The air was still heavy with the weight of Administrator Dorne's parting words as the students stood in silence, processing the reality of what lay ahead. The murmurs that followed were brief, hushed whispers between classmates as they exchanged thoughts on the academy, their instructors, and the uncertainty of what their studies would entail.
It wasn't long before Hallie Iren stepped forward, her presence commanding but not overbearing. Her short, silver-streaked black hair framed a sharp, discerning gaze that swept over the students like she was already assessing them. When she spoke, her voice was crisp and firm, carrying the authority of someone accustomed to leading.
"Now that Administrator Dorne has finished his formalities," she began, her tone dry but not unkind, "we can get to work."
Her eyes passed over the gathered students. "For those who somehow already forgot, I am Instructor Hallie Iren, and I will be overseeing Class 1: Keystone. To my left is Instructor Jorun Thalius, who will be leading Class 2: Hearthstone, and to my right is Instructor Sienna Voss, who will instruct Class 3: Cornerstone."
Jorun gave a lazy salute, his vials of alchemical components clinking softly as he shifted his weight. "Looking forward to molding your minds," he said, though the mischievous glint in his eye suggested something less reassuring.
Sienna barely moved, but her presence alone demanded focus. She merely inclined her head, her piercing violet eyes settling on the students with an unreadable expression.
Hallie clapped her hands together. "With introductions out of the way, it's time to move. Descend the staircase and line up by class. Class 1 will go first, followed by Classes 2 and 3, which will take separate routes across campus."
The students quickly exchanged parting words with their friends before stepping forward, splitting off into their respective groups.
Elias turned to Kiran with a grin. "Try not to get lost."
Kiran snorted. "Please. If anyone's getting lost, it's gonna be you."
Martice chuckled, throwing a glance at Kaelen. "I feel like we should place bets."
Kaelen sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't have the energy for this."
Hush, standing quietly beside Elias, finally spoke. "We should move."
Elias shot him a look. "What, you're actually in a hurry?"
Hush shrugged. "I don't like being late."
With that, the students began their descent, footsteps echoing softly against the polished staircase as they moved toward the dormitory entrance. Three single-file lines formed in the open space just beyond the threshold, the crisp morning air filtering through as they took their positions.
Hallie wasted no time. "Class 1, move out."
Without hesitation, Elias and Hush stepped forward with the rest of their class, passing through the entrance and into the academy grounds proper, where their tour—and their journey—would truly begin.
The tour began in the main courtyard, a vast and beautifully maintained space at the heart of Aetherion Academy. The open-air plaza stretched wide, paved with polished stone that glowed faintly with embedded enchantments. Lush greenery flourished around its borders—vibrant flower beds, carefully sculpted hedges, and even towering trees whose branches stretched high enough to touch the floating lanterns drifting above. At the center of the courtyard stood a grand fountain, water cascading down in a mesmerizing, magical pattern.
Hallie led Class 1 through the courtyard, her stride purposeful as she gestured to their surroundings.
"This," she said, voice carrying with practiced ease, "is where all students, from Ember to Zenith, congregate to share knowledge. You'll find upperclassmen gathered here often, discussing theories, experimenting with new spells, or simply unwinding after a long day. While classes and dorms are divided by tier, the courtyard serves as neutral ground for all."
Some students glanced around, taking in the sight with curiosity. Elias noted a few older students chatting under a tree, exchanging notes over a levitating scroll, while another group engaged in a lively discussion about elemental transmutations.
"Doesn't seem like a bad place to hang out," he murmured.
Hallie continued walking, and Class 1 followed.
The mess hall was next.
The vast, cathedral-like chamber housed countless floating tables, each enchanted to adjust their size based on the number of students seated at them. The walls were lined with food stations, where various enchanted trays floated past, carrying steaming dishes. Hallie barely paused as she spoke.
"Some of you have likely already visited this place," she said, "but for those who haven't—this is the mess hall. It's open throughout the day, with meals tailored to suit different mana requirements. You'll find that the academy takes dietary needs seriously. If you overuse your mana during training, I'd recommend visiting the enchanted meal stations."
