In the beginning of time, when nothing existed but Good and Evil, the Spirit of Light and the Spirit of Darkness emerged from the Nothingness. From Light's hand were born the Dawnborn, radiant protectors who embodied order, hope, and harmony. From Darkness's grasp came the Blightborn, destroyers forged of evil and ruin.
Their purpose was simple—one to preserve, the other to annihilate. Thus began the First War, a battle of ideals that left a permanent scar across creation itself.
For ages, neither side prevailed as their clash birthed the mortal world, countless races, and even the stars. Over time, the Spirits withdrew, leaving their children to wage war in their stead. In their absence, two sovereigns rose: the Holy Empress, ruler of the Dawnborn, and the Demon King, sovereign of the Blightborn.
For over 5,000 years, the Dawnborn and Blightborn waged war across the mortal plane, yet neither of them gained victory until the Holy Empress and the Demon King fought to a duel.
In the final clash of light and shadow, the two titans stood as equals. Yet the will of darkness proved relentless—unyielding in its hunger to consume all. Time and again, the Demon King rose from the brink of defeat as his malice rekindled like an endless flame.
At last, the Holy Empress was overwhelmed, her divine strength waning beneath his onslaught. With no path to victory remaining, she invoked her final trump card; the sealing of the Demon King.
Through sacrifice and unshakable resolve, she bound him in an eternal prison, halting his conquest but surrendering her own life in the process. Thus the world was spared, but not without cost. Legends speak of a prophecy, that the Demon King's chains will one day shatter, unleashing him once more to finish the destruction he began.
Yet with this doom comes hope; for when darkness rises again, so too shall a Chosen Hero who will save the world just as the Holy Empress has in the past age.
+
[5'000 Years Later]
"Welcome to Lysoria Academy!"
Standing in front of the School Gates was a teacher, or rather, supervisor was more fitting. Dressed in formal attire, crossing his arms behind his back, he spoke with clarity.
"My name is Professor Zhang Weiming."
He smiled at the gathered students, noticing how many showed up. Most of them talked to each other, while others showed respect and paid attention.
"As you may know, Lysoria Academy is a renowned school dedicated to teaching young Sages the Art of Magic. Not so many get the chance to enroll here."
One student, with short black hair and brown eyes raised his hand, visibly confused.
"Uhh, sorry, what's a Sage again?"
"Oh, very good question." Professor Zhang smiled. "Most of you arrived here without prior knowledge of Sages and Warlocks."
"Y-Yeah, I'm kinda lost too." Said a timid girl with pink hair and blue eyes.
Professor Zhang chuckled.
"That's quite alright. Allow me to explain." The students and their murmurs came to a halt as they all placed their attention on the professor. "Sages are known as warriors. We use our magic to fight magic against Warlocks."
"I know about the Dawnborn." Said the black-haired student. "But this Sage thing is pretty new."
"My pa never told me about any Sage stuff or whatever. He only told me that I'm going over here to learn magic, and that's it." Proclaimed a taller, and broader student.
"Well yes, Lysoria Academy is the only school in all of Arcana where you can learn magic." Announced the Professor.
"O-Oh! That makes a lot of sense..." Said the pink-haired student, shyly.
"Humans, elves, and beastmen all come here for that exact reason. I'm surprised you never heard of it."
"It's not like we never heard of it, we just didn't care." Said the broader student, frowning at the Professor's comment.
"Speak for yourself." Said another student with long blonde hair and green eyes. "I came here to become a Sage, just like my mother."
The Professor smiled, closing his eyes in content.
"Yes, many do come here for that reason. Everyone in Arcana is a descendant of the Dawnborn, that is why we must do whatever we can to protect this land and our people from the Blightborn at all costs." Opening his eyes, his expression became more serious. "That is why Sages exist."
Most of the students nodded their heads with a look of determination while others simply looked around—confused—until their attention was absorbed by the sound of an engine from afar.
As they stood at the front gates of Lysoria, a limousine could be seen driving up to the entrance of the Academy, coming to a slow stop.
"Looks like someone's late." Said one of the students.
Soon, the limousine door opened, and from within stepped a girl whose very presence seemed to quiet the crowd.
She was average in height, slender, and carried herself with effortless grace. She had long, silken black hair as it draped over her blazer jacket.
Her crimson red eyes scanned the gates as though she had already seen everything that awaited her here.
The black tights and knee-high heeled boots she wore clicked sharply against the stone pavement, and for a moment, no one dared speak.
"W-Woah..." The black-haired boy whispered under his breath.
