The early morning mist clung to the sprawling grounds of Celestial Ascendancy Academy as Evolis made his way along the ancient stone corridors. Today felt different—not only was it his final year at the academy, but with his seventeenth birthday fast approaching, the threshold of adulthood in the Kingdom of Aurelia, an electric anticipation pulsed through every breeze.
His fingers absently brushed against the inside of his coat pocket, where the mysterious slip of paper from the archives remained hidden. Even now, he could almost feel the faint warmth of its glowing script, like a silent whisper urging him toward something unknown.
Not now, he thought, shaking off the distraction. First, I need to survive another one of Gaius' lectures.
Evolis paused before a heavy wooden door inscribed with the academy's motto: "From the Mortal Coil, Ascend to Divinity."
Pushing open the heavy wooden doors of the main atrium, he was immediately met with the grandeur of the academy's great hall. Tall stained-glass windows bathed the marble floors in cascading shades of color, illuminating depictions of ancient heroes, celestial beasts, and long-forgotten wars—all part of the rich history of the world they lived in.
The hall was already filling with students, many still groggy with sleep, murmuring in hushed voices as they took their seats. Today's lesson was one of the few mandatory lectures every final-year student had to attend, and the air buzzed with unspoken anticipation.
At the center of the room, behind an ornate oak desk, sat Master Gaius.
The old scholar, despite his disheveled appearance, exuded a presence that demanded attention. His salt-and-pepper beard was slightly unkempt, his long robe wrinkled in places as if he'd slept in it, and his fingers lazily drummed against a collection of old parchments. But his sharp, knowing gaze—hidden behind a mask of feigned boredom—betrayed just how much he enjoyed moments like these.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite underachiever." He peered over his parchments with a smirk. "Evolis, I was starting to think you'd finally run off to join a traveling circus."
Evolis plopped into his seat and grinned. "Almost did. But then I remembered how miserable your life would be without me."
A few students chuckled. Lyris merely sighed.
Gaius hummed in amusement. "Ah, yes, truly my existence would be bleak without your barely passable talent gracing this academy."
Evolis rolled his eyes. "Are you going to start the lesson or spend the morning insulting me?"
"Can't I do both?" Gaius mused before clapping his hands together. "Alright, brats. Settle in. Today, we're covering important things—namely, how the world works, who holds the power, and why none of you are remotely as impressive as you think you are."
He rose from his seat, motioning toward a massive tapestry that stretched along the far wall. The fabric shimmered faintly, as if woven with threads of magic, depicting the vast expanse of the Kingdom of Aurelia.
"Let's start simple. The Kingdom of Aurelia, the land you all call home, is the beating heart of our world, a place where tradition and ambition collide." He pointed to the embroidered capital city, Aurora, at the tapestry's center. "Aurora is where power truly resides. It's home to the King, the royal court, and more political scheming than any of your tiny brains could possibly handle."
His fingers traced over five intricate sigils, each embroidered with distinct heraldry, surrounding the capital. "And then, we have the five ducal houses—the pillars that uphold the kingdom's structure. Each governs a vast territory and controls a crucial aspect of Aurelia's might."
He turned back to the class, his smirk widening. "Now, let's see if any of you actually pay attention. Name the five houses."
Aiden, a studious boy from one of the lesser noble families, raised his hand. "House Altheon, House Xanthos, House Ferrell, House Marik, and House Corvin."
Gaius gave him a slow clap. "Congratulations, Aiden, you can read a map. I expect great things from you."
More chuckles rippled through the students. Aiden turned red.
Gaius continued. "Each house has its own specialty. House Altheon"—he gestured toward Lyris—" Led by Duke Regulus Altheon is renowned for its diplomacy, refined culture, and elegant governance. His dukedom is a center of artistic heritage and tradition in the Kingdom of Aurelia. Their warriors possess strong Water and Wind affinities, making them masters of adaptability."
Lyris remained composed, though Evolis caught the faintest flicker of pride in her eyes.
"House Xanthos which is led by Duke Lucien Xanthos holds the economic reins, dominating commerce and trade. It's the hub of trade, innovation, and economic advancement in the kingdom. Their members have keen intelligence and often wield Metal and Sound affinities, using vibration and resonance techniques in battle."
