Celestine Academy, hidden deep within the remote highlands of the Everfrost Dominion, stood majestically atop a snow-covered peak. For centuries, this academy had nurtured disciples in the way of cultivation, yet despite its long lineage, it remained merely a middle-tier force within the empire. Nearly a thousand disciples resided within its walls, most of them women, each possessing an ethereal beauty that contrasted sharply with the academy's icy surroundings.
Even though the landscape was barren, with nothing but snow and jagged cliffs, the presence of these female cultivators made the academy appear like a garden of delicate flowers, thriving in the unforgiving frost. Despite the frigid conditions, their relentless training continued. In the central courtyard, dozens of disciples wielded their swords in perfect unison, their movements fluid and powerful. The rhythmic clash of weapons against the wind created a melody that echoed across the academy, filling the air with an energy that even the cold could not dampen.
Not far from the training ground, within a secluded courtyard, a lone figure stood amidst the falling snow. A pale young man clutched a wooden spear, his breath visible in the cold air. His strikes, though determined, were sluggish, as if each movement drained the last of his strength. Snowflakes that landed on the tip of his spear scattered into a flurry of white, yet his exertion quickly stole his breath, forcing him to halt.
Aldric stood still, gazing at the overcast sky. His mind drifted to another life—a different world. Once, he had been an ordinary young man, a lover of games and adventure, before fate cruelly intervened. A blinding flash of lightning, a surge of pain, then darkness. When he awoke, he found himself in this frail body, burdened by memories that were not his own.
The previous owner of this body had perished from exhaustion. Weak and lacking blood qi, his body was ill-suited for cultivation, yet he had stubbornly persisted until his demise. And now, Aldric bore the same struggle. He knew his limits—his body screamed them with every movement—but giving up was never an option.
"Is there truly no other way?" he murmured, gripping the spear tighter. His body trembled, his skin as pale as the snow around him.
A powerful thrust sent a gust of wind through the courtyard, dispersing a pile of snow into the air like a thousand glittering stars. The sight was beautiful, but it did little to mask the harsh reality—his body was failing him. A sudden, violent cough shook his frame, and he collapsed to one knee, his breath ragged.
"Young Master! Why are you out here again? You're hurting yourself!"
A hurried voice broke through the snowfall, followed by the light patter of footsteps. A young woman rushed toward him, draping a thick cloak over his shoulders. She had soft features, with concern etched into her expression.
"Sister Elara, I'm fine," Aldric managed weakly, forcing a small smile despite his trembling.
Elara, one of Celestine Academy's caretakers, frowned as she examined his fragile state. "You say that, yet you look as though the wind might carry you away. The Palace Lord is looking for you. Come inside before you freeze solid."
Aldric hesitated but ultimately nodded, allowing Elara to guide him toward the main hall. The warmth inside was immediate, a stark contrast to the biting cold outside. He felt the weight of countless eyes on him. The female disciples surrounding the hall cast him looks of disdain and indifference.
He was used to it.
Being the only male in the academy, and the son of the former Palace Lord, Aldric was an unwelcome anomaly. His mother had defied the sacred laws of Celestine Academy by bearing a child, and her subsequent disappearance had left him as a stain upon the academy's history. Were it not for his aunt—Lady Seraphine, the current Palace Lord—he would have been cast out long ago.
"Took you long enough," a clear, confident voice called out.
A young woman, no older than twenty, stepped forward. Dressed in elegant robes, her presence commanded instant respect. The surrounding disciples bowed their heads as she approached.
"Palace Lord!" they greeted in unison.
Aldric met her gaze and found warmth there. Lady Seraphine had been his only pillar of support in this world, the only one who truly cared for him.
"Aunt Seraphine," he greeted, his voice carrying a rare trace of relief.
She sighed, shaking her head as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "You've been training again, haven't you? I've told you not to push yourself."
Despite her chiding tone, there was no anger in her voice. Instead, she reached into her sleeve and retrieved a small jade box. As she opened it, a powerful essence filled the air. A ripple of murmurs spread through the disciples as they recognized what lay within.
"That's... Dragon Blood Elixir!" one of them gasped.
Aldric's eyes widened. The elixir was incredibly rare, capable of fortifying blood qi. For someone like him, it was invaluable.
"This is for you," Lady Seraphine said, offering the elixir. "It should strengthen your body."
Aldric hesitated. He had lost count of how many remedies she had found for him, all in vain. And yet, she continued to search, continued to hope.
"But—"
"No arguments," she interrupted, smiling gently. "The greatest gift you could give me is to get stronger."
Touched, Aldric took the elixir, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I'll make the most of it. I promise."
Before he could say more, a disciple rushed into the hall, breathless. "Palace Lord! A delegation from the Ironclad Order has arrived!"
Lady Seraphine's warm demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, calculating air. "I will handle it. Aldric, get some rest."
As she departed, Aldric clenched his fists. He knew what the Ironclad Order wanted—a share in the upcoming ancient ruin expedition. He also knew he could do nothing to help her. Not yet.
Determined, he turned toward his quarters. He needed to prepare himself. Just as he stepped outside, however, three figures blocked his path.
"Young Master," one of the male recruits sneered. "That elixir won't do you any good. Why don't you hand it over? We could actually use it."
Aldric's grip tightened around the jade box. These recruits had no respect for him. To them, he was nothing but a weakling hiding behind Lady Seraphine's protection.
"Oh?" Aldric's voice turned icy. "And if I refuse?"
The three exchanged glances, grinning. "Then we'll have to convince you."
Aldric exhaled slowly. He had been weak for too long. But this time…
This time, he would not back down.
Join the discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/NNQCDJWjQW