A year had passed.
Lucian stood before the towering gates of Aetherreach Academy, the most prestigious Sigil School in the country, nestled deep within the radiant capital city of Vaelaris. The city buzzed with energy—its marble towers gleaming beneath the midday sun, airships gliding over domed roofs, and banners bearing the emblems of ancient Constellation Gods fluttering in the breeze.
The journey here had been long, but Lucian's resolve was firm. His father had trained him in wind magic daily, guiding him with patience and pride. Though Lucian's control was still rough at times, he had learned how to hover, redirect gusts, and soften landings with startling precision.
Yet standing at the academy's gates, surrounded by hundreds of other hopefuls, Lucian felt small again.
Boys and girls from all over the realm gathered here—some dressed in noble silks, others in combat gear forged from their own kingdom's style. Many had already displayed their Sigils openly—flames dancing on their fingers, water curling at their heels, blades of stone jutting from their palms.
Lucian kept his wings hidden beneath a cloak.
The academy itself was massive. Pillars of white stone lined the campus, and a crystal obelisk floated above the main courtyard—pulsing with magic that resonated with the six Constellations. Guards in silver armor stood watch. Among them, a few instructors in flowing robes oversaw the crowd of new applicants.
A voice boomed across the courtyard.
"Welcome to the entrance examination of Aetherreach Academy. Today, you will be tested on your control, power, versatility, and potential. Based on your performance, you will be placed into one of three tracks: Lower Class, Standard Class, or the elite Aether Class. The higher you place, the greater the opportunity to become a Hero of the Realm."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
The instructor continued, "There will be three stages: a basic control assessment, a trial in the Arena, and a Sigil compatibility check. You may use your natural Sigil gifts to aid you."
Lucian's heart pounded.
This was it.
He stepped forward with the others as the gates opened. Somewhere in this sea of talent, royals walked beside peasants, nobles beside orphans.
But Lucian wasn't here to compare himself to anyone.
He was here to prove that even a boy with wings on his back could fly.