"House Ferrel"—he moved to a crest shaped like a roaring lion—"is led by Duke Orion Ferrell known for their martial prowess and military tradition. it consistently produces some of the realm's finest warriors and tacticians. They specialize in Fire and Earth, and their warriors are about as subtle as a boulder to the face."
"House Marik, led by Evander Marik, is esteemed for its arcane knowledge and scholarly pursuits, it is a center of magical research and mystic lore. Their members have keen intelligence and often wield Lighting and the rare Gravity affinities, Lightning, symbolizing their brilliant intellect and innovation, and Gravity, reflecting their deep understanding of the world's fundamental forces. House Marik's warriors are not brute fighters; they are tacticians and spell engineers, refining magic to its purest form. They specialize in high-speed incantations, Etherion compression, and battlefield control, making them the strategists of the kingdom's magical warfare."
"And lastly, House Corvin, led by Marius Corvin, is renowned for their expertise in information, espionage, and strategic maneuvering. Not only are they mysterious, reclusive, and deeply tied to the kingdom's shadows they are also the realm's nerve center for intelligence and political intrigue. Their warriors wield Darkness and Space, excelling in assassination and intelligence gathering."
Gaius turned, leaning against his desk. "These five houses uphold the balance of Aurelia, answering only to the King himself."
"The Dukes—like those from House Altheon, House Xanthos, and the others—typically rank around the peak of the Ascendant Stage. Their influence is significant; while they don't match the King's direct authority, their command over regional affairs and specialized talents makes them formidable in their own right."
A girl in the back hesitated before asking, "Master Gaius, what about the King's power? Is he truly the strongest in the kingdom?"
Gaius tapped his chin theatrically. "Ah, a good question! The King of Aurelia is said to stand at the peak of the Dominion Lord Stage. His strength is unparalleled within the kingdom, but... is he the strongest?"
He let the question linger.
"And in case you lot have forgotten, from lowest to highest, the ranks are: Mortal, Awakened, Novice, Advanced, Master, Grandmaster, and Ascendent in the Mortal Stages. Then Dominion Lord after you have entered the Dominion Stages."
"The truth is, beyond the Dominion Lord Stage, there exists something else—a realm so few have reached that most believe it to be myth. This is where the Emperor of Aurelia resides, at the Legendary Monarch Stage."
A hush fell over the group as the implications of Gaius's words settled in. "This," he said softly, "is why we say that in our dimension, the boundaries of power are ever-shifting. Even the King, who many view as the ultimate authority here, may someday find his strength surpassed. It is a reminder that our journey toward the unknown is a path without a true end—always evolving, always ascending."
Evolis leaned back, his mind turning over the implications of such a hierarchy. Just how strong did one have to become to stand at the pinnacle of this world?
Gaius, as if sensing his thoughts, moved the discussion forward. "Now, let's talk about you lot—or rather, how underwhelming you currently are."
He unrolled an ancient scroll filled with cryptic symbols. "Every one of you has an Etherion Affinity. Most of you wield common elements—Fire, Water, Air, Earth. Some of you possess Lightning, Darkness, Light, Sound, or Ice. And then, there are the rarer ones—Gravity, Space, and Time."
He eyed the class. "Although, let's be honest, most of you are B or C-grade talents at best."
Evolis snorted. "Wow, thanks for the vote of confidence."
Gaius grinned. "I speak only the truth, dear boy. You see, if one of you were an S-grade talent, this academy would have thrown a royal festival, and the King himself would be knocking at your door."
A hush fell over the room as Evolis felt an inexplicable stirring deep within him—a resonance that he couldn't quite define. His pulse quickened at the thought that perhaps his own talent might be something extraordinary.
The lesson on hierarchy then merged seamlessly with the earlier discussion on elemental affinities and the Talent Grading System, painting a picture of a world where innate potential and noble heritage intermingled. The academy, after all, wasn't just a school—it was a place where future kings, dukes, and perhaps even emperors were forged.
Evolis, listening intently, felt the weight of these revelations. As he considered his own place in this grand tapestry, the mysterious slip of paper tucked in his pocket pulsed with quiet intensity, a subtle reminder that his journey might one day elevate him far beyond the ranks of mortal nobility.
Master Gaius's voice softened as he addressed them all, "Remember, your Talent is the foundation of your journey. The Awakening trial, where you'll shed blood and tears to achieve the best result you can, marks your transition into adulthood and will reveal not only the power you have honed through training but also the potential that has always been with you. Trust in your discipline, your control, and your determination, and your destiny will be revealed in time."