"Who is that?" The pink-haired girl asked timidly, clutching her briefcase.
The blonde-haired girl with green eyes narrowed her gaze.
"Zhen Xualing."
That name alone seemed to carry weight as a sign of recognition spread through the students.
"You know her?" The broad-shouldered boy asked.
"Of course." The blonde girl said, folding her arms. "She's from the richest family of Arcana. Everyone's heard of her."
Professor Zhang adjusted his glasses, nodding in agreement.
"That is correct. Zhen Xualing comes from a long lineage of distinguished Sages. But it seems she was late."
The students immediately began whispering among themselves.
"One of the richest families in Arcana? Seriously?" Asked a student.
"I'm feeling belittled just being in her presence."
"I wonder if she's powerful."
Zhen Xualing ignored the chatter completely.
She didn't spare them a second glance as she walked forward with her eyes locking only onto the Academy gates, like nothing else in the world was worth her attention.
"She's scary..." The pink-haired girl muttered.
The broad-shouldered boy smirked.
"Scary? She doesn't look that tough to me."
"Don't be stupid." The blonde girl whispered. "That's the kind of person you don't underestimate."
Professor Zhang raised a hand to silence the crowd.
"Alright, settle down. Zhen Xualing may be from a great family, but remember—every one of you here is equal! You will learn, grow, and stand against the Blightborn."
The whispers died down, though the students still couldn't help but sneak glances at Zhen Xualing as she came to a stop near the front of the group.
Professor Zhang's smile returned, though his tone was firmer now.
"Now then... let us begin your first day at Lysoria Academy."
The great gates of Lysoria finally opened up, revealing the courtyard within.
Tall spires of white stone rose above the campus as Students marveled at the sight. Even their conversations died down as awe replaced their chatter.
"This place is huge..." The black-haired boy muttered with wide eyes.
"It looks more like a castle than a school." The pink-haired girl whispered, her voice small and filled with wonder.
The broad-shouldered boy stretched, cracking his knuckles.
"Doesn't matter what it looks like. I came here to fight, not admire architecture!"
Professor Zhang chuckled.
"You'll have plenty of time for both. Now, if you would all follow me."
He led the students through the gates and around the school.
There were statues of legendary Sages lined the way, each immortalized in battle poses, their weapons and spellbooks carved in painstaking detail.
"Whoa... these guys look serious." The black-haired boy said, slowing to look.
"They were serious." Professor Zhang replied. "These are the Founding Sages, the very first generation to wield magic after the Holy Empress's sacrifice. Their legacy is the reason this Academy exists."
The blonde-haired girl's expression softened as she gazed at one of the statues.
"My mother always told me stories about them."
Zhen Xualing, however, didn't even glance at the statues. Her stride remained steady and her gaze fixed forward as if none of this was new to her.
Eventually, the group arrived at the central plaza; A wide fountain was at its heart with water flowing over a carved emblem of the Dawnborn crest.
Professor Zhang spread his arms proudly.
"Welcome to the heart of Lysoria Academy! This is known as the Plaza!"
The black-haired boy scratched his head.
"So... when do we actually start doing magic stuff?"
Professor Zhang chuckled.
"Patience. Before you can wield magic, you must first be assigned your Grimoire."
The pink-haired girl tilted her head.
"Grimoire?"
"Yes." The professor nodded. "Every Sage is given one. A Grimoire is not just a book, it is the vessel of your magic, and your partner. It records your growth, your skills, and shows you your levels. Without it, you cannot become a Sage."
The students exchanged looks, some excited, others nervous.
"Cool! I hope mine looks badass!" The broad-shouldered boy grinned.
"I don't care what it looks like." The blonde-haired girl said firmly. "What matters is how strong it makes me."
Zhen Xualing stood silently among them. If she had an opinion, she gave no sign of it.
Professor Zhang raised a hand, gesturing toward a tall tower that loomed in the distance.
"Follow me to the Arcane Tower. There, each of you will receive your Grimoire and awaken your path as a Sage."
The group followed Professor Zhang across the plaza, and the closer they drew to the Arcane Tower, the quieter the students became.
The tower itself was massive, stretching so high it seemed to pierce the clouds.
"Whoa..." The black-haired boy looked up at the massive building. "It's... freaking huge."
"Naturally. This is because the tower is bound to the Dawnborn's legacy." Professor Zhang explained as they walked. "The magic woven into it has existed for thousands of years. Every Sage receives their Grimoire within its halls."
The pink-haired girl held her briefcase close to her chest.
"I-I didn't know it would be so... intimidating."
