The dream slipped away like mist beneath the morning sun.
Kael sat upright in bed, staring blankly at the cracked ceiling of the F-Class dormitory. He could remember pieces of it—darkness, distant voices, an overwhelming feeling that refused to leave—but every time he tried to focus on the details, they dissolved from his mind.
"...Just a dream."
He exhaled quietly and climbed out of bed.
Outside his window, the academy was already alive.
Students crossed the stone courtyards in groups, their conversations echoing through the crisp morning air. Unlike the tense atmosphere during the assessments, laughter had returned to the campus.
The first assessment was over.
Kael grabbed his academy jacket before making his way toward the central courtyard.
---
Nearly every first-year student had gathered around the academy fountain by the time he arrived.
Instructors stood at the front while conversations buzzed throughout the crowd.
"I definitely made C-Class."
"No chance. You couldn't even hit the target."
"I heard rankings are posted after the break."
Kael remained near the back, silently observing.
A middle-aged instructor stepped forward.
"The First-Year Assessment has officially concluded."
The courtyard gradually fell silent.
"You are dismissed for the weekend. Regular classes will resume Monday morning."
A wave of excitement swept through the students.
Several immediately began discussing trips into the city below the academy.
Others planned to spend the weekend training.
The instructor raised a hand for silence once more.
"Assessment results will determine future resource allocation. Updated rankings, training assignments, and facility permissions will be announced upon your return."
Kael's attention sharpened.
Resource allocation?
The announcement ended moments later, and students quickly dispersed throughout the academy.
"What're you standing around for?"
Kael turned.
Dren approached with his usual relaxed expression.
"You look like you're solving a puzzle."
"I heard something interesting."
"The resources?"
Kael nodded.
"What does that actually mean?"
Dren blinked.
"...You really don't know?"
"I've never cared enough to ask."
A small laugh escaped Dren.
"Come on."
The two began walking through the academy together.
---
As they crossed the academy grounds, Dren casually pointed toward several buildings.
"See those?"
Kael followed his gaze.
A massive training complex stood atop the eastern hill, surrounded by polished stone walls and shimmering defensive barriers.
"C-Class and above."
Farther ahead stood another building with silver doors engraved with intricate mana formations.
"Private cultivation chambers."
Another path led toward a spacious combat arena occupied by students wielding equipment Kael had never seen before.
"A-Class."
Kael remained silent.
He had walked these paths countless times.
Yet he'd never truly looked.
"The academy divides resources by class," Dren explained. "Higher classes receive better instructors, better equipment, larger budgets, stronger training partners..."
"And F-Class?"
Dren shrugged.
"We get the basics."
Kael glanced back toward the worn F-Class dormitories.
Cracked stone.
Weathered roofs.
Old practice dummies repaired more times than replaced.
Then he looked toward the upper academy.
Everything there appeared newer.
Cleaner.
Stronger.
The difference wasn't accidental.
It had been designed that way.
"The academy says everyone gets an equal opportunity," Dren continued.
"They don't?"
"They give everyone the same entrance exam."
He paused.
"What happens afterward is a different story."
Those words lingered in Kael's mind.
---
By midday, the academy had grown noticeably quieter.
Most students had already left for the weekend.
Some returned to noble estates.
Others visited nearby towns or reunited with family.
Kael had nowhere to go.
His parents were gone.
His home no longer existed.
The academy was the only place left that resembled one.
Without thinking much about it, he found himself standing before the academy library.
The tall wooden doors creaked softly as he stepped inside.
Rows upon rows of books stretched farther than he could see.
Unlike the bustling courtyard outside, the library remained almost completely silent.
Perfect.
Kael wandered through the shelves until he reached the theory section.
Mana Theory.
Combat Principles.
History of Paths.
Arcane Biology.
He selected several books before settling at a quiet table near the back.
Hours passed unnoticed.
He wasn't searching for anything specific.
He simply read.
Every page answered one question while creating another.
Occasionally he copied notes into a small notebook resting beside him.
Knowledge had always been the only thing nobody could take from him.
---
After returning one book to its shelf, Kael noticed something strange.
The shelves suddenly ended.
Beyond them stood a corridor blocked by a translucent silver barrier.
A polished plaque rested beside it.
Restricted Archive
Authorized Personnel and Approved Students Only
Kael studied it quietly.
So there were books ordinary students weren't allowed to read.
"Interesting, isn't it?"
The sudden voice broke the silence.
Kael turned.
Tovin sat nearby with a thick book resting across his lap.
"I didn't notice you."
"Most people don't."
His eyes drifted toward the barrier.
"First time seeing it?"
Kael nodded.
"What's inside?"
Tovin smiled faintly.
"The books they don't trust everyone to read."
"Why?"
"Because knowledge can be more dangerous than magic."
Kael looked back toward the silver barrier.
The academy claimed to teach future Mages and Swordsmen.
Yet even knowledge itself had restrictions.
Tovin closed his book.
"The academy gives everyone an education."
He stood.
"It just doesn't give everyone the same one."
Without another word, he walked away.
Kael remained where he was.
His eyes rested on the restricted archive a moment longer before quietly returning his attention to the books in his hands.
Knowledge wasn't free here.
It was another privilege.
Another reward.
Another thing someone else decided you deserved.
As night settled over the academy, Kael stepped outside the library carrying a small stack of borrowed books beneath one arm.
He looked toward the academy's towering central spire standing high above the campus.
For the first time since arriving at the academy...
He realized that becoming stronger wasn't simply about talent.
It was also about access.
And access was controlled by those already in power.