The Grand Hall of the Sky Walk Academy was filled with hundreds of new students, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Towering columns lined the sides of the vast room, and banners of the Empire of Mythoria hung proudly from the walls, their golden threads shimmering in the morning light. The air hummed with quiet conversation as students from all races—humans, elves, dwarves, and more—gathered for the official entrance ceremony.
At the far end of the hall stood a raised platform, where the academy's headmistress, a tall and imposing woman, prepared to address the crowd. She radiated power and authority, her sharp eyes surveying the room with an air of command.
Aetherion stood among the crowd, his disguised form blending seamlessly with the other students. Despite his internal calm, he could feel the weight of the day's significance. This was the beginning of his journey into the academy, a place where knowledge and power intertwined.
The hall fell silent as the headmistress stepped forward, her voice echoing through the chamber with practiced precision.
"Welcome, new students of the Sky Walk Academy," she began, her voice carrying the weight of leadership. "You stand here today because you have proven yourselves worthy. You have passed the entrance exams—tests that measure not only your skill in combat, magic, and strategy, but your potential to shape the future of this empire."
The headmistress's speech continued, her words inspiring the new students and reminding them of the responsibility that came with attending the academy. But as the ceremony progressed, her tone shifted, and she prepared to deliver an announcement that would stir the room.
"This year," the headmistress said, her sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd, "we had a number of outstanding performances during the entrance exams. But one student achieved the highest scores in all three categories—combat, magic, and strategy."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. It was rare for a single student to excel in all three areas, and the idea of someone achieving top marks in every category drew the attention of everyone in the room.
The headmistress smiled faintly, clearly relishing the suspense she had created. "This student will now come forward and give a speech. Aetherion, step forward."
Aetherion's heart remained steady as he walked through the crowd, making his way to the front of the hall. He could feel the eyes of every student and instructor on him, their curiosity and, in some cases, envy burning in their gazes.
As he stepped onto the platform, the whispers grew louder, and the weight of his top-ranking position settled over the room like a storm cloud.
Before Aetherion could speak, a loud voice rang out from the back of the hall, cutting through the murmurs. "This is outrageous!"
All eyes turned to the source of the voice, where a tall, regal elven prince stood, his expression a mixture of anger and disbelief. His golden hair and sharp features marked him as a member of the elven royal family, and the fine robes he wore indicated his high status.
The prince stepped forward, his eyes locked on Aetherion with a fierce intensity. "I was certain I had achieved the highest score in combat! How can this… human… surpass me?"
The tension in the room spiked as the other students exchanged glances. Aetherion remained calm, though he could feel the elven prince's hostility like a blade aimed at his back.
The headmistress raised an eyebrow, clearly unamused by the interruption but willing to address the situation. "Prince Eldrin," she said, her voice cool and authoritative, "the results of the entrance exams are final. Aetherion scored the highest in all three categories—combat, magic, and strategy."
Eldrin clenched his fists, his pride clearly wounded. "I demand a challenge! I refuse to believe that he is superior in all areas. Let him prove it, here and now!"
The hall buzzed with excitement as students whispered among themselves, eager to see how the situation would unfold. Aetherion remained composed, but inwardly he was already calculating his next move. A challenge, while risky, could serve as an opportunity to cement his status without drawing too much attention.
The headmistress, sensing the growing tension in the room, made a swift decision. "Very well," she said, her voice commanding silence once more. "If anyone wishes to challenge the results of the entrance exams, you may do so. But know this—if you challenge the results, you will have to face Aetherion directly in combat, magic, and strategy."
Her gaze swept over the room, her sharp eyes daring anyone to step forward. "This year, we will make an exception. If you believe you can surpass him, then prove it. Step forward if you wish to challenge the top student."
A few moments passed in silence before Prince Eldrin stepped forward again, his expression filled with determination. "I will challenge him. In combat."
The headmistress nodded, her eyes still scanning the room. "And anyone else?"
Two more students stepped forward, each with a different challenge. One, a human boy with dark hair and a focused gaze, chose to challenge Aetherion in magic. The other, a dwarf with an air of confidence, declared a challenge in strategy.
Aetherion stood on the platform, his gaze steady as he faced his challengers. Prince Eldrin's eyes burned with fury, while the other two challengers remained composed, though no less determined.
The headmistress looked to Aetherion, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Aetherion, you have been challenged in combat, magic, and strategy. Do you accept?"
Aetherion met her gaze with unwavering calm. "I accept."
The hall erupted in whispers and excited murmurs as the students realized what was about to happen. This wasn't just an entrance ceremony anymore—this was a battle for the top position in the academy.
The headmistress raised her hand, calling for silence once more. "Very well. The challenges will begin immediately. First, the combat challenge."
The students and instructors moved quickly, preparing the combat arena for the first challenge. The walls of the arena were reinforced with magical wards, ensuring that no harm would come to the spectators. Aetherion stepped into the center of the arena, his heart steady as he prepared to face Prince Eldrin.
Eldrin, still fuming with indignation, drew his blade—a finely crafted elven sword that glimmered with enchanted runes. He moved with the fluid grace of a seasoned warrior, and his eyes were fixed on Aetherion with a mixture of anger and pride.
The headmistress, now seated at the edge of the arena with the other instructors, gave the signal to begin.
Eldrin wasted no time. He charged forward, his blade cutting through the air with deadly precision. His movements were fast,
almost too fast for the eye to follow, but Aetherion remained calm. He had faced faster opponents before.
With a quick sidestep, Aetherion dodged Eldrin's strike and countered with a swift movement of his own, using his blade to deflect Eldrin's follow-up attack.
The crowd watched in awe as the two warriors clashed in a dazzling display of skill and strategy.
As the battle continued, it became clear that Aetherion wasn't just reacting to Eldrin's attacks—he was outmaneuvering him. Every time Eldrin tried to gain the upper hand, Aetherion was already one step ahead, his movements calculated and precise.
Eldrin's frustration grew with each passing moment, his attacks becoming more reckless as he tried to break through Aetherion's defenses.
But Aetherion remained calm, his mind sharp as he analyzed Eldrin's movements. He could see the patterns in the elven prince's attacks, and he knew exactly how to exploit them.
In a sudden burst of speed, Aetherion disarmed Eldrin, sending the prince's sword flying across the arena. Eldrin stumbled, his pride shattered, as he stared at Aetherion in disbelief.
The arena fell silent, and the headmistress rose from her seat, her expression unreadable. "The combat challenge is over. Aetherion is the victor."
Aetherion stood tall, his heart still steady as he awaited the next challenge. He knew this was only the beginning.