The morning sun shone over the towering spires of the Royal Academy of Magic, casting long shadows across the courtyards and cobblestone paths. The gates were wide and ornate, etched with runes that shimmered faintly with protective magic. Students were already gathering, their uniforms immaculate, their expressions a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Ren Arclight stepped through the gates, his posture calm, almost regal. Around him, new students—just like him—looked wide-eyed at the sprawling campus. Some whispered to each other, while others hurried to find familiar faces. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, the palpable tension of new beginnings.
For a moment, Ren paused, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling academy grounds. Memories of ordinary magic training, mundane spells, and the thrill of learning something new tugged at him. A faint pang of nostalgia stirred within the God of Void inhabiting his body. It's been centuries… I've missed this.
He let himself smile, a quiet and almost human expression. I will play along. I will learn like a mortal… for now.
After registering with the academy administration, Ren joined the other new students in the main hall. The room was vast, its ceilings high, adorned with floating lanterns that glimmered like stars. Teachers and instructors moved quietly among the students, murmuring notes and observing with keen eyes.
One by one, the new students were called to demonstrate their magical abilities. The atmosphere shifted from excitement to intense focus as each student approached the evaluation stage.
The first to step forward was a young boy named Leon, his emerald-green eyes gleaming with determination. He raised his hands and whispered an incantation. A gust of wind gathered around him, coalescing into a shimmering barrier that floated above the ground.
"Wind Barrier!" Leon declared, his voice steady.
The teachers leaned forward, watching intently. The barrier was a defensive spell, skillfully executed, yet lacking the raw power that would mark a truly exceptional mage. The wind rippled, deflecting small objects, but it lacked the strength to withstand a serious attack.
The instructors conferred quietly. After a moment, one spoke aloud: "Solid control, but the power is limited. Leon, you will be placed in Class 6, where you can further develop your skills."
Leon nodded, disappointment flashing in his eyes, but he accepted the judgment with grace.
One by one, other students demonstrated their abilities—fireballs, lightning strikes, illusions, and minor summoning spells. Some dazzled the instructors, while others faltered, revealing the range of talent and experience among the newcomers.
Finally, it was Ren's turn.
He approached the stage with calm confidence, a subtle aura of poise surrounding him. The head instructor, a stern man with silver hair and sharp eyes, stepped forward and studied him carefully.
"Ren Arclight," the instructor said, voice echoing across the hall. "What magical discipline have you studied?"
Ren's lips curved slightly into a polite smile. He did not wish to reveal the true power of the void, not yet. To expose such overwhelming might would draw attention, suspicion, and perhaps fear. Instead, he chose a path that balanced respect with subtle intimidation.
"I have studied fire magic," Ren said, his tone calm and controlled. "Specifically… the Flame Spear."
A murmur rippled through the room. Flame Spear was not a common spell for beginners. Its destructive power and precision required years of training, and it was rarely attempted by students so early in their studies.
The instructors exchanged glances, curiosity piqued. One stepped forward. "A Flame Spear, you say? Show us."
Ren extended his hands, channeling a controlled but impressive surge of fire energy. A brilliant, spear-shaped projectile formed in midair, flames licking along its shaft as it hovered gracefully. Its aura radiated heat and force, enough to intimidate without harming anyone.
He spoke a simple command, and the spear shot forward, landing perfectly in the center of the demonstration area. The fire flared briefly, illuminating the hall with a dazzling glow, then dissipated safely.
The teachers murmured among themselves, impressed by the precision and control. While it was not impossible for a student to learn, such skill at this stage was extraordinary.
After a brief consultation, the head instructor turned to Ren. "Your control is excellent, and your spell is advanced. You will be placed in Class 3, where you can refine your abilities among students of similar skill."
Ren inclined his head politely. "Thank you, sir."
As he returned to his place, the God of Void within him allowed a small, subtle smile. Perfect. They see a student of exceptional fire magic… and yet they have no idea what lies beneath.
He sat quietly, observing the other students as they continued their demonstrations. Some were clearly talented but lacked control. Others were imaginative yet unpolished. Among them all, Ren felt no rivalry, only the faint amusement of one who had transcended mortal limits.
This is the stage, he thought, where I will observe, learn, and manipulate. And when the time is right… I will show them true power.
For now, he was Ren Arclight, a young fire mage in Class 3, admired for his skill but unaware of the godly force simmering beneath his calm exterior. The day had only just begun, and already, the path ahead promised both challenge and opportunity.
After the evaluation, all the new students were directed to their assigned classrooms. Ren Arclight walked calmly through the corridors of the Royal Academy, the subtle aura of composure and authority following him like an invisible cloak. Students paused mid-step, some whispering, some staring openly.
