November 3rd, 1998.
3:15 a.m.
The hospital lights flickered once, twice, and then steadied. Nurses whispered about faulty wiring, but every machine hummed in perfect rhythm, every heartbeat stronger than it had been moments before. In one corner of the crowded rural ward, a woman gave birth without a cry of pain, her face serene, her body unbroken by the ordeal.
The boy did not scream.
His chest rose with steady breath, his dark eyes already searching, already aware. When a nurse spoke the name his mother had chosen—Alan—he turned his head to find her voice.
Whispers spread. Unusual child. Blessed child. But within hours, the murmurs were forgotten, as though the strangeness had been gently erased from their memories.
Yet not all was ordinary.
In the days that followed, the mother's health bloomed; the fatigue of birth melted into vitality. The father's fortunes shifted as if some invisible hand guided his path. And in their quiet home, behind closed doors, the infant watched the world with the patience of someone far older.
Within a single year, he was speaking, walking, and carrying himself like any ten-year-old should—though his mind possessed the depth and clarity of a thirty-year-old adult. In a world where magic, advanced science, and alien life coexist, his rapid development was simply regarded as another marvel by his parents.
His mother, Charlene King, a retired High Mage who remains youthful in both appearance and spirit, seems forever in her twenties. His father, Brayden King, carries the bloodline of Dionysus, granting him an unnaturally long life. Yet that divine lineage is a secret he keeps carefully hidden; only his parents and wife know of his ancient connection to the old divine powers.
Charlene and Brayden poured every ounce of their knowledge into Alan, shaping him into someone centuries ahead of his generation. By the age of twelve, he was ready to begin his formal academic journey. It might have seemed unnecessary, given his intellect, but in this world, education was essential for anyone who wished to advance in society.
Accompanied by his parents, Alan stepped onto the Fates Academy campus with quiet confidence and humble poise. The sight before him was nothing short of wondrous—students drifted through the air, some gliding on clouds, brooms, and carpets, while others rode on the backs of fantastical beasts. A few appeared through portals of light, while the rest strode in with pride and determination, each aspiring to become the greatest of their age.
The trees and shrubs were lush, the flowers plentiful and radiant, and the stone buildings shimmered in shades of cream, gold, and brown. Above the castle towers stretched an eternal night sky, displaying the vast, glittering cosmos—a breathtaking reminder of the world's boundless wonders.
It was on this day that Alan met El, a half-fairy girl also beginning her first day at the academy. She, too, was accompanied by her parents. After a warm introduction between the two families, Alan and El were left to enter the grand hall together as their parents waved farewell.
Sticking close, the two watched as other freshmen filled the vast chamber with a hum of excitement and nervous chatter. After nearly an hour, a tall woman clad in flowing purple robes stepped onto the stage, her presence commanding instant silence as she called for everyone's attention.
"Welcome, students," the woman began, her voice calm yet powerful. "I am Headmistress Lyra, and I welcome you all to Fates Academy—where talent is shaped, and destiny begins." Her words filled the hall with excitement. Alan felt a spark of curiosity and determination rise within him. Beside him, El's wings fluttered slightly as she whispered, "This is really happening." Alan smiled and nodded. From that moment, both of them knew their lives were about to change forever.
A few moments later, the large doors at the back of the hall opened, and several older students walked in. They wore long navy coats with gold trim—the official uniform of Fates Academy. Each carried a stack of folded uniforms and shiny silver badges. Moving down the rows, they handed one set to every new student. "These are your official academy uniforms and identification badges," one of the seniors announced. "Your badges grant access to classrooms, dorms, and training areas, so don't lose them." Alan took his with care, admiring the fine fabric and the emblem shaped like a star surrounded by wings. Beside him, El held hers up to the light, smiling with excitement.
After changing into his new uniform, Alan felt a strange mix of pride and warmth. The coat fit perfectly, its golden trim glinting softly under the starlit sky above the academy. As the new students were guided outside by a senior, Alan couldn't help but gaze around in wonder. The academy grounds stretched endlessly—gardens glowing with moonlight, crystal lakes reflecting the stars, and floating towers that drifted gently like clouds. Though his mind held the wisdom of centuries, in that moment, Alan let go of all that weight. He laughed at a group of students chasing floating lanterns and felt, truly, like a child discovering the world for the first time.
As they walked along the marble path, the senior guiding them—a tall boy with sandy hair and a kind smile—glanced at Alan. "So, what are you most excited to learn here?" he asked casually.
Alan thought for a moment before answering, "I'm most interested in the connection between magic and science. I think the two are different languages describing the same truth."
The senior slowed his steps, blinking in surprise. "That's… quite the answer," he said, chuckling. "Most first-years just say they want to learn how to fly or cast fireballs."
Alan smiled politely. "Those are fascinating too. But understanding why they work might be even more important."
The senior shook his head in amazement. "You're twelve, right?"
Alan nodded.
"Unbelievable," the senior said with a grin. "Fates Academy's in for a treat with you around."
The senior led them to a grand building known as Lilac Hall, its tall windows glowing softly with violet light. Inside, rows of desks and crystal lamps awaited the new students. "This is where you'll be placed into your houses," the senior explained. "There are seven in total—each named after a constellation. Your house will become your second family during your time here." He handed Alan and El a pair of silver pens that shimmered faintly with magic. "You'll take a short written test to measure your personality, values, and how you think under pressure. Your results will decide which house suits you best." Alan nodded with quiet focus, while El looked both nervous and excited as they took their seats side by side.
When the test began, the room grew quiet except for the gentle scratching of pens on paper. Each question seemed to shift and change as Alan read it—testing not just knowledge, but judgment, emotion, and creativity. One question asked how he would react if given great power; another asked what he valued most: strength, wisdom, or compassion. The final section appeared blank until he touched it, and then it filled with symbols that glowed faintly, asking him to write what he believed his purpose in life was. Alan answered each question calmly, his thoughts steady and deep. Though he knew he could analyze the test like a scholar, he chose instead to answer honestly—as a child would, full of curiosity and wonder. When he set down his pen, he felt strangely light, as if a part of him had just been understood by the academy itself.
When the last student set down their pen, the lights in Lilac Hall dimmed. A hush fell over the room as the ceiling began to shimmer like glass. Slowly, seven great constellations appeared above—each one glowing in a different color of starlight. Then, one by one, the test booklets lifted off the desks, floating gently into the air. Gasps of wonder filled the hall as the papers turned and swirled, drawn toward the stars above. The constellations pulsed softly, as if studying each student's answers. After a few moments, the booklets began to drift into place—each one settling beneath the constellation that matched the student's spirit and mind. The air sparkled with quiet magic, and for a brief moment, everyone forgot to breathe, watching their destinies take shape among the stars.
Alan watched as booklets drifted gracefully toward their constellations. When his own floated upward, the starlight seemed to recognize him, guiding it straight to Orion, the Hunter, whose stars blazed brightly above. A thrill ran through him—not pride, exactly, but a quiet satisfaction that the academy had seen him clearly.
Beside him, El's eyes widened as her booklet spun gently in the air before settling beneath Lyra, the Harp, its soft golden glow matching the light in her hair. She let out a small, delighted laugh. "That's… perfect," she whispered, turning to Alan with a grin. Alan smiled back, feeling a rare ease in the excitement of the moment. For the first time since entering the academy, the vastness of their new world felt shared—and somehow, a little less intimidating.