The Northern Academy rose like a fortress carved from ivory and crystal, perched atop a snow-capped plateau overlooking the sprawling territories below. Its towers gleamed under the morning sun, banners fluttering with the sigil of the Duke's house—the proud Eldrath crest, entwined with silver and gold. Below, the academy grounds buzzed with activity: students practicing swordplay, casting spells, or tending to mystical beasts in enclosures that seemed more like miniature forests.
Kael and his companions descended from Zephyr's back, the ground crunching beneath the hooves of their companion beast. Amara's gaze swept across the academy with awe. "It's… enormous."
Kael smirked. "This is where we'll be tested. Every corner of this place is designed to push us beyond our limits. And I can feel it… something in the air is already reacting to our presence." His fingers itched toward the hilt of his sword, and deep in his mind, the faint pulse of the Ultimate Supreme System hummed, signaling awareness.
Before they could take more than a few steps, a voice called out sharply. "Kael Eldrath! Amara Eldrath!"
From the courtyard emerged a group of individuals, exuding power and confidence, their eyes keen and assessing. These were the academy seniors the Duke had mentioned—the very elite of the Northern Academy.
"Allow me to introduce," Kael said, scanning the group and mentally cataloging their presence, "the twenty seniors of the academy."
He began with the Mage Class. A tall male with fiery red hair stepped forward first. "Ray Tudor, 3-star Fire Mage. Don't underestimate him—his control over flame is precise and lethal." Beside him, a woman with icy-blue eyes and hair like frost bowed slightly. "Tex Arthur, 4-star Water/Ice Mage. Calm but deadly, capable of manipulating ice in its purest form."
Kael's eyes moved to the Knight Class. A broad-shouldered man with a shield resting on his back approached confidently. "Jat Arthur, Guardian Knight, 2-star. Defensive, but every swing counts." Beside him, a female knight adjusted her armor. "Zalie August, 3-star Guardian Knight. Skilled in both offense and defense."
The Blacksmith Class stepped forward, tools slung over shoulders. "Velor Alexander, 4-star Hammerder. His strength isn't just physical—it's the force he channels through his creations." The female blacksmith, Merisa Ada, smiled faintly. "3-star Smelter. Don't let the tools fool you; I can handle myself just fine."
Kael's gaze then shifted to the Assassin Class. A lithe male with dark, shadowy eyes stepped forward. "Nefion Andrew, 3-star Shadowblade. Quick, lethal, unpredictable." The female assassin, Brie August, twirled a dagger effortlessly. "2-star Phantom. You won't see me until it's too late."
The Beast Taming Class followed. Pallius Alice, a young man with a hawk perched on his arm, spoke first. "1-star Beastlord. Strength in numbers, and loyalty is everything." Emera Albert, a tall woman with a trained wolf at her side, added, "2-star Warden. Nature bends slightly to my will."
Alchemy came next. Rillon Talbot, an older male with spectacles and bubbling vials floating around him, introduced himself. "8-star Innovator. Potions, explosives, and the mind behind them all." Ingra Howard, a younger female, stepped beside him. "5-star Innovator. I can craft things even he wouldn't imagine."
From the Explorer Class, Quok Pyraxis approached, a map in hand. "4-star Scout. Knowledge of terrain is power." Pallas Volthar, taller than most humans with keen, observing eyes, added, "6-star Ranger. Tracking and scouting are my specialty."
The Blackmega Class announced themselves. Rein Borin, dark robes flowing, glared from under his hood. "7-star Necromancer. Power over the dead is merely one tool." Beside him, Dorila Borin, 10-star Warlock, smiled coldly. "I weave curses you won't even sense until they strike."
The Warrior Class moved forward. Ragnar Darius, a broad man with scars lining his arms, lifted a massive sword. "2-star Soldier. Strength without subtlety, but it gets results." Isolde Drevak, armored elegantly, twirled her glaive. "4-star Gladiator. Grace meets brutality."
