A deafening BZZZZZZT! sliced through the silence of the apartment like a thunderclap. It was as though lightning had struck inside each room. Lights flickered on gently, and a glowing panel near the ceiling pulsed softly. The source? Earth AI's cheerful yet jarring voice.
"WAKE-UP SEQUENCE ENGAGED. GOOD EVENING, EARTHBORNS! CURRENT TIME IS 5:45 P.M. LOCAL PLANETARY TIME. PREPARE FOR THE WELCOME CEREMONY."
In the western wing of the apartment, Xander stirred on his bed. The mattress felt like it was made of clouds and mana-infused cotton, contouring to every inch of his body. But the moment was over. He blinked and sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes as the alarm faded into soft ambient music—something classical from an alien origin, smooth and oddly calming.
"Urgh…" he muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "That AI really doesn't believe in subtlety."
Still half-asleep, he reached out with his core, channeling mana to assess his outfit options through the apartment's intuitive wardrobe interface. Dozens of magical party-ready attires appeared before him in holographic form.
He scrolled through until one stood out—clean, sharp, and regal.
Xander's outfit:
A fitted obsidian tunic with silver thread embroidery, etched in the style of ancient Macedonian royal garments. Over it was a light navy-blue longcoat with silver clasps at the shoulders, paired with rune-inscribed dark boots and sleek trousers that shimmered faintly with woven enchantments. The final touch—a metallic silver belt with a small gemstone that pulsed gently in sync with his Core.
"Not bad," Xander said to himself, brushing a hand through his tousled hair and glancing at the full-length mirror. "Alright... let's go."
He stepped into the shared sitting room, which still looked pristine, thanks to Earth AI's ever-functioning maintenance systems. The walls adjusted to emit soft amber light, reacting to his presence.
Soon after, footsteps echoed from the eastern wing.
First to arrive was Elizabeth Pendragon.
Elizabeth's Outfit:
A flowing high-collared, emerald-green dress with silver ivy patterns curling around the hem. The sleeves shimmered faintly, sewn with cloth that shifted between satin and gossamer. Around her waist was a braided belt embedded with sapphires. Her hair was loosely curled and tied back with a gleaming vine-like accessory.
"Wow," Xander said, trying not to gape.
Elizabeth smirked and placed a hand on her hip. "You look regal, Xander. If you wore a crown right now, I might accidentally curtsy."
Xander chuckled, trying to hide his blush. "You're just teasing me again."
"Only because you're cute when you blush," she added with a wink, causing Xander to momentarily choke on his own breath.
Thor came out next, looking like a Norse god—as usual.
Thor's Outfit:
A storm-gray sleeveless coat with fur lining and bronze shoulder guards etched with lightning runes. Black combat trousers, dark boots that reached up to his calves, and two thick bracers on each arm. His hair was tied into a battle knot behind his head.
"Damn, Thor," said Elizabeth. "Trying to intimidate everyone at the party?"
He grinned. "Just want them to know the sons of Midgard have style too."
From the east, Xia Mulan glided into the room with effortless grace.
Mulan's Outfit:
A black and violet robe, fitted and flowing with high slits and silver lotus prints around the hems. Her sleeves were long and slit at the sides, dancing with her movement. Her hair was braided with silver pins shaped like music notes.
"Your robes are beautiful," Elizabeth whispered.
"Yours too," Mulan replied with a gentle smile, then turned to Xander. "You wear nobility like a second skin."
He nodded in thanks, flustered again.
Bahubali followed next, his massive form barely squeezed through the hallway.
Bahubali's Outfit:
A sleeveless dark red battle robe, trimmed with gold, showcasing his herculean arms. Intricate battle tattoos—faintly glowing—lined his biceps. Around his waist was a golden sash, and he wore ankle-high warrior boots.
"Am I overdressed?" he asked.
"No," Mulan smiled. "You're just… massive."
"And proud," he said, flexing with a laugh.
Last was Cleopatra Amun, who stepped out like a queen entering court.
Cleopatra's Outfit:
A flowing white dress with golden embroidery that shimmered in geometric hieroglyphic patterns. Her neckline was adorned with a blue and gold beaded collar. Around her arms were golden cuffs, and her sandals floated just above the floor—enchanted.
"You look like you own the universe," Thor laughed.
"I do," Cleopatra answered casually.
They all laughed and stood together in the common room, looking like a portrait of royal emissaries.
"Alright, Earth AI," Xander said. "We're heading out."
"Enjoy your evening, Earthborns. Remember, the academy portal is still active and calibrated to your frequency. Have fun."
The portal shimmered, already active in the hallway. As a group, they stepped into it.
Zoom!
They were once again standing on the grand teleportation platform of Magus College. The evening sky above was a twilight spectacle of dancing auroras and twin moons. Students from across the cosmos were flooding toward the Grand Sanctum, where the welcome gala was being hosted.
Groups of acolytes from different part of the world including the draconic, and beastkin acolytes moved about, showing off cultures and styles from worlds unknown.
The Earthborns fell in step together, walking in unity toward the heart of the grand welcome.
