Chapter 48: Invitation to the Game
The majestic Aetrium Academy was the center of knowledge and power of this world. Within its walls, they taught how to control magic, feel and form an aura, and wield a sword with unsurpassed skill. But the most important discipline, the foundation of the basics, was not taught here. No one knew about Will, the primary source, the energy that preceded magic itself. Knowledge about it has been lost or intentionally hidden. Until recently, only one person remembered her, Lin, who carried a heavy burden of memories from his past life. Now there's a second one. Azrael. A being whose power defied any known law, the author of the coming chaos.
High up in the main tower of the Academy, in the headmistress' office, a window was open. A cool wind, carrying the scents of blooming valleys and the distant sea from the west, rushed in, playing with the snow-white strands of hair of a woman sitting at a massive oak table.
Eliana van der Woodt, the director of the Aetrium, was a woman in her prime, about thirty-five or forty years old. Her pale, almost porcelain skin contrasted with her thick white hair and deep purple eyes, which revealed wisdom and a wealth of experience. Across from her, with her back perfectly straight, sat her daughter, Rachel. At the age of seventeen, she was a living reflection of her mother: the same white hair, the same piercing violet eyes and aristocratic pallor. Her physique was frail, but there was a hidden strength and steely will in it.
The headmistress silently took out, not from her pocket, but from a carved casket on the table, a heavy envelope made of thick parchment sealed with the wax seal of the Academy — a stylized image of a dragon and a phoenix.
"All the formalities have been observed," Eliana's voice was smooth and calm, like the surface of a mountain lake. She handed the envelope across the table. — Your results speak for themselves.
Rachel reached out her hand without fuss. Her movements were precise and precise. She broke the seal, took out the parchment, and ran her eyes over the delicate lines.
"Aerium Academy of Magic and Martial Arts" to Student Rachel van der Woodt.
Based on the excellent results of the entrance tests in magical theory, aura control practice and ceremonial magic, you are enrolled in the first year of the Faculty of Higher Magic.
We wish you all the best success in our Academy.
Headmistress Eliana van der Woodt. (Signature)"
Rachel folded the letter and carefully tucked it into the folds of her dress. She looked up at her mother, and in her violet eyes, usually as cold as Eliana's, a spark of warmth and appreciation flashed for a moment.
—Thank you, Mom," she said softly but sincerely.
"You're welcome, my daughter,— a faint smile flashed across Eliana's lips. "You've achieved everything on your own. And by the way, the entrance exams for the new set will begin soon. Are you planning to watch? Eliana asked, pushing a stack of papers away from her.
Rachel tilted her head slightly. — Yes, I will watch. I don't have much to do yet anyway," she replied with easy directness.
—That's fine. Important guests are coming to the exams. Among them will be Queen, a princess from the Crimson Clan," Eliana said, carefully watching her daughter's reaction.
Rachel's brow furrowed slightly. Rumor has it that their ancestral home was recently completely destroyed. Is this true or just gossip?
"I don't know the details,— Eliana said coldly. — And, to be honest, I don't care about their clan squabbles. Lin, the last scion of the ancient Sakura Clan, will also arrive. His family was wiped out a few years ago.
Rachel raised an eyebrow, a flicker of sympathy on her face. "I see." I feel sorry for him.
— And also... there's a girl your age coming. Very beautiful, just like you," Eliana added with a slight smirk. "Only with black hair and brown eyes." Her name is…
—Jasmine,— Rachel said without waiting for the end.
"Exactly. Jasmine. It's like you visited her last month. Did she say that she wasn't having the best of times? Eliana asked.
Rachel's eyes became distant and sad. She still suffers a lot because of the loss of her brother. He can't accept it. "I hope I can see her," she added in a lower voice.
— I agree. Their family has always been decent, and she is a good girl. I feel sorry for that boy. Because of that Rift incident... he either died or went missing. But I'm afraid the Rifts don't leave a chance. Few people can survive in their wastelands," Eliana said with genuine sadness in her voice, rare for her.
After a pause, she waved her hand. — Okay, I have to organize these exams soon. We need to prepare everything. You're free to go, Rachel.
Rachel nodded, rose smoothly from her chair and, without saying another word, headed for the door. The oak door closed noiselessly behind her.
Eliana remained sitting in her chair, staring at the slammed door. She sighed heavily. —Fuuhh... now it's work." So... what kind of tests should we prepare for this... special set? She said it almost with a grin, and a gambling spark flashed in her violet eyes. The game was just beginning.