The ship coasted over ocean and mountain, cutting through clouds as the academy finally came into view.
"Rin, wake up."
Rin stirred. "Hm… already?"
Taro grinned. "That's our new school. Looks like a prison, doesn't it?"
They looked out the window at tall, ominous stone towers wrapped in fog.
Rin squinted. "It really does."
But as they drew closer, the image shifted. The towers were carved with radiant glyphs, gardens floated on islands in the sky, waterfalls sparkled like crystal.
"…Never mind," Taro muttered. "Guess they just wanted to scare people off."
When they disembarked, students gathered in clusters. Most were clearly nobles—pristine robes, glowing family crests.
Rin and Taro exchanged looks.
"We should find where the entrance ceremony is," Rin said.
Before they could wander too far, the white-haired girl stepped past them.
"This way. Try not to get lost."
They followed her down a path lined with levitating lanterns. Along the way, they passed glowing artifacts, floating crystals, mechanical familiars, and things they couldn't even name.
Taro tapped Rin's arm. "You seeing this?"
"Stuff like this doesn't exist back home."
Not just artifacts—people, too. Elves with sharp eyes, dwarves with runed hammers, even a few vampires draped in black silk.
Taro blinked. "This school has everything."
They reached the grand courtyard where hundreds of students were seated. Floating platforms hovered in the air, bearing emblems of the academy.
The headmaster appeared in a flash of light—an older man with white robes and golden eyes that practically glowed.
"Welcome to Lumina Arcana, students," he said, voice amplified by unseen magic. "Those of you gathered here have passed one of the hardest selection trials in the world. Congratulations."
He gestured with his hand. A projection flared to life, displaying elemental symbols.
"In this world, magic is shaped by elemental attributes: fire, earth, air, water, electricity, light, dark, plant, space, gravity, and mind."
He let the icons shimmer above the crowd.
"Each mage is born with affinities. You may control two, three, even four. Rare individuals can awaken more."
He raised his hand again. A blade of pure light formed in his palm.
"These are Elemental Traits—gifts shaped by intense training and natural affinity."
He slashed through the air. "This is my trait: the Sword of truth."
Gasps echoed.
"But that is not all." He waved his hand, and fire and earth symbols floated upward. "When mastered, some can combine attributes to create something new."
The fire and earth fused—creating magma. Then more fire poured in, turning it to bubbling lava.
"This is called Fusion Arts—a high-level application that requires extreme training."
He smiled. "Welcome to Lumina Arcana. The path ahead will be harder than anything you've faced. But for those who endure…glory, power, and knowledge beyond imagination will be obtained."
Taro nudged Rin. "That guy's something else."
Rin didn't reply at first. He just looked up at the golden sky above the academy.
"…Look, Mom. I made it."