Location: Aetherion Royal Academy of Arcana – Inner Spire Tower
A tower that pierced the heavens…A structure so ancient, even time itself bowed before it—so radiant, even the stars seemed envious of its light.
Magic flowed through its walls like unseen veins, glowing softly beneath the surface.The air within was heavier than normal—each breath carried the weight of knowledge itself.
This was Aetherion, the Academy of Arcana.The most sacred, most prestigious—and most perilous—sanctuary of magical learning in the entire kingdom.
At the uppermost level, in a vast circular chamber, a figure walked slowly.
His long, silver-embroidered robes trailed behind him.A beard reached down to his chest.Upon his shoulders rested a mantle stitched with glowing sapphire runes.
Arctheos Mael'drin.Headmaster of the Academy.One of the oldest living sorcerers in existence.
He stepped toward the grand arched windows at the center of the hall.Below, the training grounds came into view—etched with ancient runes, alive with quiet energy.
A faint smile formed on his lips.
"I await this year's students with great anticipation," he murmured."New talents… new brilliance. But what matters most is this:The universe is still full of secrets.And perhaps this year, one of those secrets… shall walk through my classroom door."
He turned toward the woman standing behind him.
Her black hair was tightly bound, and her icy blue eyes shimmered with focus.
"Begin preparations, Veyrha."
"The examination date, Headmaster?" she asked.
"One week from now. Send word across the entire kingdom.From the poorest village to the highest citadel…Those with potential shall come.But only the worthy… will remain."
Veyrha bowed.
"As you command."
Meanwhile – Sublevels of the Academy Library
Countless books, scrolls, and endless knowledge filled the dark corridors.
In the deepest shadows sat a lone figure.A mage cloaked in silence, his face hidden beneath a dark hood.
In his hands, he held a weathered tome—its leather cracked with age.On the inner cover, a single word gleamed faintly, written in an ancient tongue:
"The Core."
His eyes scanned the pages carefully.And then he whispered,
"If the legends are true…that boy will apply to the Academy this year."
He closed the book.
And vanished.