Ian, Myrra and Reina return to their respective residence.
The next morning, Ian woke to the soft glow of enchanted lights adjusting to the time of day. He freshened up and stepped out into the main living area, grabbing himself a cup of tea. He took a slow sip, letting the warmth settle in, only to freeze in place mid-drink.
Myrra had just emerged from her room, stretching with a lazy yawn. She was wearing what could only be described as small, fluffy bunny-themed loungewear, plush fabric hugging her figure, a short-sleeved top that clung snugly to her curves, and shorts that barely reached mid-thigh, revealing long, toned legs. As she stretched, the hem of her top lifted slightly, offering a teasing glimpse of her smooth stomach. Her dark hair cascaded messily over her shoulders, untied and free, a few strands falling over her face. Her blue eyes were still hazy from sleep, lips slightly parted as she lazily padded forward.
Ian's brain stalled. He knew he should look away, but somehow, his eyes refused to obey. And then -
"Morning…" Myrra muttered, rubbing one eye.
Startled, Ian jolted, his grip faltering. The cup tilted, and before he could react, a splash of hot tea dribbled over the rim and onto his hand.
Myrra blinked at him "You okay?"
Ian quickly set the cup down, shaking off the sting. "Yeah," he continued, clearing his throat. "Just… wasn't paying attention."
"I will clean this up." Ian said while moving towards his room.
In the living room, Myrra tilted her head slightly as she watched this. "…Weird. What's up with him?" she mumbled, before wandering into the kitchen to make some tea.
Ian exhaled slowly, steadying his breathing as he sat cross-legged on the floor. Meditation was the easiest way to clear his thoughts, and right now, he needed it. His relationship with Myrra was... strange. More than friends, but not quite anything else. A limbo neither of them had explicitly defined. He sighed. Maybe it wasn't worth overthinking right now.
Instead, he focused on what actually mattered, planning his next steps.
The academy's curriculum was structured differently. Except for a few prestigious or highly specialized disciplines, the courses didn't branch into hyper-specific fields. Instead, most followed a broad foundational structure, covering both core principles and advanced applications. It was designed to be adaptable, allowing students to carve out their own expertise over time.
Take combat studies, for instance, one of the more popular domains. The general courses covered fundamental techniques, tactics, and energy integration, but deeper specialization depended on individual pursuit. Certain disciplines, like Runic Casting or the coveted Innate Sword path, had dedicated tracks due to their widespread demand. As for rarer or highly complex arts, the academy didn't formally structure them into full courses. Instead, they offered specialized lectures or masterclasses, held periodically to guide those interested.
Etherforging was the most popular path among those in Arcanic Engineering, so the academy had a well-structured curriculum for it. Students following that discipline had access to dedicated courses, covering everything from foundational theory to advanced application.
Architect was another well-defined path, often pursued alongside students from Material Sciences. The two disciplines naturally overlapped, with structured courses designed to accommodate both fields. Most who chose that direction followed a clear academic track, progressing through carefully designed coursework.
Eldritch was almost nonexistent in the academy's curriculum. It wasn't a path that needed specialized guidance, at least in the early stages. It strengthened the body naturally, but that also meant Ian had to train to maintain control. For that reason, he'd have to take courses focused on physical conditioning.
Myrra followed the path of Pantheon's Favor, a devoted believer in her god. She prayed regularly, even setting up a small shrine in their apartment. But now, she was considering taking on a new path.
Before, it hadn't been necessary, but circumstances had changed. It wasn't that she was abandoning her faith; Pantheon's Favor required both nothing and everything at once. Full devotion was ideal, but she no longer had the luxury of dedicating herself completely. Taking another path wouldn't sever her connection; in fact, most people followed Pantheon's Favor alongside another discipline. It was the most ubiquitous path, one that, if fortune smiled upon you, could bring a divine blessing. For the gods, this was also a beneficial exchange. The strength of faith they received was tied to the life level of the believer, so granting blessings was a small price to pay for a more powerful follower.
Still, Myrra had yet to decide which new path to take.
Interestingly, the Wizard path had an entire specialization within the academy. Though it originated from humans, it had become especially popular among elves as well. The popularity of a path was generally determined by two factors, its upper limit and its ease of practice. Mature paths like Wizardry, Innate Sword, or even Architect to some extent had a large following because they offered structured progression and proven results. On the other hand, paths with extreme potential but overly esoteric requirements struggled to attract many. Those who pursued them often had to rely on their own efforts rather than institutional guidance.
This was also how the academy decided which specializations to offer. If a path had enough structure and interest, it would be integrated into the curriculum. Otherwise, it was left to individual pursuit, with only occasional lectures or mentorship available.
Combat 101 was a required course for all students. While the world seemed peaceful, that was never a guarantee, so everyone had to take the class and continue repeating it until they passed. Without passing, graduation was impossible.
That wouldn't be an issue for Ian. But for Myrra… she hadn't fought even once. Ian had already started training her. She had asked for it herself after the incident in Efsagroth. While Ian had complete trust in her, practical experience was another matter entirely, she would need more training before she could handle real combat.
There were also weapon-based combat classes, something Ian had been considering for a while. Right now, he fought using a crude, stick-like weapon, not ideal by any means. He had been meaning to find something more fitting.
Ian leaned back slightly, exhaling. There was a lot to figure out in the coming days. But for now, at least, he had a direction.
"Ian, lunch?" Myrra called from the kitchen.
