READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 33: The Trial of Entry
The gates of the Royal Academy of Aetherial Arts loomed ahead, their ornate carvings depicting centuries of history and triumph. Rui sat upright in the carriage as it rolled to a stop, his silver eyes scanning the massive gathering in the courtyard beyond. The academy, a sprawling masterpiece of spires and domes, exuded an air of reverence, its very presence demanding awe.
His heart quickened, but not from fear. His journey to the Academy had been filled with uncertainty, but now, as he stepped out of the carriage, he was faced with the stark reality of the competition that lay ahead. The courtyard was alive with noble children, their finely embroidered robes glinting under the sunlight. Their gazes, however, weren't filled with awe—they were sharp, assessing, as if every glance was a calculation.
Rui's attention shifted as a small cluster of figures caught his eye. Among them were two individuals who stood out immediately, not because of their attire, but because of the unmistakable air of power they carried.
One was a boy who looked no older than fourteen, his height and commanding presence making him appear older. His crimson robes were simple yet radiated authority, and his eyes, a striking shade of amber, carried a weight that seemed to pierce through everyone around him. He held himself with a calm confidence, but the faint flicker of energy around him suggested immense potential—raw and untamed, yet clearly controlled.
The second was a girl, her stance relaxed but her presence impossible to ignore. Her jet-black hair fell in a cascade down her back, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to flicker with a faint glow, as if they held secrets she had no intention of sharing. Unlike the boy, she was quiet, her power subtle and restrained, but every step she took exuded precision, like a blade hidden in plain sight.
Their mere presence overshadowed many of the other children, including Rui's rivals from the awakening ceremony. Even Amara and Leoray, who had commanded attention before, now seemed almost ordinary in comparison to these two.
As Rui's gaze lingered, he heard whispers around him.
"That's Caelum Draven, from the House of Embers. They say his family has produced more battle-mages than any other."
"And the girl? She's from the House of Lynthar—known for assassins and shadow mages."
Rui's silver eyes narrowed. These were not ordinary children. These were the kinds of opponents who could challenge him in ways he hadn't anticipated.
The sound of the massive gates creaking open drew everyone's attention. A herald stepped forward, his booming voice silencing the crowd. "Welcome to the Royal Academy of Aetherial Arts. You stand before the greatest institution on the continent—a place where legends are forged. But to enter, you must first prove yourselves worthy."
A murmur spread through the gathered children. Rui heard snatches of their conversations.
"Prove ourselves? We're already nobles!"
"The trials are just a formality… aren't they?"
The herald raised a hand, quieting the whispers. "The trials you face today are designed to test your core, your mind, and your ability to adapt under pressure. Nobility may have brought you here, but it will not carry you further. Only skill, determination, and talent will grant you entry."
Rui straightened, his curiosity piqued. The trials were not just a gateway—they were a crucible.
The heavy iron gates of the Royal Academy groaned open, revealing a sprawling courtyard that led to the imposing Hall of Resonance. Rui followed the steady flow of candidates, their finely crafted robes trailing over the polished stone walkway. Though his expression remained calm, his silver eyes flitted over the crowd, taking in every detail—the subtle postures of confidence, the murmurs of apprehension, and the faint flashes of mana that flickered unintentionally as some candidates struggled to control their nerves.
The crowd was herded into the Hall of Resonance, an awe-inspiring chamber filled with towering columns etched with glowing runes. The centerpiece was the Resonance Pillar, a crystalline obelisk that hummed faintly, the sound resonating deep within Rui's chest. Its surface shimmered with shifting patterns of light, reflecting the immense power it contained.
A stern-looking instructor in deep navy robes stepped forward, his voice amplified by a minor spell. "Welcome to the first trial of the Royal Academy. Here, the truth of your core will be laid bare for all to see. There are no second chances. Those who cannot meet the Academy's standard will be eliminated immediately."
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, the tension palpable. Rui glanced at his surroundings and caught glimpses of the candidates he had noticed earlier. Caelum Draven stood near the front, his arms crossed as he watched the Resonance Pillar with a faint smirk, as if daring it to challenge him. The girl from House Lynthar remained further back, her piercing blue eyes observing everything with a detached coolness.
The instructor raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "This test will determine the grade of your core. Those with Amber or lower will be dismissed. Step forward when your name is called. Place your hand upon the Resonance Pillar, and it will reveal your essence."