The gates of Elarion Academy towered above Kian, grand arches carved with twisting runes that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. Floating lanterns drifted lazily along the walls, casting dancing reflections on the polished stone courtyard. The air buzzed with magic, each breath tinged with the energy of a thousand students honing their craft.
Kian's green aura pulsed instinctively, responding to the hum of latent power around him. He tightened the strap of his pack, gripping the small grimoire Alden had given him. Today, the academy would see not just who he was, but the full measure of his skill.
A line of instructors awaited at the central platform, their eyes scanning the arriving students with practiced precision. One of them, a tall figure in violet robes, stepped forward.
"All entrants must demonstrate their current abilities," the instructor announced. "Your placement — classes one through five — will reflect skill, control, and potential. Begin."
Kian exhaled slowly, centering himself. He raised his hands, feeling the familiar flow of his adaptive Nature aura. Tendrils of energy spiraled outward, coiling and twisting like living vines, then converging into the form of his bow-shaped Ether Armament. The bow thrummed softly, resonating with Kian's heartbeat.
"Show your mastery," another instructor intoned. "Precision, control, and creativity are required."
With a steady motion, Kian fired an arrow of condensed aura. It split mid-flight into multiple projectiles, weaving between hovering targets conjured by the instructors. Each hit landed cleanly, the targets flickering with magical energy upon impact.
Next, Kian reshaped his bow into a spear of interlaced vines and energy, spinning it fluidly. It struck a moving platform, shattering it with a controlled release of force that rippled through the courtyard. Every movement was instinctive yet deliberate, showcasing the fusion of aura, element, and the ingenuity honed during months of training at Shadewatch.
The instructors murmured among themselves, exchanging approving glances.
"Savoy heir," the lead instructor said, stepping closer, "your adaptability is exceptional. Class Three will suit you — advanced foundational training with the opportunity to rise quickly if your talent continues to develop."
Kian bowed deeply.
"Thank you, instructors. I will not squander this chance."
---
Kian was led through the academy gates into the heart of Elarion. Towering spires held floating libraries, classrooms glimmered with elemental wards, and pathways seemed to shift subtly beneath his feet. Students moved in groups, practicing spells, summoning elemental constructs, and conversing in languages Kian barely recognized.
He arrived at his dormitory for Class Three, a modest yet elegant chamber. Placing his grimoire on the desk, Kian allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. Outside, the sun dipped behind the spires, casting golden light across the academy grounds.
---
First Class — Professor Faye
The next morning, Kian followed the flowing corridors to his first lesson. Magical symbols floated faintly above the classroom door, indicating the subject: Adaptive Elemental Manipulation. He stepped inside quietly, absorbing the energy pulsing through the room.
Professor Arienne Faye moved gracefully to the center, her presence commanding yet calm. Crystal orbs floated around the room, reflecting light and aura in subtle dances.
"Class Three," she began, voice resonant, "today we explore the principles of adaptive elemental control. Magic is not simply force it is intention made tangible. Your aura, your element, and your mind must move as one."
Kian's green aura stirred in quiet resonance, instinctively connecting with the subtle hum of energy in the classroom. Every word of Professor Faye seemed to pulse in harmony with him.
She gestured, and a projection appeared midair — a twisting lattice of vines, light, and energy.
"Observe the flow," she said. "Notice how each strand responds not only to your energy, but also to the environment. A weapon, or an Ether Armament, does not simply act; it communicates your intent, adapts, and harmonizes."
Kian leaned forward slightly, studying the lattice. A tendril of his Nature aura extended instinctively, probing the projection's responsiveness.
"Professor," he asked, "if the aura adapts to the environment, can it also respond to another's aura? For instance, if I were working with a partner, could my Ether Armament anticipate their movements?"
A small, approving smile crossed Faye's face.
"Excellent question, Kian. Yes — your weapon can synchronize with another's energy, but only if both maintain clarity of intent and awareness. Otherwise, the interaction can destabilize both armaments."
She waved her hand, and the lattice shifted dynamically, reacting to subtle movements in the room.
"Notice the feedback," she continued. "Your aura is not just a tool; it is a dialogue. You must listen as much as you act. Ask yourself constantly: how is my energy influencing the environment, and how is the environment influencing me?"
Kian nodded, green aura pulsing softly with comprehension.
"Professor Faye," he asked after a pause, "if I focus on harmonizing with another's aura, does that diminish my own control, or can it enhance both parties?"
"If done correctly, it enhances both. But remember — intent is everything. Hesitation or distraction can tip the balance. You must maintain awareness of yourself, your element, and your partner. Mastery comes not from raw strength, but from precision and understanding."
Kian's eyes sparkled with newfound insight. He understood that adaptive control was not force alone, but listening, harmonizing, and flowing with his aura as one.
"Thank you, Professor. I will remember this," he said, bowing slightly.
"Good," she replied, her tone softening. "Now, we will practice exercises to strengthen that awareness. Observe, analyze, and adapt — mastery lies in understanding, not domination."
Kian leaned back in his chair, quietly planning ways to internalize the lesson and harmonize his Ether Armament more effectively.
---
The Bullying Incident — Jack
On the way to his next class, Kian's attention was caught by a commotion near the courtyard fountain. A small group of noble students cornered a boy with striking red hair and a lean, muscular build. His ether flickered faintly with purple sparks, but he did not strike back.
Kian paused at a distance, assessing. The boy was strong Kian could feel the latent power radiating from him yet he allowed the nobles to harass him. Something in the rhythm of his aura told Kian there was more than met the eye.
The nobles laughed, shoving him roughly against the fountain.
"Enough," Kian said firmly, stepping forward. His green aura flared, vines lashing outward, forming an instant barrier that sent the nobles stumbling back.
The boy's purple aura pulsed in surprise. Kian advanced, shaping his bow into a whip of glowing vines.
"You picked the wrong target," Kian warned. With controlled precision, the whip lashed around the nobles' ankles and scattered them, sending them tumbling across the courtyard without a scratch.
The bullies scrambled away, muttering curses and glances of fear.
Kian turned to the boy, offering a hand.
"Are you alright? I'm Kian Savoy."
The boy hesitated, then shook it firmly.
"Jack," he said, purple aura still glowing faintly. "Thanks… I didn't expect anyone to step in."
Kian smiled faintly. There was an unmistakable weight to Jack's presence, a latent strength masked by restraint.
"I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other," Kian said, eyes glinting. "You handle yourself well. But don't let them push you around."
Jack nodded, a small grin forming.
"Likewise, Kian. And… you saved me. I owe you one."
Kian felt a spark of kinship. He didn't know it yet, but Jack would become not only his right hand, but a king of shadows in the world beyond — a powerful ally forged from trust and respect.
---
Kian's journey at Elarion Academy had officially begun. He had passed his placement test, learned from the first class, and discovered a potential ally — all in a single morning. The first spark of his legacy within these walls was lit, and nothing would extinguish it.