The massive gates of Aethros Academy stood like monuments to impossibility, their crystalline surfaces shimmering with protective enchantments that could repel dragon fire and turn aside the strongest magic. Students in pristine uniforms walked through with the casual confidence of those born to power, their ranked insignias gleaming in the morning sun.
And then there were the two idiots trying to figure out which way was up on their admission papers.
"Kai, you're holding it upside down," Westfield Lumina said with the patient tone of someone who'd had this conversation a thousand times before.
"No, I'm not!" Kai Ashworth protested, his cheerful grin never wavering as he flipped the paper three more times. "See? It clearly says we're supposed to report to the... uh..." He squinted at the text. "The Fountain of Eternal Wisdom for our F-rank orientation?"
West gently took the paper and rotated it 180 degrees. "That says 'Four-Wing East Building,' you disaster."
"Oh." Kai's laugh was bright and infectious, the kind that made people want to smile despite themselves. "Well, that makes way more sense! Though I still think a Fountain of Eternal Wisdom sounds cooler."
Several passing students overheard the exchange and snickered. *F-ranks,* their expressions said. *Figures they can't even read their own paperwork.*
West caught the looks and felt his jaw tighten slightly, but Kai just beamed at everyone like they'd told him the world's funniest joke. His friend's ability to find joy in mockery still amazed him—though West knew the truth behind that perpetual smile.
"Come on, West!" Kai bounced on his toes, dark hair catching the sunlight. "We don't want to be late for our first day as the academy's newest F-rank legends!"
"Pretty sure 'F-rank legend' is an oxymoron," West replied, but he couldn't help the slight upturn of his lips. Kai's enthusiasm was infectious, even when it was completely manufactured for their cover.
They joined the stream of students flowing through the gates, and immediately the academy's brutal hierarchy became apparent. A-rank students walked down the center of the path, their gold-trimmed uniforms pristine, other students stepping aside deferentially. B-ranks flanked them in silver trim, while C-ranks in bronze kept to the sides. D and E-ranks hugged the edges of the path like they were trying to disappear.
And F-ranks? F-ranks apparently got the grass.
"Off the path, failures," sneered a B-rank student as he shouldered past Kai. "F-ranks belong in the dirt where they can't contaminate anyone important."
Kai stumbled dramatically, arms windmilling for balance. "Whoa! Sorry, sorry! Didn't see you there, sir!" He scrambled onto the grass with exaggerated clumsiness. "Thanks for the reminder about proper F-rank etiquette!"
The B-rank looked disgusted by Kai's cheerful acceptance of the insult and moved on, muttering about "hopeless cases."
West had to concentrate to keep his expression neutral. If that student had any idea that the "clumsy F-rank failure" he'd just shoved possessed enough power to level half the academy... well, ignorance was bliss.
"You okay?" West asked quietly as they walked on the grass parallel to the main path.
"Perfectly fine!" Kai's smile never faltered, but West caught the tiny wince as his friend's hand brushed against a small cut from where he'd "fallen." Even that minor injury was automatically healing itself, West knew, but not without cost. Kai's cursed ability meant every wound he mended—even his own—came with a price of absorbed pain.
The academy building loomed ahead of them, a masterpiece of magical architecture that seemed to defy several laws of physics. Floating spires connected by bridges of solid light, walls that shifted between marble and crystal depending on the angle, and windows that showed different views from inside than outside.
"Impressive," West murmured, his strategic mind automatically cataloging defensive positions, magical focal points, and potential weak spots.
"It's like a fairy tale!" Kai exclaimed, spinning around to take it all in. His enthusiasm caused him to bump into a perfectly manicured hedge, which he apologized to profusely. "Sorry, Mr. Hedge! Didn't mean to bother you!"
More snickers from passing students. *Even the F-ranks from other schools are disasters,* someone whispered.
West felt a familiar surge of protective anger and ruthlessly suppressed it. Their cover required Kai to play the fool, and West to play the perverted slacker. It didn't matter that Kai was one of the kindest, most selfless people who'd ever lived. It didn't matter that every day, West watched his best friend carry unbearable burdens with a smile.
What mattered was keeping their secret safe.
"There it is!" Kai pointed at a modest building tucked behind the main academy structure. A small, faded sign read "Auxiliary Building - F-Rank Services."
Even the building looked ashamed of itself.
They approached the entrance where a tired-looking administrator sat behind a folding table that had definitely seen better days. Her nameplate read "Mrs. Henderson - F-Rank Coordinator" and she had the expression of someone who'd given up on life sometime around her third cup of coffee that morning.
"Names?" she asked without looking up from her paperwork.
