The first few days after the Duke's birthday passed in a blur of new faces and expectations. Aether had met with many influential figures during the celebration, some of whom he had dismissed immediately as inconsequential, while others had caught his interest. The Princess, Selene, remained foremost in his thoughts. There was something about her, something that suggested she was more than just the typical royal figure. Her sharp intellect, her self-assuredness—it was clear that she, too, was playing the long game.
But all of that was for later. Now, Aether's attention was focused on the next step: the testing.
At the age of 15, every noble child was expected to participate in the Academy's entrance examination—a rite of passage for those who wished to attend the prestigious Royal Academy, where the elite of the kingdom honed their magic and learned the intricacies of power. It was the perfect stage for Aether to test the waters, to begin laying the groundwork for his plans.
The day of the test arrived with the usual fanfare. Aether's mother, Lady Iliana Zephyrion, had ensured that he was well-prepared for the event. She had dressed him in a fine suit—a deep indigo jacket that accented his dark hair and pale skin, paired with silver cuffs that glinted under the sunlight. His mother, ever doting, had spent hours ensuring that his appearance was flawless, but Aether, ever the pragmatic, was more concerned with what lay ahead than the superficialities.
The morning was brisk, the air cool with the early spring breeze. As they arrived at the Academy gates, Aether took note of the grandiose structure that lay before him. The Academy was a sprawling complex of towering spires and marble courtyards, with statues of famous heroes and mages scattered throughout the grounds. The sheer scale of it was awe-inspiring, but Aether's gaze remained focused on the purpose of his visit—this was the place where the strongest would be forged, and it was here that he would make his mark.
He was escorted through the gates, past groups of students who stared at him with curiosity and awe. Aether was used to this by now—the whispers, the looks, the rumors. He was, after all, the heir of the Zephyrion family, and his reputation preceded him. But none of this mattered. The test was what mattered.
He was led into a large hall where the examination was to take place. The room was filled with other candidates—noble children from various families, all eager to prove their worth. Their faces were a mixture of nervousness and anticipation, and as Aether entered, many of them turned their gaze upon him. He could feel their eyes, the weight of their expectations. They knew who he was.
Standing at the front of the room was a stern-looking instructor, Master Alden, a seasoned mage with graying hair and a sharp gaze. He surveyed the room with a critical eye before stepping forward, his voice booming in the silence.
"Welcome, young candidates, to the Royal Academy's entrance examination. You are all here because you have shown potential—potential to become future leaders, warriors, and mages. Today, you will demonstrate your abilities. But remember, it is not just power that we seek. We seek those who can think, who can adapt, and who can overcome obstacles. This is not a simple test of strength, but of character."
Aether stood quietly at the back of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. His mind was already working, calculating what lay ahead. The test would be challenging, but he was confident. After all, he had the knowledge of the future on his side.
Master Alden continued, outlining the rules of the test. Each candidate would be given a series of challenges, testing their magical ability, mental acuity, and ability to work under pressure. The first challenge was a magic duel, a test of both elemental control and strategy. The second would involve surviving a series of magical traps designed to test their adaptability and wit. Finally, there would be a series of problem-solving challenges, where candidates would need to use both their magic and intellect to overcome obstacles.
Aether's heart beat steadily in his chest. The first challenge would be a test of his magic. This was where his unique abilities—reality manipulation and probability manipulation—would come into play.
He had already spent years perfecting these skills, both in private training and in his study of the future. Reality manipulation allowed him to alter the world around him, bending the laws of physics to his will. It was a versatile power, one that could turn the tide of any battle. Probability manipulation, on the other hand, gave him control over chance itself. By influencing the odds, he could make the improbable a reality, ensuring that outcomes always favored him.
As the candidates were called up one by one, Aether watched them perform. Some showed impressive control over basic elemental magic—fire, water, earth, and wind. Others had more specialized abilities, but none impressed him. He had already seen through their weaknesses, already assessed the true value of their talents.
When his turn finally came, he stepped forward without a hint of hesitation. His eyes scanned the instructor, Master Alden, who nodded in acknowledgment.
"Zephyrion, Aether. Show us what you can do."
Aether's gaze never wavered as he stepped into the designated duel circle. His mind was already calculating the most efficient way to dispatch his opponent, a tall young man from the House of Fenwick. The boy stood across from him, glaring, his hands crackling with sparks of fire. He clearly thought himself the stronger mage, but Aether knew better.
Without a word, the duel began. The Fenwick heir launched a stream of fire toward Aether, but with a simple flick of his wrist, Aether shifted the flow of reality itself. The flames warped midair, dissipating harmlessly into the ether.
The boy's eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Aether manipulated the probability of his own movements, increasing his chances of dodging any attack to near certainty. With a few swift steps, he closed the distance between them and struck the boy with a wave of energy that sent him flying back.
The crowd gasped, some in awe, others in fear. But Aether remained calm, his eyes betraying no emotion. He had won the first challenge with ease.
Master Alden nodded approvingly, but Aether's gaze had already moved on to the next challenge. This was only the beginning.
He was no ordinary candidate. Aether Zephyrion was already playing the game, and he would make sure that no one would stand in his way.
The first step toward the top had been taken.