Kai walked through the sprawling corridors of Mythreach Academy, his steps echoing against the polished stone floors.
The walls were lined with portraits and grand tapestries with images of legendary figures from the kingdom's history, their faces painted on or woven in gold and silver thread.
Each step he took felt like a journey through time, each corner a reminder of the academy's rich heritage.
Mythreach, Kai thought to himself, the crown jewel of magical education. The place where legends are forged and dreams become reality.
Or at least, that's what everybody said and he had to admit that they did have a point.
The academy was more than just a school.
It was a symbol of power and prestige. Evidence of the kingdom's commitment to nurturing the most gifted individuals.
While it might seem as a school for only the kingdom's elite, that was because the students with the most potential were almost always of the nobility.
The nobility are always the one occupied with keeping their blood strong.
But Mythreach also accepted commoners with a high enough elemental affinity.
The academy also stood out for one thing.
Security.
Due to the students' learning and needing experience, the academy was heavily involved in clearing out any beasts or monsters in the area, making it one of the safest in the kingdom.
The academy also had towering spires that could be seen for miles, rising high above the surrounding landscape like watchful sentinels.
The campus was like a city unto itself, with its own libraries, training grounds, and even marketplaces catering exclusively to the needs of the students.
If a student wanted something specifically, all they had to do was pay the right person.
With all these thoughts in his mind, Kai finally paused in the middle of a grand hall.
His eyes were immediately drawn to a massive stained-glass window that bathed the space in a kaleidoscope of colors.
The window depicted a battle between mages and beasts, their elemental powers captured in stunning detail. He couldn't help but marvel at the craftsmanship.
This place really does have it all, he mused, running a hand along the smooth stone railing of a nearby staircase. No wonder it's so hard to get in.
While entry into Mythreach was no small feat, staying was even harder.
To enter, you just had to be born with a high affinity. To stay, you needed to stay consistent.
At this point, it wasn't about affinity or talent. It was as much about perseverance and character as it was about raw power.
Those who relent are sent home without a graduating Mythreach badge, one of the highest honors new mages could receive.
Kai's thoughts drifted to the different wings of the academy, each dedicated to a specific discipline.
There was the Tower of Elements, where students honed their mastery of magic.
The Hall of Blades, where warriors trained in the art of combat.
The Library of Eternity, the archive where centuries of knowledge are stored and the biggest library on the continent.
And there was the Observatory, one of the structures perched on the highest point of the campus.
No one knows what is being done in there or who has permission to enter but every night, it is said that one could hear screams from within.
I'll have to check those out later, he thought, his curiosity piqued. Especially the Library. If half the stories about it are true, it's worth getting lost in.
He continued his exploration, passing groups of students engaged in various activities.
Some, the older students, practiced their spells in the open courtyards, showing their friends tricks they'd picked up during the break.
Others sparred with wooden weapons with others cheering goodnaturedly.
Everywhere he looked, there was a sense of purpose, a drive to excel.
Would he really thrive in a place like this? All he wanted was to live a carefree life and not have to compete with others.
Then, a memory surfaced in his mind. A memory of the original Kai. A memory of his father.
High Lord Velroth.
Kai winced.
If he truly wanted a nice life and to inherit his family's wealth, he had to graduate from Mythreach.
If he didn't he had no future. His father would kill him with his own blade!
Kai stopped near a fountain in one of the academy's many gardens. The water sparkled in the sunlight, its surface rippling with faint traces of magic.
Students lounged nearby, laughing cheerfully as they had their picnics.
It was a different atmosphere from the previous courtyards.
He sighed in relief.
My people!
This was the perfect place for him.
A place that assured him that even in a place as demanding as Mythreach, moments of peace and camaraderie could be found.
It's no wonder people fight so hard to stay here, he thought, leaning against the edge of the fountain. This place has everything you could ever want.
But he had to admit that for some, the school was hell.
His thoughts turned to the usual power dynamics in the academy.
The school was an almost exact copy of the kingdom's political landscape.
Those whose families were allied outside were also allied within its walls and the nobles took care not to rub shoulders with the commoners.
That didn't mean the commoners were treated unkindly though. Nobles just had different priorities than the commoners.
And then there are people like Bram, he thought, his jaw tightening.
He chuckled at the memory of handing the ass of the arrogant little shit to him.
It had felt good.
Bram Lawless was one of the nobles that rather liked abusing the privileges that come with power.
To some, he was a role model. And to others, he was scum. Rightfully so.
Kai shook his head, pushing the thought aside.
He wasn't here to dwell on petty rivalries. He was here to make the most of this opportunity and live a full life.
With a sigh, he decided to keep walking, his curiosity leading him toward a section of the academy he hadn't explored yet.
The architecture changed subtly as he moved, the halls becoming narrower and more elaborate.
He passed a series of closed doors, each marked with a different crest. They were likely private study rooms or offices for the professors.
As he turned a corner, a breeze carried the faint sound of voices. One of them was deep and familiar, laced with unmistakable arrogance.
Bram Lawless.
"Did you think I wouldn't find you?"