Three weeks had passed since the entrance examination, and now Zephyr stood before the towering gates of Astoria Royal Academy. The campus stretched before him like a small city, with elegant spires reaching toward the sky and magical formations glowing softly along every pathway.
Students streamed through the gates in small groups, their conversations mixing excitement with nervousness. Zephyr recognized many faces from the examination, though most avoided making eye contact. His reputation as the disowned Ashcroft heir preceded him, even here.
"Magnificent, isn't it?" Elena Roseheart appeared beside him, carrying a leather satchel that looked far too heavy for her slight frame. "I've read about the academy's architectural enchantments, but seeing them in person is something else entirely."
"The libraries are supposed to be exceptional," Zephyr replied, shouldering his own pack. Unlike most noble students, he traveled light. No servants, no elaborate luggage, just the essentials and a few carefully chosen books.
"You're more interested in books than social connections?" she asked with genuine curiosity. "Most nobles I know see the academy as a networking opportunity first, education second."
"Maybe that's why so many of them graduate with connections but no real skills," he said, earning a surprised laugh from her.
They walked through the gates together, following the flow of students toward the main courtyard where orientation would begin. The academy's staff had organized the incoming class into neat rows, with designated areas for different social rankings.
As expected, the most prominent families clustered near the front. Zephyr spotted the Drakmoor crest among the banners, though Kael himself was nowhere to be seen. The protagonist was probably already settled in, having arrived early to avoid the crowds.
"Ashcroft students, please report to section seven," announced a staff member with a magically amplified voice.
Section seven. Not the prestigious front sections, but not relegated to the back either. A middle position that accurately reflected his current status.
Zephyr made his way through the crowd, noting the various reactions his presence triggered. Some students whispered behind their hands, others stared with open curiosity. The disowned heir attending the academy was apparently still newsworthy.
He found his assigned position and was surprised to discover he wasn't alone. A young woman with the same white hair and sharp features that marked her as an Ashcroft stood nearby, her posture radiating barely controlled disdain.
Lyanna Ashcroft. His younger sister, and according to the original novel's background material, someone who had never forgiven him for bringing shame to the family name.
"Hello, brother," she said, her voice honey over poison. "How... unexpected to see you here."
"Lyanna," he replied evenly. "You're looking well."
She was, in fact, looking magnificent. Dressed in the finest academy robes money could buy, with magical accessories that probably cost more than most students' entire wardrobes. Everything about her presentation screamed successful, legitimate Ashcroft heir.
"I suppose I should congratulate you," she continued, her smile sharp as a blade. "Father mentioned you managed to pass the entrance examination. Though I suspect Lady Seraphina's influence played a role in your acceptance."
Around them, other students were beginning to pay attention to the conversation. The Ashcroft family drama was apparently too interesting to ignore.
"My scores were adequate," Zephyr said, refusing to rise to the bait. "Though I'm sure yours were exceptional, as always."
"Third in the overall rankings," she said with obvious pride. "The highest any Ashcroft has placed in over fifty years."
That was new information. In the original story, the Ashcroft siblings had been mentioned only in passing. Clearly, this world's version was more accomplished than he'd realized.
"Impressive," he said, and meant it. "The family must be pleased."
"Some of the family," she replied pointedly. "Others find it embarrassing that their achievements are overshadowed by questions about why the disowned heir was allowed to attend at all."
The conversation was drawing more attention now. Students from nearby sections were craning their necks to listen, clearly hoping for a dramatic confrontation.
Zephyr could see what she was doing. By publicly questioning his right to be here, she was establishing the narrative that would follow him throughout his academy years. The illegitimate Ashcroft who didn't belong, who was only here because of his dangerous fiancée's influence.
[New Quest Available: Family Politics]
[Objective: Navigate sibling relationships without compromising cover]
[Warning: Actions taken may have long-term consequences]
"I'm sure the other family members will adapt," he said calmly. "After all, the academy's standards are quite rigorous. If I wasn't qualified, I wouldn't be here."
Before Lyanna could respond, the orientation ceremony began. A distinguished older man in elaborate robes stepped forward, his voice carrying easily across the courtyard through magical amplification.
"Welcome to Astoria Royal Academy," he announced. "I am Headmaster Valdris, and it is my honor to oversee your education for the next four years."
