The Magic Council — a non-governmental organization that has existed since the Age of Chaos until the present day.
They are the culmination of countless geniuses gathered from across the continent, individuals who possess intelligence and power far beyond the limits of ordinary people.
Since its founding, they have existed for only one purpose:
To maintain the balance of power across the entire continent.
Though they do not hold any formal ruling authority, their power is no different from a vast empire that surpasses every kingdom.
They possess rare magical crystal mines, vast arsenals of magical weapons capable of changing the tide of war, and ancient tomes containing destructive magic of unimaginable scale.
Even books and artifacts of dark and forbidden nature… are collected and sealed away by them.
In addition, there is the Magic Academy — the place that nurtures the talents of humanity.
Despite its name, the academy does not only train mages, but has also produced countless swordsmen, priests, and renowned figures across the continent — individuals remembered by history itself.
The academy is located near the center of the continent, within the royal capital of the Kingdom of Eldoria, in the city of Aurelion — a place famed for its flourishing magical development.
A week had passed since Kael and Renar left Sylveris.
The carriage finally came to a stop in front of the gates of Aurelion.
"We've arrived."
The coachman spoke.
Renar was the first to step down, his face pale as he staggered slightly.
"I swear… if we had to travel one more day, I'd probably be dead…"
He held his head, swaying as he took a few steps.
Kael wasn't in much better condition. He lightly punched his lower back, frowning.
"My back… it feels like I've turned into an old man…"
The two stood there for a moment before lifting their heads at the same time.
The sight before them left them stunned.
Everywhere… there were mages.
Just by standing still, they could already see two or three cloaked figures passing by. The deeper they went into the city, the more warriors appeared, carrying weapons engraved with magic formations.
A scene rarely seen anywhere else.
Kael took a deep breath, then turned to Renar.
"Let's go, we should find a place to stay first."
The two quickly found a modest inn near a crossroads. Not luxurious, but sufficient for rest.
"One silver coin for two nights."
The innkeeper said.
Kael nodded and paid.
After putting down their belongings, they immediately left again.
On the way to the academy, Kael took out the letter Sivall had prepared.
He read it silently as he walked:
"The headmaster is... Solmire."
That name caused a subtle change in his expression.
Solmire.
Someone he had heard of long ago, back when he was still a rookie.
A professor renowned for healing and support magic.
"I didn't expect to meet him here."
Kael muttered.
Before them, the Magic Academy gradually came into view.
A massive structure, as grand as a royal palace.
The staircase stretched long and wide, enough to make anyone feel exhausted just looking at it.
A constant flow of people moved in and out.
As Kael and Renar began climbing the steps, Renar suddenly stopped.
He looked toward the side.
Three well-dressed children were surrounding another child.
"Peasants like you actually think you deserve to set foot in a place like this?"
"You stink… that's the smell of poverty. Get him out of here."
"I don't know what the admissions office was thinking letting someone like him in."
Their mocking voices rang out one after another.
The bullied child stood there trembling, not daring to resist.
A middle-aged teacher hurried out from inside.
"What are you students doing?"
He stepped closer, his voice stern.
"This is an academy, a place for learning. Why are you behaving like this?"
One of the three children stepped forward with a smirk.
"Hey old man, do you even know who we are? I'm the son of the Crown Prince of Eldoria."
"I'm the grandson of Erin, one of the three Elders of the Council."
"My father is Elandor, the Grand Mage of Eldoria. Who do you think you are to speak to us like that?"
The teacher froze.
He said nothing more.
"And I, on the other hand, dare to interfere with the three of you."
An old, deep voice echoed.
The air seemed to freeze.
One of the children turned back, annoyed.
"What are you saying, old man? What right do you have to interfere? Just enjoy your old age—....."
His face instantly turned pale as he recognized the voice.
"With the authority of the headmaster of this academy — and the teacher of those who stand behind you."
One of them shouted:
"H-Headmaster Solmire!!!"
All three of them ran away at once.
The bullied child looked up.
His face was filled with fear, tears streaming down endlessly.
Solmire let out a sigh.
"One incident after another… I wonder if I've been too lenient to let them become this unruly."
He turned to the teacher.
"Th-thank you for helping me resolve this matter."
"Please take this child to the infirmary."
"Yes, I'll do it right away."
The teacher quickly carried the child away.
Kael stepped forward.
"Headmaster, I have something I would like to discuss with you in private."
Solmire looked at him.
"You are...?"
Kael lowered his head.
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Kael. Sivall asked me to deliver this letter to you."
He handed over the letter.
Solmire took it and skimmed through.
"So you are Sivall's friend. Then you are a valued guest of mine. I will have someone guide you to my office. I am quite curious about what matter brought you here at Sivall's request."
"It is my honor, sir."
A female staff member from the admissions desk was called over.
She guided Kael and Renar through the academy.
They passed wide corridors, training grounds, and ancient buildings.
She explained the history, achievements, and the generations of students who had once studied here.
After a while, they stopped in front of the headmaster's office.
She knocked on the door.
After informing him, she left.
The door opened.
Inside, Solmire was sitting on a sofa.
Three cups of tea rested on the table, giving off a gentle aroma.
He gestured.
"Please, have a seat."
Kael began explaining his purpose.
Kael wanted to find someone to teach Kael magic, while he himself would go to the library to search for information.
Solmire nodded.
"I already understand the general situation from the letter."
He set his teacup down.
"I will assign someone to assist you with your research in the library, and also help Renar learn magic."
Renar was startled.
Solmire looked toward the door.
"I have invited a teacher who will be responsible for training Renar."
"Come in."
The door opened.
Someone stepped inside.
An elf.
A stern face, with eyes as cold as ice.
Kael and Renar both looked at him.
The surprise was evident.
Renar swallowed quietly.
A strange sense of unease rose within him.