The Luminary of Logic.
The prodigy of intellect.
And, the final heir to the fallen bloodline.
Such were the titles of Lucian Arkwright — the last survivor of a house that once ruled the arcane world.
He was, but a bright star amongst many. A Natural prodigy in the field of theory.
At seven, he awakened his bloodline. By fifteen, he could unravel and erase spells with a glance. Kings offered their daughters; nobles begged for ties of blood. But Lucian had already given his heart away, and none could claim it twice.
Then came his sixteenth birthday.
In one night, blood drowned the Arkwrights. When Lucian awoke, his mana paths were destroyed, and his bloodline powers were exhausted. While those who claimed to be their allies, turned their backs on him.
For 2 years, he locked himself away.
But once he emerged, he relentlessly climbed the ranks of a mage.
With just his intellect, the brightest student of the continent's top-most Mage academy, Lucian rose to the rank of a senior professor at the age of 20.
Students mocked the cripple who dared to teach them. Scholars dismissed him. The crowd shifted with every rumor.
With time, Lucian began to feel empty. An empty vessel that questioned the world for its unfair treatment.
To some, he was a tool waiting to be used. To others, a villain in the making.
Such was the world's answer to brilliance.
***
Lucian's gaze shifted outside as he stretched his hands up in the air.
'Even when he was away from the Academy, and presiding in his family home. He was attacked and nearly killed by some unknowns.'
'As much as I would love to ignore all of this and jump out into this wild world, going to a protective place such as the academy would be my best choice. For now at least.' He thought as his eyes were stuck on his destination.
In front of his eyes, at a distance, lay colossal walls, protecting Celestara City from all dangers for ages.
It was a city owned by the Celestara Academy, a place strictly for the use of students and instructors.
Under the protections of a mystical barrier, it was known as an irrefutable fortress.
"Hah..." he let out a short, frustrated sigh. His gaze drifted towards his hand, watching as he clenched it into a fist and unraveled it again.
'Well, I guess becoming a professor again doesn't really sound half-bad. Though, syllabus has changed, so have circumstances.'
'I'm curious to see the so-called "rewards" as well...' The corner of his lips curled into a soft smile as his eyes rolled towards the cerulean system window floating mid-air to his side.
***
Reaching the footholds of the Celestara Academy wasn't a tough job. Just the fact that the Academy's personal carriage was returning meant a high official was inside.
The gatekeepers didn't dare stop the carriage, while the citizens and students simply gave way as a form of respect.
Out of curiosity, as they raised their gaze and saw the smiling face of Lucian, they immediately regretted their decisions.
Within seconds of his entrance, the news about Lucian Arkwright's return spread widely throughout the whole academy.
"That cripple thinks the academy forgot his collapse? Pathetic."
"Who would've thought he'd come back after so much humiliation?"
"I know, right? How shameless is he?"
"Man, I feel bad for giving way to this Faker..."
Loud murmurs echoed throughout the streets, all pointing towards Lucian like a spear. But he was least affected by it. After all, even the world's best teacher had once gone through such intense public hate.
On the other hand, he seemed to be engrossed in a world of his own, staring at the system window with a wicked smile.
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[#~System Notification~#]
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[Congratulations! You have completed your first task!]
[You may claim your rewards now!]
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"Professor Lucian," a voice called him from outside, pulling him back from his thoughts.
"We've reached the academy." It said as Lucian looked to his right.
An elderly butler — well dressed — stood there, holding the door open for him with a smile on his face.
It was the first time, that Lucian had seen someone smiling towards him after coming into this world. It felt comforting, but at the same time, Lucian just couldn't come to believe the butler's expressions.
Nevertheless, he smiled back and nodded. Grabbing his coat that lay in the seat up front, he left the carriage.