The broad-shouldered boy smirked.
"Heh. Intimidating? Looks like the perfect place to make me stronger."
The blonde-haired girl, however, stood up straight with her eyes sharp.
"This is where it begins."
Zhen Xualing walked just behind them, her steps as steady as ever.
If she felt awe—or fear—she kept it buried behind her calm, unreadable expression.
At last, they reached the tall doors of the tower.
Two older mages in long robes stood guard with their grimoires in hand.
With a wave of their palms, runes carved into the doors flared to life, and the great doors swung open.
Inside, the tower was breathtaking. Crystalline chandeliers floated in the air, there were bookshelves taller than houses curved along the walls, filled with books of every size.
Magical circles glowed beneath their feet, forming a path deeper into the hall.
The students all gasped with wide eyes.
"This is unreal..." The black-haired boy muttered.
Professor Zhang turned to face them.
"From this moment forward, your journey as Sages begins. Each of you will be called to the altar, where your Grimoire will manifest according to your spirit and potential. Treat it not as a tool, but as a partner—for it will reflect your true self."
The pink-haired girl swallowed nervously.
"W-What if it doesn't appear for me...?"
The professor smiled gently.
"Do not worry. For every student chosen to enter Lysoria, a Grimoire will always appear."
The students seemed to relax slightly, though their nerves were still visible.
At the far end of the hall stood a raised platform; a circular altar glowing with symbols.
Streams of light spiraled above it, forming a floating core of magic.
Professor Zhang gestured toward it.
"Form a line. We will proceed one at a time. When I call your name, step in front of the altar and let the Arcane Core reveal your Grimoire."
The students quickly made a line with their excitement and anxiety mixing together.
The black-haired boy pumped his fists.
"Yes! Finally, something cool!"
The broad-shouldered grinned.
"Hope mine's big enough to crush some Warlocks."
The pink-haired girl fidgeted nervously.
"I-I just want mine to work..."
The blonde girl held her hand to her chest, eyes fixed on the altar.
"...I won't fail here."
And Zhen Xualing? She stood at the very back, perfectly still.
Professor Zhang pulled out a scroll, unrolling it slowly.
"First student... Orion Dunnever, please step forward."
The hall fell into silence.
"Man... this is nerve-racking." Said the black-haired student as he walked forward, stepping in front of the altar.
The floating Arcana Core that hovered above the Altar suddenly started to grow a green light as Orion widened his eyes.
"Huh, it's turning green?" He muttered.
"Ah yes, so you are born with the wind affinity." Said Professor Zhang, smiling.
"W-Wind affinity?" Questioned Orion as he turned to face the supervisor.
"Yes. Everyone has a natural affinity that makes them stronger in certain magic—for example, a Sage attuned to fire will excel in fire spells, though they can still learn others with less proficiency."
"S-Seriously? I'm wind?" He asked, mildly disappointed.
"Do not get your hopes down, wind is a powerful element. But now, let us see your Grimoire."
The Arcana Core continued to glow green as it scanned Orion down to his soul and natural affinity.
"The Arcana Core's purpose is to scan your information and choose the best possible Grimoire for you." Said Professor Zhang.
"How does it do that?" Asked the broad-shouldered boy.
"Very good question." He replied before continuing. "When the Arcana Core scans your information, it stores it inside an empty Grimoire within the Arcane tower, awakening its power. All grimoires are naturally hollow vessels that need information to awaken, and that information comes from you."
"That sounds oddly simple." Said the blonde-haired girl.
"Well, that's because it is." Said Professor Zhang, chuckling.
"Whoa, hey, a book is floating in the air!" Announced Orion, pointing upwards
Everyone stared at the floating Grimoire in awe, watching it twirl in the air.
Its pages fluttered open, revealing countless information about Orion, down to the fundamentals.
"Very interesting, your Grimoire is quite the rarity." Proclaimed Zhang.
"Wait, there are ranks to them?" Asked the broad-shouldered student.
"Mm." He nodded. "There are different rarities of Grimoires; Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mystical Rare. Each one serves a different purpose."
"That's freaking awesome!" Said Orion as his Grimoire slowly descended into his hand. "Let's see what I got!" Grasping the Grimoire in excitement, he could see three stars on the cover. "Hey, it has three stars. What does that mean?"
"You have an Epic Rare." Said Professor Zhang, proud of his achievement.
The students erupted into chatter the moment Professor Zhang announced Orion's Grimoire rarity.
"Epic Rare?! Right out of the gate?!"
