The royal carriage of Sky Reaper traveled along the main road cutting through the Central Lands of Etheria, the neutral country where the Aldaria Academy of Magic was located.
The vehicle, ornamented with gold and silver details representing the Black family crest, was pulled by four snow-white horses.
Inside, three young people watched the gradually changing landscape—from the imposing mountains of Sky Reaper to the verdant plains and dense woods of Etheria.
Logan shifted in the padded seat, feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Beside him, Blake distractedly flipped through a book on the history of magic, while Kassia watched the landscape through the window, her golden eyes reflecting the setting sun.
"I still can't believe we're finally going to Aldaria," Blake commented, closing his book. "After hearing stories about the academy my whole life, it feels almost surreal."
Logan smiled, sharing the sentiment. "My father said his years at the academy were the best of his life. Before all the responsibility of ruling Sky Reaper, of course."
Kassia looked away from the window, a soft smile on her lips. "My mother always regretted not studying there. The Greys traditionally attend the Crystal Academy in Frostgard, but she always found Aldaria more… diverse."
"And potentially more dangerous," Blake added, his tone turning serious. "Especially now, with students from Eryndark around."
A momentary silence fell over the trio, each absorbing the reality of the situation. They wouldn't just be students—they would be representatives of Sky Reaper in neutral territory, surrounded by potential enemies.
Logan was the first to break the silence. "Speaking of danger, I think we should discuss our… abilities. So we know what to expect from each other in an emergency."
Blake and Kassia exchanged glances before nodding. "Makes sense," Kassia agreed. "I'll start."
She extended her hand, concentrating. A small breeze sprang from nowhere, circling between her fingers, forming a tiny whirlwind. "
The small whirlwind dissipated, and she closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, a faint golden aura surrounded her head. "And I also have
Blake nodded, impressed, before extending his own hand. Ice crystals began to form in the air, dancing between his fingers before solidifying into a small wolf sculpture. "
He handed the ice sculpture to Logan before continuing. "I also have
The two looked at Logan, who hesitated for a moment. His connection with Fenrir was more complex than simple magical abilities—it was part of his very essence.
"Well…" he began, extending his hand and concentrating. His fingers elongated slightly, nails sharpening into claws. His canines grew, becoming subtle but definitely non-human fangs. His normally amber eyes took on an intense golden glow. "
He let the features return to normal before continuing. "And I also have
"That explains why you always recovered so quickly when we got into trouble as kids," Blake commented with a nostalgic smile.
Logan laughed, remembering the countless adventures and accidents of his childhood. "The Ancestral Qilin said these abilities will probably develop further with time and training," he explained. "Apparently, my connection with Fenrir is still… evolving."
"What was the training with it like?" Kassia asked, genuinely curious. "You never told us many details."
Logan looked out the window for a moment, organizing his thoughts. "It was… intense. The Ancestral Qilin isn't exactly patient. It has existed for millennia and sometimes forgets that humans—or half-humans—don't learn so quickly." He smiled, remembering the frustrating first months.
"I started with meditation. Hours and hours sitting in silence, trying to 'hear' Fenrir inside me. Then came the physical exercises—hand-to-hand combat with juvenile Qilins, runs through the crystal forest, swimming in icy lakes."
"Sounds brutal," Blake commented.
"It was. But the hardest part was learning to control the transformations. At first, they happened randomly—when I got angry, scared, or even too excited. The Qilin taught me to channel those emotions, to use them as fuel instead of triggers."
"We're here," Blake announced, pointing out the window.
***
The Aldaria Academy of Magic rose majestically on the horizon. Built atop a gentle hill, the main structure resembled a mix between a medieval castle and an ancient temple. Towers of white marble and obsidian reached for the heavens, connected by arched bridges. Extensive gardens surrounded the complex, with ancient trees and artificial lakes where magical creatures swam freely.
The carriage stopped before an imposing gate made of silver metal and dark wood, engraved with ancient runes that glowed softly.
As the three disembarked, they were greeted by a young man with a distinguished appearance. "Welcome to the Aldaria Academy of Magic," he said with a friendly smile. "I am Elian Moonshadow, a third-year, assigned to guide new students."
Elian was a half-elf, with slightly pointed ears and intense violet eyes. His black hair fell in soft waves to his shoulders, partially tied back in a ponytail. He wore the academy uniform—dark trousers, leather boots, and a navy-blue tunic with the school emblem embroidered in silver: a quill and a sword crossed over an open book.
"I am Logan Black," Logan introduced himself, extending his hand. "These are Blake Frost and Kassia Grey." Elian shook each of their hands, his eyes glinting with recognition upon hearing the surnames.
"Black, Frost, and Grey… three of the most influential families in Sky Reaper. It is an honor to receive you. Please, follow me. The welcome ceremony will begin shortly."
He guided them through the gates and along a polished stone path, flanked by statues of famous mages and magical creatures. As they walked, Elian provided information about the academy.
"Aldaria was founded over two thousand years ago, when the Seven Kingdoms signed the Treaty of Neutrality. It is the only place on the continent where students from all nations can learn together, regardless of political alliances or external conflicts."
