Where am I?
Why does everything seem so blurry?
Am I dead? No! wait this ceiling is like that of.....
Ashen immediately comes out from his sleep and tries to move from his bed but he finds himself too weakened to even stand up.
What is wrong with my body?
Why do I feel so weak?
The last thing I remember was being in a cave and that voice...
Wait! the cave, Ashen was extremely shocked and puzzled
How did I end up back at the academy? Did I get teleported here after I touched the crystal and who was that person I saw after I touched the crystal? What did he mean when he said that?
Ashen had a lot of questions he wanted answers to but he realised no one could answer them.
Although he was still in his head and wanted answers, he sensed something within himself that he could never sense before and this was the aura of Aether leaking from his body. Seizing this opportunity, Ashen channeled all the Aether in his body and the atmosphere within himself. This allowed him to finally open his Pathways which had been blocked and finally reach the first realm of Supplicant.
By channeling Aether through his body and awakening his pathway, Ashen's body drastically changed in appearance moving from this boy born into the humblest and harshest of circumstances, Ashen, was an unassuming boy. His dark, messy hair often fell over his tired brown eyes, which reflected a lifetime of hardship. His face, though not unattractive, was plain and forgettable, weathered by days spent laboring for scraps. His slender frame seemed frail, his hands calloused yet shaking from malnourishment. Ashen's posture betrayed a lack of confidence, his shoulders hunched under the weight of his struggles. People hardly noticed him, and those who did often pitied him.
But after absorbing Aether and awakening his pathways, Ashen underwent his miraculous transformation, it was as though the gods themselves had sculpted a new being. His once-unremarkable hair turned a deep, radiant shade of black, cascading in silken waves that shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance. His eyes, formerly dull brown, now gleamed like molten gold, drawing in those who dared meet his gaze. His skin, once rough and sallow, became smooth and radiant, glowing with the clarity of a flawless dawn.
No longer frail, his body grew into a masterpiece of strength and symmetry. Chiseled muscles rippled beneath his sun-kissed skin, exuding a power that seemed both divine and dangerous. He stood tall, his posture exuding confidence, his movements fluid yet commanding. Every feature—from his sharp jawline to his perfect smile—spoke of untouchable beauty. Where he was once invisible, now all eyes would linger and be mesmerized by the sheer presence of the boy who would become a legend.
Seeing how much his body has changed and how he finally has the power and strength to become what he thought was nothing more than a dream, Ashen shed a tear.
Nestled in the heart of a sprawling, enchanted forest that shimmers with ethereal light, Aetherion Academy stands as a testament to unity and the pursuit of magical knowledge. Its gleaming spires rise above ancient trees, their tips glowing faintly with arcane energy. The Academy is a place where students from all races, cultures, and magical backgrounds converge to hone their abilities and foster peace across realms.
Campus Layout
The Arcanium: A towering, crystalline library at the heart of the campus. It houses tomes, scrolls, and artifacts spanning all known magical traditions. Its walls are enchanted to shift and expand to reveal hidden knowledge to those deemed ready.
The Elemental Gardens: A series of magically sustained biomes, each dedicated to one of the primary magical elements: fire, water, earth, air, light, shadow, and spirit. Students practice their elemental magic here under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Dormitory Clusters: Housing is divided into sections attuned to different affinities. Each dormitory reflects its respective elemental or magical theme, making them welcoming and energizing for their residents. Inter-dorm competitions and festivals strengthen camaraderie.
The Grand Hall of Unity: A central meeting place where students and staff gather for meals, assemblies, and celebrations. It features a grand mosaic of all races united, glowing faintly as a reminder of the Academy's mission.
The Arena of Trials: A vast, adaptive training ground where students can safely test their abilities, participate in duels, or practice teamwork in simulated challenges.
The Spirit Sanctuary: A serene, otherworldly location for meditation, connecting with ancestral spirits, or communing with the magical forces that bind the universe.
Curriculum and Training
Core Disciplines:
Arcane Mastery: Fundamentals of spellcasting, runes, and magical theory.
Elemental Control: Training to master and balance elemental magic.
Alchemy and Enchantment: Crafting potions, charms, and magical items.
Magical Ethics and Diplomacy: A unique course focusing on the responsibility and cultural sensitivity required for wielding power in a diverse world.
Advanced Paths:
Necromancy: Studying the cycle of life and death responsibly.
Chronomancy: Manipulating time with care.
Wild Magic: Harnessing chaotic, unpredictable forces.
Celestial and Void Magic: Exploring light and shadow's intricate balance.