"Kai Ashworth!" Kai announced with enough enthusiasm for a royal coronation.
"Westfield Lumina," West added in a calmer tone.
Mrs. Henderson finally looked up, took in their eager faces, and her expression somehow managed to become even more depressed. "Transfer students?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Kai nodded vigorously. "We're super excited to be here! I've heard amazing things about Aethros Academy's F-rank program!"
"Amazing things," she repeated flatly. "About the F-rank program."
"Well," Kai's grin widened, "I heard that F-ranks get to clean up after the magical creature practical exams! And organize the equipment storage! And assist with cafeteria duties!"
Mrs. Henderson stared at him like he'd announced his plan to marry a dragon. "You're... excited about janitorial work?"
"Are you kidding? It's the best way to learn! You see all the cool magic in action, meet tons of students, and really get to know the academy inside and out!" Kai bounced on his heels. "Plus, honest work builds character!"
West watched several emotions war across the administrator's face—confusion, pity, and what might have been the faintest flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, these two wouldn't be complete disasters.
She was going to be disappointed on that last count.
"Right," Mrs. Henderson said slowly. "Well, here are your uniforms, room assignments, and class schedules." She handed over two packages wrapped in brown paper. "F-rank dormitories are in the basement of the East Wing. Meals are after everyone else has eaten. Classes are... well, you'll figure it out."
"This is fantastic!" Kai clutched his package like it contained treasure. "Thank you so much, Mrs. Henderson! You're the best!"
The woman looked startled by the genuine warmth in his voice. When was the last time an F-rank had thanked her for anything?
"Don't mention it," she muttered, then caught herself being almost nice and added, "And don't cause any trouble. F-ranks who cause trouble get expelled."
"No trouble from us!" Kai saluted cheerfully. "We're just here to learn and do our best!"
As they walked away, West heard Mrs. Henderson mutter, "God help them. And God help me."
They found their dormitory after only three wrong turns and one incident where Kai got stuck in a revolving door (he claimed it was "trickier than it looked," though West suspected he'd done it on purpose to make a girl laugh). The F-rank basement was exactly as depressing as advertised—concrete walls, flickering magical lights, and the distinct aroma of despair and old socks.
"Home sweet home!" Kai announced, throwing open the door to their shared room.
The room contained two narrow beds, one tiny window at ground level that showed nothing but passing feet, and a closet barely large enough for a broom. It was, objectively, the most pathetic living space West had ever seen.
"It's perfect," Kai said with absolute sincerity, and despite everything, West found himself smiling.
"You're insane," West said fondly, setting his bag on the left bed.
"Insanely optimistic!" Kai corrected, flopping down on his mattress, which made concerning squeaking sounds. "Come on, West, this is going to be great! We get to experience academy life from the ground up—literally, since we're underground—and nobody expects anything from us!"
"The 'nobody expects anything' part is definitely useful," West agreed, thinking of all the ways their cover would let them gather information and move freely.
"Exactly! We can just be ourselves!" Kai's grin faltered for just a split second. "Well, mostly ourselves. The safe parts of ourselves."
West's expression softened. "Kai..."
"Nope!" Kai bounced back up, smile restored. "No serious talk on day one! We have uniforms to try on and an academy to explore!" He tore open his package with the enthusiasm of a child on Christmas morning.
The F-rank uniform was... well, it existed. That was about the nicest thing West could say about it. Gray fabric that looked like it had been tailored by someone with a grudge against the concept of proper fit, with a small "F" embroidered in slightly darker gray thread on the chest.
"I look amazing," Kai announced, modeling his uniform with the confidence of a runway model.
He looked like a scarecrow that had given up on life, but West had to admit there was something endearing about his complete lack of vanity.
"Devastatingly handsome," West agreed dryly, adjusting his own uniform. At least his looked slightly less like a potato sack, though not by much.
A bell chimed somewhere in the distance—probably calling students to their first classes.
"That's our cue!" Kai grabbed his schedule. "Let's see... first class is 'Basic Magic Theory for the Magically Challenged' with Professor Grimwald." He paused. "Do you think 'Magically Challenged' is the official term?"
"I think it's the polite term," West said, scanning his own schedule. They had all the same classes—another small mercy. "Better than some alternatives."
"True! Could be 'Magic for Hopeless Disasters' or 'Remedial Spellcasting for the Tragically Inept.'"
As they headed for the door, West caught Kai's arm gently. "Hey. You sure you're ready for this? Acting like..."
"Like an idiot?" Kai's smile was understanding. "West, I've been preparing for this role my whole life. Besides," his voice dropped to a whisper, "how hard can it be to fail at magic when you're actually trying to fail?"
