READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 39: Settling In
The Royal Academy of Aetherial Arts bustled with life as the new students began their first day in earnest. The sprawling campus, with its maze-like paths and towering spires, was a testament to the grandeur of magic and the ambitions of those who sought to master it. Rui moved through the stone-paved corridors with quiet purpose, taking in the grandeur of the Academy's architecture—the intricately carved pillars, the glowing runes embedded in the walls, and the occasional flicker of magical energy that danced through the air.
The morning had been a blur of orientation activities. Guides, upper-year students clad in distinct robes signifying their ranking and fields of study, led groups of first-years through the various wings of the Academy. Rui's group was assigned to a confident and sharp-tongued guide named Talia, who seemed to relish the mix of awe and confusion on their faces.
"This," Talia said, stopping in front of a massive building adorned with crystalline windows, "is the Arcane Hall, where you'll learn the basics of mana manipulation and core control. It's also where most of you will spend your first year trying to figure out how not to blow yourselves up."
A ripple of nervous laughter passed through the group. Rui simply nodded, his silver eyes scanning the structure.
"Over there," Talia continued, pointing toward a gleaming dome in the distance, "is the Combat Arena. It's where you'll practice dueling techniques, both magical and physical. And yes, you'll get bruises. No, we don't heal every little scrape."
As the group moved along, Rui's attention was drawn to a smaller building off to the side, its entrance guarded by glowing runes that pulsed softly. He felt a faint tug in his chest, as though the building itself was calling to him.
Talia caught his lingering gaze. "That's the Hall of Resonance," she said. "Only accessible to second-years and above. It's used for advanced core refinement and elemental affinity training. You're not allowed in there—yet."
The emphasis on "yet" struck a chord with Rui. His curiosity grew, but he didn't linger on it. The path ahead demanded his focus.
By midday, the students were directed to their dormitories. Rui's assigned quarters were in the North Wing, an elegant building surrounded by a grove of luminous trees that seemed to glow faintly even in daylight. The interior of the dormitory was no less impressive, with arched ceilings, polished stone floors, and common areas filled with plush seating and enchanted fireplaces.
Each student was given their own room—a compact yet comfortable space equipped with a desk, a wardrobe, and a bed draped in fine linens. A large window overlooked the grove, offering a serene view that Rui found oddly calming.
As he unpacked his belongings, Rui's thoughts drifted to the trials and the faces he had seen in the courtyard. The Academy was not just a place of learning—it was a crucible of competition. Every interaction, every glance, seemed to carry unspoken challenges.
Later that afternoon, the first-year students gathered in the central courtyard for an introductory speech by the Headmistress. The sun cast long shadows across the stone tiles as the students formed neat rows, their murmurs silenced by the arrival of a figure clad in deep blue robes adorned with intricate silver embroidery.
Headmistress Araleth exuded authority. Her presence was commanding, her sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd with an intensity that left no room for doubt. When she spoke, her voice carried effortlessly, resonating with an almost magical clarity.
"Welcome to the Royal Academy," she began, her tone firm but not unkind. "You stand here today not as nobles or commoners, not as heirs or aspirants, but as students. The privileges of your past do not extend beyond these gates. Here, you will be judged solely by your merit and dedication."
Her words hung in the air, their weight undeniable. Rui stood straight, absorbing every syllable.
"This Academy has a proud tradition of excellence," Araleth continued. "But excellence is not inherited—it is earned. You will face challenges that test not only your strength but your character. Many of you will struggle. Some of you will falter. And for those who cannot rise to meet these challenges, the gates of this Academy will not remain open."
A ripple of unease moved through the crowd.
"But for those who endure," Araleth said, her voice softening just slightly, "the rewards are beyond measure. Knowledge, strength, prestige—they are yours to claim, if you are willing to work for them."
She paused, letting her words sink in. "Now, begin. Explore the campus. Meet your peers. And remember: your journey here has only just begun."
With that, she turned and strode away, her robes billowing behind her. The courtyard buzzed with renewed energy as students broke into groups, some chatting excitedly, others wandering off to explore the Academy.