My first impression of Aetherion Academy?Big. Shiny. Loud.I missed my tomato garden within five minutes.
The Royal Academy of Aetherion wasn't just a school.It was a castle.No, scratch that. A magical mall that disguised itself as a learning institution.
Gleaming towers. Floating bridges. Uniformed students in jewel-toned capes riding flying carriages like it was totally normal.
I walked through the gate—hood up, charm activated, aura suppressed—clutching my admission scroll like it was garlic and everyone here was a vampire.
"Just get in, blend in, and survive. That's the plan," I whispered.
A gust of wind knocked off my hood.
Three noble girls gasped in unison like a badly choreographed opera.
"Her hair—""Is that silver?""Are those pajamas under her cloak?"
I pulled the hood back on and power-walked into the main hall before I committed my first spell-related misdemeanor.
The orientation hall was packed.
Students from every province were seated in enchanted rows that floated slightly above the floor. There were spirit-bonded kids, elemental specialists, summoners, even one guy whose entire head was on fire. (It seemed intentional.)
I sat alone, far in the back.
Still. Watching.
That's when I saw him.
Cassian Virelion.
Crimson coat. Silver-blond hair. Air of don't talk to me unless you're destiny incarnate.
He didn't look at anyone.But everyone looked at him.
I slouched lower in my chair.
"Not today, fate. Not today."
The Headmistress appeared in a flash of silver light.
"Welcome, gifted ones," she said. "Your presence here marks a new chapter—for the Empire, and for the world."
Cool.
Can I go back to my tower now?
Orientation was a blur of magical fireworks, food-based illusions, and a spirit choir performance that brought three students to tears.
After that, we were sorted into Houses.
Not like "bravery or brains" or anything cool.
Here, it was based on magical resonance type:
Ignis: Fire-based and combat-leaning
Aeris: Wind, speed, and precision
Terra: Earth and shielding magic
Lumine: Light affinity, healing, and divine gifts
Umbra: Shadow work, illusions, and stealth
Arcana: Rare or unidentified magic
I prayed to be misfiled into "janitorial support."
The crystal placed in my hands glowed... gold and blue and green and silver.
Everyone stared.
"Arcana," the crystal whispered.
The hall fell silent.
"...You sure?" I asked it.
"Very," it said. Sassily.
Of course I ended up in the weird one.
My dorm was in the far tower—Arcana wing.It was quiet. Too quiet.
My roommate hadn't arrived.The bed was neatly made. A little too neat. Suspiciously neat.
I cast a minor spirit detection spell on the pillow. It twitched.
"Yeah, no thanks," I said, and slept on my summoned cloud mattress instead.
Classes would start tomorrow.
I had one day to explore. Or hide. Or both.
I took the long way around the outer halls and accidentally walked into a restricted wing.
There, behind an arched door slightly ajar, was a training room.
Inside it, Cassian stood alone.Sword drawn. Aura sharp. Like he was built from fire and old stories.
I froze.
He turned.
Our eyes met.
Time did that stupid slow thing it does in fantasy stories.
Then—
"What are you doing here?" he asked. Voice low. Neutral.
"Wrong turn," I said casually, backing up. "Was looking for the laundry room. You seen any socks around?"
He tilted his head.Then, slowly, he smiled. Just a little.
It hit like a magic arrow to the stomach.
I ran.
[End of Chapter 6]