Elias took a deep breath, inhaling the rich aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and an underlying scent of something uniquely magical—perhaps an experimental alchemical dish. His stomach grumbled faintly.
Unfortunately, they didn't stop for food.
Hallie was already leading them onward.
The training hall loomed ahead, its massive double doors embedded with intricate runes designed to absorb stray magic. As the students stepped inside, the temperature shifted slightly, the air charged with lingering magical energy from past sparring sessions. The space itself was colossal, featuring multiple combat arenas lined with spectator seating, specialized wards lining the floors, and racks of enchanted weaponry along the far walls.
Hallie turned to face the class.
"The training hall is where you'll develop and refine your combat abilities," she announced. "While Aetherion doesn't expect every student to become a duelist, combat proficiency is a requirement, even for those who specialize in non-combative fields. You never know when you'll need to defend yourself or your research."
She clapped her hands sharply, and two unsuspecting students at the front of the group flinched before they were suddenly pulled forward—telekinetically summoned into the center of the main dueling stage.
The rest of Class 1 murmured in surprise as the two bewildered students looked at Hallie with wide eyes.
Hallie ignored their nervousness. "Let's go over the safety measures," she continued. "These arenas are reinforced with layered barriers to prevent lethal injuries, and all spells cast within are monitored and logged. I expect every single one of you to respect these precautions. Misusing training equipment, attempting unapproved spells, or acting irresponsibly in this hall will not be tolerated."
She waved a hand, releasing the two students from the magical pull. "That's all. Move on."
Elias swore he heard them exhale in unison before scrambling back to the group.
The next stop was the Alchemical Wing, where Class 1 was led into a viewing booth overlooking an advanced laboratory.
Through the large glass panes, students could see upperclassmen clad in protective robes laboring over brewing cauldrons, their faces focused in intense concentration. The room below was lined with shelves of rare ingredients, glowing flasks, and bubbling potions.
As they watched, one student—who had been working carefully over a deep blue cauldron—finished their potion, gently ladling the glowing liquid into a crystalline vial. With practiced precision, they turned and presented it to their instructor.
The teacher, a stern-faced alchemist, took the vial, examined the contents, then—without hesitation—dumped the entire thing onto the floor.
The student visibly flinched, eyes wide as the potion sizzled against the stone.
The instructor exhaled slowly. "Not stable enough," they remarked, before returning to their desk. "Do it again."
The student clenched their jaw, nodded, and immediately began preparing a new batch.
Class 1 stared in silence.
"…Tough crowd," someone muttered.
Hallie simply turned and continued walking.
The last stop before their classroom was the Library of Beginnings—or at least, the outside of it.
The towering spire of books and enchanted archives loomed over them, its structure a grand spiral of layered floors leading upward into what looked like an endless chamber of knowledge.
Hallie led them in a circular path around the library, never once stopping, never once explaining why they weren't going inside.
Elias, already itching to know, finally caved.
"Okay, hold on," he said, catching up to her. "Why aren't we entering?"
Hallie didn't even look at him. "That's a question you'll get answered later," she said flatly.
Elias frowned but dropped the subject—for now.
Finally, they reached their classroom—a grand lecture hall with rows of elegantly arranged seats, a raised platform for instruction, and several floating crystal boards for spell demonstrations.
As they entered, Elias spotted Kiran and the other students from Class 2 arriving at almost exactly the same time.
Kiran gave a quick wave, which Elias returned before following the rest of Class 1 inside.
Hallie strode to the center of the room, turning to face them.
"Find a seat," she ordered. "We're getting started."
Students quickly moved to claim their spots, some choosing seats toward the back, others eagerly moving toward the front.
Hush sat down noticeably far away from Elias, opting for a quiet spot near the side, while Elias found himself closer to the front.
Once the room settled, Hallie crossed her arms and—without any preamble—announced,
"Let's begin by assigning you your Final Exams."
A stunned silence fell over the room.
Elias blinked. "…I'm sorry, what?"