In this vast and intricate universe, countless dimensions intertwine, each presenting gateways to many worlds, each more captivating than the last. In an epoch long past, the revered leaders of these realms convened to forge a monumental decision that would shape the course of existence: establishing three illustrious academies within the largest and most influential worlds.
These esteemed institutions—The Annex, renowned for its emphasis on ancient magical heritage and the arcane arts; The Apex, a bastion of intellectual rigor and scientific exploration; and Penumbra, shrouded in mystery, specializing in the delicate balance between light and shadow—stand as the pinnacle of education and opportunity. They draw aspiring scholars and bright minds from every corner of existence, each eager to harness their latent abilities.
Over hundreds of years, these academies have evolved into legendary bastions of knowledge and power. Every young individual eagerly anticipates the age of twelve, when they are expected to make a life-altering choice, selecting one of these revered institutions to join in their pursuit of learning the elusive and extraordinary art of magic. This choice not only determines their educational path but also shapes their destinies in a universe brimming with wonder and possibility.
My name is Finn Croft, and as I stand on the precipice of my twelfth birthday, I feel a mixture of anticipation and determination swirling within me. My hair, a sun-kissed blonde, catches the light as I reflect on the significant choice I've just made. After much contemplation and a series of heartfelt discussions, my parents finally granted me the independence to choose the academy that would lay the foundation for my future.
With a rush of excitement pulsing through my veins, I ultimately set my sights on The Annex. My decision is not arbitrary; it is deeply personal. My older brother, Rowan, who possesses a striking height and deep brown hair, has not been seen for quite some time. He was not only an esteemed student at The Annex but also a beacon of inspiration, known for his intelligence and leadership skills. His disappearance has left our family in turmoil, and the weight of finding him rests heavily on my shoulders.
The desire to uncover what happened to him drives me to step into the very halls he once roamed, filled with both knowledge and the promise of adventure. I am not merely enrolling in an academy; I am embarking on a quest to honor Rowan's legacy while seeking the truth behind his mysterious absence. This journey is not just about education; it is about reclaiming the brother I've lost and navigating the challenges that lie ahead in a place where I hope to grow into the person I aspire to be.
As I make my way to Annex Academy, the prestigious institution that lies far from my homeworld, a mix of excitement and nervousness swells within me. The academy, a majestic white castle, stands towering against the backdrop of the azure sky, its spires reaching high as if trying to touch the heavens.
"What a magnificent place," I murmur to myself, awestruck by its grandeur.
Upon entering, I'm taken aback by the throngs of students milling about, all eager to embark on their journeys at the academy. I join the flow of students heading toward the academy yard, a place I've heard much about. Whispers of its beauty and the principal's fondness for it echo in my mind as I walk. When I arrive, a hush falls over the crowd, and all eyes turn skyward. I squint, trying to see what has captured their attention, and soon spot an elderly man floating gracefully above us. He has white hair and a beard, dressed in an elegant white and blue cloak, and his magic staff emanates a soft glow.
"Greetings, students! I am Silas Throne, the principal of Annex Academy!" he calls out, his voice booming with authority.
Cheers erupt around me as students celebrate, and despite my initial uncertainty, I find myself joining in the applause. As Principal Throne descends from the sky and lands among us, I can't help but feel a surge of irritation at his theatrics.
"Why must you float like that? My neck is starting to ache, damn it, old man!" I think to myself, though I manage to keep my thoughts internal.
He summons many cloaks adorned with different colors: some are red, some blue, and some white. However, the primary color of all these cloaks is black, with only small sections displaying the other colors. This design reflects the unique identities of each student—a thoughtful touch intended to foster a connection among us. Soon, each of us will receive a magical tattoo on our left wrists that signifies our place in the academy; it will appear as a shimmering chain.
Suddenly, a black cloak in a unique shade of purple floats toward me, unlike any I have seen on the others. Confused and feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, I try to shrug it off, but it clings to me stubbornly. The principal notices my struggle and approaches with a kind expression.
"May I know your name, my student?" he asks warmly.
"I'm Finn, Finn Croft," I respond, my voice wavering slightly, wearing the cloak.
"Croft... I see. It's a pleasure to meet you, Finn Croft. I have a special gift for you from someone very dear to you," he says, handing me a small, intricately crafted box.
A wave of recognition washes over me; I know this box is from my long-lost brother. I grip it tightly, a mix of gratitude and nostalgia coursing through me.
"The black-purple cloak is from the person who asked me to give you this box," he adds before stepping back, allowing the proceedings to continue.
Once the orientation concludes, we are directed to our dormitories. The academy offers three types of dorms: red, blue, and white, signifying various levels of mentorship and skills. As a holder of the purple cloak, my new home will be adjacent to the blue dorm.
When I enter my assigned room, I meet my roommate, a tall figure with tousled brown hair, currently asleep in the lower bunk. His name is Oscar Davies, and I quickly gather that he's a senior. Although we haven't even settled in yet, he occupies the bed below, leaving me the upper bunk. The room is small, furnished with a bunk bed and two tiny tables, making the space feel even more cramped.
Oscar stirs awake, oblivious to my presence at first. Without offering a greeting, he rummages through his bag, pulling out snacks to munch on as he watches me.
"Why are you staring at me?" he asks, mouth full of food.
"I'm just trying to process this whole situation, and it seems you've already claimed the bed without discussion," I reply, irritation lacing my tone.
His eyes widen as he swallows his food. "Oh, right! I'm Oscar Davies, your roommate and senior."
"I'm Finn, Finn Croft," I reply tersely, busying myself with unpacking and organizing my belongings for the impending first day at the academy—a day I'm feeling both excited and apprehensive about, especially since so many are staring at me because of the cloak's unusual color.
As I sift through my things, my fingers brush against the small box from the principal. I open it to find my brother's right earring nestled inside, a bittersweet reminder of our shared past. The other half, I suspect, is with him. I carefully put the earring on, feeling a sense of connection that momentarily calms my nerves.
Realizing the time has slipped away, I hurriedly make my way to the cafeteria. As I rush inside, I feel all eyes turn toward me, whispers trailing in my wake. I grab a quick meal and seek refuge in a corner, trying to shield myself from the scrutiny. I eat rapidly, nearly choking on my last bite until a girl quietly hands me a cup of water. I look up to thank her, but she has already vanished into the crowd, leaving me feeling a peculiar blend of gratitude and confusion.
After the meal, I head back to my room, only to find Oscar engrossed in crafting magical tools. I ignore him, climbing into my bunk to rest. We share a mutual respect in silence, allowing him to work and me to unwind. But as night falls, I soon discover that Oscar's snoring is louder than I anticipated, making sleep elusive.
Lying wide awake, I can't shake the feeling that this may have been the longest day of my life, and I wonder what challenges tomorrow may bring.