Elias Leywin POV
"It seems Talent really does run in your family, Mr. Leywin" A crisp voice, elegant and composed, sliced cleanly through the fading sounds of a now distant spar.
My father slowly turned his head toward the source. I followed his gaze, wiping the gathered sweat from my brow.
An older woman stands at the edge of the patio. Amethyst robes fall over her frail-looking form as she holds one hand raised to her chin.
How hadn't I noticed her presence?
She feels oddly familiar...
My Father falls to one knee before her. "Director Goodsky?" he asked, breath catching slightly. He straightened instinctively. "I was not made aware of your arrival. Even though I'm the head of security..." he mutters the last sentence to himself just loud enough for me to hear.
She offered a slight nod in greeting, her hands clasped loosely before her. "That was intentional. I wished to observe without altering the environment. It often reveals more than formal displays or testing."
Testing?
Father glanced toward me briefly, his brows drawing together with a touch of unease, before turning back to her. "If I had known, I would have arranged something more appropriate. This was simply morning practice, nothing more." He says, climbing up from his knee as he picks me up, helping me stand.
"On the contrary," she replied with a faint smile, eyes settling on me, "it was quite interesting."
Cleared his throat, his tone careful. "Forgive my hesitation, Director, but may I ask what brings you here? Arthur isn't here, he left two months ago."
"It isn't," she agreed easily. "I'm not here to see your eldest.".
Her gaze returned to me, sharp but not unkind. "I came to see him."
Father blinked. "...Elias?"
She nodded. "I wish to take him under my guidance... and train him."
"Director Goodsky!" Uncle Vincent calls out as he comes rushing out, half-dressed and flushed, tucking his white shirt in as he does so, the heels of his polished shoes clacking loudly on the stone. "You-you're here already?! I wasn't told you had arrived!"
Papa turned sharply toward him, his voice low and tight. "Vincent... you knew she was coming?"
Vincent froze, eyes flicking between Papa and the Director. "I-yes, well, I did, Rey, but not this early! She wasn't due until this afternoon! I would have said something if I'd known!"
The two grown men bicker as the director walks towards me, and she drops to one knee so she can look me in the eye.
"You're not frightened," she observes, almost as if it's a compliment. "That's good."
I nod, though I'm not entirely sure she's right. My heart's beating too fast, and my palms still sting from gripping the training sword too tightly.
She studies me in silence for a moment longer, then speaks softly, just for me to hear. "Do you know who I am?"
I nod again. "You're Director Goodsky... of Xyrus Academy. You fought my Brother a few months ago."
Her lips twitch at the corners, "I'm glad you remember me"
~~~
"Apologies for dropping in uninvited, Vincent," the older woman states as she stirs her teacup. She sets her cup down gently, the porcelain clinking softly against the saucer.
Uncle Vincent lets out a breathy chuckle as he smooths his coat and settles himself into the sofa opposite her. "No need for apologies, Director. You're always welcome here. I just wish I'd had time to prepare something more fitting for your arrival."
"You needn't fuss," she replies with a soft smile. "I did not come for formalities."
Her eyes flick briefly to me again, and then to my mother, who sits beside me with a straight back and tense shoulders. Her fingers have not left her teacup's handle since she picked it up.
"So," Mother says, her voice cool but composed, "you came here... for Elias?"
Cynthia nods.
"He's five," Mother presses, her tone sharpening ever so slightly. "I'm sorry, Director Goodsky, but this isn't something I'm comfortable with. He's just a child."
"I understand your concern," the older woman says gently. "And I don't mean to overstep. But this isn't a suggestion I'd make lightly."
"Then why did you suggest it, Director?" my father asks, arms crossed now, expression unreadable.
There's a pause.
Then, with a graceful motion, the Director reaches into her robe and pulls out a carefully folded parchment. She lays it on the table in front of my mother and taps it once with a pale finger.
"This letter arrived two weeks ago," she says. "It was written to me by your son, Arthur."
