The Sky Walk Academy loomed ahead, its towering spires casting long shadows across the sprawling campus. Aetherion walked calmly toward the main gates, his disguised form blending seamlessly with the other prospective students. His black hair and blue eyes—carefully crafted through his mastery of the Primordial Flame—allowed him to appear as a normal, though striking, human.
Around him, students of all races bustled with excitement and nervousness, their eyes darting toward the imposing academy buildings. He could feel their anticipation, the tension in the air palpable as they prepared to prove their worth in the entrance exam.
Aetherion's own heart was steady, though his mind remained sharp. He knew the importance of this moment. The Empire of Mythoria valued strength, knowledge, and skill, and the Sky Walk Academy was its greatest institution. Entering the academy would give him access to the empire's inner workings, but it required subtlety—he couldn't afford to reveal his full strength, not yet.
As he approached the academy's main hall, he sensed the powerful magic that warded the building. It was a reminder of what was at stake—this was no ordinary place of learning. Here, power was everything.
The first phase of the entrance exam took place in one of the academy's massive combat arenas. Stone pillars lined the edges of the field, and magical wards glowed faintly along the walls, creating a barrier that would protect onlookers from any stray spells or attacks.
The instructors—a group of seasoned warriors and mages—stood at the edge of the arena, watching as the students prepared to demonstrate their combat skills. Their eyes were sharp, judging every movement, every breath.
Aetherion was called forward, his name echoing through the arena. He stepped into the center of the field, his posture relaxed but alert. His opponents were already waiting—three other candidates, each wielding different weapons: a sword, a spear, and a pair of daggers.
The instructor overseeing the combat test nodded at Aetherion. "You will face these three. Show us your skill."
Aetherion glanced at his opponents, then back at the instructor. He knew he couldn't use his Primordial Flame—that would be too risky. Instead, he summoned a basic sword of flame, its blade glowing with a faint white light. It was far from the power he usually wielded, but it would suffice for this test.
The signal was given, and the three opponents rushed at him in unison. Aetherion moved with practiced precision, his body flowing effortlessly between strikes and parries. He dodged the first attack with ease, his sword intercepting the second before disarming the third with a swift, calculated move.
The battle was over in seconds.
The instructors exchanged glances, impressed by the fluidity of Aetherion's movements and the control he displayed. He had ended the fight quickly, without excessive force, but with undeniable skill.
After the combat test, Aetherion was led to another part of the academy, where the magic exam would take place. The room was vast, filled with various magical instruments and symbols etched into the floor. Instructors stood at strategic points around the room, watching as students demonstrated their abilities.
Aetherion was given a simple task: summon the elements and show control over multiple forms of magic. He knew he had to be careful here—too much power, and he would risk exposing himself as something far greater than a student. But too little, and he would fail to make an impression.
He stood at the center of the room, the Primordial Flame burning faintly within him. With a flick of his wrist, he called forth a gentle breeze, swirling the air around him. The wind responded effortlessly to his command, forming intricate patterns as it moved.
Next, he summoned water, pulling it from the moisture in the air and shaping it into an elegant stream that flowed between his fingers. With another motion, he transformed the water into ice, then let it melt back into water before dispersing it entirely.
Finally, he summoned fire, a small, controlled flame that danced in his palm. It flickered with soft white light, its warmth gentle and nonthreatening.
The instructors watched closely, nodding in approval. Aetherion had shown mastery over the elements, but what impressed them most was his control. Many students could summon fire or water, but few could handle the elements with such grace and precision.
Aetherion extinguished the flame, feeling a small surge of satisfaction. He had given them just enough to impress without revealing the true extent of his power.
The final phase of the entrance exam took place in a vast chamber known as the strategy hall, where students were tested on their tactical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. The hall was lined with intricate maps, miniature battlefields, and enchanted pieces that represented troops, fortifications, and resources. Each candidate was tasked with leading an army in a simulated battle, devising strategies to outmaneuver their opponents.
Aetherion stepped up to the central map, where the instructors presented him with a scenario. His task was to defend a city from a much larger invading force. The attackers had greater numbers, while Aetherion's forces were fewer but stationed within strong defensive walls.
One of the instructors, a grizzled man with a commanding presence, spoke. "You have limited forces and resources. The enemy outnumbers you ten to one. Show us how you would defend this city."
Aetherion studied the map carefully, his sharp mind analyzing every detail. He noted the key choke points around the city, the locations of the enemy camps, and the terrain that surrounded the battlefield. The enemy's overwhelming numbers would crush a conventional defense, but Aetherion didn't plan to fight conventionally.
