After stepping through the portal, Roni and I finally arrived at the gates of the academy. From where we stood, the sight was breathtaking. The gates rose high above us, the lawns stretched wide and green, and at the centre stood the main building, tall and shining like a palace.
The first time I saw this view, I had been filled with awe. But now, after years of walking through these gates, it had become ordinary, almost easy to overlook.
Roni had walked a few steps ahead before he noticed I had slowed down, lost in thought."Come on, Bintang!" he called, snapping me out of my daydream.
I quickly caught up, and together we entered the academy gates. Before passing through, we had to show our crystal spheres to the guards as proof of our identity. Once they were satisfied, they let us in.
The academy grounds were already busy. By the time we reached our classroom, there were only a handful of students inside. It was already fifteen minutes before lessons began, but many students were still nowhere to be seen. This was nothing unusual. Most of the students here came from noble families. They could skip lessons or even cause trouble, and their parents would step in to protect them. Everything would be swept away as if nothing had happened.
I hated this system. Corruption had rotted its way into the academy, just as it had into the kingdom itself. And yet, I could not help but remember that once, I had been the same. As the son of a general, I too had escaped punishment by using my father's name. But those days were gone. With Father no longer here, everything had changed.
I sat at my desk, drifting into thought, until the school bell rang. The sound was followed by a rush of footsteps as more students hurried in.
Then, I heard a sound that made my chest tighten. Footsteps, soft yet powerful, echoing down the hall. I knew that walk. It was him.
Mr. Eon.
He was the best magic instructor in the academy, and one of the few who had defeated me with ease. The moment he stepped into the classroom, every student turned their eyes to him.
"Good morning, everyone," he said with a calm smile.
The class responded in unison, repeating the same polite answer they always gave. His smile widened slightly at the response. To most people, Mr. Eon looked kind and gentle, almost harmless. But I knew better. Beneath that calm face was a strength that few could match. I still did not know exactly what power he held, but I was certain it was far greater than any other teacher here.
Without wasting time, he began today's lesson on magical theory. He explained the roots of spellcasting and the history of arcane practices, but I barely listened. Instead, my eyes kept wandering back to him, watching the faint aura of energy that surrounded his body. It was subtle, almost hidden, yet impossible for me to ignore. Teachers at the academy were usually more focused on theory than practice, but Mr. Eon was different. His power was real.
The class ended when the loud bell rang again. Students leapt from their seats, eager for freedom, rushing out to the fields or the dining hall. Roni and I stayed behind, slowly packing our things. I found myself still watching Mr. Eon as he placed his books into his bag.
The classroom grew quiet. Then, his voice broke the silence."How are you both doing?" he asked casually.
I answered without much thought. "I am fine."
"As cold as ever. Just like Bintang," he replied with a faint laugh.
"That is true, sir. Bintang never likes small talk," Roni added, grinning.
Mr. Eon's eyes narrowed slightly, though his smile remained. "Tell me, how are your preparations for the duel? Do you feel ready?"
Roni immediately answered yes, his voice full of excitement. I, however, hesitated. I felt the weight pressing on my shoulders. It was not that I lacked confidence. But I knew everything depended on this duel. My family's suffering, my hopes, my future. If I could reach Class One, everything could change.
Before I could answer, Mr. Eon spoke again, his tone calm yet serious."Let me give you a small piece of information. This year's duel will not be the same as before. It will not only be against your fellow students. Competitors from other academies will also be joining. And if one of them reaches the top one hundred, they will earn the right to take a student's place here at the Royal Academy."
The words hit me like a strike of thunder.
In all the years before, the duel had only been between the academy's own students. Now outsiders would compete too. Anything could happen.
Roni's spirit did not falter. "That is fine. I will beat anyone who stands in my way," he said with determination.
I wanted to believe the same. I had confidence that no one in this city, whether from our academy or another, could defeat me. Yet deep inside, I felt something unsettling. The air itself seemed different, as if warning me that something unexpected was waiting.
Mr. Eon finished packing his belongings and turned to the door. Before leaving, he stopped and looked at us once more."One last piece of advice. Do not rely only on training. Find allies. Find a mentor. And if you cannot find one, you may seek me out. That is, if you are able to."
With that, he left the classroom.
Roni and I exchanged glances. It was a rare offer, one few teachers would ever make. The instructors at the Royal Academy were all powerful, and none of them willingly gave personal guidance. Mr. Eon's words were tempting. But for now, we put the thought aside. We already had our own plans for training.