A spark of realisation snapped through his dizziness.
'Today... they were supposed to send the entrance exam results.'
Still in his sleepwear - a a deep blue shirt dotted with tiny dotted stars and a light blue coloured flannel pajamas - He practically leapt down the stairs. The air downstairs was filled with the aroma of toasted bread and eggs.
As he dashed through the stairs towards the mailbox, he witnessed that at dining table, his dad sat calmly, already halfway through breakfast — a slice of bread in one hand, the morning paper in the other.
"Mornin', Dad!" Evan called over his shoulder, not slowing down.
"Morning, kid," his dad said casually without looking up.
His dad — Reynold Valeor — looked every bit like someone who used to be cool. Mid-40s, messy dark brown hair going a bit gray at the temples, kind eyes, and a solid build that hinted at an old adventurer's past…
"Running outside in pajamas?" Reynold muttered to no one in particular. "Children are always so full of energy… And here I am with my 70 year old backpain at 40".
As Evan sprinted toward the front door, from the kitchen his mother turned just in time to catch him in the act.
"Evan!" she barked. "Where do you think you're going looking like that?"
He froze mid-step, like a criminal caught red-handed.
"Mailbox?" he said, pointing helpfully at the door.
She gave him the look — hands on hips, spatula in one hand, full-on mom mode activated.
"I already got the mail this morning," she said, walking back to the stove. "Your letter's on the living room table. But you better wash yourself before opening the letter."
"But Mom.. the letter.."
" To the Bathroom. Now!!" his mom called like a sniper.
"Ugh, fiiine!"
As Evan shuffled off in defeat, she turned back to the stove with a sigh.
"All his bad habits lately… I swear, they're from you," she muttered loud enough for someone to hear.
"Huh? Me?" he said with a full mouth. "What'd I do?"
"The staying up late, the messy hair, the forgetting to wash up—" she pointed her spatula like a sword in his direction, "—all you, Reynold."
He raised both hands in surrender, grinning like a man caught stealing cookies.
"Hey, hey — I turned out fine, didn't I?"
"That's debatable," she said flatly.
On his way back, Evan called out:
"Are you two arguing about me again?"
"Nooo~," Reynold replied innocently. "We're just admiring your... questionable life choices."
"TRAITORS!" Evan yelled.
Evan turned the corner from the hallway , his eyes landed on the letter — sitting so innocently on the living room table.
Thick parchment. Fancy wax seal. That crest from Aetherion Academy practically glimmering in the morning light.
It was just there. Alone. Unguarded. Beckoning.
Mom wouldn't notice if I just… took it with me for a little peek… right?
He looked around.
Dad was buried in his newspaper again.
Mom was humming in the kitchen, muttering something about "burning her next batch of eggs."
Evan crept closer like a cat on a mission. Then — snatch — the envelope in hinds now he started sprinting towards his room.
Getting into his room, he let out a sigh of relief, then lifted the envelope his face, eyes narrowing as if trying to read all the secrets hidden inside.
"Alright, let's see what kind of future we're working with here…"
Impatient. He torn open the letter.
He pulled the letter out, fingers trembling just slightly — whether from nerves or leftover sleepiness, he didn't know.
The letter was printed on thick, expensive parchment, in shiny blue ink. He started reading and whispering the contents inside the letter. It read
🪄 Aetherion Academy
Academy of the Magic and Elemental Arts
Founded in the 3rd Age of Flame, Year 216
To: Evandriel Valeor
Current Residence: Valeor Manor, South Marenwood, 12th Crescent Lane
Date: 18th of Amberfall, Year 982, Celestial Calendar
Dear Mr. Valeor,
We are pleased to inform you that you have successfully passed the entrance exam and have been accepted into Aetherion Academy, the Kingdom's premier institution for the advancement and mastery of magic, alchemy, and elemental disciplines.
Based on your entrance evaluations, magical aptitude scores, and personal background, your Provisional Entry Rank has been determined as:
Tier: Elite – Rank 12 out of 148 first-year students
Students in the Elite Tier are considered high-potential and are eligible for early access to advanced classes, competitive duels, and House nominations.
📅 TermDetails:
Reporting Date: 27th of Amberfall (Three weeks from receipt of this letter)
Time: No later than 10:00 AM
Location: Eastern Main Gate, Aetherion Campus, Capital District
🧳 RequiredMaterials:
Please bring the following items with you:
Official Student Robes
Basic Spellcasting Grimoire – "Foundations of Focus & Flow" by Master Lirin Duskwell
Wand or Focus Tool – must be registered and bonded before first class
Standard Potion Kit (Beginner) – includes flasks, herbs, gloves, safety goggles
Writing Supplies – Ink (non-explosive), quills (non-living), notebooks (non-cursed)
Aether Core Crystal (Grade 1) – Financial aid available for qualifying families
One familiar (optional) – a Cat or an Owl
None of the following are permissible within the premises:
Family heirlooms, time-fractured objects, or self-aware mirrors
---------------------------------------------
We eagerly await your arrival at Aetherion Academy.
May your path be bright, your mind sharp, and your robes wrinkle-free.
With respect and excitement,
Registrar Ember Combell
Admissions Office – Aetherion Academy
Signed under Witness of the High Magical Seal 🦅
Evan stared at the letter like it had just handed him the keys to an entirely new life.
"I got in…" he whispered.
Then louder — with a huge grin spreading across his face:
"I got in!
The excitement buzzed through him like lightning.
I can't believe it. Aetherion Academy. Me!
He practically bounced on his heels. His first instinct was to sprint out of the bathroom, shove the letter in his parents' faces, and do a ridiculous victory dance around the breakfast table.
I gotta tell them—wait.
He froze.
A mental image flashed in his mind:
His mom, arms crossed, standing in the kitchen with her spatula of judgment.
"You still didn't wash your face? Now you also started ignoring your mom's order!"
Evan slowly lowered the letter, eyes narrowing in self-realization.
Yeah… maybe I should do the smart thing for once.
He folded the letter carefully, tucked it into the towel rack for safekeeping, and turned toward the shower.
( To Be Continued)