West had a feeling they were about to find out.
They emerged from the basement into the main hallway, joining the stream of students heading to morning classes. The difference in uniforms made the hierarchy immediately obvious—gold trim for A-ranks, silver for B-ranks, bronze for C-ranks, and so on down to their own gray F-rank attire.
"Excuse me," a crisp voice said behind them. "You're blocking the hallway."
They turned to see a girl about their age with long silver hair and ice-blue eyes that seemed to take in everything and find it wanting. Her uniform was immaculate A-rank gold, and she carried herself with the kind of confidence that came from never having been told 'no' in any meaningful way.
This had to be Aria Blackthorn. Rank #1 student at Aethros Academy, prodigy of ice and dark magic, heir to one of the most powerful magical families in the kingdom. West had studied her files thoroughly during their mission preparation.
She was even more intimidating in person.
"Oh! Sorry, sorry!" Kai immediately scrambled to the side, managing to trip over his own feet in the process. "Didn't realize we were in the way! F-rank privilege, am I right?" He laughed at his own joke.
Aria's expression could have frozen fire. "F-rank... privilege."
"You know, getting to stand wherever because nobody cares where F-ranks go!" Kai's grin was blindingly cheerful. "It's like being invisible, but with more social benefits!"
"I see." Aria's gaze flicked over them with the same interest she might show a particularly dull piece of lint. "And you are?"
"Kai Ashworth, F-rank extraordinaire!" Kai gave an elaborate bow that nearly sent him tumbling again. "And this is my best friend West! We're transfer students, super excited to be here!"
"Transfer F-ranks," Aria repeated, as if the words tasted bitter. "How... unique."
West stepped forward with a slight bow. "Westfield Lumina. We apologize for the inconvenience, Miss...?"
"Blackthorn. Aria Blackthorn." She said it like everyone should already know. "And you're making me late for Advanced Theoretical Magical Applications."
"Advanced Theoretical Magical Applications!" Kai's eyes went wide. "That sounds incredibly complicated and impressive! We're heading to 'Basic Magic Theory for the Magically Challenged!'" He said it with such pride that several passing students stopped to stare.
Something flickered across Aria's face—surprise, maybe, at meeting someone who seemed genuinely happy about being in remedial classes.
"I'm sure that's... appropriate for your level," she said finally.
"Totally appropriate!" Kai agreed enthusiastically. "We're basically starting from 'this is a wand, try not to poke your eye out!' Which is perfect because West here once tried to light a candle and accidentally—"
"Set my eyebrows on fire," West interrupted smoothly. "Still growing back."
This was completely fabricated, but Aria didn't need to know that.
"I see." Aria's expression suggested she found their incompetence both expected and slightly nauseating. "Well, try not to burn down the academy on your first day."
"No promises!" Kai called cheerfully as she walked away with swift, efficient strides.
West watched her go, noting the perfect posture, the way other students automatically moved aside for her, the casual confidence of someone who'd never known defeat.
She had no idea that the two "F-rank disasters" she'd just dismissed could level the entire academy without breaking a sweat.
"She seems nice," Kai said brightly.
"She looked at us like we were something she'd scrape off her shoe," West pointed out.
"Yeah, but she didn't actually scrape us off! That's basically friendship by A-rank standards!" Kai started walking toward their classroom again. "Plus, did you see how her eyes went all surprised when I was excited about remedial classes? I bet nobody's ever been enthusiastic about being an F-rank before!"
West had to admit that was probably true. "Just remember, we're supposed to be incompetent, not insane."
"There's a difference?" Kai asked innocently.
Before West could answer, another voice cut through the hallway chatter.
"Move it, losers!"
This time it was a girl with bright golden hair pulled back in a high ponytail, crackling with barely contained energy. Her A-rank uniform was slightly rumpled, as if she'd been training or sparring recently, and her amber eyes held the fierce intensity of someone who attacked every challenge head-on.
Luna Brightblade. Academy rank #2, lightning and holy magic specialist, commoner who'd fought her way to the top through sheer determination and probably a lot of people getting electrocuted.
She was barreling down the hallway like a force of nature, and they happened to be in her path.
"Sorry!" Kai yelped, diving to one side.
West smoothly stepped the other way, giving her a clear corridor.
Luna blazed past them without slowing, but West caught her muttered, "F-ranks. Why do they even bother?"
"Have a great day!" Kai called after her, waving enthusiastically.
Luna's step faltered slightly—probably not used to cheerful responses to her rudeness—but she kept going without turning around.
"And that," West said quietly, "was Luna Brightblade."
