15 August, Year 13505 – Atherion Calendar
A sleek, levitating car drifted soundlessly above the mana-lined skyroad, one among many in a convoy of royal and noble transports heading toward Arcadia. The hum of arcane energy pulsed gently beneath the vehicle as trees and hovering signs zipped past, casting fleeting shadows across the boy sitting in the back seat.
He was sixteen, but carried himself with a maturity far beyond his years. Standing at 181 centimeters, his platinum hair shimmered beneath the sunlight filtering through the mana-glass. Sharp, narrowed blue eyes stared out the window with an unreadable expression. He wore a black-and-white formal coat over tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt beneath, and a deep blue tie fastened with a glowing sapphire gem.
This was Elias Vale Elydrion—the fifth prince of the Elydrion Empire.
"When will we arrive?" he asked without shifting his gaze.
"In five minutes, Your Highness," the driver responded respectfully.
Outside, Arcadia unveiled its majesty. Skyrails streaked through the air above, their glowing tracks weaving between towering skyscrapers. The city's architecture fused futuristic elegance with arcane energy—gleaming steel and glass buildings stood alongside structures etched with ancient runes. Neon-lit guild names flashed high on their façades:
Aegis Guild. Crimson Fangs. Arcblade Consortium. Obsidian Order.
Mages walked alongside elves, vampires browsed mana markets next to beastkin, and demons moved in small groups—easily recognized by their short, curved horns and slightly angular ears. Officers in navy-blue armor flew overhead on mana bikes, holding compact mana rifles while scanning the city below.
Elias murmured, "So this is where it begins... the Academy Arc."
The floating city of Arcadia hovered high above the land, suspended by massive crystal pillars channeling pure mana. At its center rose a colossal spire of radiant blue light, reaching into the heavens. A transparent barrier surrounded the city—Arcadia's legendary defense against external threats.
Their vehicle finally halted before a massive floating platform marked with glowing script:
Central Warp Station
Crowds surged around the entrance—students, families, guild envoys. Aerial security maintained strict order as Elias stepped out, flanked by bodyguards in black suits. The crowd instinctively parted as the young prince walked forward, exuding authority like a monarch in exile.
A tall man with turquoise hair, green eyes, and curved horns greeted them with a respectful bow. "Welcome to Arcadia, Your Imperial Highness."
Elias nodded.
"I am Magistrate Rhylos. Please follow me—I'll guide you to your train."
The journey through the station was brief but mesmerizing. Most platforms held glowing warp circles that teleported travelers instantly across the city. But Elias's destination was different. One platform, isolated from the rest, held a single, old-fashioned train—its steam-powered engine enhanced by glowing mana inscriptions.
"From here, Your Highness, you must proceed alone," the magistrate said. "No escorts are permitted beyond this point."
Elias turned to his guards. "Thank you."
He boarded without hesitation. Inside, students from across the continent gathered—humans, elves, beastkin, demons, vampires, and even a few dragonkin. Each wore clothes that reflected their home nations and cultures.
As Elias moved through the corridor, a boy his age approached him with a familiar grin. Blond hair, green eyes, and a face that seemed carved from charm itself.
"You're late," he teased.
"I had matters to attend to," Elias replied.
The boy laughed lightly.
He is Veylan Drakmore, heir of the Sword Saint.
"Are the others here?"
"Everyone but one," Veylan said.
Elias's gaze traveled ahead to a lone figure standing silently—white hair tied back, violet eyes glowing faintly, a single horn rising from his forehead. His presence was ethereal.
"Synthros Yzhalith Zephyros," Veylan murmured. "Prince of Dragon Valley. Son of Nymara Zephyros, the Flame Dragon. Brother to the Dragon Emperor."
Elias nodded. "He has a Divine Core. Of course he feels like a walking calamity."
Nearby stood another figure with nebula-blue hair and piercing black eyes laced with violet. A quiet storm of pressure surrounded him.
"Threx Vaer Nyreth," Elias whispered. "Grandson of the Demon King."
Threx glanced at Elias briefly before turning away, uninterested.
The two boys entered a private cabin. Elias took his seat. "Did you call them?"
Veylan, texting quickly, nodded. "They'll be here soon."
Right on cue, the door hissed open. Two more figures entered—both tall, sixteen, and unmistakably powerful.
One had crimson hair and matching eyes. The other had stark white hair and cold black eyes.
"Jullian Reinhart," Elias greeted with a nod. "And Feldine Sagnius."
Jullian offered a respectful bow. "Your Highness."
"No formalities outside the empire," Elias reminded him with a faint smile.
"If you say so," Jullian replied smoothly, sitting down.
Feldine raised an eyebrow. "Why did you drag me into this?"
"Sit," Elias said simply.
With everyone seated, Veylan locked his phone and leaned forward.
"As you know," Elias began, "Erinoguard Academy divides students into sections based on strength."
"Class S to Class D," Veylan affirmed.
"Correct. Do you know how many passed the entrance exam this year?"
"195," Veylan replied.
Elias nodded. "Five of us from Elydrion entered through the Young Champion Tournament."
Jullian looked curious. "And the class assignment?"
"Based on realm," Elias answered. "Rank 2 and above go to Class S. Everyone else is sorted lower."
Feldine grunted. "So why are we here?"
Elias leaned back. "Do you know how many humans will be in Class S this year?"
Silence.
"Ten," Elias said. "Including us."
"Only four of us are from Elydrion," Feldine pointed out. "Why call me if you're only talking about humans?"