Papa leans forward slightly, while Mother, hesitating, reaches for the letter. Her hands unfold the crisp paper, and her eyes begin scanning it.
I try to catch a glimpse, but I can only make out the first line in Arthur's rather distinct handwriting.
[ I hope this finds you well, Director Goodsky. I am writing to ask for a favour, I believe enough time has passed since my departure from my family that... ]
Mother's eyes widen faintly. Her lips move as she reads silently, then she lowers the letter to her lap, her expression suddenly harder to read.
Papa speaks, carefully tiptoeing around anything that could potentially offend the old Mage. "Director Goodsky... I don't mean to question Arthur's wishes. And I truly appreciate you making this journey yourself, just to see our son." His eyes flick to me, then back to her. "But I'm not sure we can accept. We... we're not in a position to afford Xyrus."
Vincent places a hand on my father's shoulder "Rey, money is no issue, I'll happily Spons-"
"There is no cost, or rather Tuition, that you are obligated to pay for Elias' education", she says, gently but firmly.
Both of my parents blink.
"Pardon?" Mama asks, uncertain.
"As Elias would be my Apprentice, he would be exempt from all financial obligations"
She folds her hands in her lap, her voice still calm.
"If Elias truly possesses the potential Arthur believes he does, then I will mentor him myself. Not as a formal student of Xyrus, but as a personal pupil." She says, smirking, as she raises her cup to her face.
"Why would you go so far?" my father asks as an air of confusion washes over him.
"Well, to be entirely Honest, I was having tea with an Old friend a few weeks ago, where he was bragging about his own student so... and I got the letter from Arthur not long after..."
Am I just a plaything to this crazy old woman?
Feeling the air shift and the eyes gather on her, the director lets out a slight cough as she continues.
"After his display against his father, I must say I'm impressed", she says, holding the cup on its saucer.
"Due to his age, I would like to suggest that he commutes to the Academy, and as he grows older and takes additional classes, he can move into the dorms"
"That makes sense... I suppose," my mother states, looking at me hesitantly.
The room goes quiet.
The director speaks up again, "As it is a Sunday tomorrow, why don't you and your son, Mrs Leywin, come visit the Academy's grounds? I will personally give you a tour", she adds with a wag of her finger.
"Please, Ma- Mother", I say pleadingly, looking wide-eyed up to my Mother.
"I-It wouldn't hurt to look around... I guess," she says, letting out an exhale.
~~~
The carriage rolled to a gentle stop, and I nearly bounced off the seat.
Outside my window, beyond the wide stone road and elegant gates, Xyrus Academy rose into the sky like something out of a storybook.
Tall towers of pale grey stone gleamed in the morning light, crowned with silver spires that reflected the sun like polished blades. Elegant archways and structured balconies connected one building to the next. Several platforms of solid stone supported by thick pillars floated just slightly off the ground, level with the higher floors. Trees framed the courtyard, their leaves a vibrant gold-green, rustling faintly in the breeze.
I pressed my face to the glass, unable to look away. "It's even bigger than I thought."
"Elias." My mother's voice came gently but firmly, and I quickly sat back properly.
She gave my hair one last brush with her fingers, then smoothed the creases on her skirt. Though her movements were careful and composed, I could see the stiffness in her posture, the way her lips pressed tightly together. She was worried.
"I'll be right next to you," she reminded me as the carriage door opened.
I nodded. "I know."
The Academy gates stood wide open, the metal bars of their frame shaped like curling vines and crescent moons. Waiting beyond them, framed by the morning sun, stood the Academy's Director. Her flowing robes of deep amethyst moved lightly with the breeze.
"Welcome," she said with a small smile. "I'm glad you could make the trip."
"Thank you for having us, Director," my mother replied, standing just a little straighter.
Her gaze softened as it moved to me. "And good morning to you, Elias."
I gave a quick, nervous bow like I'd practised. "Good morning, Director Goodsky."
The faintest glint of amusement lit her eyes. "Come. I thought we'd begin in the central courtyard."