Faculty
The Academy boasts a council of diverse instructors, each a master of their craft:
Archmage Sylvara Windwhisper (Elf): The headmistress and a master of elemental magic. Her wisdom and grace guide the school.
Mistress Faera Nivayne (Human): The leading expert on enchantments and runes, known for his gruff yet kind demeanor.
Professor Thalric Dreyvern(Demi-Human): A fierce advocate for magical ethics, blending pragmatism with compassion.
High Shaman Torvuk (Orc): A spiritual guide and protector, teaching the art of communing with spirits and nature.
Student Life
Cultural Exchange: Students bring their traditions and learn from each other, fostering respect and innovation.
Magical Tournaments: Annual events test students' skills in dueling, strategy, and teamwork.
Mystical Clubs: From potion-brewing societies to elemental dance troupes, students can explore personal interests.
Mentorship Programs: Senior students mentor juniors, helping them acclimate and excel.
So this is the famous Aetherion academy. Renowned for its Position in the world as one of the best Academy for producing powerful members of the conclave and also houses some of the most powerful and talented students from various races.
But looking at it in person, it doesn't really feel that much different from our Academy in our beautiful Kingdom of Monrovia. I just can't wait to crush those Bastards in this academy that think they are some kinda big shots. Axel commented, showing a slight disdain and animosity towards the students of the academy.
As Axel keeps on critiscing the academy, he is hit on the back of the head by Maria croscell of House Croscell. One of the four major houses in the kingdom of Monrovia and also a student of Loughthambria.
If you keep on going with this stupid attitude of yours Axel, you will end up putting us all to shame. After all it is this same attitude and hot-headness that cost us the tournament last time. So quit acting like a jerk and put some light to our proud academy. Maria, still having her fist up and angered from the display of Axel earlier.
The other students of Loughthambria all had a smirk on their faces and wanted to burst out in laughter but they couldn't as they feared the rage of Axel.
Axel immediately put a stop to his behaviour as he respected Maria a lot. This was because Maria is one of the strongest students in the academy of Loughthambria, heir to the throne of house Croscell and also one of the 20 genuises in the world along with her extreme beauty.
Axel described Maria as, "As an enigmatic figure that drew every gaze like moths to a flame. Her silver hair cascaded like a waterfall of moonlight, shimmering as it caught the faint glow of chandeliers above. Each strand framed a face so exquisitely crafted it seemed sculpted by divine hands: high cheekbones, a delicate nose, and lips that carried the promise of a serene smile. But it was her eyes—those arresting amethyst orbs—that truly held the power to ensnare. They glimmered with a depth that spoke of wisdom far beyond her years, yet burned with an intensity that warned of unyielding strength.
Her lithe frame moved with an elegance that bordered on ethereal, every step light yet deliberate, as if she danced to a rhythm only she could hear. Draped in finely embroidered silks that hugged her form with a regal grace, she exuded an aura that was both intimidating and soothing. There was a calmness in her presence, a quiet assurance that steadied even the most anxious of souls. Yet beneath that serenity lay a palpable power, coiled and ready, like a tempest restrained by sheer will.
Though her beauty was otherworldly, it was her reputation that left most in awe. A prodigy of her lineage, she had surpassed every expectation placed upon her, mastering skills and knowledge with an ease that left her peers scrambling in her wake. At the academy, she was both revered and feared, her talents so profound that even the masters struggled to match her in combat or intellect. She bore her success with an understated pride, her humility more disarming than any show of arrogance.
To those who dared to approach, her voice was a revelation—a melody of calm authority that soothed hearts and commanded respect in equal measure. Yet, beneath the surface of her composed exterior, one could sense the pulse of an unyielding determination. She was a storm wrapped in silken veils, a goddess made flesh, a legend in the making".
And Maria point of view, Axel was more or less, "the embodiment of a hothead. Quick to anger and stubborn to a fault, he often lets his temper get the better of him. He reacts first and thinks later, leading to more arguments than he can count but also a guy of average height and build, with unkempt, fiery red hair that matches his volatile temperament. His face is unremarkable except for his intense, sharp green eyes that seem to flare when he's annoyed—which is often. His features are slightly angular, and his skin carries the faint tan of someone frequently outdoors. With the most striking part of his appearance being the prominent, jagged X-shaped scar that mars his chest, because he was just being him(stupid)".
hahahaha what do we have here? The arrogant, prideful students of Loughthambria. You people should be quite pleased to stand in my presence except for you Miss Maria as your beauty never ceases to carry my heart away like a raging storm, Lancelot said in an arrogant,prideful and cocky tone as he approaches the group.
