Early Summer, Year 01 - The Skyway to Eryndor Academy
The twin suns shone bright as airships floated between the drifting islands of Eryndor. The largest island, shaped like a blooming lotus, glittered with spires of white marble and silver runes. This was The Grand Academy of Life and Magic-where alchemists, mages, merchants, and even shinobi learned to shape their destinies.
Kain leaned over the railing of their small family skiff, wind teasing his silver hair. "I can't believe we're actually here," he murmured. "All that work… and we made it."
Daniel, leaning against a crate of alchemical supplies, grinned. "You sound surprised. We're geniuses."
"You nearly blew up the forge last week."
"I said geniuses, not cautious."
Laora giggled from behind a crate of potions. "I still say that fireball was cute."
Lumiel, ever the responsible one, sighed. "If either of you set fire to a professor, I'm moving to another department."
When they docked at the Academy's port, Kain's eyes widened. Students from across the Empire hurried through wide, floating courtyards. Kitsune tails shimmered, angelic wings rustled, and crystalline elves whispered as they adjusted enchanted notebooks. It was a marketplace of knowledge, alive with magic and invention.
A tall instructor, robes rippling with light runes, stopped them."House Machiavelli?" he asked."Yes, sir," Lumiel said with perfect noble poise."Ah, the dragon heirs. You're late."Daniel bowed slightly. "Fashionably."The man blinked, unsure whether to scold or laugh. "Orientation hall. Left at the fountain that hums."
Inside, the air shimmered with astral wards. Holographic sigils danced overhead, forming names of new students. Kain's appeared last-Kain Machiavelli, Department of Creation and Harmony.
He smiled softly. Creation and Harmony. It sounded right.
Daniel's name flared next-Daniel Machiavelli, Department of Commerce and Shadows.
"Perfect," Daniel said. "I can study shinobi trade and economics in one go. Maybe I'll major in 'getting rich.'"
Laora elbowed him. "Minor in humility."
Orientation ended with the Chancellor's speech. An elderly woman floated above the dais, robes stitched with constellations. Her voice filled the hall like distant thunder.
"You have crossed the worlds to reach this place. Remember—magic is not the art of domination, but of balance. Life skills are sacred. Whether you mine, forge, brew, or bargain, you shape reality itself."
Kain felt the words settle in his chest. It wasn't power that mattered—it was purpose.
As they left, Daniel whispered, "Balance, huh? Sounds like we're overqualified."
Kain elbowed him gently. "Try not to balance the treasury while you're at it."
Their dormitory overlooked the northern gardens, where the air shimmered with floating lanterns. Inside, four beds lined the walls, already claimed by other new students.
That's where they met Selene von Arctis, Princess of the Frostlight Dominion—half angel, half elf, silver-winged and radiant. She was polishing a crystalline bow, its string humming softly with holy light.
When Kain stepped in, she looked up, her eyes the color of moonlight through ice."You're… from House Machiavelli," she said.He nodded awkwardly. "Kain. Uh, yes. I forge things that occasionally don't explode."Her lips twitched in amusement. "A humble craftsman? That's rare for a dragon heir."Daniel leaned on the doorframe, smirking. "Don't be fooled. He once forged an entire table by accident.""How do you forge a table by accident?" Selene asked."Misread the blueprints for a shield," Kain admitted. "It was… a sturdy table."She laughed—a quiet, crystalline sound that lingered in the air. "I'll remember that, table-smith."
Kain's cheeks flushed red. Of all the nicknames…
That night, when the others slept, Kain sat by the window, staring at the moon. The Flame of Nihility flickered faintly in his palm, calm and alive.
"You stand where creation is taught," whispered Ix's voice, gentle and distant. "But remember, child—no academy teaches balance. That lesson lives only in the heart."
He nodded silently. "Then I'll learn it my way."
In the next room, Daniel's faint snore was punctuated by muttered calculations. "Fifty percent profit… per shadow deal… hmm…"
Kain chuckled softly. "Still the same, Dani."
Outside, the Academy's floating gardens glowed with light. Somewhere beyond the spires, shadows stirred—watching the new heirs of Nihility.
[Status Update]
Name: Kain Machiavelli
Race: Half Nihility Aeon • Half Blood Dragon
Level: 5 Exp: 62 / 220
Tree Rank: Yesod (9th Sphere)
Guiding Aeon: Ix – Aeon of Nihility
Spirit Invoked: Van Helsing – First Dragon of Blood
Unique Skill: Shadow Nihility Flame Lv 1
Life Skills: Blacksmithing Lv 2 | Alchemy Lv 1 | Mining Lv 1
Bond: Daniel Machiavelli (Twin Oath) | Selene von Arctis (Introduced)
Objective: Begin Academy training and uncover the meaning of "balance."
End of Chapter 3 – The Academy of Life and Magic