We passed through the outer gate, and I took my first steps onto the campus proper. The path beneath our feet was made of polished white stone, so smooth it almost shimmered. Around us, students moved in small groups in their crisp white and perfectly tailored Uniforms. Most looked to be teenagers, maybe a few years older than Arthur.
"This is the most prestigious mage institution on the continent," the Director said as we walked. "Xyrus Academy accepts only those with exceptional magical ability and the drive to sharpen it."
She glanced back toward us. "Most come from noble families, others rise from obscurity. But those who graduate from here... often shape the future of this kingdom."
I swallowed hard and kept walking, trying not to trip over my own feet.
As we passed between two of the grand towers, the buildings seemed to stretch up forever. Their walls were carved with decorative trim, not magical inscriptions, but detailed reliefs of beasts, mages, and battles.
We reached a vast open plaza that spread like a marble fan between several buildings. Here, more students sat on benches or crossed the space with books clutched under their arms.
"This area hosts most of our lecture halls," the Director explained. "First-year students begin with mana theory, elemental control, and magical discipline, amongst others, and more practical classes such as Artificing, amongst others." She looks back at us, "Each student's Classes grow more specialised as one progresses."
She slowed as we reached a raised overlook framed by columns. "From here, you can see the inner court."
I stepped forward and gasped.
Below us, a carefully maintained field stretched out, divided into circular training rings bordered by stone seats and thick barriers. A few of the rings were occupied by students sparring under the watchful gaze of instructors.
"This is the Inner Court," Director Goodsky said. "Where students refine their practical skills as well as those taught in class. Every student, regardless of background, trains here."
I leaned forward on the stone railing, eyes wide. "Are they... fighting for real?"
"They are," she replied calmly. "But with control. Injuries are rare even at this level, students understand the importance of restraint." She glanced at me. "Power means little if you cannot wield it with intention."
I nodded slowly, letting her words sink in.
Mama stepped beside me, her gaze sharp as it scanned the field. "And if a child loses control?"
The Director didn't shy away from the question. "Then we intervene. No one here is left to struggle alone."
That answer seemed to satisfy my mother, at least a little bit for now.
We continued onward, leaving the overlook and entering a shaded garden path lined with low stone benches and trimmed hedges. Small fountains trickled softly in the background, and birds flitted through the canopy overhead. Here, the pace of the Academy slowed. Students sat reading or quietly meditating under the trees.
"This is the West Garden," Director Goodsky said. "For independent study or focused rest. Magic is not only a force of nature, but it is also a force of the mind. Balance is essential to growth."
I turned to look at her. "Do you come here often?"
She smiled faintly. "Not as often as I should."
We passed into another wide corridor where glass-paned windows ran along one side, letting in beams of warm light. On the other side, framed portraits hung.
"These are some of Xyrus' most distinguished alumni," the Director said. "Royal battlemages. Guild masters. Advisors to the court. Even a few Kingsguard."
We descended again and walked toward the southern edge of the campus, where a quieter building stood near a large rectangular pond. Inside, a few older students were seated at long tables, crystal shards and metal components arranged in front of them. I watched as one gently traced a line of mana through a rod of carved wood, causing it to emit a soft light.
"This is our artificing hall," the Director explained. "Here, students learn to infuse mana into tools and constructs. For those less inclined toward combat, it's an alternative path. But no less important."
"Artificing?" I repeat aloud with an air of confusion
"It's where People, students in this case, learn how to create magical tools and accessories, such as staffs, wands and amulets. Our Professor Gideon is truly a genius in this field, and I'm sure he'd love to meet you", she says, smiling at me as she answers my question.
I nod as she begins to lead us back to the main building.
Director Goodsky led us down a quieter hallway than before, where the polished marble gave way to darker stone, and the high ceilings dipped lower. Decorative lanterns glowed dimly along the walls, their light soft and golden. Mama and I exchanged a glance as the air grew cooler.
At the end of the corridor, we came to a stop in front of what looked like a stone alcove. No doors. No stairs. Just a circular platform inset into the floor with runes carved around its edges.
