The students followed the teachers along the wide cobbled path, their shoes crunching against the scattered glints of stardust embedded in the stones. At the end of the path stood the central tower—a towering behemoth of black stone that loomed like a shadow against the lavender sky. It was unlike anything they had seen before. The central spire rose sharply into the clouds, surrounded by smaller needle-like towers that spiraled with delicate bridges and flying buttresses. The walls shimmered faintly with silver runes, pulsing slowly, like a heartbeat made of ancient magic and asteroid dust.
Arron's mouth fell open. "Psst... why does this look a bit like Hogwarts?" he whispered, elbowing Lauran, his voice dripping with amusement.
Lauran tilted her head, smirking as her eyes scanned the gothic structure. "Nah... this is Hogwarts' dark twin. More curse than charm."
Henry, walking behind them, shifted nervously. His eyes darted sideways. "Guys... she's staring at me again."
His voice cracked slightly, and he shrank into his jacket.
Lauran's smile disappeared in an instant. Her eyes narrowed, a cold edge creeping into her tone. "Isn't she your friend, Lauran?" Xaio asked, glancing between Henry and a girl across the courtyard, whose gaze was fixed on them like a hawk.
"She was a friend," Lauran said flatly. Her jaw tightened. "Old habits die hard. She's back with the nobles now—and they're as toxic as ever. I'm not helping her again. She broke my trust. Three years… gone."
A low pulse of tension filled the air. The boys exchanged wary glances. The temperature seemed to drop, and for a moment, it felt like the shadows clung closer to Lauran's feet. Henry quickly gestured toward the castle in an attempt to change the subject.
"Hey! Look at that—what is this place even made of?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The group followed the teachers into the main tower through enormous double doors. The entrance hall echoed with their footsteps. Smooth obsidian floors reflected the colorful light from enormous stained-glass windows. Each pane depicted ancient beasts, heroes, and celestial beings mid-battle or casting spells. The ceiling arched above them like the night sky, twinkling faintly.
Teachers moved around with clipboards, calling names and checking files. A magical list floated in mid-air, shuffling student names into order.
At the very top of the tower was a vast, circular chamber. The windows spilled rainbow light onto the marble floor, where an enormous glowing magic circle was etched in silver and gold. Runes sparked and shimmered along the edges, humming with raw power.
"Alright, students," one of the teachers announced. "Step forward when your name is called. One at a time."
The students were arranged alphabetically. That meant Bolt—Arron—was first.
"No pressure," Xaio whispered, nudging him with a grin.
Arron forced a smile, but his hands were clammy. He stepped into the circle and crouched, glancing back at his friends. They gave him thumbs-ups and encouraging nods. David, the academy director, stood quietly near the far wall, his arms folded as he watched the summoning process with sharp, calculating eyes.
"Calm your heart and give it your all," a teacher advised, gently.
Arron nodded. He closed his eyes and reached inward. His breath steadied, and he directed all of his mana into the glowing circle beneath him.
A sudden surge of energy made the floor tremble. The circle flashed purple—rare and dangerous. Gasps echoed around the room. Runes cracked, light sparked violently, and the stone floor groaned under pressure.
David's eyes widened. "Move!" he barked, sprinting across the chamber toward Arron, casting protective wards mid-run.
But before he could reach him—BOOM.
A pillar of light burst into the air. When the dust settled, three figures stood before Arron.
A snow-white wolf with crystal-blue eyes padded forward, its fur glittering like frost under moonlight.
A regal, midnight-feathered owl swooped down from the sky-light and perched gently on Arron's shoulder, glowing faintly with starlight.
And standing tall behind them was a man with long lavender-blue hair that flowed like smoke. His eyes were silver and amused, and he carried himself with the relaxed confidence of someone who'd seen centuries pass.
The wolf wagged its tail and immediately flopped against Arron's legs. "Luximo, at your service!" it barked joyfully, rolling over for belly rubs.
The owl gave a graceful nod. "Sora at your command," she said, nuzzling Arron's cheek affectionately with her beak.
The tall man chuckled, crossing his arms. "Yo! Kid. Long time no see. I'm Edward Greystone. You might've forgotten me—I was your father's guardian before you. Nowadays, I go by Voldemort. When you're in trouble, just shout 'Voldy!' and I'll show up."
He winked, then turned and noticed David standing protectively by Arron.
"Oh hey—you're the new headmaster? Good. I approve. Keep the place safe, yeah? I built most of this place myself, back in the good ol' days. Blood, sweat, and a lot of lava rock."
David crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. "You again? I don't need an old man's approval to run this academy."
Edward placed a hand on his chest and gasped dramatically. "How rude! I founded this academy, thank you very much. Used earth magic for the lower halls, borrowed gold from a friend for the upper floors. What's the use of being the king's bestie if you can't build your own school, huh?"
With a flick of his fingers, he vanished in a swirl of smoke.
Luximo and Sora shimmered and disappeared as well, leaving behind a lavender mark etched into Arron's right hand. It glowed like starlight, trailing down to his middle fingers.
David knelt beside him, steadying him with a firm hand. "You okay, kid?"
