A new day had come.
Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the dorm room. Velren stood before the bathroom mirror, adjusting the collar of his uniform. The academy's standard attire consisted of a crisp black jacket with silver embroidery tracing the edges, a neatly pressed white shirt, and a matching black tie. The jacket bore an insignia on the left side of the chest—a symbol of the academy's prestige.
Resting at his waist was his katana, secured in a dark sheath, his reliable partner. The weapon's presence added an air of quiet authority to his otherwise polished appearance.
But even with the polished look of the uniform, his hair remained stubbornly tousled. Not that he cared about it that much in the first place. With a sigh, Velren focused on his tie, loosening it slightly, enough to avoid feeling choked yet still keeping it somewhat presentable.
"Right then…"
***
The academy itself was massive. Spanning a vast area, it was divided into several key districts, each serving a different function.
First: there was the The Dormitory Area, where students resided, it was composed of multiple large, castle-like buildings arranged in a semi-circle around a central courtyard.
Second: is The Main Academy Grounds that held lecture halls, libraries, and research buildings, forming the academic heart of the institution.
Third: was The Alchemy and Enchantment Wing, where students practiced potion-making and rune crafting, it was a secluded cluster of buildings near the back of the academy.
And lastly: The Administrative Hall, a towering structure at the academy's core, housed faculty offices and served as the governing center of the institution.
The sheer scale of the academy was no surprise. Situated in the very heart of the kingdom, it made up nearly one-fifth of the entire capital's territory. This wasn't just a prestigious school—it was an institution of power, producing individuals who would one day shape the kingdom's future.
Velren now sat among dozens of first-year students in the academy's Grand Hall. The room was monumental—with high-arching ceilings adorned with golden chandeliers that flickered with an ethereal glow. Rows upon rows of seats stretched out before a grand stage, where faculty members were already positioned in regal chairs.
Some students whispered among themselves, excitement was evident in their voices. Others sat stiffly with their gazes locked forward in tense silence. A sense of significance filled the air—this was the beginning of something far greater than any of them had experienced before.
Velren leaned back slightly in his seat, crossing his arms as he took in the sight before him.
The entrance ceremony was about to begin.
***
A figure stepped onto the stage, making her way toward the podium at its center. Velren, along with many others, straightened slightly in curiosity. Was this a teacher? No—her youthful features suggested otherwise. If anything, she looked to be around the same age as him.
She had long, silver hair that cascaded past her shoulders, shimmering slightly under the light. Her face was striking—high cheekbones, delicate features, and sharp, ice-blue eyes that held an air of quiet authority. There was a certain ethereal beauty to her, almost otherworldly in nature.
But what stood out the most was her uniform. Unlike the standard black attire worn by the rest of the student body, hers was pristine white, embroidered with delicate gold patterns along the edges.
Yet, that wasn't all.
Velren's gaze sharpened as he caught sight of her ears—pointed and sharp.
'An... elf?'
Elves were a race shrouded in mystique, tracing their lineage back to ancient times. They were known for their exceptional longevity, some living for centuries while retaining their youthful appearances. Their affinity for magic was unparalleled, along with their natural attunement that makes them formidable spellcasters. Yet, what intrigued Velren the most was their Ka—the essence of life that existed in all living beings.
Unlike humans, whose Ka was fluid and ever-changing, elves possessed an inherently stable and refined Ka, almost crystalline in nature. This stability granted them a stronger connection to the world's natural forces, allowing them to harness magic with an ease most humans could only dream of. Some scholars even believed that an elf's Ka held remnants of their ancestors' wisdom, passed down through generations.
Velren had read about them before, but seeing one in person—especially in a place like this—was something else entirely.
The hall fell silent as the elf cleared her throat, carrying her voice in a natural grace yet firm in its authority.
"Welcome, first-years, to Elyndra Grand Academy," she began sweeping her eyes over the gathered students.
"My name is Amara Auvrelis, a second-year student and the current president of the Student Council. It is my honor to stand before you today."
A murmur passed through the hall at the revelation. The Student Council president—so that explained her distinct uniform. Even in an academy as prestigious as this, such a position was not given lightly.
Amara continued:
"You have all been chosen to be here, not just for your potential, but for the role you will one day play in shaping the future. This academy is more than a place of learning—it is where legends are forged, where bonds are tested, and where you will grow into the people you are meant to become. The path ahead will not be easy, but neither is the path of greatness. Remember that."
She let her words settle, steadying her gaze as she observed the sea of students before her.
"But before we move forward, allow me to introduce the one who has guided this academy for decades, ensuring that it remains the pillar of excellence it is today. Our esteemed Headmaster, Lord Aldric Valthorne."
At her words, a distinguished figure began to rise from one of the regal chairs on the stage, stepping forward to address the gathered students.
A man clad in deep navy robes, adorned with silver and gold embroidery, approached the podium. His presence alone commanded respect, an aura of quiet authority surrounding him. His hair was streaked with silver, though it was unclear whether it was due to age or natural coloring. A neatly trimmed beard framed his sharp jawline, lending him a regal yet approachable look.
But what most caught Velren's attention—perhaps even the attention of every student present—was his eyes. Or rather, the fact that they were covered.
A long strip of white cloth was wrapped around the Grandmaster's eyes, concealing them entirely. And yet, despite being blindfolded, his movements were fluid. Not once did he falter as he stood before the crowd, as if sight was something he had long outgrown the need for.
A pause lingered as murmurs swept through the hall.
Then, with a small smile, the Headmaster broke the silence.
"I can already tell some of you are wondering how a blind man manages to run an academy of this size," he said with a hint of amusement.
"The answer is simple—I never miss a thing. Not even the looks you're giving me right now."
A ripple of laughter spread through the hall, easing the tension slightly.
"Jokes aside," he continued, shifting his tone.
"You stand here today not just as students, but as future leaders, warriors, scholars, and pioneers. Elyndra Grand Academy does not take in the mediocre. Each of you was chosen because you possess something that sets you apart. Potential, skill, determination—perhaps even all three. But let me be clear, the true test begins now."
He allowed the weight of his words to settle before proceeding.
"This academy will push you to your limits. It will demand your best, and sometimes even more. But for those who rise to the challenge, the rewards will be immeasurable. Friendships that will last a lifetime. Strength beyond what you thought possible. And knowledge—true knowledge—that will shape your path forward."
The hall was silent, as every student was hanging onto his words.
Then, with a small nod, Aldric Valthorne concluded:
"Now, before we end this ceremony, there is one more thing. As tradition dictates, the entrance ceremony will be closed by a representative among you first years. Some of you may already know this person as well."
Velren blinked. A first-year representative? He had no idea who would be called.
The Grandmaster gave a knowing smile.
"Allow me to welcome Solanne Valtheris."