He began positioning his troops with precise, calculated movements. His plan was not to meet the enemy head-on but to exploit their overconfidence. He created small, mobile units to harass the invaders' supply lines, using the surrounding forests to stage ambushes and disrupt the enemy's formation. Meanwhile, his main forces would remain hidden within the city walls, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As the simulation played out, the enemy advanced with brute force, but they quickly fell into Aetherion's traps. Their supply lines were severed, their flanks harassed, and their formation began to crumble. By the time they reached the city walls, they were exhausted and disorganized. Aetherion's forces, fresh and prepared, launched a devastating counterattack, routing the enemy and securing victory.
The instructors watched in awe as the simulation concluded. Aetherion had achieved a decisive victory, using strategy and foresight to overcome overwhelming odds. He had not only defended the city but had done so with minimal losses.
"Impressive," the head instructor muttered, exchanging glances with his colleagues. "This one thinks like a general."
As Aetherion left the strategy hall, he could feel the eyes of the instructors on him. Their expressions were filled with admiration and approval. He had completed all three phases of the exam—combat, magic, and strategy—and had excelled in every one. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and he knew that his scores would place him at the top of the rankings.
But as he walked through the academy grounds, Aetherion's mind was troubled. He hadn't intended to stand out this much. His plan had been to blend in, to perform well enough to gain entry without drawing unnecessary attention. Yet, despite his efforts to hold back, his mastery over combat, magic, and tactics had clearly impressed the examiners far more than he had anticipated.
"I might have done too well," Aetherion muttered to himself, his brows furrowing in thought.
Astralis and Celestaris, who had been observing from a distance, approached him as he stepped out of the examination area. Astralis, his arms folded across his chest, gave a knowing smile. "You couldn't help yourself, could you?"
Aetherion shook his head slightly, his expression serious. "I tried to hold back, but the more I suppressed my power, the more I realized how difficult it is to hide what I've become. Even using the simplest magic and combat skills, it's clear that I'm operating on a different level."
Celestaris placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze soft but reassuring. "You performed well, but now you need to be cautious. The academy will be watching you closely. If you're not careful, they may start asking questions."
Aetherion nodded, fully aware of the potential consequences. He had earned his place in the academy, but now he needed to be even more vigilant. His success had placed him under a spotlight, and while he had no intention of revealing his Primordial nature, he would have to tread carefully.
Meanwhile, back in the strategy hall, the academy instructors gathered to discuss the results of the entrance exams. Aetherion's name was at the top of every list, his scores outshining every other candidate by a wide margin.
"Top marks in all categories," one instructor remarked, flipping through the results. "His combat skills are refined, his magic is precise, and his strategic thinking is on par with our best tacticians. This… Aetherion… he's something else."
Another instructor, a mage with a sharp gaze, tapped his chin thoughtfully. "There's something about him that feels different. His control over the elements is almost… too perfect. And his combat instincts—he fought like someone who's seen a thousand battles. How old is he supposed to be?"
"Young," the head instructor replied. "But I agree—his skill is beyond his years. It's almost as if he's holding something back."
There was a moment of silence as the instructors exchanged uneasy glances. Aetherion had proven himself more than capable, but his exceptional performance had raised suspicions.
"Keep an eye on him," the head instructor finally said. "He's too good to ignore, but we need to know more about him. Let's see how he performs once he's inside the academy."
As the sun began to set over the Sky Walk Academy, Aetherion stood on one of the academy's balconies, looking out over the sprawling campus. He had passed the entrance exam with top scores, securing his place among the academy's elite. But the weight of his success hung heavily on his mind.
He had planned to enter quietly, to learn and observe without drawing attention. But now, his flawless performance had made him a topic of discussion among the instructors, and their eyes would be on him from the moment he stepped into his first class.
"I need to be careful," Aetherion thought to himself. "I've already drawn more attention than I intended. Now, I'll have to play the part of the promising student—skilled, but not too skilled. No one can know what I truly am."
Astralis and Celestaris joined him on the balcony, their expressions a mix of pride and concern.
"You've done well, Aetherion," Astralis said, his voice steady. "But now comes the hard part. You'll need to navigate this academy carefully. There will be eyes on you, and they won't all be friendly."
Celestaris nodded in agreement. "We'll be here to help you, but remember—this is just the beginning. The academy will test you, not just in combat or magic, but in ways you may not expect."
Aetherion smiled faintly, his resolve hardening. "I know. But I'm ready. This academy holds more than just knowledge—it holds the key to understanding the Empire of Mythoria. And I will uncover everything it has to offer."
The chapter ends with Aetherion gazing out over the academy, his mind already planning his next move. He had passed the first test, but the real challenge was just beginning.