Rebirth - Part 10
He saw a magnificent magical world that felt both alien and familiar.
The magic carriage slowed to a stop in front of a gigantic gate made of white crystal. The gate shimmered like eternal snow, but when the morning light touched its surface, it produced reflections of soft colors, like the aurora dancing in the sky.
Two Academy guards wearing deep blue robes bowed deeply upon seeing Seraphina Caelist.
"Master Seraphina, we have received notification of the arrival. Is this the child in question?"
Seraphina nodded. "Eryon Vale."
The guard looked at Eryon, not with fear, but with trained curiosity.
"Welcome to Arthea, young one."
The gate opened slowly. Not with a push, but with a sound like a sigh—whoosh—as if the building itself were alive and knew who was stepping inside.
The moment Eryon's foot crossed the threshold of the gate…
the world changed.
The Arthea Academy stretched out like a mini-city built for the stars. Tall towers gleamed, ornamental glass windows reflected a subtle light, and the streets were filled with ley lines—pure energy currents that flowed like rivers of light.
The main building stood majestic in the center of the complex, surrounded by slowly moving, floating gardens carried by the magical wind.
Eryon stopped moving.
His eyes widened, breathless from a sight too beautiful to capture all at once.
"Is this… is this really where I will study?" he mumbled.
Master Thalion gave a slight smile. "The best Academy on the entire continent of Elthirion. Only those chosen by the world may enter."
Seraphina continued, "And the world chose you, Eryon."
Eryon looked at his hands, remembering the light that once appeared there, remembering the explosion and the fear he caused… but now all of it felt like a small part of something much larger.
Something that had been waiting for him for a long time.
They passed through the main garden, where students wore different colored robes—white for novices, blue for intermediate magi, purple for specialists, and gold for high-level combat sorcerers.
Some students stopped, staring at Eryon.
They saw a small child who arrived uninvited… but with an aura that made the air around him feel shifted.
Soft whispers were heard.
"He's the kid who caused the resonance yesterday…"
"His aura is unusual."
"I can feel it from here…"
Eryon nervously lowered his head, but Seraphina patted his shoulder.
"Ignore them. You are not a phenomenon… you are a new student."
But the world around Eryon disagreed.
The ley lines in the ground pulsed softly, adjusting their frequency every time he stepped.
As if saying: You are finally back.
They entered the main hall—a vast room with a ceiling made of an illusion of the night sky, millions of stars glittering. Floating orbs of light followed the magi's steps, moving like small living creatures.
"This…" Eryon unconsciously stepped forward. "It's so beautiful…"
"The Starveil Hall," Seraphina explained. "Where students begin their journey and sometimes… where one's destiny is determined."
There was a strange tone in Seraphina's voice.
Master Thalion merely sighed deeply, as if keeping a safe distance from the reality that was about to come.
At the end of the hall, there was a large door shaped like a moon disc, filled with ancient patterns. A thin energy flowed from its surface like the breath of someone sleeping.
Seraphina looked at it seriously.
"Eryon, before officially becoming a student, you must undergo the preliminary test."
Eryon raised his head. "A test?"
Master Thalion explained,
"This test is not about your magical ability… but what is hidden by your soul."
Seraphina added,
"It is mandatory for all students. However… in your case, the professors requested a more detailed analysis."
The tone made Eryon swallow.
The large door pulsed slowly, as if responding to Eryon's presence. A soft light appeared on the surface of the carvings—like a heartbeat: dum… dum… dum…
"Place your hand on it," Seraphina instructed.
Eryon approached.
His heart pounded quickly.
The door felt warm before he even touched it, as if recognizing him before contact was made.
When his fingers met the surface…
DZZZUUUMMMM—
White light exploded outward, filling the entire hall.
Wind swirled. The ley lines trembled. The orbs of light suddenly scattered.
And from within the light—
A faint cry was heard…
"...return…"
Eryon froze.
That voice… that whisper…
He had heard it before.
On the first night he arrived in this world.
"Master Thalion…?" Seraphina gasped, her face shocked.
"His resonance… it's not normal," Thalion murmured. "It far exceeds any theory."
The light subsided. The door slowly opened, revealing a dark, shapeless cavern-like room.
Seraphina looked at Eryon with a mixture of awe and worry.
"From this moment on… you officially step onto a path of destiny that few in this world have ever trod."
Eryon exhaled.
The path awaiting him felt alien.
But strangely… also familiar.
Just like this world.
"Welcome to Arthea, Eryon Vale," Seraphina whispered.
"And be prepared…"
"…because the Test of the Body and the Test of the Soul await you."
-- To be continued