Finally, the Archer Class. Mordain Dawnguard, hooded and silent, drew his bow, arrow gleaming. "5-star Sniper. Distance and precision, nothing else matters." Zareth Frostclad, smaller and younger-looking, gave a curt nod. "1-star Hunter. Quick and relentless."
Kael surveyed them, feeling a mixture of awe and determination. So these are the challenges waiting for me…
Amara whispered beside him, "They're… incredible."
"Yes," Kael replied quietly. "And if we hope to survive—and thrive—we need to understand each one."
Zephyr hummed softly, sensing the magical presence of the seniors. Kael reached into his mind, feeling the Ultimate Supreme System respond. System notification: Observation quest activated. Task: Assess the capabilities of Academy seniors. Reward: Experience and System points.
The group was led into the main training hall, a colossal structure with reinforced stone walls etched with runes of containment and amplification. Here, each student could unleash power without endangering the academy or the world beyond.
The first task: introductions through demonstration.
Ray Tudor conjured a column of flames, swirling and controlled, barely a meter from Kael, yet he felt the heat brush against his skin. Tex Arthur countered effortlessly, summoning shards of ice that danced midair, neutralizing Ray's fire in a delicate, precise balance. Kael's eyebrows rose; they were both remarkable.
Jat Arthur and Zalie August sparred briefly with wooden practice swords, their movements fluid and measured, demonstrating technique that Kael immediately recognized as world-class training. Nefion Andrew disappeared into shadows, only to strike a practice dummy in a blur that even Kael's eyes strained to follow.
Meanwhile, Pallius and Emera called forth their beasts, the air thick with the combined scent of fur, feathers, and primal energy. Kael felt Zephyr stiffen slightly, wings adjusting as if acknowledging potential rivals.
Rillon Talbot's concoctions hissed and steamed, floating magically in orbit, while Ingra Howard's experiments crackled with energy, demonstrating her genius. Quok Pyraxis led the group in a mock navigation challenge, while Pallas Volthar and Rein Borin began a complex duel of elemental and necromantic energy that caused the hall to vibrate.
Kael observed, absorbing details: the strengths, weaknesses, and habits of each senior. The system is right, he thought. Every second here is training, even if I'm just watching.
Then came the first System Quest notification, echoing through Kael's mind:
> System Quest: Limit Observation
Objective: Assess twenty Academy seniors, record combat techniques, magical affinities, and tactical patterns.
Reward: +500 System Experience, Unlock "Tactical Analysis" skill.
Kael felt a surge of power as the quest initiated. The System's interface revealed hidden insights: elemental affinities, physical stamina, mental agility, and battle tendencies. Each senior's profile illuminated, their hidden strengths visible in detail only he could perceive.
Amara glanced at him. "Kael… what is that?"
"System interface," he whispered, excitement mixing with determination. "It's… showing me everything about them. I can learn from this."
The day continued in a whirlwind of observation and limited sparring. Kael and his friends met the other students in groups, exchanging techniques, exchanging strategies, and pushing their limits. Even Zephyr participated, adjusting to the Academy environment with remarkable precision.
By nightfall, Kael sat quietly atop a balcony overlooking the academy grounds. The stars shone bright, magical energy drifting through the air in waves. This is it… the start of something greater. He flexed his fingers, feeling the Ultimate Supreme System pulse, reminding him that every challenge, every duel, and every observation was part of his growth.
Below, the twenty seniors discussed strategy, allies, and potential rivals among themselves, unaware of the young Eldrath observing them all.
"Tomorrow," Kael muttered, a grin forming, "we start testing ourselves. And nothing—nothing—will be easy."
Amara joined him, arms crossed over her chest. "Just don't get ahead of yourself, Kael. These seniors… they're not just skilled—they're dangerous."
Kael chuckled softly. "Dangerous, yes. But that's exactly what we need."
The Academy, he realized, was more than a school—it was a crucible. Here, they would be forged into something greater than any one of them alone. And the Ultimate Supreme System, ever vigilant, whispered promises of quests, growth, and challenges yet to come.
High above, the wind carried the faint echo of destiny. Kael Eldrath, System awakened, eyes sharp, and mind racing, was ready to meet it head-on.