You can never shut up, can you? Maybe if I punch that arroagant smirk and cocky demeanour from your face, you would learn some manners, said Axel in a rather angry tone.
My!My! as much as I came here to destroy trash like you, fighting outside the tournament is something someone as elegant and handsome as myself would do. Unlike you animal, I respect this academy and the rules. Therefore, learn some manners first before talking in my presence you vulgar animal, said Lancelot as he brushed past a rather ashamed and stupid-looking Axel.
Hey Lancelot! , Said Maria as she confronted Lancelot.
The next time you disrespect my friends like that again, I will kill you, said Maria in a very menancing and serious tone.
Oh! and should I take that as threat?, Lancelot said, tilting his head slightly back and staring at Maria with a rather deadly and serious stare.
That's up to you to decide Lancelot, Maria said releasing a rather intimidating and frightening aura.
Lets make our way to the Great hall Axel. This bastard here is not worth our time, Maria proceeds to walk away with her group along with the professors accompanying them.
That stupid bitch! How dare she talk to me like that. I will kill her! Kill her! Kill her, Lancelot frustated and angered by the disgrace Maria just showed him. He was so angered by this show of disrespect to the point that he had veins popping out his head.
As he kept on muttering to himself about how he is going to kill Maria, Ashen bumps into him in a rush, dirtying Lancelot's cloth and pushing his anger even further.
You! You! You dare bump into me you commoner. How dare you touch me with that dirty and impure skin of yours. Do you know who I am? I am Lancelot of Brightforge, and a direct descandant of King Arslan of the Kingdom of Arslan and you dare bump into me and walk in my presence, I will kill you, Lancelot with a seriously murderous and angered face to the point that he had turned completely red even realising his aura on campus ground.
Ashen discovering who Lancelot is and his lineage begins to plead and beg for mercy.
He thinks to himself, "Even though I have obtained this power, I still can't fully utilise it but it is not that I can't use my power, it is just that I'm scared. I'm still scared even now when I have the power to change things I'm still scared. In the presence of people like him(referring to Hammon) I still can't do anything. I still grovel on my knees like a dog begging to be saved. Just why? Why? Why! am I so weak and pathetic. I-I just need somebody to help me".
Suddenly a voice cracks in from behind
You are so pathetic, you know that? Grovelling on your knees like a dog and submitting to an arrogant-fool like that guy. Seriously why does the headmaster keep scum like you in this academy anyways. You are just a bad seed that destroys our good image and reputation, said Hammon as he walked so calmy, with hands in pockets towards Lancelot and Ashen.
Hahahaha if it is not Hammon. The so called "King of Aetherion". For someone of such lower noble status, shouldn't you be bowing down on your knees to embrace my presence. On another note maybe you shouldn't because now I have an excuse to release my anger of that stupid bitch Maria on you two fool. Hahahaha so exciting, so rejuvinating. I'm going to kill you two, said Lancelot as he laughed like a lunatic.
Hm! I see all of this over a woman. How stupid and shameless can you be? For someone that thinks of himself as some sort of big shot and High Noble status, you sure act more stupid like that of the commoners you despise so much. I hate people like you. People that look down on others just because they were fortunate enough to be born into a better family and life, People that use their status as Royalty to act stupid and carelessly piss me off the most. Now I will teach you a lesson that you will never forget, Hammon said with a serious look on his face ready to kill.
Those words seem very Noble coming from someone like you. After all you are the same as me. You bully this weak,pathetic, talentless, piece of shit over here (referring to Ashen) just because you view him as beneath you. Wouldn't that make you a hypocrite huh!, lancelot started fuming and shouting.
That's where you are wrong Lancelot. I don't bully Ashen because he's weak, I bully him because I don't understand why someone as weak as him can still dream that big even after everything. I guess that's why I try to break him, Hammon said as he looked at his palm indicating a slight hint of regret.
I don't give a shit what you think or what this trash dreams about. To me you are all just trash that needs to do whatever I request of you. Therefore, Let us begin the tournament right here Hammon, Said Lancelot as he released his zect.
You should know by now Lancelot, any release of zect on campus grounds in forbidden. Therefore, for breaking the rules, bullying a fellow student of this academy and showing no regards for anything, I shall now exercise my autority as a memeber of student and Academy protection Council. Don't blame me for what happens next, Hammon said as he releases his zect ready to face Lancelot.
So this is the power of Aerial academy top student. Aside from him, I knew Hammon was strong but how does one have this raw amount of Zect. Just standing in their presence right now is making it harder for me to even breathe or stand up. It is as if I'm looking at a Lion and an Eagle. Just how powerful are these two, Ashen remarked choking and struggling to breathe.