The students stepped through the archway, following Rylan Dorne as he strode ahead with a measured pace, his voice carrying easily through the group. "Welcome to your new home, students," he began, his tone even but tinged with pride. "This is Aetherion Academy, a place of unparalleled opportunity and challenge. It's here that your potential will be nurtured, tested, and ultimately realized."
The hallway they entered shimmered faintly, its intricate walls a blend of artistry and enchantment. Golden sconces floated just above the stone, casting a soft glow that illuminated tapestries depicting legendary mages and pivotal moments in magical history. The group moved in quiet awe, their steps echoing faintly on the polished floor. Elias craned his neck to take it all in, his gaze darting from the floating chandeliers to the moving patterns etched into the walls—an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of colors and forms.
"Foundation-tier students have access to some of the academy's finest facilities," Rylan continued, his hands clasped behind his back. "You'll find everything you need to refine your craft, whether it's training halls, research libraries, or practical workshops. Remember: these resources are privileges, not rights. Treat them with the respect they deserve."
The hallway opened into a vast courtyard, where the breathtaking beauty of Aetherion Academy's architecture was fully on display. Lush greenery surrounded an elaborate fountain, its cascading water glowing faintly with magical energy. Students of all tiers crossed paths here, their robes denoting their ranks—embers in warm golds, foundations in sharp blues, ascendants in deep indigos, and the rare Zeniths, their white robes gleaming like starlight.
Elias's breath hitched as he spotted a Zenith-tier student gliding through the courtyard, a trail of ethereal light following them. "Are they even human?" he muttered under his breath.
Hush, walking quietly beside him, gave a faint smile. "They're human. Just... exceptional."
Rylan led the group past the fountain, gesturing to various buildings as they walked. "The west wing houses the foundational training grounds," he explained, pointing to an imposing structure with massive double doors. "Each tier has its own space for honing your combat and practical skills. Directly adjacent is the Alchemical Pavilion, where you'll find laboratories for potion crafting, enchanting, and material research."
They passed by rows of smaller buildings, their purposes revealed as Rylan continued his tour. The Library of Beginnings stood out—a tall, cylindrical tower that seemed to hum with stored knowledge. The students murmured in fascination as Rylan explained its vast archives, emphasizing that the Foundation-tier sections alone would take lifetimes to fully explore.
Finally, the group arrived at one of four large buildings, each situated along the edges of the campus. The dormitory loomed tall, its sleek stonework softened by ivy creeping along its facade. A large emblem representing the tier glowed faintly above the entrance—a diamond cradled by a radiant circle. As they stepped inside, a sense of warmth enveloped them. The interior was spacious and welcoming, with polished wooden floors, plush seating areas, and a large hearth casting a golden glow.
Rylan paused at the base of a grand staircase. "This dormitory houses all first year students, divided into four floors for each tier. Your tier, Foundation, is assigned to the third floor. Each class is allocated a specific wing, ensuring you have space to both connect with your peers and focus on your studies."
The students climbed the staircase in silence, their anticipation mounting. When they reached the third floor, Rylan gestured to one of the hallways branching off from the landing. "This is your floor," he announced. "Each of you will share a room with one other student. You may select your roommate now. If no selection is made, a pairing will be assigned to you."
The hallway filled with an awkward buzz as students exchanged glances, some moving quickly to pair off while others lingered, unsure.
Kiran shifted uncomfortably near the edge of the group, his usual confidence faltering. He didn't know anyone in his class well enough to make a choice. Before he could decide what to do, a quiet voice spoke up. "Would you like to pair up?" Kiran turned to find a shy-looking boy with glasses nervously fiddling with a ring on his hand. His expression softened, and with a nod, Kiran replied, "Sure, why not?"
Kaelen, meanwhile, stood in deep in thought. Martice approached him with a raised eyebrow. "I've got a question for you," he said plainly, his tone somewhere between curiosity and suspicion. Kaelen blinked, caught off guard, but eventually nodded. "Alright. Let's pair up, then."
As Martice and Kaelen walked off to the side together, Elias found himself looking back toward Kiran, only to feel a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning, he was met with Hush's calm, almost amused expression. "Mind if I join you?" Hush asked, extending a hand.
Elias hesitated for a moment, then grinned and took the offered hand. "Guess that makes us roommates."
Hush's smile deepened slightly, but he said nothing more as the two stepped aside to allow the rest of the class to finish pairing up.
Once everyone had settled into pairs, Rylan raised a hand to regain their attention. "Good. Now that you're all paired, you'll find room numbers and nameplates posted along this hallway. Your belongings have already been delivered. Take the evening to settle in and familiarize yourselves with the dormitory. A parchment will be delivered to each of you this evening going over our rules and regulations. All I'll say on that matter is to study them closely. Tomorrow morning, we'll gather here along with the other classes and your orientation will begin in earnest."
With that, he stepped aside, allowing the students to disperse into their new living quarters. "Once again," he announced, "Welcome to Aetherion Academy".