Chapter 19 - A Day in the Academy
The morning sun painted golden lines through the tall, arched windows of the Imperial Academy. The scent of polished marble, blooming starblossoms, and ancient tomes mixed in the air, reminding the students that they were now part of something much larger than themselves. This was the heart of the Empire's future—the Academy that forged heroes and legends.
Marcus adjusted the collar of his uniform, which felt more like ceremonial armor than clothing. Alexander, walking beside him, tugged at his own sleeves.
"Not bad," Alexander said, scanning the rows of training fields and spell arenas. "Almost makes getting attacked worth it."
"Almost," Marcus muttered.
The students had been divided into different sections based on their specializations—Sword Arts, Magic Theory, Tactical Command, Divine Studies, and more. Each class had both lecture halls and live training grounds attached.
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First Class: Tactical Command and Strategy
Michael sat at the back, half-asleep, while Selene reviewed a map projected by an arcane crystal. The instructor, an old general with one eye and a mechanical arm, barked at the group.
"This academy is not just about strength. The Empire falls if fools lead it! Today, we simulate a three-army conflict over disputed territory."
Michael sighed. "So no sleeping, huh?"
Selene didn't reply, already drawing troop paths with cold precision.
Meanwhile, Cyril raised her hand. "Are we allowed to use trade manipulation or bribery in the simulation?"
The instructor laughed. "You're a Morvan, of course you are."
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Second Class: Magical Theory and Combat
Vesper stood by a rune-forged cauldron while other students kept a safe distance.
"Do not explode this time," muttered one.
"I make no promises," Vesper said, pouring liquid mana into a black vial.
Seraphina stood across from him, calmly reading a scripture imbued with divine magic.
Lucian, who had taken a seat nearby, asked, "Does holy magic burn corrupted mana?"
"If it's truly divine, yes," she said.
The teacher clapped his hands. "We will pair up for a brief demonstration duel. Lucian Caelum and Seraphina Lysander versus Vesper Albrecht and Cyril Morvan."
Vesper smiled darkly. "Finally."
Lucian whistled. "A noble team battle. Let's try not to kill each other."
Duel One Begins
Lucian soared with wind-imbued boots, diving in a blur. Seraphina stood still, chanting: "O Light, judge impurity."
Cyril hurled enchanted gold coins like throwing knives, their surfaces glowing with illusion runes.
Vesper launched a shadow homunculus, but Seraphina's light clashed with it in mid-air, causing a small explosion.
Lucian's blades spun toward Vesper, who ducked and grinned. "Try harder."
Seraphina launched a holy spear while Cyril activated a warding barrier.
After a blinding series of exchanges, the instructor halted the fight.
"Impressive. Lucian's agility, Seraphina's purity, Cyril's cunning, and Vesper's unorthodox methods. You'll all be hell on the battlefield."
Vesper smirked. "That's the plan."
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Third Class: Swordsmanship and Martial Combat
Ellis twirled her bow like a baton while Galahad practiced blade forms under a waterfall.
"You're too stiff," Ellis said, hopping onto a training post.
"Discipline, not stiffness."
"You'd move better with fewer rules."
The instructor called forward two new students.
Duel Two: Ellis Runestone vs. Roland Drexus (Noble from House Velthorn)
Roland mocked Ellis. "What's an archer doing in Sword class?"
Ellis grinned. "Making you regret that question."
He charged with a saber; she dodged with a twist, launching arrows at close range. The third arrow carried a sonic pulse that threw Roland off-balance.
She leaped, flipped, and landed behind him. "Checkmate."
The instructor nodded. "Never underestimate flexibility over brute strength."
Galahad, watching, muttered, "Annoying... but effective."
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Fourth Class: Advanced Combat and Blessing Integration
Marcus stood silently, his Celestial Blade humming lightly.
Alexander stood beside him, still bored. "When do I get to punch someone again?"
The instructor, a scarred veteran with aura that screamed 'survivor,' pointed. "Duel three: Marcus Alderwood vs. Ardyn Valcroft."
Ardyn was a flame-user from the noble Valcroft line, known for being aggressive and fast.
"This'll be fun," Ardyn grinned.
Duel Three Begins
Marcus didn't move as flames surged toward him.
Then, with a single step, he blurred forward. His blade shimmered—not cutting flame, but slicing the illusion hiding the real Ardyn, who had aimed to strike from behind.
Marcus countered, disarming him with a swift motion.
The fight ended before it began.
Everyone stared.
"Damn," Alexander muttered, slightly impressed.
The instructor grinned. "The Celestial Blade sees through deception. Lesson learned."
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After Classes – The Grand Hall
The students gathered in the Grand Hall, where magical lights floated above tables of food.
Valen sat near the edge, not speaking.
Siegfried sat beside him. "You didn't duel."
"Didn't need to."
Michael sprawled on a chair. "Why is this place more exhausting than war?"
Selene just sipped her tea silently.
Lucian laughed. "You all survived your first day. That's worth something."
Galahad nodded. "But these tests aren't just for our skills—they're preparing us for what's coming."
Seraphina whispered a prayer. "And something is coming. I feel it."
Marcus looked toward the Academy gates.
Somewhere in the shadows, the Evernights were watching.
And the games had only just begun.