Ren's features were striking: golden hair catching the light, sharp cerulean eyes, and a posture that radiated confidence without arrogance. It was impossible not to notice him. Among the female students, a small group clustered together, their whispers filled with admiration and curiosity.
"He's… so handsome."
"Does he always carry himself like that?"
"I think he's in our class…"
Ren, however, did not respond. He ignored the murmurs, the stares, and even the subtle glances of envy from male students. His mind was focused on one thing: learning. Every spell, every theory, every technique was a stepping stone to reclaiming the power he had once wielded as the God of Void.
Charm and appearances are trivial, he reminded himself. I am here to master magic, nothing more.
When he entered Class 3, the murmurs followed him. He found a seat near the center of the room, allowing him to observe the students around him. Some tried to approach casually, exchanging greetings, but he offered nothing beyond a polite nod. His attention was fully on the blackboard and the instructor entering moments later.
The teacher, a tall figure draped in robes embroidered with elemental runes, commanded silence immediately. The room quieted, and the teacher's voice filled the space with authority:
"Welcome, students of Class 3. Today, we begin with theory of magic—the foundation upon which all spells and arcane techniques are built. Understanding theory is essential before attempting practical application."
He paused, letting the words sink in. "Magic is not simply energy or willpower. It is the manipulation of natural laws through structured thought and controlled energy. Every spell is a combination of the caster's knowledge, intent, and the interaction between magical forces and the physical world."
Ren's mind absorbed every word with deliberate precision. To him, this was more than mere knowledge; it was the map of reality itself, the rules that bound the universe even to gods.
The teacher continued:
"First, we have magical energy, the fundamental resource. Every living being contains some degree of magical potential. In mages, this potential is refined and focused. How well you can channel, control, and conserve your energy determines the efficiency and strength of your magic. Waste it, and your spell will falter. Mismanage it, and it may backfire."
He drew a diagram of energy flow on the blackboard: circles representing sources, arrows indicating flow, and intersections showing points of amplification or resistance.
"Second, intent and formula. Magic is not spontaneous. Every effect requires structure: gestures, incantations, runes, or mental focus. This is the framework that guides raw energy to produce predictable results. Even a fireball, for instance, will fail if the caster does not properly focus both their magical energy and intent."
Ren's hands twitched slightly at the mention of fire. The Flame Spear he had claimed was only a small example of what he could do, but the principles were universal. Understanding theory would allow him to refine even his void magic later, in ways few could imagine.
"Third, interaction with the environment. Magic is influenced by surroundings: ambient energy, natural elements, and magical interference. A spell cast in a ley line will behave differently than in an area void of magic. The most effective mages adapt their magic to circumstances, bending rules without breaking them."
The teacher's gaze swept over the class, making each student feel the weight of their studies. "Finally, limitations and risks. All magic has limits, whether in range, potency, duration, or complexity. Overextending beyond your skill level risks physical and spiritual harm, and in extreme cases, death. True mastery comes not from reckless power, but from disciplined understanding of what can and cannot be done."
Ren's mind analyzed the explanation, connecting it to every arcane experience he had felt since his rebirth. Energy, structure, environment, limits… Even as he listened to the mundane lecture meant for mortals, he could already envision how void energy would intersect with these principles.
He quietly imagined a Void Ball within this framework: how intent could shape the energy, how environmental factors could amplify or diminish its effect, and how mastery of theory could allow him to control its destructive potential without failure.
The lecture continued for hours, covering:
The classification of magical elements—fire, water, earth, air, light, darkness, and rarer types such as void and chaos.
The balance between mental energy and physical stamina in spellcasting.
The principles of amplification: runes, catalysts, and focal objects.
Historical case studies of mages who had broken the conventional limits through understanding theory, and the consequences of failure.
While many students scribbled notes frantically, trying to memorize terms and formulas, Ren simply observed, understood, and integrated. To him, theory was not a hurdle but a tool—an elegant framework through which he could eventually overlay his void magic, hidden from the eyes of the academy.
When the teacher concluded the lesson, he smiled faintly, a rare and subtle expression. "Remember, theory is the foundation. Without understanding it, power is wasted. Study diligently, for tomorrow we begin practical applications."
Ren leaned back slightly in his chair, golden hair falling lightly over his eyes, a faint aura of focus and quiet confidence surrounding him. Around him, some students still stared, drawn by his appearance, but he remained unmoved. His mind was already weaving strategies, imagining spells, and planning the integration of void energy with the elemental rules of magic he had just learned.
