The Skyfeather Eaglebeast descended from the clouds, her vast wings cutting through the air with effortless grace. From high above, the academy finally came into view.
Azrael's breath caught.
The gates of Blackspire Academy were unlike anything he had ever seen.
They were enormous—towering structures of dark stone and ancient metal that stretched far higher than any city wall he knew. Intricate carvings covered every inch of the gate, the designs so detailed they almost looked alive. Beasts, symbols, runes, and unknown figures intertwined across the surface, as though frozen mid-motion. The longer Azrael stared, the more it felt as if the gates were watching him in return.
"This…" he muttered under his breath. "This is an academy?"
The Skyfeather Eaglebeast dove lower, passing cleanly over the gates and into the academy grounds. Wind rushed past Azrael's ears as the massive creature descended, before squatting down smoothly in the open courtyard below.
Once they dismounted, Charles gave the beast a light tap along her feathers. With a sharp cry, she spread her wings once more and launched herself back into the air, disappearing deeper into the academy grounds.
Azrael watched her go, his eyes lingering on the sky.
How many magical beasts does this academy even have? he wondered.
If they used creatures like that just for transportation, then Blackspire Academy was far more terrifying than he had imagined.
"Alright," Charles said, turning toward him. "Let's get you registered."
Azrael nodded. Since he was here, he should register as a student of the academy.
The registration building stood near the center of the eastern district. It was large, but not as overwhelming as the academy gates. Compared to the surrounding halls and towers, it felt almost modest.
When they arrived, Azrael noticed a small group of youths already waiting outside, there were about seven of them.
They looked around his age. Their clothing varied—some wore fine robes, others practical leather gear, and a few looked as though they had barely escaped rural life, much like Azrael himself.
Charles gestured toward the line. "Go on. Join the queue."
Azrael did as instructed.
As he waited, he couldn't help but observe the others. Some looked calm. Others nervous. A few wore expressions of quiet confidence that made Azrael feel strangely small.
So these are my peers, he thought.
Eventually, it was his turn.
The registration process itself was surprisingly brief. A few questions. A record crystal that glowed faintly when he placed his hand on it. Some notes taken by an official who barely glanced up at him.
And just like that, it was done.
When Azrael stepped back outside, he was officially a student of Blackspire Academy.
He held a small metal token in his hand, engraved with a number.
At Blackspire Academy, students were assigned in pairs.
The living quarters were divided carefully:
Western and Southern districts for students
Northern district for instructors and academy workers
Eastern district for halls, libraries, offices, and official buildings
Azrael approached Charles, still turning the token over in his fingers.
"They assigned me a room," he said slowly. "It's in the western region."
Charles nodded. "Room number?"
"223."
"Alright," Charles said. "I'll take you there. We'll pass through a few places on the way. Might as well get familiar with the academy."
Azrael felt a quiet relief at that. The academy grounds were vast—far larger than his entire city. Without guidance, he would've been lost within minutes.
They began walking through the eastern district.
As they moved, Azrael's sense of awe only deepened.
Each academy hall they passed was massive, towering structures that felt more like fortresses than classrooms. The air around them carried faint elemental traces—heat near one hall, moisture near another, a subtle pressure that made his skin tingle as they passed certain buildings.
"There are seven halls in total," Charles explained. "But only five are active right now."
Azrael glanced at him. "Only five?"
Charles nodded. "Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Lightning. Those are the active halls."
"And the other two?"
"Light and Darkness," he said. "Mostly dormant. These two elements are extremely rare so there are not enough instructors who awakened light or darkness element. We also rarely get students with light or darkness element."
Azrael felt something stir in his chest at those words.
Darkness…
He said nothing, but the thought lingered.
As they continued walking, Charles spoke again.
"Since you haven't officially started cultivating yet, you won't attend classes for now."
Azrael blinked. "I won't?"
"All new students have one month," Charles continued calmly. "One month to reach the Adept Stage. Once you do, classes begin."
Azrael frowned slightly. "And if I don't?"
Charles didn't answer immediately.
"…Then Blackspire Academy isn't for you."
Azrael swallowed.
"One month," Charles added. "That's all."
They stopped near a wide path leading deeper into the academy.
"Later, you'll head to the library," Charles said. "That's where you'll receive a cultivation technique."
Azrael tilted his head. "Cultivation technique?"
Charles nodded. "Yes. Without one, you won't get far."
He continued, "A cultivation technique allows you to effectively absorb elemental essence from the atmosphere and refine it within your body. Without it, awakened power remains dormant—unusable."
Something clicked inside Azrael's mind.
His eyes widened slightly.
That's why…
He remembered the days after his awakening. The confusion. The frustration. The moments when he tried to use his power—only for nothing to happen.
I skipped the first step, he realized.
He hadn't failed.
He had simply never begun.
A strange excitement surged through him.
"So once I get a technique," Azrael said slowly, "I can actually start cultivating?"
Charles smiled. "Exactly."
Azrael clenched his fists without realizing it.
For the first time since leaving his cottage, anticipation drowned out his unease.
He suddenly wanted nothing more than to reach his room, arrange his few belongings, and head straight for the library.
They eventually arrived at the western district.
Compared to the eastern side, this part of the academy felt quieter. Rows of stone buildings lined the pathways, each marked with room numbers. Students moved about—some chatting, others training alone, a few meditating beneath trees that hummed faintly with energy.
Charles stopped in front of a building.
"Here you are," he said. "Room 223."
Azrael stared at the door.
"Settle in," Charles added. "You'll meet your roommate soon enough.
Azrael nodded. "Thank you… senior."
Charles chuckled lightly. "Don't thank me yet. Blackspire Academy doesn't go easy on anyone."
With that, he turned and walked away.