"Wow, she's like a tiny lightning storm in human form!" Kai looked genuinely impressed. "I bet she could fry someone with her glare alone!"
"Probably literally," West agreed.
They finally reached their classroom, a small, somewhat shabby room in the academy's least prestigious wing. About fifteen other students were already seated, all wearing the telltale gray of F-rank uniforms and expressions of resigned misery.
"Good morning, fellow scholars!" Kai announced to the room at large.
The response was a collection of groans, suspicious looks, and one student who actually hid behind his textbook.
"Tough crowd," Kai whispered to West as they found seats in the back.
Professor Grimwald entered moments later—a thin, nervous-looking man who kept adjusting his spectacles and seemed to be perpetually apologizing for his own existence.
"Right, well, yes, good morning, F-rank students," he began, shuffling through a stack of papers that immediately scattered to the floor. "Oh, blast, sorry, just give me a moment..." He scrambled to collect them while several students sighed heavily.
This was going to be interesting.
"Now then," Professor Grimwald said once he'd reassembled his materials, "today we're going to cover the absolute basics of magical theory. Can anyone tell me what the fundamental principle of all magic is?"
Silence filled the room like a heavy blanket. A few students shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
West knew the answer, of course. The fundamental principle was the transformation of intent through focus into reality via manipulation of natural magical fields. But F-rank West was supposed to be an idiot who'd probably set his own eyebrows on fire.
Kai's hand shot up enthusiastically.
"Yes, Mr...?"
"Ashworth, sir! Kai Ashworth!" Kai beamed. "Is the answer 'hoping really, really hard'?"
Several students snickered. Professor Grimwald looked pained.
"Not... exactly, Mr. Ashworth. Though intent is certainly part of it. Anyone else?"
More silence.
"The fundamental principle," Professor Grimwald said with the air of someone delivering news of a terminal illness, "is the directed application of will through structured thought to manipulate natural magical forces."
He might as well have been speaking ancient Draconic for all the comprehension shown on the F-rank faces around the room.
"Now, who can give me an example of this principle in action?"
Kai's hand shot up again.
Professor Grimwald looked like he was bracing for impact. "Yes, Mr. Ashworth?"
"Ooh! When I try to light a candle and accidentally set West's eyebrows on fire instead?"
"That would be an example of the principle going wrong, yes," Professor Grimwald said weakly.
"So I'm already doing magic!" Kai looked thrilled. "I'm just doing it backwards!"
Despite himself, West felt his lips twitch. Trust Kai to find a way to make even fake incompetence endearing.
The lesson continued in much the same vein, with Professor Grimwald gamely attempting to explain basic concepts while the F-rank students demonstrated a truly impressive variety of ways to not understand them. Kai contributed several more spectacularly wrong answers, each delivered with such genuine enthusiasm that even some of the other students began to smile.
"For homework," Professor Grimwald announced at the end of class, "I want each of you to attempt the basic light spell we discussed. Just a simple illumination, mind you. Nothing fancy. And please, for the love of all that's holy, do it somewhere fireproof."
As students began filing out, Kai approached the professor's desk.
"Professor Grimwald? Thank you for such an amazing first lesson!"
The man blinked owlishly. "Amazing?"
"You made it so clear and easy to understand! I feel like I learned so much!" Kai's sincerity was unmistakable. "I can't wait for tomorrow's class!"
Professor Grimwald stared at him with the expression of someone who'd just discovered that unicorns were real and wanted to be his friend.
"Well," he said faintly, "that's... that's very nice to hear, Mr. Ashworth."
"Have a great day, sir!" Kai bounded toward the door where West was waiting.
As they left, West heard Professor Grimwald mutter, "A student who actually wants to be in F-rank Magic Theory. Will wonders never cease?"
"Making friends already," West observed as they walked toward their next class.
"He seems lonely," Kai said simply. "Probably doesn't get a lot of enthusiasm in F-rank classes."
West felt the familiar warmth that came with witnessing Kai's unconscious kindness. Even in the middle of maintaining their cover, his friend couldn't help but try to brighten someone's day.
Their next class was "Practical Magic for Beginners"—which, based on the scorch marks on the classroom walls, was apparently more dangerous than it sounded.
This was going to be a very long, very interesting day.
But as they walked through the academy halls, West caught Kai glancing back toward where they'd met Aria Blackthorn, a thoughtful expression flickering across his features before the cheerful mask slipped back into place.
And despite himself, West found himself wondering what Luna Brightblade was doing in her Advanced Combat Applications class.
Their cover was holding perfectly.
So why did he have the feeling that things were about to get much more complicated than planned?