Theory first… then practice. Mastery will come. And no one here will suspect what lies beneath.
The teacher's voice rang through the classroom one final time, signaling the end of the first lesson.
"Class dismissed. Stay here until the next session begins. Review your notes, and be ready for practical application."
Students stretched, gathered their belongings, and began whispering among themselves about the lecture on magic theory. The room buzzed with excitement and curiosity.
Ren, however, remained seated for a moment, his cerulean eyes scanning the classroom. While many students were already forming small groups, he found himself alone. He had no immediate need for social interaction, but a faint curiosity tugged at him. Perhaps it is time to find someone to talk with—someone I can observe and learn from.
He rose, walking quietly out into the courtyard. The midday sun warmed the academy grounds, and the chatter of students filled the air. Yet the God of Void within him remained alert, analyzing every detail, every presence, every subtle nuance of the human interactions around him.
As he walked along a shaded pathway lined with flowering trees, a voice called out.
"Hi! You're Ren, right?"
Ren turned to see a young man with dark hair, striking green eyes, and a confident smile. His aura exuded both charisma and prestige.
Stormraven… Ren thought instantly. The boy wore the insignia of the Stormraven family—ranked among the top ten noble families of the kingdom, influential and powerful, yet not quite in the top echelon like the Arclights. Interesting. His presence is deliberate, calculated… and friendly?
"Would you like to be friends with me?" the boy asked casually, extending his hand.
Kenji Stormraven :
Ren's mind raced for only a brief moment. I did not expect this encounter to come so quickly… Yet the idea of forming an alliance—or at least an acquaintance—with someone from a powerful family had strategic potential. And beyond that… he had been curious about social connections for some time now.
"Very well," Ren said smoothly, offering a polite nod. "I am, in fact, seeking friends. I don't mind."
The boy's smile widened. "I'm Kenji Stormraven. Pleasure to meet you, Ren. Shall we walk together?"
Ren inclined his head. This could be useful…
They walked side by side as the bell for the next class rang. The students moved quickly toward their respective classrooms. The next lesson was Advanced Elemental Magic, a subject focusing on manipulating multiple elements simultaneously, integrating theory and practical casting.
The classroom for Advanced Elemental Magic was expansive, with crystal-lined walls that refracted sunlight into shimmering patterns across the floor. Floating platforms hovered above the main floor, allowing instructors to demonstrate spells from different angles. Arcane symbols and elemental runes were inscribed on the walls, glowing faintly to reinforce the ambient energy in the room.
Kenji quickly settled beside Ren, pulling out a notebook and pen. "So, you're studying Flame Spear already, huh? That's impressive. I'm still working on combining wind and water spells without creating an unintended storm."
Ren listened carefully, his posture relaxed, hands resting lightly on the desk. The God of Void noted every word, every tone, every expression. Kenji's personality was confident but friendly, with a touch of pride from his noble heritage. It would be advantageous to understand him fully.
"I see," Ren replied evenly, "I've always found that combining elements requires precise control and focus. One miscalculation, and the results can be catastrophic."
Kenji nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Most students underestimate how even a small misalignment can cause failure."
As the instructor entered the room, calling the students to attention, Ren and Kenji exchanged a brief glance and smiled subtly. In those few minutes of conversation, a foundation of trust and familiarity had been established. Ren felt no hesitation in allowing Kenji to sit beside him; he had already assessed the potential benefits of this connection.
The lesson began with demonstrations from the instructor, showing how different elements could interact: fire with wind to amplify flames, water with earth to create mud constructs, and lightning with air to generate charged currents. The students were instructed to practice in pairs, focusing on observation, control, and timing.
Ren, naturally adept, remained calm, observing not only the lesson but also the surrounding students. He noted Kenji's movements, the flow of his energy, and how he adapted to each elemental combination. This will be useful knowledge… for now, I will blend in, but I will watch closely.
Throughout the class, Kenji chatted quietly with Ren, offering tips and observations. Ren responded politely, sharing insights without revealing his true capabilities. Already, he was growing comfortable with the presence of his new companion. Kenji was friendly, perceptive, and ambitious—a perfect partner to learn from, without posing a threat to the secret that simmered within the Reincarnated God of Void.
By the time the session ended, Ren had not only observed the practical application of advanced elemental magic but also strengthened a budding social connection. This… he thought as he packed his materials, is exactly the balance I need: learning, observing, and preparing… while keeping my true power concealed.
And so, with Kenji Stormraven walking beside him, Ren continued his first day at the Royal Academy, blending ordinary learning with extraordinary potential hidden just beneath the surface.