The morning sun rose slowly over the capital city of Aurelia, bathing its white towers and golden rooftops in warm light.The city was already bustling.Merchants called out from colorful market stalls, the scent of fresh bread drifted through the streets, and carriages rattled along wide stone roads.
But today, the main road leading toward the northern district was especially crowded.
Dozens of carriages traveled the same direction.Most of them carried young nobles and their families all heading toward the same place.
At the very end of the long road stood the massive iron gates of the Royal Academy of Aurelion.The academy grounds stretched across an enormous hill overlooking the capital. Elegant towers rose high into the sky, their white marble walls etched with ancient magical runes.Wide training fields surrounded the main buildings and further behind them stood towering libraries, laboratories, and dormitories making It look less like a school and more like a small city dedicated entirely to learning and power.
Standing near the academy entrance was a tall teenage boy with white hair and bright green eyes,wearing the academy uniform;Julius Valerius.He stared up at the towering academy gates in silence.
So this is it…
For years he had heard stories about this place,where future knights trained, legendary mages studied ancient magic and where nobles from across the kingdom competed to prove themselves.But seeing it in person was something else entirely.
Beside him, Aurelia looked like she could barely stand still.
"This place is amazing!"
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she stared at the training fields in the distance.
"I can already hear the sound of swords clashing!"
Of course she could.
Aurelia had dreamed about becoming a knight ever since she was young.Meanwhile, Elara stood nearby holding a thick book she had already started reading but even she occasionally glanced toward the massive academy library building visible further up the hill.Her eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Based on the architecture…" she muttered quietly, "the central library is at least five floors tall."
Julius chuckled slightly.Some things never change.
Behind them, their parents stood beside a sleek black carriage.Darian crossed his arms as he observed the academy.
"Looks like they expanded the western training grounds."
Vanessa nodded thoughtfully.
"They've also added a new magical research tower."
Even though both of them had attended the academy years ago, it was clear the place had continued to evolve.
Vanessa eventually turned toward her children.
"This is where your journeys truly begin."
Her voice carried a gentle seriousness.
"The academy will teach you many things."
"But remember…"
Her green eyes rested briefly on Julius.
"…power alone does not define a person."
Julius nodded.
"I understand."
Darian then placed a large hand on Julius' shoulder.
"Make allies,build connections.The people you meet here may one day fight beside you."
Julius thought about that for a moment.
Allies…
In his previous life, most of his interactions with people had been online.Other gamers.
Competitors.But never true companions.
Never people who stood beside him in real life.Maybe this academy would change that.
A loud horn suddenly echoed across the entrance gates.The massive iron doors slowly opened.Students immediately began walking inside.The academy year had officially begun.
Aurelia cracked her knuckles.
"Well…"
She grinned confidently.
"Time to show everyone what a Valerius can do."
Elara calmly closed her book.
"I'm going to go see the library first."
Julius laughed.
"Of course you are."
Vanessa gave them one final look.
"Good luck."
Then the three siblings turned and began walking toward the academy gates.
As Julius stepped onto the academy grounds,he felt something strange.A faint sensation brushed against his.He stopped walking for a brief moment.
What was that?
The feeling disappeared almost instantly like a distant whisper.Julius frowned slightly but continued walking.He didn't notice the tall boy standing near the academy courtyard watching him carefully.The boy had dark hair and sharp golden eyes and he had definitely felt it.A strange ripple in the flow of mana.
Something unnatural.
The boy narrowed his eyes slightly as Julius walked past.
"Interesting."
For the first time in years the power sleeping inside Julius had quietly stirred again.And the academy had just gained a student unlike any it had ever seen before.
End of Chapter 8