As the lecture ended, Evolis wandered through the academy's lush gardens—a place where manicured hedges and ancient trees whispered secrets of bygone eras. His thoughts drifted back to the archives, where earlier that day he had discovered a mysterious slip of paper.
Inside the dusty, hallowed halls of the archives, while browsing through a tome on advanced spear techniques, a small slip of paper had fluttered to the floor. The paper bore cryptic, glowing characters in a language he didn't immediately understand, and for a split second, a surge of warmth had pulsed through his veins. That moment had set his heart racing, and ever since, the slip had weighed heavily on his mind.
Now, as he strolled along a quiet garden path, Evolis found himself lost in thought about that enigmatic fragment. 'What was it trying to tell me?' he wondered silently. The slip was more than just a stray piece of parchment—it was as if a tiny window into his hidden past had opened for a fleeting moment. Though he couldn't decipher the message yet, the mystery of it hinted at a connection to the very power he was destined to awaken. It was a clue, a sign that the academy's ancient teachings and the Cosmic Ascension Record might hold the key to unlocking his true potential.
Later, beneath the sprawling branches of a magnolia tree, Evolis sat beside Lyris on their usual stone bench. The soft scent of blossoms lingered in the cool evening air, the golden glow of the setting sun painting everything in warm hues. It was peaceful, far removed from the intensity of the day's lessons.
Lyris glanced at him, her silver hair catching the fading light like spun moonlight. Her amethyst eyes, sharp as always, studied him with quiet curiosity.
"You've been awfully quiet," she mused, tilting her head. "That's usually my job."
Evolis let out a slow breath, running a hand through his dark hair. "Just thinking."
She arched a brow. "That's new."
He shot her a look. "Hah hah. I meant about all this talk today—the Awakening Trial, Talent Grades, elemental affinities… It makes you wonder where you actually stand. What's actually inside you."
Lyris leaned back against the bench, watching the soft sway of magnolia petals in the breeze. "You always act like you don't care about this stuff, but deep down, it gets to you, doesn't it?"
Evolis exhaled through his nose. "I wouldn't say 'gets to me.' But… it's weird. For so long, Awakening has just been something far off in the distance, something that wasn't real yet. Now it's right in front of us, and suddenly—" He flexed his fingers, staring at his palm as if it might reveal some hidden truth. "I don't know if I'm ready."
Lyris didn't answer right away. Instead, she studied him, her usual sharp wit giving way to something gentler. Then, with a small smile, she reached out and flicked his forehead.
"Ow—" Evolis rubbed his head, scowling. "What was that for?"
"For being dramatic."
He scoffed. "I'm being realistic."
"No, you're overthinking." Lyris folded her arms. "You don't need to have all the answers right now, Evolis. You're already one of the strongest students in the academy, even without Awakening. You'll be fine."
Evolis sighed. "Yeah, yeah. You say that, but watch me end up Awakening with a C-rank talent or something. That'd be a joke."
Lyris smirked, raising a fist and patting her bicep. "If that happens, I'll just carry you, don't worry."
Evolis chuckled, giving her an exaggerated nod. "Right, right. I'll be sure to run straight to you if I ever get into trouble. I'll even scream your name dramatically if it helps."
Lyris rolled her eyes. "You'd better."
Their laughter lingered in the air, blending with the rustling of leaves.
For a moment, the pressure of the Awakening, the uncertainty of the future—none of it mattered. It was just the two of them, sitting under the magnolia tree, like always.
As dusk settled over the academy, the ancient walls seemed to murmur with secrets and the promise of future revelations. The Talent Grading System, the elemental affinities, and the enigmatic slip of paper—all threads in the tapestry of a destiny still being woven—reminded Evolis that his journey was just beginning. With his Awakening trial looming on the horizon and the mysteries of the past beckoning him forward, the future was as uncertain as it was exhilarating.
That night, as the academy's torches flickered and the wind carried the distant echoes of ancient lore, Evolis lay awake in his modest dormitory. The mysterious slip of paper rested safely in his pocket, its glowing script a silent challenge. Somewhere in those half-remembered dreams, a promise of power and truth awaited—a promise that would soon change everything.