"Because six of them are from other nations," Elias said. "I'm not forming a human alliance. I'm forming an Elydrion alliance."
Understanding dawned in Veylan's eyes. "To counter the others."
Elias nodded. "Erinoguard isn't a peaceful academy. They pit students against each other. Kids from other nations hate us. They think we're pampered. Every year, we get top placements through the YCT. They think we didn't earn it."
Jullian added, "But some Elydrion students did earn it. I heard Elric, Davis, and Georgina passed the exam."
Veylan scoffed. "Maybe they'll make Class A. But Class S? Not likely."
"My point," Elias continued, "is we form this alliance for now—until the first semester ends. If it works, we continue. If not, we disband."
Feldine asked, "Others joining?"
Elias nodded. "I have plans to recruit more. I'll need your help."
"Who?" Jullian asked.
Elias's voice dropped. "Someone from the Church of Vallhal."
Jullian blinked. "You serious? How?"
"I have a plan," Elias said smoothly.
Well, more like a gamble,he thought to himself.If our protagonist has the charm of a hero, even the saintess will fall head over heels. I'm going to use that.
"Arthur," Jullian said suddenly. "Did you talk to him?"
The cabin tensed. Elias, Veylan, and Feldine all frowned.
"No," Elias said. "We don't need him."
"But wouldn't it be better if he joined?" Jullian pressed.
Veylan scoffed. "He disappeared after the tournament five years ago. No news. No presence. Maybe he got lazy or embarrassed."
Elias's gaze turned serious. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just waiting. But who cares? We're building something new."
Then, almost as an afterthought, Elias added, "Although… if my information's correct, Arthur will be enrolling in Erinoguard this year."
As the train hummed gently along its mana tracks, Jullian leaned back, arms crossed, and said thoughtfully, "He's also in Class S."
Elias didn't need to ask who. He simply replied, "I know."
Veylan raised an eyebrow. "Well… you can beat him this time, don't you think?"
Elias's voice was calm, composed, but resolute. "Yes."
Jullian's gaze drifted to the window, lost in thought. A memory stirred—a world-shaking announcement made three years ago.
"Elias Vale Elydrion—Fifth Prince of the Empire—has awakened his Divine Blood and obtained a Divine Core."
The words had spread like wildfire, rippling across nations and shaking the very foundations of magical theory. For the first time in centuries, a human child had ascended into the divine ranks. In this generation, only Four children were known to possess Divine Blood—and the other three were non-humans: one a Demon, the other a dragonkin and last of is Elf.
That a human had attained a Divine Core in this era was nothing short of destiny—or perhaps, a sign of some greater Dao at work.
As Jullian sat in silence, a familiar voice echoed in his mind—deep, ancient, and filled with quiet power. It came from the ring on his finger, glowing faintly with hidden runes.
"Do not despair, Jullian," the voice of his master said. "I possess a method for you to obtain your Divine Core. But first, you must reach Rank 4. Until then, do not fret. Even without a Divine Core, you are far stronger than most. Believe in that."
Jullian's expression relaxed, a faint smile crossing his lips.
"Yeah… I know," he murmured aloud. "The grade of one's core only defines potential. Not real power."
Elias glanced at him, just briefly.
Veylan tilted his head. "You say something?"
Jullian shook his head. "Nothing important."
As the enchanted train soared through the skies, their voices slowly faded into silence. Words felt too small for what lay before them.
Through the wide crystal-glass windows, a new world unfolded—a realm floating in the skies, untouched by time. Towering spires of ancient stone, carved with runes older than empires, stretched toward the heavens. Each building was an architectural masterpiece—not modern, but eternal—with domes of star-forged silver and bridges made of translucent crystal weaving between towers.
Surrounding the academy was a massive lake, so still it looked like liquid moonlight, reflecting the golden glow of the sky above. At the lake's edge, a waterfall cascaded from the clouds themselves, tumbling down into the abyss below, veiling the world beneath in eternal mist. Magical beasts flew overhead—wyverns, windrunners, and spirit birds with glowing wings.
Wide emerald fields and courtyards stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with statues of heroes from forgotten ages and floating gardens that drifted lazily in the sky.
No one spoke. Not even Veylan, not even Feldine.
For a long moment, there was only awe.
"…It's even more beautiful than the Elydrion Capital," Elias whispered.
The others nodded silently, their eyes wide.
"It's not just an academy," Jullian said at last. "It's a living legend."
The train slowed, gliding into a station built from moonstone and starlight. The students disembarked, still speechless.
Before anyone could ask where to go next, dozens of tiny spritz-spirits appeared—glowing creatures with dragonfly wings and childlike laughter.
"Follow us! Follow us!" they chimed in unison.
With nothing else to guide them, the children obeyed.
One by one, they vanished—carried by magic to their dormitories.
---
Elias awoke alone.
His room was modest but perfectly enchanted. A single bed with silver-framed posts, a desk made of duskwood, a high-backed chair, a bookshelf already stocked with introductory tomes, a wardrobe, a compact kitchen, and a wide window overlooking the lake.
On the desk lay a letter, sealed with a crest of a phoenix entwined with a seven-pointed star.
He opened it.
> "Congratulations, Elias Vale Elydrion.
Welcome to Erinoguard Academy of Arcane Mastery and Absolute Will.
You have been chosen not only for your bloodline, but for your potential.
Orientation begins tomorrow at the tenth bell. Do not be late.
— The Headmaster"
Elias stared at the parchment as the magical script faded into golden dust.
His heart beat faster. This wasn't just the beginning of an education.
It was the beginning of everything.