welcome to the Aurelian Academy. From this day forward, you will train to become the best of the best. But make no mistake—this is not a place for the weak. If you cannot keep up, you will be expelled without mercy."
Eren's resolve hardened. He wouldn't let himself be thrown out. He had a system, a chance, and a dream.
The crowd of new students began to disperse, but before Eren could move, he felt a hand clap onto his shoulder. He turned to see the arrogant boy from the marketplace smirking at him.
"Looks like we're going to be classmates," the boy said. "I'm Alden Valtor. And you are?"
"Eren Veyrath," Eren replied, wary of the boy's smug tone.
"Well, Eren," Alden said, leaning in closer, "try not to embarrass yourself too much. The academy isn't kind to nobodies."
Eren clenched his fists as Alden sauntered off. This wasn't going to be easy, but he wouldn't back down.
As the sun set over the academy, Eren vowed to prove himself—not just to Alden, but to everyone who had ever doubted him.