Arthur took his first steps into Solvaris Grand Academy. He was still awestruck by the architecture and sheer scale of the grounds. There were towers and numerous buildings that he was excited to explore, shimmering banners that gave off an essence of Aether, and students of all kinds of backgrounds mingling.
He was surprised at the amount and variety of kids. He noticed a very luxurious carriage lined with diamonds, and a girl around his age surrounded by soldiers. Arthur assumed this was the King's daughter, Ella Solvaris.
Ella carried herself with confidence, her golden hair reflecting the sunlight, braided with threads of expensive silk. Her piercing blue eyes met Arthur's with a terrifying calm. Yet he noticed that she had a hint of curiosity in the way she glanced at the students.
Arthur quickly averted his gaze, not looking for unwanted attention. He had read about the royal family of Eryndor—the King's daughter, Ella, was known for exceptional Aether affinity, even at such a young age.
...
Arthur joined the rest of the new students in the grand hall that could easily fit hundreds of thousands of people. The ceilings were law-defying, painted with mythical heroes and beasts. A faint glow emitted from the walls, pulsating with Aether.
"Welcome, prospective students, to the Solvaris Grand Academy," a man began, his voice resonating with the spacious hall. By first glance, Arthur could tell he was extremely strong, the way he carried himself.
"I am Headmaster Eldrin Soren. Today you stand on the brink of greatness. But remember, greatness is not given—it is earned."
He made a swift gesture with his hand, causing shimmering Aether-infused banners to appear, each representing the rankings of the Guild.
"Today's trial will determine you worthiness to join this Academy. It will test your mind your body, and, of course, your Aether potential. Pass, and you will earn a place here among the best and be ready to awaken your class. Fail, and the gates will remain closed until the next trial."
A wave of murmurs spread throughout the crowd, but Arthur stayed silent, his mind focused on what lay ahead.
...
The students were led out of the hall and onto a massive open field.
The space began to shimmer with Aether, transforrming into a landscape of forests rivers, and stone ruins.
Arthur's eyes widened at this sight. Suddenly, the Headmaster's voice boomed across the entire trial area.
"The trial consists of three stages. The first will test your intelligence—you will have to solve a puzzle to gain access to the second stage. The second will test your physical capabilities. And the final stage will test your Aether potential.
Arthur's system pinged faintly, notifying him of the upcoming challenge:
[System]
[Stage 1]: Intelligence Trial
[Objective]: Complete the puzzle
--------
He clenched his fist with determination, raring to go.
...
Arthur approached the puzzle which was in front of a large rock wall: an ancient stone with smaller stones marked with unrecognizable symbols. He noticed other students struggling, muttering to themselves as they were trying to decipher the actual meaning of the symbols.
Because of his intelligence he figured out that the puzzle was using the symbols as a trick—you didn't have to translate them, but just had to recognize the pattern.
"This looks like a logic puzzle," Arthur muttered to himself. The stones rearranged themselves every few seconds, forming different patterns. His intel stat gave him an edge, allowing him to easily spot the reoccurring sequences.
Using his innate ability to focus that he trained at home, he quickly moved the stones in the correct order and placed his hand on the now glowing stone.
This caused the rock wall to shift, creating an opening for him to go through. There was also a wooden staff left on the ground, so he picked it up figuring that it was going to be helpful for the next stage.
One down, two to go.
...
As he passed to the next area, he noticed Ella standing in front of her puzzle. She solved it with no effort, her expression unreadable. For a moment their eyes met.
"You're fast," Ella said, her voice carrying a sliver of surprise.
"So are you," Arthur replied, trying to form a slight smile.
She tilted her head a little, as if curious about him.
"What's your name?"
"Arthur Grimwood," he said with a hint of pride in his voice, finally getting to use his name to introduce himself.
"I'll remember that, Arthur," she said, turning to her own path.
Arthur stood there and watched her leave, a feeling he had never felt before stirring in his chest. Ella was nothing like the spoiled princess he was thinking of.
What is that aura I can feel from her? Just how strong is her affinity for Aether?
...
Before he could think about his interaction with Ella, someone cut off his thoughts.
"Don't get cocky, commoner. You got lucky coming this far."
Arthur turned to see a boy with sharp, arrogant features smirking at him. The boy then spit at his feet in an attempt to rile Arthur. His maroon, silk robes marked that he was of noble blood, and he carried an expensive-looking sword with a polished wood handle and Aether-infused metal.
"And you are?" Arthur asked calmly.
After what had happened to him in the past, he could easily control his emotions and wouldn't get worked up over such an insignificant comment. He knew that in this world, unlike his, strength and power meant more than status.
"Damien Alaric, of the noble Alaric family, so you better remember my name when I leave you in the dust." the boy said, taking a step forward. "What's your name, filthy commoner?"
"Arthur Grimwood,"
Damien glanced at his wooden staff, "That stick suits you, Grimwood," he said in disgust. "Fitting for someone who crawled out the dirt."
Arthur gave a little smirk, not intimidated by him whatsoever. "We'll see."
...
Arthur stepped through to the second stage, a dense forest teeming with magical creatures he had never seen before. The air was thick with competition, and he heard a distant roar that made the hair on his arms stand up.
He clenched his wooden staff and took another step forward.
His system pinged softly:
[System]
[Stage 2]: Physical Trial
[Objective]: Reach Level 1