The morning light pierced through the grand crystal dome of Dorothrel's Central Hall, casting prismatic rays onto the polished floor. Hundreds of students stood silently, dressed in their new academy robes, eyes fixed on the main stage that towered above them.
A massive mana crystal hovered overhead, pulsing softly, displaying names and colors one by one.
"Results of the Mana Core Awakening Ceremony."
The hall held its breath.
The list rolled down like flowing light, names glowing in gold, silver, and bronze—each representing core purity and affinity.
Nobles dominated the gold tier.
Their names were followed by waves of applause. Fire, lightning, light—rare and powerful affinities caused murmurs of awe and jealousy.
Then came a sudden pause.
One name flickered in silver with a green-white hue:
Arin Vail – Wind and Earth Affinity – Silver Tier
A few heads turned. There were whispers.
"Isn't he one of the poor district entries?""Dual affinity? That's rare for someone from the outer rings…""Silver? That's higher than I thought."
But before the attention could linger, the next name appeared:
Kael Drakvar – Fire Affinity – Gold Tier
Applause exploded. The hall erupted in cheers again, and the attention swiftly shifted. Lireya's name followed shortly after, marked with high-purity water magic. Another noble child. Another round of celebration.
Arin stood at the edge of the crowd, quiet, unbothered.
He was used to it.
"I stood out more than I wanted… but I'm still in the shadows of the real stars."
Suddenly, the lights dimmed.
A silence fell as a deep, melodic bell rang through the chamber.
On the highest balcony above the stage, a figure stepped forward. His white robes shimmered with runes older than the academy itself, and his beard flowed like threads of cloudlight. Despite his frail figure, his presence silenced the room.
The founder.
The Grand Mage of Dorothrel.
Arin's breath hitched.
"No way…"
It was him.
The same old man from the forest. The one who gave him the book. The one who had left him with the gold coins. The one who saw him when no one else did.
He looked just as Arin remembered—though now wrapped in undeniable power and reverence.
"He's the founder of Dorothrel…?"
Arin's thoughts raced. He remembered the glass eye he was supposed to return. The man's cryptic words. The book—World of Body and Mind. His entire journey had started because of this old man.
The founder's gaze swept the hall.
And for a second—just a second—it paused.
Right on Arin.
Their eyes met.
The old man smiled lightly. As if to say, "You've made it."
Then he turned away and raised a hand.
"Welcome… the Chosen Generation of this decade."
His voice echoed not with volume, but with clarity—like it was speaking directly into the hearts of everyone present.
"Some of you are born of wealth. Some of you, born from nothing. But within these walls, only your will shall matter."
"Your talents will be tested. Your dreams will be challenged. And your hearts… your hearts will either break or awaken."
Arin clenched his fists.
He wasn't dreaming.
This was real.
After the speech, the founder vanished into mist—leaving awe behind.
Teachers walked onto the stage. Each one wore different-colored robes symbolizing their department: Elemental Studies, Combat Arts, Magical Theory, Enchantments, and more.
One by one, they stepped forward.
A woman with sharp silver eyes spoke first, her voice piercing:
"I am Professor Nyra of the Elemental Domain. I seek students with raw potential and unrefined fire. Come if you dare challenge the elements."
Next, a muscular man in crimson stepped up.
"Professor Raik. Combat Division. I care not for nobility or smarts. Show me strength, and I will forge you."
Then came a bespectacled man with soft eyes.
"Professor Dael. Magical Theory. I want thinkers, readers, and those who question everything."
Dozens of students stepped forward to request mentorship.
Arin stayed back, still holding the weight of that single glance.
"He's here… and I need to return the eye."
But he couldn't just rush to the Founder. There would be protocols. Guards. Rules. He had to bide his time.
Still, the fire within him burned brighter now.
The man who gave him a chance still watched over him.
"I won't disappoint you."