The academy stretched before Cain like a living city of stone and light. Towers spiraled into the sky, courtyards gleamed in the morning sun, and intricate symbols shimmered faintly on the walls. Students hurried through the halls, robes brushing polished floors, voices echoing with laughter, whispers, and awe.
Cain followed his escort silently, taking in everything with careful eyes. He had expected to feel nervous — perhaps overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces and the sheer grandeur of the place — yet a strange calm settled over him. This world was vast, intricate, and far more prosperous than his village, but his curiosity outweighed his fear. He wanted to understand it — to see how energy moved, how people controlled it. He had once seen the old man use magic, and it was simply out of this world; to command nature itself was unnatural, almost divine.
As Cain approached the academy's grand courtyard, he noticed two students standing by the gate — a tall, confident boy with chestnut hair and a sharp gaze, and beside him, a girl whose eyes seemed to catch the morning light like polished amber.
The boy smirked when he saw Cain. "You new here too?"
Cain gave a slight nod. "Seems so."
"Name's Rian," the boy said, folding his arms with an easy grin. "You don't look like you're from around here."
"I'm not," Cain replied simply.
The girl looked at him with mouth agape and blush, Rian who saw this nudge her shoulder which drew her from her strance, on sorry. "I'm Lyra. Don't mind me, she said looking embarrassed.
Rian groaned. "Argh Someone here to steal my limelight, he mused silently.
Cain's lips curved faintly — the smallest hint of amusement.
Lyra looked up in daze so did Rian who saw this scene. "Alright, fine, i give up," he admitted. "You've got a point. He really is very handsome so breathtaking— but don't think I'll lose to you in the test."
Cain tilted his head. "Who said it's a competition?"
"Everything's a competition," Rian said with a grin.
Before Cain could reply, the academy bells rang — sharp, clear, echoing through the halls. The new students were being summoned.
... .....
In the vast marble hall, five elders stood at the front. Their presence alone was enough to silence even the loudest whisper. Their gazes were sharp, their energy immense, each one radiating authority.
One of them stepped forward.
"My name is Elder Frey," he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly across the room. "I will be testing your aptitude to see who possesses true talent — and to determine which rank and sect you belong to."
Nervous murmurs rippled through the rows of students. Some trembled. Others stood arrogantly straight, convinced of their own brilliance. Cain remained still, patient, observant.
Each student was instructed to place a hand upon a glowing crystal core set upon a pedestal — the academy's ancient device for measuring innate energy.
The first to step forward was a scholarly-looking boy, short but determined. He placed his trembling hand on the crystal. It flickered weakly, shining a dull, colorless light.
Elder Frey nodded. "Average. Step to the left."
One by one, more students came forward. Some bright, some dim, but none exceptional. Until—
A boy with striking features and calm eyes stepped up — Rian.
He placed his hand on the crystal. Instantly, the light flared, bright and steady, illuminating the hall. Gasps filled the room.
"High talent," Elder Frey declared with a rare hint of approval.
Rian smiled faintly, giving Lyra a smug glance as he stepped aside.
Moments later, Lyra herself was called. When her hand touched the crystal, it shone just as brightly, its radiance pure and calm like flowing water. The elders exchanged intrigued looks.
Then came Cain's turn.