They passed through lush gardens and enchanted fountains before arriving at a large open area—a natural amphitheater, where hundreds of young people were already gathered. Some chatted excitedly; others observed their surroundings with nervous or curious expressions. The diversity was impressive: humans, elves, dwarves, half-giants, and other less common races, all gathered with a common purpose.
"This is where the ceremony will take place," Elian explained, indicating the space. "Afterward, the older students will take you to the dormitories. Good luck!" With a friendly wave, he moved away to greet another group of freshmen.
"Wow," Blake murmured, looking around. "There are people from everywhere here." Logan nodded, his enhanced senses picking up fragments of conversations in different languages, identifying distinct accents.
His gaze was drawn to a particular group—youths with serious expressions and impeccable uniforms, conversing in low voices. "Eryndark," Kassia whispered, following his gaze. "I recognize the crest on their capes."
Before they could discuss further, a sudden silence fell over the crowd. On the elevated stage at the front of the amphitheater, several figures had appeared. At the center stood a man radiating power and authority.
Headmaster Kassius Gryphon was an impressive sight. Tall and imposing, over two meters in height, he possessed features revealing his hybrid nature. His face was predominantly human, but with more angular features and golden eyes with vertical slits, like a bird of prey's. Snow-white hair and beard fell in well-kept cascades, contrasting with his tanned skin. When he moved, glimpses of golden feathers could be seen mixed with the hair at the nape of his neck.
He wore a formal tunic of deep blue, almost black, with golden embroidery depicting constellations and arcane symbols. A heavy medallion bearing the academy emblem hung from his neck, glowing with ancient magic.
"Welcome, young wizards and witches, to the Aldaria Academy of Magic," his voice resonated through the amphitheater, deep and clear, without need for magical amplification. "I am Kassius Gryphon, Headmaster of this institution for longer than many of you have been alive."
A murmur of nervous laughter went through the crowd.
"You come from different kingdoms, cultures, and magical traditions. Some of you may even come from nations currently in conflict." His gaze swept over the crowd, pausing momentarily on the groups from Sky Reaper, Frostgard, and Eryndark. "But within these walls, such conflicts do not exist. Here, you are all students of magic, seeking knowledge and excellence. Any demonstration of hostility based on national origins will result in severe punishment. Am I clear?"
The silence that followed was his answer.
"Excellent. Now, allow me to explain what to expect from this academic year." He gestured, and magical images began to form in the air above the stage, illustrating his points. "Regular classes will take place five days a week, covering magical theory, spell practice, arcane history, alchemy, study of magical creatures, and magical combat, among other disciplines. Occasionally, we will have field lessons—expeditions to nearby sites of magical interest, under teacher supervision."
The image in the air changed, showing students in a forest, collecting ingredients and observing creatures.
"Mid-semester, you will participate in your First Mission—a practical group assignment that will test your skills and teamwork. Performance in this mission will significantly affect your final grades."
Another change in the image showed students facing challenges in ancient ruins.
"Theoretical and practical exams will take place at the end of each semester. And, as is Aldaria tradition, the academic year will conclude with a trip to the Dragon Country, where you will participate in an international magical tournament."
Excited murmurs ran through the crowd. The Dragon Country was legendary, a realm rarely open to visitors.
"Starting from the second year, all students are classified in our Ranking system. This system rewards academic and practical excellence with benefits such as upgraded dormitories, access to restricted libraries, private lessons with teachers, and, for the truly exceptional, personal mentorships with senior faculty members—including myself."
He paused, letting the information sink in.
"Remember: Aldaria does not merely train powerful mages, but responsible and ethical individuals. Power without wisdom is a path to destruction."
With a final gesture, the magical images dissipated. "Now, follow the older students assigned to your home realms. They will guide you to the dormitories and provide additional information. Classes begin tomorrow at sunrise. Welcome, once again, to your new home."
With that, Headmaster Gryphon and the other faculty members left the stage, while older students began calling out the freshmen by region of origin. "Students from Sky Reaper, over here!" called a familiar voice. It was Elian again, waving to them.
The trio joined a small group of other students from their homeland, following Elian along winding paths through the campus. He explained the layout of the buildings, pointing out the classrooms, libraries, dining hall, and training areas.
Finally, they arrived at an elegant three-story structure—the dormitory designated for students from Sky Reaper. "Each of you has an individual room," Elian explained, distributing small crystal keys. "The rooms are enchanted to adapt to the occupant's preferences over time. Your belongings have already been delivered. Rest well; tomorrow will be intense."
***
Logan's room was simple but comfortable. A single canopy bed, a dark wood desk, a wardrobe, and a small fireplace. A large window offered a view of the gardens and, in the distance, the mountains surrounding Aldaria. His trunks were already there, as promised.
He approached the window, watching the sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky red and gold. The Aldaria Academy of Magic would be his home for the next few years—a place to learn, grow, and perhaps discover more about his connection with Fenrir.
Logan smiled, feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Tomorrow would begin a new phase of his life, full of possibilities and challenges. And he was more than ready to face them.
"Let the classes begin," he murmured to himself, as the first stars began to dot the night sky.