The Grand Sanctum towered into the twilight skies like a city-sized cathedral fused with a stadium. Soaring over one hundred stories tall, its dome-shaped crown shimmered with magical runes that danced with starlight and auroras. Its walls were constructed from polished mythril and obsidian stone, runes pulsing gently across their surface like veins of living light. Towering glass arches rose from the base to the crown, allowing the radiant heavens above to pour in through enchanted windows. The sheer magnitude of the structure made the Earthborns pause in awe.
The Sanctum was divided into four massive internal wings: the Southern Wing, the Northern Wing, the Eastern Wing, and the Western Wing. Towering staircases separated each section, rising like heavenly bridges. Each wing functioned like a coliseum gallery with enormous archways and terraced levels, filled to capacity with students, instructors, and dignitaries.
The Southern Wing was designated for first-year acolytes. Excited murmurs, buzzing whispers, and hopeful eyes filled the stands.
The Western Wing seated the second year acolytes, clad in higher-tiered uniforms. Their posture bore the confidence of experience.
The Eastern Wing was filled with general spectators, mentors, and family representatives—some cheering, others simply observing.
The Northern Wing—the most decorated and prestigious—was reserved for Magus instructors, elite dignitaries, and powerful heads of factions. Here sat the renowned patriarch of House Khaedros, cloaked in crimson robes lined with phoenix feathers. Next to him was the dignified Patriarch Virdelion, a noble human dressed in moon-silver robes adorned with living vines. Other patriarchs from powerful factions lined the row beside them, their presence exuding an aura of raw magical supremacy.
Hovering above the center of the Grand Sanctum was a floating platform—the auditorium—glowing with dozens of embedded precious stones and suspended midair by invisible enchantments. Giant floating arcane screens hovered high above the Sanctum's dome, displaying real-time visuals of everything happening at the platform for all to see.
At the entrance, groups of students entered in elegant clusters. Emblems marked their houses and factions, glowing lightly above their chests or embroidered onto their cloaks. Some bore flames, others snowflakes, crescents, animals, or celestial symbols. These emblems made it easy to identify and distinguish students' affiliations.
The Earthborns strolled forward together, heads high, eyes wide in awe.
"Look at this place," Thor whispered. "It could house ten Asgardian mead halls."
"More like a thousand," Elizabeth murmured, equally stunned.
Just then, a chorus of melodic laughter echoed nearby. Turning, they saw Elantra Virdelion approaching with her entourage—ten elegant young women, each dressed gloriously in different shades of leaf-greens, silvers, and blues, symbolizing the verdant power of their house.
Elantra herself looked ethereal in a silver and emerald gown laced with enchanted vines that swirled slowly around her arms like dancing ribbons. Her long hair shimmered under the light.
"Elantra," Xander greeted with a respectful nod.
She offered a warm smile. "Earthborns, you look… stunning. Especially you, Xander. That obsidian tunic makes you look like a celestial prince."
Elizabeth, standing beside Xander, narrowed her eyes slightly. "He's always looked princely. You're just noticing?"
The playful jealousy in her tone was unmistakable, and it earned a round of laughter from the group.
Elantra chuckled. "I see you've got protectors on all sides."
Bahubali boomed, "That's Earth's royal guard for you."
Elantra bowed her head slightly, amused. "Come, shall we sit together? I'd enjoy hearing more about Earth's legacy."
"We'd be honored," Xander replied.
As they moved deeper into the Sanctum, they passed another familiar group. Standing like a shadow against the lively brightness were the Khaedros nobles, dressed in sharp crimson and black, lined up in militant fashion. Their piercing eyes met those of the Earthborns and Virdelion faction. No words were spoken—just the cold friction of pride and rivalry passed silently through narrowed gazes.
The Earthborns ignored them and continued.
Elantra led the group toward an empty row unusually close to the podium. No faction had claimed it, perhaps to avoid being placed so directly under the view of the stage. But Elantra seemed intent.
"I like being close to the center of action," she said as she picked her seat.
She made to sit beside Xander, but just before she could claim it, Elizabeth casually dropped into the seat with a smile.
"Oops. I guess this one's taken."
Elantra blinked, then smiled knowingly.
Thor laughed aloud. "It seems the ladies of the cosmos are falling hard for our man of Macedonia."
"Thor!" Xander hissed, blushing violently.
The entire row broke into laughter again. Even Cleopatra chuckled, covering her mouth with her fingers.
"It's alright, Xander," Mulan added sweetly. "It's your fault for being charming."
"I didn't do anything," Xander muttered, hiding his face.
Moments later, the auditorium began to shift. Lights dimmed. Music faded.
A single soft chime rang throughout the Grand Sanctum, and a figure floated gently onto the stage from above.
She landed without sound—Magus Avalyne.
Graceful and composed, she wore a flowing navy-blue robe that sparkled like the night sky, etched with constellations that moved ever so slightly across the fabric. Her white-gold hair was pulled back, her eyes glowing faintly with silver magic.
Her presence hushed the entire Grand Sanctum.
Not a whisper. Not a cough. Just reverent silence.
It was as though a goddess had descended upon the podium.
She stepped forward, her voice magically amplified but still soft and melodic.
"Welcome," she said, and the word echoed through the chamber like the sound of bells in a dream.
The Earthborns, seated among the Virdelion entourage, leaned forward , not wanting to miss a word from her.