The gates of Aetheria's capital loomed ahead, taller and wider than anything Aiden had ever imagined. Towering walls of white stone were etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly, humming with protective magic. Soldiers patrolled the battlements, their armor glinting in the late afternoon sun.
Even from a distance, he could feel the weight of power emanating from the city. This was no ordinary settlement. This was the heart of a kingdom that revered magic, discipline, and strength.
Aiden adjusted his pack and walked toward the massive gates, trying to keep his excitement from showing. He had survived the journey here, faced his first real danger, and leveled up. But the Academy… the Academy was a different beast entirely.
[Quest Update: Reach the Hero Academy]
Objective: Enter the Academy and complete registration.
Reward: Recognition by the Hero Academy, access to training grounds
The gate guards gave him a cursory glance as he approached. One of them, a tall man with a stern face, stopped him.
"Name?" the guard barked.
"Aiden Valen," he said. His voice shook slightly, betraying his nerves.
The guard frowned. "Commoner?"
Aiden hesitated. He knew he was an anomaly, but would they reject him outright?
"Magister Rhoan sent me," he said quickly, hoping the name carried weight.
The guard's eyes narrowed, then he grunted. "Follow me."
The massive gates creaked open, revealing the Academy courtyard. Students milled about, practicing elemental spells, dueling with wooden swords, or reading massive tomes of magic. Towers rose on either side, their spires twisting elegantly into the sky.
Aiden stopped in his tracks, mouth dry.
This is… insane.
A soft chime sounded in his mind.
[System Notification: Area Detected – Hero Academy Grounds]
New Feature Unlocked: Map & Campus Navigation
Suggested Action: Locate Registration Office]
He pulled up the translucent map projected in front of him. Dormitories, classrooms, training arenas, and the central tower of the Academy glowed softly. The registration office was on the far side of the courtyard.
Aiden weaved through the crowd, trying not to attract attention. But he couldn't help noticing the students around him — all clearly nobles or trained from birth in elemental magic.
One group of students, laughing loudly, stopped him. Their leader, a tall boy with a smug grin and fiery red hair, stepped forward.
"Look at this," he said, pointing. "A commoner. Don't you know this is the Hero Academy? Only the gifted and noble may enter."
Aiden's fists clenched. Great, first impression and already hated.
"Uh… I have my papers," Aiden said, trying to stay calm. He lifted the scroll Magister Rhoan had given him.
The red-haired boy snorted. "Papers? Let me see those."
Before Aiden could hand them over, the boy waved his hand. A small flame ignited on his palm, hovering in the air.
[Red-Haired Student – Fire Affinity Detected]
Level: 5
"Let's see if you're even worthy, commoner," he sneered.
Aiden's pulse raced. This was a test — maybe a challenge. His fingers tingled as he summoned the energy inside him. Seven elements… I can do this.
[System Notification: Combat Detected – Rival Encounter]
Level Recommendation: Level 2 or higher
Reward: Reputation Increase | EXP
He took a deep breath, recalling his first combat in the forest. Fire, Wind… or maybe Fusion?
"Alright," he muttered under his breath. "Let's see if a commoner can handle a noble."
He extended his hand. Flames and wind swirled around his palm, forming a small orb of Fiery Gale, then sent it rushing toward the student.
The boy's eyes widened in shock as the orb struck him squarely, knocking him back and scattering a small fountain of sparks.
The courtyard fell silent. Every student turned to stare.
The red-haired boy scrambled to his feet, anger flashing in his eyes. "Impossible! How…?"
Aiden swallowed. His chest heaved. He didn't know what he just did — but it worked.
The System chimed triumphantly.
[Quest Updated: Survive Rival Encounter]
Reward: +30 EXP | +5 Reputation]
[Level Up! Level 3 Achieved]
HP +10 | MP +10 | Strength +2 | Agility +2
New Skill Slot Available
Skill Learned: Fiery Gale (Lv.1)
Aiden's hand lowered, and he blinked at the crowd. Whispers rippled through the courtyard.
"Did you see that?"
"He's a commoner… but his magic…"
"Seven lights… could he really be the Omni Resonance?"
He didn't know what that meant yet. All he knew was that he had survived — and survived spectacularly.
A voice echoed in his mind.
[Primary Quest Updated: Complete Registration at the Hero Academy]
Objective: Reach the registrar, submit credentials, and receive your dormitory assignment.
Reward: Access to Academy Facilities | First Official Training Lesson
Aiden straightened his shoulders. One step at a time. First, registration. Then training. Then… mastery.
He glanced at the towering spires, the bustling students, and the endless possibilities of the Academy. Somewhere among them were friends — and rivals. Maybe even those seven mysterious lights he'd glimpsed at the village's Resonance Ceremony.
"Alright, System," he whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Let's see what the Hero Academy has in store for me."
And with that, Aiden Valen stepped forward, entering the halls of the Academy where destiny — and danger — awaited.