The towering spires of Sky Walk Academy loomed over Aetherion as he made his way through the grand gates. It was the first official day of the academic term, and the air was thick with the buzz of excitement and anticipation. Students dressed in a variety of robes hurried across the vast campus, chattering about their class schedules, teachers, and the promise of a new year of learning.
For Aetherion, however, this day was about more than just academic pursuits. It was about maintaining his disguise, blending into the mortal world while continuing his quest for knowledge and power.
As he walked toward the Registration Hall, he kept his expression calm and neutral, though he couldn't help but notice the occasional glance in his direction. Whispers followed him through the halls—rumors about his performance in the entrance exams and the duel with Prince Eldrin still lingered in the air.
"They say he aced all three exams."
"Did you hear? He beat an elven prince in a duel!"
"Who is he, really?"
Aetherion kept his head high, ignoring the murmurs. He had more important things to focus on. His goal today was to secure his class schedule and begin his studies—studies that would further his growth, both as a student and as a Primordial god in hiding.
The Registration Hall was bustling with activity as students lined up to sign up for their courses. The large room was filled with the sounds of quills scratching against parchment and the soft murmur of conversation. In one corner, a group of instructors sat at desks, helping students choose their courses and offering guidance on what to take.
Aetherion approached one of the desks, where a middle-aged instructor with glasses perched on the edge of his nose was seated. The teacher glanced up as Aetherion stepped forward.
"Name?" the teacher asked, his quill poised to write.
"Aetherion," he replied simply.
The teacher scanned a list of names before nodding. "Ah, yes. Aetherion, the top scorer in the entrance exams. Impressive performance." His voice was formal, but there was a hint of curiosity behind it.
Aetherion nodded politely. "Thank you. I'm here to register for my courses."
The teacher raised an eyebrow and gestured to the list of available classes. "Most students sign up for one or two specialty classes, focusing on their strongest area. Which courses are you interested in?"
Without hesitation, Aetherion replied, "I would like to take Advanced Magic, Religious Studies, Advanced Strategies, and Territory Management."
The teacher blinked in surprise, setting his quill down for a moment. "Four classes? That's… quite an ambitious course load. Are you sure about this? Most students only take one or two specialty classes, considering the level of work involved."
Aetherion remained calm, his voice steady. "I'm certain. I want to challenge myself."
The teacher adjusted his glasses, eyeing Aetherion with newfound interest. "It's not against the rules, of course," he said slowly, "but taking four advanced courses at once is highly unusual. You'll need to manage your time carefully—these are not easy subjects."
"I understand," Aetherion replied. "I'm prepared for the challenge."
The teacher hesitated for a moment longer, as if considering whether to advise Aetherion against it, but eventually nodded. "Very well," he said, picking up his quill once more and beginning to write on a parchment scroll. "Advanced Magic, Religious Studies, Advanced Strategies, and Territory Management."
As he wrote, the teacher glanced up again. "Advanced Magic is taught by Professor Elyndor. He's one of the academy's most accomplished mages. You'll need to be prepared for rigorous study."
Aetherion nodded. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Religious Studies will be taught by Professor Aranith. He's been at the academy for decades and is considered one of the foremost experts on divine lore and the study of gods."
The mention of divine lore made Aetherion pause for a fraction of a second, but he quickly masked his reaction. "That will be… interesting."
The teacher continued. "Advanced Strategies will be led by Master Caldevar, a former general in the Sky Walk Army. His course is known for its difficulty—many students drop out within the first few weeks."
Aetherion gave a small nod. Strategy was something he excelled in—this would be an opportunity to refine his skills further.
"And finally, Territory Management will be taught by Professor Elandria, a specialist in managing resources, land, and influence across multiple regions. You'll find this course helpful if you ever intend to hold land or rule over any kind of territory."
Aetherion couldn't help but think about the Divine Realm Seed still in his possession. Territory Management would prove useful indeed.
The teacher finished writing down Aetherion's courses, then rolled up the parchment and handed it to him. "Here's your schedule," he said, still looking at Aetherion with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "Be mindful of your workload. You've taken on more than most students could handle."
Aetherion took the parchment with a slight bow of his head. "Thank you for your advice, but I'm confident I can manage."
As he turned to leave, the teacher added one final comment. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, Aetherion. Students who challenge themselves to this extent often attract attention—both from instructors and from their peers."
Aetherion nodded once more before making his way out of the Registration Hall. He could feel the eyes of other students on him as he left, their whispers growing louder now that his ambitious course load had been revealed.
Once outside, Aetherion let out a small breath, the weight of his first day already beginning to settle on his shoulders. He scanned the academy grounds, watching the other students rush from building to building, each of them focused on their own studies.
But for Aetherion, his journey at the academy wasn't just about learning—it was about mastery. The four courses he had chosen were strategic. Advanced Magic would deepen his knowledge of the arcane arts, and Religious Studies would give him insight into the divine world, which he needed to understand if he was to maintain his disguise.
Advanced Strategies would sharpen his tactical mind, and Territory Management would provide the skills needed to rule over his future domain.
The system's voice echoed softly in his mind. [You've made good choices, Aetherion. These courses will aid you not only in your studies but in your larger goals. However, be cautious. Your classmates and teachers may begin to notice that you are… different.]
Aetherion smirked slightly. "I'm used to keeping secrets," he whispered. "I'll make sure they don't find out anything they shouldn't."
As he walked across the academy grounds, Aetherion couldn't help but notice the glances he continued to receive. Some students looked at him with admiration, others with curiosity, and a few with suspicion. The duel with Prince Eldrin had made an impression, and Aetherion could feel the attention it brought.
A group of students whispered among themselves as he passed.
"That's him—the one who beat Prince Eldrin."
"They say he's taking four advanced classes. Who does that?"
"Maybe he thinks he's better
Book Writer GPT for Long Chapter Books (V7) said:
than everyone else," one student muttered, though the tone was more curious than hostile.
Aetherion ignored the whispers, his thoughts focused on the tasks ahead. He knew that standing out too much could be dangerous, but he had no intention of playing small. His ambitions were far greater than what any of these students could comprehend. The academy was simply a stepping stone—one he would use to gain the knowledge and power necessary to achieve his ultimate goals.
As he made his way toward the library, hoping to spend some time reviewing the materials for his new classes, he continued to observe the other students. Some were clearly intrigued by him, while others kept their distance. The balance of fitting in while keeping his true power hidden was a delicate one, but Aetherion was confident in his ability to maintain it.
As Aetherion approached the entrance to the library, the system spoke again. [Be mindful, Aetherion. You've taken on a heavy workload, and while you may be capable of handling it, others will be watching your every move. Be strategic in how you present yourself.]
Aetherion smirked, his confidence unshaken. "I know. But the more they watch, the more they'll underestimate me. Let them think I'm just another ambitious student."
He stepped through the large wooden doors of the library, the scent of old books and ancient scrolls filling the air. Rows of shelves stretched into the distance, and the soft glow of magical lamps illuminated the pages of open books on nearby tables.
Aetherion found a quiet corner and took a seat, unrolling the parchment that contained his class schedule. As he studied the list of courses, his mind began to focus on the challenges that lay ahead—not just in the classroom, but in the divine world as well.
The Divine Realm Seed in his possession still weighed on his thoughts, and he knew that at some point, he would have to decide where to plant it. But for now, his priority was to master his studies and continue building his strength, all while keeping his Primordial nature hidden from those around him.
As the quiet hum of the library surrounded him, Aetherion's determination grew stronger. He had a long road ahead, but he was prepared for whatever challenges lay in his path.