This is where our story begins,at the gates of this prestigious institution, where the most talented young mages of the continent gathered in hopes of mastering their craft. Among them was Eryon Valcrest, a boy whose sole ambition was to get through these three years of training without attracting any attention. Unfortunately for him, fate had other plans.
The massive doors of the Academy slowly swung open, revealing an immense paved courtyard teeming with hundreds of students from all walks of life. Eryon moved among them, his shoulder-length black hair framing a face that perpetually bore a weary, indifferent expression. His dark-ringed eyes betrayed a chronic lack of sleep, the inevitable result of nights spent reading under the dim glow of the moon.
"So this is where I'll have to survive for three years…" he sighed inwardly.
Astra Nova Academy was an architectural marvel, a city unto itself. Towering spires reached toward the heavens, adorned with shimmering magical inscriptions. A majestic dragon,the institution's emblem,soared in the sky, watching over the grounds with an almost divine vigilance. Yet, despite the grandeur surrounding him, Eryon remained unimpressed. He hadn't come here to dream of glory or recognition; he was here to graduate and disappear, far from all this commotion.
The new students were guided into the grand reception hall, where the Academy's directors and professors awaited them. At the center of the main stage stood a commanding figure with long silver hair, his mere presence enough to impose silence upon the crowd. He was Eldran Valtherion, the only known Archmage of the Illméria Kingdom and the current headmaster of the Academy.
With a powerful voice, he addressed the assembly:
"Welcome, future mages of Astra Nova. You have been chosen from among thousands of candidates to join this Academy,not only for your magical potential but also for your intellect and determination. Here, you will learn to harness the elements, forge alliances, and understand the laws that govern our world. However, know this,only the most deserving will reach the end of this journey."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Some students looked eager to take on the challenge, while others already felt the weight of expectations. Eryon, however, remained indifferent. He had no interest in playing the hero.
"Each student will be assigned to one of four classes based on their entrance exam results. These classes will determine your schedule, your peers, and, to some extent, your future. Let the sorting ceremony begin!"
Eryon watched idly as the other students stepped forward, one by one, placing their hands on the crystal orb that determined their class placement. Names were called out, followed by reactions of excitement or disappointment.
"Lysandra Helios, Class A."
"Jael Stormheart, Class A."
"Alan Durnheim, Class B."
Finally, it was his turn. He stepped forward and placed his hand on the orb. A swirling, dark aura rose from it, sending chills through the audience. Then, a voice echoed through the hall:
"Eryon Valcrest, Class S."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Eryon frowned slightly. Class S? That meant he had been placed among the elite students,the most talented and promising of the Academy. Exactly what he had wanted to avoid.
As he made his way toward his assigned class, he could feel numerous eyes on him. Curiosity, jealousy, suspicion… He hadn't even started his courses yet, and he was already in the spotlight. A quiet sigh escaped him.
"Three years… Three years of keeping my head down… This is off to a bad start."
What he didn't know was that this was only the beginning of his troubles. And somewhere, hidden in the shadows, a small creature watched the scene unfold, its golden eyes glimmering with an eerie light.
The mysterious being remained concealed, observing Eryon with far more vigilance than it should have had. For it alone knew that Astra Nova Academy was no mere place of learning. It was also an invisible battlefield where forces of darkness and light waged a deadly war,one in which Eryon had just become a key piece… even if he had no idea yet.