Arron groaned, eyes half-lidded. "Yeah… I think."
David sighed and guided him outside to the tower balcony for some air. The wind was cool and the sun was setting, casting golden light over the mountains. He helped Arron lie down on a plush daybed, then handed him a glass of something fizzy.
"Three summons," David muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Every time, these kids give us minor heart attacks."
He took a long sip from his own drink and handed Arron a bowl of propcorn.
"Just wait," he added. "There's always something exciting. You'll see."
As if on cue, a loud crash shook the tower. A massive hole opened in the ceiling as a black, crimson-horned Japanese dragon burst through with a thunderous roar.
Arron didn't even flinch. He sipped his drink, squinting at the dragon.
"Definitely Henry's."
David pushed his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. "Yup."
They sat side-by-side on the balcony, uncle and nephew, lounging on daybeds with snacks and shades, watching dragons and destiny unfold over their heads.
The northwest courtyard buzzed with energy. The group had gathered after Gory introduced them to their new familiars.
Lauran stood proudly as a majestic phoenix circled above her, its tail feathers trailing embers, while a shimmering six-tailed kitsune lounged at her feet.
Henry summoned what could only be described as a flying danger noodle — a long, sleek serpent-dragon with glistening crimson scales and wings too large for its body.
Xiao giggled as a mischievous monkey spirit danced on his shoulder, playfully tugging at Henry's coat.
Luke proudly summoned a sea dragon, sleek and aquamarine, coiling in mid-air with splashes of ocean mist.
Kaya, cool as ever, summoned a kitsune as well, his aura calm and collected.
"Me and Lauran are cousins, so it's only natural we share a familiar type," Kaya said, hands in his pockets. "The species differ, but kitsune represent the Asmnoah Clan for a reason."
Just then, David appeared, arms crossed, glaring at the group.
"Whatq's with all the flashy summoning? This is not a summoning tournament, it's a—"
BOOM.
A portal erupted behind him in a swirl of blue fire and violet sparks.
Out stepped a tall, lean man with dark blue hair flowing down his back, wearing an open-chested evening gown that shimmered like a galaxy. In one hand, he held a glowing spear. Behind him was a boy with sea-blue hair, clearly trying to calm him down.
"David. Samuel. Kaztarov." the man snapped, voice echoing with theatrical rage. "Why didn't you answer my texts?! And why didn't you tell me my second-favorite niece was at the Academy?!"
David, usually unshakable, actually flinched.
"Mi amore," he stammered, backing up. "I was going to reply. I just— I was planning to video call you tonight…"
"Planning?!" Andy's voice rose an octave. "Do I look like a plan, David?!"
Before David could respond, Luke, Kaya, and Lauran's faces lit up. They all ran forward and tackled the man with a giant hug.
"Uncle Andy!" the three chorused.
Andy's annoyed expression melted instantly.
"My babies," he said dramatically, hugging them back. "You've all grown even more beautiful. Luke, still brooding. Kaya, still gorgeous. Lauran—oh, that glow!"
He glanced past them and his eyes fell on Arron.
There was a long beat of silence.
Then Andy gently pushed the others aside, marched straight to David, and smacked him across the shoulder with the back of his spear.
Whack!
"You absolute buffoon! How dare you not tell me your second favorite niece was here?!"
David yelped and rubbed the sore spot.
"Mi amore, I was going to reply! I even had a reminder set for a video call!"
Behind him, Viktore stepped through the portal and gave a calm wave.
"He says that every time."
Lauran, Kaya, and Luke lit up like children on festival day.
"Uncle Andy!!" they shouted in unison, rushing to hug him.
Andy beamed and hugged them tightly. When he turned back to Arron, his expression softened further.
"Arron, my sweet child. Do you remember me?"
Arron blinked, then tilted his head.
"Uncle... Danger Noodle?"
Andy burst out laughing and pulled him into another hug. "Close enough!"
David dusted off his coat and cleared his throat dramatically.
He smirked and leaned on Andy's spear like a cane.
"You're standing in the presence of nobility, kids."
"Wait… does that mean—?" Henry started, eyes wide.
"Yup." David grinned. "I'm the Grand Duke of the North, Emperor Alexander's brother-in-law, and the best friend of Prince Garion. Yo! Kids!"
Lauran groaned. "You two didn't know who the headmaster was? They don't just hand out that title to random people, you know."
Henry and Xaio blinked. The realization was hitting too fast.
Viktore stepped in between them, calm as ever, and looked at his parents with a sigh.
"Alright, let's head inside before someone's brain leaks out. Adults can have their soap-opera drama talk."
The students followed him toward the archway into the Northwest Tower courtyard.
As they walked, Viktore glanced at Arron.
"So. You've got two older brothers—identical twins. Edward's the eldest, Jake's the younger one. Then there's you—technically the third son—and you've got a fraternal twin sister: Ravchel."
He smirked at the stunned silence.
"Yup. You've got a sister."
Arron blinked hard.
"...That explains the random stomach cramps. And why I randomly hum German or Russian songs in the shower. Twin telepathy. She's probably just chilling on Earth or something."