Standing beside it was a man in a crisp black uniform, silver embroidery lining his cuffs. He gave the Director a polite bow, then turned his eyes to us.
"Whenever you're ready, ma'am," he said.
Director Goodsky nodded once. "Take us to Subterranean Level Three, please."
The man stepped onto the platform and motioned for us to join him.
I hesitated. "Um... what is this?"
"An elevator," the Director replied calmly. "A vertical transport platform. It will carry us down."
"Down?" I blinked. "There's more academy... underground?"
"Much more," she said with a small smile.
Mama looked sceptical as she took my hand. "This looks like a fancy rug on a rock," she muttered under her breath.
The servant pressed his palm to a rune panel, and the lines on the floor lit up. With a low hum, the platform began to descend smoothly but silently into the earth. I tightened my grip on Mama's hand as the stone walls shifted and glowed faintly with passing sigils.
"There are how many levels?" Mama asked warily.
"Three," Director Goodsky replied. "Only the top two of which are accessible to the general student body."
I stared at her. "What's on the others?"
"You'll see," she said, eyes twinkling.
The elevator slowed, its movement becoming barely noticeable before coming to a smooth stop. With a low chime, a seam appeared in the wall ahead, and the stone parted to reveal a short passageway lit by cool, bluish light.
We stepped off the platform, my footsteps echoing softly against the smooth stone floor. The hallway ahead was made of darker material, volcanic black with glinting specks of silver that shimmered under the light. As we approached the far end, I saw a set of enormous black double doors standing like sentinels in the wall, each one trimmed with gleaming gold accents. A stylised carving of a tree split across both panels, its roots etched downward into the floor, its branches arcing overhead into the frame.
My mother slowed beside me, brow furrowing. "What is this place?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Director Goodsky said nothing for a moment, only approached the doors and placed a single palm against the centre of the carved trunk. Gold light bloomed outward from her touch, dancing through the inlaid runes along the surface like veins coming to life.
With a soft rumble, the doors began to open.
Light pooled through the crack as it only widened.
Is this Sunlight?
Or at least, it felt like sunlight. Warm, golden beams poured in from above as the doors swung open to reveal... not a room, but an entire landscape.
The chamber beyond was enormous, easily the size of the entire academy's courtyard, maybe larger, but what truly stole my breath was what filled it.
A field of lush, living grass stretched across the floor, soft green blades swaying gently beneath an artificial breeze. Trees dotted the far edges, tall and leafy, their canopies rustling as though touched by real wind. A narrow stream trickled through the landscape, its surface glittering as it wound between smooth stones and low flowerbeds.
And above it all, high overhead, a crystal dome arched like a second sky.
My jaw dropped. As my mind wanders.
This place almost feels like...
"We're still underground?" Mama asked, her voice quiet with disbelief.
"Correct," Director Goodsky said. "This is the academy's subterranean training chambers. It was designed to emulate a natural environment while maintaining full magical containment. The dome is reinforced with layered enchantments to suppress stray mana and redirect force. It adapts automatically to the caster's level."
"This is..." I began, trying to find the right word, "...for me?"
"It is," she said, turning to face me. "If you choose to become my apprentice?"
I look to my mother with pleading eyes.
"Elias", she says, still in absolute awe of the room.
She turns to face the older mage and lowers her head "Director Goodsky, please train my son"
She glides towards my mother, placing a hand on her shoulder "There is no need to bow to me, Mrs. Leywin, I should be the one asking for your permission"
Mama raises her head to look at the woman before her.
"And please call me Cynthia, because I believe we'll be seeing a lot more of each other over these coming years."
She lets go of my mother and looks down at me with a smile "Shall we begin, my young Apprentice?"
WC – 3180
Thanks for reading this chapter. Hope you all enjoyed it. 😊
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
A load of original stuff is coming up in the next few chapters, so stay tuned.
If we're all still alive, the next chapter will be released at 12 Likes or on Sunday.
Rius out.