"That's insane! Does that mean he's gonna be strong?" Asked one of the students.
Orion grinned, holding his book high above his head like a trophy.
"You see that? This is fate, baby! Told you I was destined for greatness!"
The blonde-haired girl folded her arms, unimpressed.
"Don't get cocky. Power isn't measured by stars, it's measured by discipline."
"Yeah, yeah, discipline." Orion smirked. "I'll try to remember that when I'm saving you from Warlocks."
"Don't push your luck." Her eyes narrowed.
Professor Zhang cleared his throat.
"That's enough. Next student—Lyria Everhart, step forward."
The blonde girl took a deep breath before stepping in front of the altar, her back straight and her presence unshakable.
The Arcane Core glowed bright orange.
"Ahh... fire affinity." Zhang noted with a calm tone. "A strong and aggressive element, perfectly suited for battle."
As the light intensified, a book drifted gracefully from the shelves above. It hovered before Lyria, then descended into her waiting hands.
The book was shown with four stars.
"Four stars... Legendary!" Yelled one of the students.
"She's even stronger than Orion!"
Orion's jaw dropped.
"Wha?! That's not fair! She got one more star than me?!"
Lyria ignored him, clutching the Grimoire close.
"I'll use this power well."
Professor Zhang smiled.
"A fine start indeed. Next, Bram Thunderhide."
The broad-shouldered boy cracked his knuckles and swaggered to the altar.
"Alright, time to see the beast inside me!"
The Arcane Core emanated a deep yellow glow.
"Earth affinity." Zhang confirmed. "Steadfast and unyielding."
The students gasped as a massive Grimoire, not floating gently, but slamming down with a thunderous thud—landed before Bram.
Its cover was thick like stone.
"YEEESSSS!" Bram shouted, snatching it up. "This thing's a brick! Just like me!"
He held it aloft and could see two stars. Rare.
"Only Rare?" Asked Bram.
"That's kind of disappointing after the others." Muttered a student.
Bram shrugged, grinning widely.
"Doesn't matter! I'll still smash anything in my way!"
Professor Zhang chuckled.
"Do not underestimate Rare Grimoires. With effort, they can surpass even those of higher rarity. Next up, Sakura Rosfield."
The timid pink-haired girl fidgeted nervously as Zhang called her name.
"A-Ah! That's me...!"
She ambled forward, trembling in her movements.
The Arcane Core emanated with a blue light, almost gentle and calming.
"Water affinity." Zhang said kindly. "A flexible element. Nurturing... yet dangerous if misused."
A small Grimoire floated down as she hesitantly caught it, her eyes widening at the glowing three stars.
"E-Epic Rare? M-Me...?"
The students murmured in surprise.
"She looks so timid, but her Grimoire is that strong?"
"Maybe she's hiding some crazy power."
She hugged it tightly to her chest, blushing in her face.
"I-I'll... I'll do my best!"
Professor Zhang nodded with approval.
"Very good. Now..." His eyes scanned the line for the next student. "Zhen Xualing."
The hall fell silent.
Every student turned with anticipation heavy in the air.
Zhen Xualing stepped forward without hesitation, her boots clicking softly against the floor.
Her crimson eyes never wavered, and her expression was calm and unshaken.
As she entered the altar's circle, the Arcane Core began to glow—then flare—its light twisting violently between colors.
The room grew cold, and even Professor Zhang's calm smile faltered.
"...This... is unusual."
The students leaned forward, whispering nervously.
"What's happening...?"
"Why is it flickering like that?"
Orion gulped.
"...That's not normal, right?"
From the heavens above, a Grimoire descended, but unlike the others, it wasn't smooth, nor elegant. It spiraled down wrapped in chains of purple and black with its cover carved with ancient symbols.
The moment it landed in Zhen Xualing's hands, the chains dissolved, leaving behind a book that radiated with power unlike any before.
On its cover, no stars were visible.
Gasps erupted.
"No stars?!"
"Does that mean... it's worthless?"
"Impossible. For someone like her...?"
Professor Zhang's expression was in disbelief, but his voice remained steady.
"...Not starless. Hidden. A Grimoire such as this is exceedingly rare. It does not reveal its rank until its wielder proves worthy of it."
The students' muttering grew louder as confusion was evident in their voices.
Zhen Xualing, however, merely opened the book with calm, unblinking eyes.
She spoke only once with a quiet voice that carried through the silence.
"So be it."
And with that, she closed the Grimoire, turned, and stepped away from the altar as if nothing unusual had happened.
The students remained still as a sense of unease settled in the air.