Valdris. Seraphina's grandfather, and according to the novel, one of the most powerful mages on the continent. His presence here explained much about the academy's reputation and Seraphina's casual attitude toward influencing admissions.
The headmaster's speech covered the academy's history, expectations, and rules. Standard material, but Zephyr found himself studying the man's mannerisms and magical presence. This was someone who could probably vaporize him without effort, and who was directly related to his increasingly suspicious fiancée.
After the ceremony, students were directed to their dormitory assignments. The academy's housing was divided by year and social ranking, with first-year nobles assigned to the prestigious Aurelius Hall.
Zephyr's room was on the third floor, a modest but comfortable space with a window overlooking the academy's training grounds. As he unpacked his belongings, he noticed his roommate's possessions already in place: expensive clothes, advanced magical texts, and a family crest he didn't immediately recognize.
"You must be my roommate," said a voice from the doorway. A young man entered, carrying what appeared to be an armload of alchemical supplies. "Marcus Thorne, second son of House Thorne."
Marcus was tall and lean, with brown hair that looked like he'd been running his hands through it and clothes that suggested he cared more about functionality than fashion. His hands were already stained with what looked like reagent burns.
"Zephyr Ashcroft," he replied, setting down his last book.
"Ashcroft?" Marcus paused in his unpacking, studying Zephyr with newfound interest. "I thought the Ashcroft heir was..."
"Disowned. Yes, that would be me," Zephyr said with practiced ease. "I hope that won't be a problem."
"Why would it be?" Marcus asked, genuinely puzzled. "I'm more interested in whether you mind if I conduct experiments in here. I promise to keep the explosive ones to a minimum."
Zephyr blinked. This wasn't the reaction he'd expected from a noble roommate. Most would either treat him with disdain or excessive caution.
"Experiments?"
"Alchemy," Marcus explained, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "I'm trying to develop more efficient mana restoration formulas. The current market offerings are terribly overpriced for what they actually deliver."
[Opportunity Identified: Potential Investment Target]
[Marcus Thorne - Budding Alchemist]
[Future Potential: High]
This was exactly the kind of opportunity Zephyr had been hoping to find. A talented individual with innovative ideas but lacking the resources or connections to fully develop them.
"That sounds fascinating," he said, settling into the room's desk chair. "What kind of improvements are you working on?"
Marcus's face brightened, and he launched into an explanation of molecular refinement techniques and cost-effective ingredient substitutions. Most of it went over Zephyr's head, but he could recognize genuine genius when he heard it.
"The problem is funding," Marcus concluded with obvious frustration. "My father thinks alchemy is a waste of time compared to traditional magic. He'd rather I focus on combat techniques and political alliances."
"But you think there's real potential in alchemical innovation?"
"Absolutely!" Marcus pulled out a small vial filled with shimmering blue liquid. "This is my latest prototype. Same effects as a standard mana restoration potion, but using ingredients that cost about a third as much."
Zephyr accepted the vial and examined it closely. Even without advanced alchemical knowledge, he could tell this was sophisticated work.
"Have you considered seeking investors?" he asked casually. "Someone who might provide funding in exchange for future profits?"
Marcus laughed, but there was bitterness in it. "Who's going to invest in the second son of a minor house working on untested theories? I'd need to prove my concepts first, and that requires resources I don't have."
"What if someone were willing to take that risk?" Zephyr asked. "Hypothetically speaking."
Something in his tone made Marcus look at him more carefully. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"I might be," Zephyr admitted. "I have some... resources available, and I'm interested in supporting promising innovations."
It wasn't entirely true yet, but he had plans to make it true. The original Zephyr had been left a small allowance when he was disowned, barely enough to live on but sufficient for modest investments if used wisely.
Marcus set down his alchemical supplies and studied Zephyr with new interest. "Why would you want to invest in me? You barely know me."
"Because I recognize talent when I see it," Zephyr replied. "And because I believe the future belongs to people who can create new solutions, not just those who inherit old power."
Outside their window, the sun was beginning to set over the academy grounds. Tomorrow, classes would begin in earnest, and with them, the real challenges of academy life.
But tonight, in a modest dormitory room, the first seeds of Zephyr's future empire were being planted.
"Tell me more about your theories," he said, settling in to listen.
Marcus grinned and reached for his notebooks. "This might take a while."
"I have time," Zephyr assured him.
After all, he was building something that would last far longer than his academy years.