The academy gates closed behind us with a deep, resonant groan, like the world itself sealing shut any hope of turning back. For a moment, I simply stood there—small, unnoticed, breathing in air that tasted of polished stone, fresh parchment, and something indescribably magical.
This… this wasn't a hospital bed.
This wasn't regret.
This was a beginning.
Students in finely embroidered robes moved like currents around me, a chaotic river of colors and noble insignias. I kept my head low, clutching the strap of the small satchel Mother packed for me. She'd cried at the gate as if she knew the world was waiting to swallow me whole.
"Oi, freshling! Move or get trampled!"
Someone shoved my shoulder, snapping me out of my trance. I staggered but kept my balance.
I wanted to say something—something confident, something that sounded like a boy who belonged here.
But confidence wasn't a resource John Warner ever had in surplus.
So instead, I mumbled, "Sorry," and stepped aside.
The courtyard was enormous—fountains shaped like spiraling dragons, floating lanterns drifting in the daylight, and towering spires veined with glowing runes. Every structure hummed faintly, as if acknowledging the latent magic inside every student who walked past.
Including me.
Especially me.
Starborn Light.
I still didn't understand the full extent of it, but every time my emotions surged, something stirred beneath my ribs—like sunlight waking inside a sealed chamber. It frightened me. It fascinated me. It felt… divine.
Not yet, I told myself. Just survive Day One.
Then a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"There he is—the village stray."
Kaelen.
Of course.
He approached with confident, noble strides—chin high, cloak trailing slightly behind him as if the air itself made way. His blonde hair caught the sun in a way that annoyed me purely on principle. His posture, his smirk… Even his boots looked expensive.
And beside him stood a girl I hadn't seen before.
Silver-haired, half-moon glasses, expression unreadable. She held a thick book against her chest like a shield. Her eyes flicked to me, cold but observant, then returned to Kaelen without a word.
Kaelen stopped in front of me, looking me up and down with theatrical disappointment.
"So it's true," he said. "The academy standards have fallen low enough to let in… this."
I felt a flash of irritation tighten my jaw.
In John's old life, I would've lowered my head and absorbed the insult like always.
But this wasn't John.
And I wasn't powerless anymore.
"You've been talking about me a lot," I said evenly. "Almost like you're obsessed."
A few students nearby paused.
Kaelen's smirk twitched.
Then he laughed—louder than necessary.
"Gods, he talks now. How precious."
The silver-haired girl beside him opened her book, uninterested. "Kaelen, you are wasting time. We are to report to Orientation Hall."
He waved her off. "In a moment, Celene."
Ah. So that was her name.
Kaelen stepped closer until he was inches from my face. His voice lowered into something grave and razor-sharp.
"You don't belong here, Valehart. Not with your gutter lineage. Not with your accidental magic. And certainly not in the same hall as me."
Starborn Light flared faintly.
Heat swirled in my chest.
I kept my voice steady. "We'll see."
His eyes narrowed, searching my face—maybe trying to find the old, timid version of me he'd grown accustomed to kicking around.
He didn't find him.
"Tch." Kaelen turned, cloak whipping behind him. "Come, Celene. Let the lost child wander."
Celene followed without looking back.
When they disappeared into the crowd, I let out a long breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. My heart thudded too fast. The star-heat inside me pulsed once… twice… then settled.
I leaned against a stone pillar and exhaled shakily.
"Great," I muttered. "Day One and I already have a nemesis."
---
The Orientation Hall was a cathedral of light—crystal windows casting prismatic colors across ancient white-marble floors. Hundreds of students filled the seats, buzzing with excitement and nerves. I found an empty bench near the back.
As soon as I sat down, the bench creaked ominously.
Then someone plopped beside me with enough force to rattle the wood.
"Hi! Roommate?"
I nearly jumped.
The boy was broad-shouldered, dark-skinned, grinning like he'd already decided we were best friends. His hair was tied back in a messy knot, and he wore armor pieces that didn't match at all.
"No?" he tried again. "Maybe?"
I blinked. "I—uh—don't know yet."
He thrust out a hand. "Tarek Stonefist. Fighter program. I punch things."
I shook his hand slowly. "Draven Valehart. I… don't punch things."
"Not yet!" Tarek said cheerfully. "Everyone punches things eventually. That's the spirit of education."
I snorted despite myself.
Before I could respond, a hush fell across the hall as a robed figure stepped onto the stage. She was aged, her grey hair braided with glowing threads of blue mana. When she spoke, her voice carried effortlessly.
"Welcome, initiates, to Astralis Academy—the heart of magic, knowledge, and destiny."
She extended her staff, and the crystals above responded with a gentle chime.
"You stand at the threshold of greatness. Some of you are nobles. Some are commoners. Some possess talent… and some possess potential yet unseen."
Her gaze swept across the hall—stern but proud.
"But hear this well: your past does not dictate your worth within these walls."
My throat tightened.
The words hit deeper than expected.
Tarek nudged me. "See? You got this."
The Headmistress continued.
"You will be tested—mind, spirit, and body. And tomorrow, your magical affinity examinations will begin."
A wave of excited whispers swept the hall.
Tarek grabbed my arm.
"Bro—what's your affinity? Fire? Wind? Earth? Please tell me it's something cool like void magic. I want a roommate who can erase people from existence."
I offered a weak, polite smile.
How exactly does one casually explain 'Starborn Light'?
"I'm… not sure yet," I said.
He gasped as if that was even more exciting. "Mysterious! I love it!"
The Headmistress's tone sharpened.
"Know this: the academy cannot protect you from yourselves. Magic is creation… and destruction. Respect it, or it will unmake you."
My chest tightened again.
Because for the briefest moment, I swore she was looking directly at me.
Like she sensed something.
Something I didn't understand.
Something dangerous.
---
When orientation ended and everyone began to disperse, I stayed seated a little longer, letting the hall empty around me. The light through the stained glass felt warm on my skin—too warm.
The star-heat pulsed again.
Sharper this time.
Tarek stood, stretching. "Coming? We should check our room assignments."
"Yeah," I said softly. "I'm coming."
But inside, a new fear whispered:
What if the tests tomorrow expose everything? The light. The power. The thing I can barely control.
John Warner died wishing for a second chance.
Draven Valehart might have been given one—
but if I'm not careful…
…I might burn it all to ash.