Grand Arcanon Academy – Assembly Hall
The Great Bell tolled across the Academy grounds, echoing through towers and training fields, signaling the start of a new term.
Hundreds of first-year students gathered in the Assembly Hall—arched ceilings glowing with light runes, the walls carved with the names of legendary graduates.
Rui stood beside Dein and Riva, their uniforms pressed and newly marked with the academy's crest—a broken sword surrounded by flame and wind.
The Headmaster appeared in a ripple of light atop the high dais.
He was tall, draped in silver robes, his hair white as ash, and his voice calm but commanding.
"Welcome, initiates," he began. "You stand on sacred ground. For over six centuries, the Grand Arcanon Academy has forged warriors, mages, tacticians, and leaders to face the darkness that gathers beyond the veil."
His hand swept to the side, and nine figures stepped forward, each standing tall and proud. They wore no uniform—only their strength and presence marked them.
"These are your mentors," the Headmaster declared. "Chosen not only for their skill—but for their survival."
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The Nine Mentors of Arcanon
1. Master Rhogar Flamevein – Combat Instructor (Warrior Division)
A towering man with scars down his arms and a giant greataxe strapped to his back. Known for leading frontline assaults during the Battle of Thorned Ridge.
"If your body breaks before your will, you're halfway to becoming a warrior."
2. Aria Valenne – Mage of Tempest (Mage Division – Wind & Water)
Dressed in flowing azure robes, her presence was like the calm before a storm. Elegant, but lethal.
"Magic is not just energy. It's intent. Control that, and you control everything."
3. Garrik Thorne – Hunter Tactics and Stealth
A quiet man in a dark cloak, with one missing eye and an obsidian dagger at his belt. Few saw him arrive—none heard him.
"To survive in the wild, learn when to strike. And when to disappear."
4. Lady Selian Myrrh – Mana Studies and Internal Flow
A scholar with floating scrolls at her side. Her voice rang with magic as she walked.
"Power is nothing without precision. Learn to hear your mana before you shout with it."
5. Juno Redfang – Beastmaster and Summoning Instructor
Wild red hair, a cloak made of beast pelts, and two spectral wolves at her side. She grinned at the students like they were prey.
"You want to command creatures? Then prove you're worth following."
6. Thalos Greymark – Defense and Warding Expert
Old, bald, and unmoving as stone. His body radiated stability.
"A true shield isn't just a wall—it's a promise."
7. Sister Kaelen of the Emberlight – Healing and Light Magic
A calm woman in white and gold, eyes glowing faintly with divine light. Her presence soothed even the rowdiest students.
"Light is not soft. It burns. It heals. It judges."
8. Veyran Dusksoul – Dark Affinity and Forbidden Arts Regulation
Cloaked in black and violet, his voice was a whisper that carried across the hall.
"We do not teach darkness to tempt. We teach it so that you will not be consumed when it finds you."
9. Instructor Saleth Dren – Mental Fortitude and Anti-Corruption
His gaze was like iron—unblinking, patient, piercing. The only one who looked directly at Rui.
"Your greatest enemy wears your face. I'll teach you to defeat it."
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The Headmaster continued, "Over the next months, these Nine Pillars will test you, train you, and strip you bare until what's left is worthy of the title 'Hunter of the Realm.'"
The students whispered to each other—some awed, some nervous.
Dein leaned in. "They could kill us all."
Riva replied calmly, "Probably will. Mentally, at least."
Rui didn't speak. Her eyes had locked onto Instructor Saleth Dren—the one who taught Anti-Corruption and Mental Fortitude.
He knows, she thought. He sees it. The mark Kael carries.
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Later that night, the students were given their dorm assignments and schedules.
Rui stepped into her private room, sat by the window, and stared up at the stars.
"I'll catch up to you, Kael," she whispered.
And when you arrive—I'll be stronger.