Chapter 10 – The Academy Gates
The journey took several days, though with the Headmaster's pace it could have been halved. Fay learned quickly that while the short woman appeared delicate, she moved with the efficiency of someone who had no patience for delays.
"Rest is for when one's body demands it," she said on the third day, when Fay had stopped to yawn beneath an oak tree.
"Right," Fay muttered, dragging himself upright. "I keep forgetting you're secretly a drill sergeant."
Her only reply was a cool glance over the rim of her glasses.
Despite the exhaustion, Fay felt alive. Every step away from his village was a step closer to something new. For years, he had lived in the same quiet valley, surrounded by the same familiar faces. Now the world stretched wide before him, filled with unknown voices, strange cities, and more than a few curious eyes that followed his white hair and crimson gaze as he passed.
---
On the fifth morning, the Academy came into view.
Fay stopped dead in his tracks. "Oh."
The Headmaster raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"It's… big."
"'Big,'" she repeated flatly. "That's all you have to say?"
"It's like a city of its own," he said, staring.
And it was. The Academy's grounds sprawled across the horizon, enclosed by massive stone walls etched with runes that shimmered faintly in the daylight. Beyond them rose towers, spires, and lecture halls that gleamed with both artistry and magic. Banners flapped proudly, each embroidered with the emblem of the Academy: a circle enclosing a sword, a staff, and a book.
Hundreds of figures moved at the gates — students in varying uniforms, carriages delivering nobles, vendors hawking charms to nervous parents. The hum of voices was constant, mixed with bursts of spellfire from training fields beyond.
Fay's jaw slackened a little. "So this is where I'm supposed to blend in as a normal student? Not suspicious at all."
The Headmaster's lips twitched. "I never said you'd blend in."
---
At the gates, lines formed for new arrivals. A pair of armored guards stood watch, scanning papers and waving students through. Fay noticed immediately the divide: nobles arriving in gilded carriages, stepping down in polished uniforms; commoners carrying bags by hand, some looking awestruck, others hardened by determination.
The stares began the moment Fay joined the line. Crimson eyes. White hair. Aura faintly leaking despite the emblem at his neck. Whispering spread like wildfire.
"Who's that?"
"Special admission?"
"He looks strange…"
"He's so cuute!"
Fay felt his ears burn. "They're staring."
The Headmaster adjusted her glasses. "Get used to it."
When their turn came, the guard looked at Fay's papers, then at him, then back at the Headmaster. "Special admission… by direct order of the Headmaster herself?" His tone was respectful but bewildered.
The Headmaster nodded curtly. "Any problem?"
The guard shook his head quickly and stepped aside. "None at all. Welcome to the Academy, boy."
Boy. Fay bit back a retort.
---
Inside the gates, the noise doubled. Courtyards teemed with students practicing minor spells, laughing, or comparing weapons. Faculty in long robes moved with purpose. Crystal lamps floated in the air, casting light across carefully manicured paths.
Fay turned in a slow circle. "This is insane."
"Overwhelming?" the Headmaster asked.
"Exciting," he corrected. Then his grin widened. "And maybe a little fun to break."
"Try not to."
---
They walked to a raised platform in the main courtyard, where groups of new students were being gathered. A tall instructor with a voice like rolling thunder addressed the crowd.
"Welcome, initiates! Today begins your first step as scholars and warriors of the Academy! Nobles or commoners, it matters not — here, only effort and strength will define you!"
A murmur rippled. Everyone knew nobles always held an edge.
The Headmaster stepped forward. Conversations died instantly. Even the tall instructor bowed his head.
"Listen well," she said, her voice carrying like a spell across the courtyard. "Among you stands one granted admission not through family, nor through testing, but through merit alone. He is a commoner, yes, but the Academy is not blind. Potential belongs to no bloodline. He will study here as your equal."
Dozens of noble faces tightened. Some commoners perked up in hope.
Fay, meanwhile, was staring at the sky, half-distracted. He realized too late the silence meant they were all looking at him.
"Uh," he said, raising a hand awkwardly. "Hi. Please don't throw vegetables at me."
A ripple of laughter broke out. Nobles sneered. The Headmaster sighed.
And just like that, Fay Lorian's first day at the Academy began.
---
That night, Fay was led to his dorm. His roommate, a lean boy with sharp eyes, looked him over once and muttered, "Commoner. Figures."
Fay grinned. "Name's Fay. I break things. You?"
The boy blinked. "…Ciel. I don't break things."
"Perfect. We'll balance each other out."
For the first time since leaving home, Fay felt the knot in his chest loosen. Whatever came next — nobles, training, rivalries — he was ready.
This is my new world, he thought. And I'll live it my way.
End of chapter 10