"Coming…" he replied, pulling himself out of his thoughts.
The rest of the day passed similarly, Ian spent most of his time meditating, he has to increase his mental energy so that he can enter Architect first order soon.
The next morning, Ian prepared for the convocation ceremony.
He slipped into his official uniform, a refined ensemble of white and deep purple, accented with silver lining. Originally, he had chosen a very minimalistic and practical design, but under Myrra's strong protest, it was adjusted to something slightly more refined.
Speaking of Myrra -
She stepped out of her room, adjusting the hem of her uniform's short skirt. Her long-sleeved blouse was form-fitting, the fabric hugging her curves while maintaining an air of elegance. The high-waisted skirt, while modest in length, accentuated her hips, ending above the knee. She had paired it with sheer black stockings, which contrasted sharply against the pale, smooth skin of her thighs. A silver-trimmed capelet rested lightly on her shoulders, fastened by a delicate clasp at her collarbone.
Her hair, usually loose and untamed, was now neatly tied back, though a few strands still framed her face.
She twirled slightly, testing the outfit. "Hmm. Not bad."
Myrra and Reina had spent a lot of time customizing their uniforms.
Ian cleared his throat, looking away. "You and Reina really went all out."
Myrra smirked. "Of course. We weren't about to let ours look boring."
She stepped closer, running a critical eye over his attire. "See? This is so much better. You actually look presentable now."
Ian sighed but didn't argue. He had long since learned that resisting Myrra when she was on a mission was pointless.
"Let's go," he muttered, grabbing his coat.
Myrra grinned and took his arm, pleased with her victory.
They quickly made their way toward the transmission platform, passing groups of students who exchanged polite smiles. Then, with a soft hum and a flash of light, they were transported near the Arcane Engineering sector.
The sector was a mix of grandiose buildings and floating platforms, all powered by advanced energy systems. Structures of metal and glass towered around them, their surfaces glowing faintly with flowing energy currents. Hovering machines moved through the air, adjusting equipment and monitoring various projects. The ground beneath them was partly solid and partly see-through, revealing networks of energy conduits running below. Everything operated smoothly, blending technology and energy in perfect harmony.
A floating hologram hovered above, displaying a welcome message for new students. After quick verification, they received their insignias. Ian pinned his onto his uniform, and Myrra did the same before they proceeded toward the main hall.
The hall was a massive dome, supported by glowing pillars. The ceiling displayed shifting star patterns and geometric designs, creating the illusion of a vast sky. Rows of seats surrounded a central stage where officials were already gathered.
They spotted Rhys nearby, already engaged in conversation with a few other students. As Ian and Myrra approached, Rhys noticed them and waved. After brief introductions, they exchanged a few words about the Academy and their expectations for the coming years.
Not long after, Reina arrived, dressed in the same uniform as Myrra. She adjusted her capelet and gave a small nod of approval.
Soon, the convocation began. Around a hundred students filled the hall, their voices lowering as the ceremony was set to start.
The murmurs in the hall quieted as a distinguished figure stepped onto the stage.
Dean Aldric Vaelen, a High Scholar, stepped forward, his long, green-streaked hair neatly tied back. His sharp, angular features carried an air of authority, and his emerald-green eyes swept over the gathered students. He wore flowing deep-purple robes, woven with delicate, glowing patterns of energy that pulsed in harmony with his movements.
"Welcome, students, to the Rulmose Institute," he began, his voice steady and commanding.
"Today, you take a step forwards towards a journey that will define your future. The pursuit of knowledge, the mastery of energy, the refinement of one's skills, these are the pillars upon which our people have built their legacy...."
The speech continued, and Ian, along with the other new students, listened with focus.
Afterward, senior students led them on a brief tour of the sector, guiding them through key areas, training halls, research centers, libraries, and specialized facilities. The halls buzzed with energy as students from various classes moved with purpose, some engaged in discussions, others immersed in their work.
Once the tour concluded, Ian, Myrra, Reina, and Rhys gathered in one of the open lounges. A few others joined them: Cailen, a sharp-eyed elf with a laid-back demeanour; Lirien, who carried herself with quiet confidence; and Varian, who seemed eager yet slightly nervous.
Myrra stretched, leaning back in her chair. "That was a lot of walking."
"You'll get used to it," Rhys said with a chuckle. "This place is huge, but you'll know your way around soon enough."
Cailen smirked. "Or you'll just get lost repeatedly like half the new students."
Varian sighed. "I already got lost twice before the tour."
Lirien tapped her fingers against the table. "Why don't we check out the Astral Descent?"
Varian raised an eyebrow. "The what?"
Rhys chuckled. "It's this strange gravity well near the upper levels. Feels like you're floating when you step inside, but it's completely safe."
Cailen smirked. "Safe, sure. Unless you count the occasional student getting stuck upside down for a few minutes."
"That only happens if you panic," Lirien said, rolling her eyes. "It's a good place to relax, though. The view's surreal."
"Yeah, why not?" Rhys agreed.
Ian shook his head. "I have some other work. If I finish it soon, I'll join you guys there."
He turned to Myrra. "I'll be back."
Myrra pouted slightly. "You're leaving me all alone…"
"It's just for some time," Ian reassured her. "You can stay with Reina. I'll be back soon."
She sighed but didn't protest further.
Cailen smirked. "Well, don't take too long. The descent looks different at night."
Ian gave a small nod before leaving. Myrra watched him go, her eyes lingering on his back as he disappeared into the hallways.