The towering gates of the Fourth Martial Academy stood against the horizon, their carvings of all the Senior Wei graduates, as well as the 9th, 15th and the current Territorial Lord shimmering in the morning sun. Streams of students poured through, a mix of nervous newcomers and seasoned seniors, each wearing distinct clan insignias.
Karl Sox walked calmly alongside his two cousins, Julius and Marie, assigned to the academy through the lottery of the Territorial fate artifact. Their awe-filled gazes darted between the academy's grandeur and the swarm of students.
"This place is... overwhelming," Julius admitted, fidgeting with his academy badge.
"It's supposed to be," Karl replied, his tone steady. "The academy isn't just a training ground—it's a proving ground for those aiming to rise beyond their starting point."
Marie looked around, her eyes catching sight of students from prominent bloodline clans, their confident strides marking their heritage. "Do you think we'll fit in?"
Karl smiled faintly. "You don't need to fit in. You need to stand out."
Before Marie could respond, a sharp, clear voice cut through the din.
"Karl! Took you long enough!"
Turning, Karl spotted a tall, broad-shouldered figure with silver hair and piercing blue eyes. Noah Fizer, a child of the Fizer Clan, strode toward them with an easy grin. The clan's Ice bloodline lent him a cool presence.
"Noah," Karl greeted with a nod. "Still as loud as ever, I see."
Noah clapped Karl on the shoulder, his grin widening. "Someone has to keep things lively around here. And who are these two?" He gestured to Julius and Marie.
"My cousins, Julius and Marie Sox," Karl introduced. "They've just joined the academy."
Noah leaned closer, inspecting them with mock seriousness. "So these are the next Sox prodigies? Well, welcome to the Fourth Martial Academy. Stick with Karl, and you'll survive—though you might fall asleep from his speeches."
Marie stifled a laugh, while Julius blinked, unsure if Noah was joking.
Another voice joined them, its tone frosty and deliberate. "If Noah's speaking, survival is already a challenge."
A figure approached with measured steps—Shina Manes, eldest miss of the Manes clan.
"Shina," Karl greeted, his voice lighter. "Still managing to insult people while sounding polite, I see."
"It's a skill," Shina replied evenly, though the faintest twitch of amusement crossed her lips.
Julius and Marie exchanged glances, unsure how to react to Shina's aloof demeanor. Noah, ever the peacemaker, laughed and clapped Shina on the back. "Don't mind her. That's her way of saying she missed you."
Shina's cold stare shifted to Noah, but he said nothing, which Noah took as a victory.
Inside the Academy
The central hall of the academy was abuzz with energy. Students gathered for orientation, their chatter filling the grand space. Groups from bloodline clans stood out with their polished confidence, while those from martial clans huddled together, their gazes both curious and wary.
The senior instructor, a grizzled man with an aura of authority, began the orientation. "Welcome to the Fourth Martial Academy. Here, talent will guide you, but effort will define you. You will be tested, challenged, and pushed to your limits. Only those who endure will rise."
He went on to explain the academy's structure—
"Classes were divided into three: Introduction to energy cultivation, Introduction to martial spells, and Introduction to Combat arts."
"As a general idea, Energy is the pure spirit of nature that we collect, refine and store in our body, it is the foundation of our life, it is what we use to strengthen our body and what we convert to generate martial spells". Your path is largely dependent to your patience and effort to refine the surrounding energy.
"Martial spells, are the utilization of your elemental techniques, most of your combats will be decided by your proficiency and understanding of your spells"
" Last but not the list is the combat arts, movement techniques, weapon techniques, physical battles are all learned from this class."
"Only when you form your own style using what you learned from those classes and defeat the Fei puppet will you enter the guardian ranks. Remember the battlefield is not a place of mercy, so a Guardian's promotion is measured by his combat abilities. That was all, classes will start tomorrow."
As the day progressed, Karl introduced his cousins to his circle of friends:
Kara Lin, a determined and resourceful student from civilian family. Now at Advanced Fei rank (4th step of Fei) her water techniques were precise and innovative, earning her respect despite her humble origins.
Edris Vahn, a blunt but fiercely loyal student at Advanced Fei rank who specialized in wind techniques. He came from a low martial clan with just one person at the Preparatory Wei rank (first step of the Wei rank). He was known for his tactical mind in sparring matches.
Arden Voss, a kind-hearted and reserved student with a rare bloodline talent for light-based techniques. Due to being a bastard from the Lumos Clan bloodline, he often shied away from the spotlight despite being at Peak Fei rank already.
Noah and Shina stood apart as Karl's closest friends, their camaraderie evident despite their contrasting personalities.
"Karl, you've got quite the entourage this time," Noah teased. "I'm starting to feel like we're part of a clan reunion."
Karl smirked. "Better get used to it. They're family. Ok we have to go now, classes will start tomorrow and soon we will be given the chance to compete on the inheritance tower."
As the group prepared to disperse, Noah's grin turned sly. "Yeah, being second years means getting an item from the inheritance tower, I can't wait to see how strong we are compared to those 3 academies.
Shina's gaze sharpened. "The tower isn't just about treasures, Noah. It's a test of resolve and adaptability."
Noah rolled his eyes, then smirked. "Says the one whose grandfather is one of the Ten Seats (Senior Wei – 4th Step of Wei rank). Care to give us some advice on what to target?"
Shina didn't respond, but her silence spoke volumes.
As they parted ways, Karl couldn't help but glance toward the direction of the inheritance tower, its dark silhouette rising like a silent guardian against the horizon. For him, this was more than a challenge—it was a singular chance that will not happen again.