The world twisted and warped around Bolt as he stepped through the teleportation portal. It felt like his entire body was being stretched and pulled in every direction at once. His stomach lurched, and for a moment, he felt weightless—adrift in an endless void.
Then, gravity slammed back into him.
His feet hit the ground hard, but his balance was completely off. The world spun, his legs buckled, and before he knew it, he was falling forward.
A hand grabbed his wrist, steadying him before he hit the ground.
"Whoa there, buddy! You good?"
Bolt blinked as his vision adjusted, his eyes meeting a grinning silver-haired boy with bright blue eyes. The boy's grip was strong but relaxed, as if catching someone mid-fall was just part of his daily routine.
Bolt quickly pulled away, scowling. "I wasn't falling."
The boy smirked. "Oh? Looked like you were about to faceplant into the pavement." He crossed his arms. "Guess I saved you for nothing, huh?"
Bolt exhaled, already irritated. He barely knew this guy, yet he was acting like they were close.
The boy laughed at his reaction. "Relax, man. Just messing with you. I'm Aether. And you?"
Bolt hesitated before answering. "Bolt."
Aether nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Cool name. Well, welcome to hell."
Bolt frowned. "That bad?"
Aether chuckled. "Depends. You got a rich family? Powerful connections? Famous last name?"
Bolt clenched his jaw. "No."
"Then yeah, it's that bad," Aether said with a sigh. "The academy's filled with nobles and elite warriors' kids. If you're not one of them, they'll treat you like you don't exist—or worse, like you don't belong."
Bolt's fists tightened. So even here, it's the same…?
Before he could say anything, a loud buzzing sound filled the air. The portal behind them shimmered and pulsed, signaling the arrival of more students.
Aether stretched. "C'mon, let's move before we get trampled."
Bolt nodded, following Aether as they stepped away from the portal area.
He finally took in his surroundings.
The Academy of Elemental Warfare was massive. Stone buildings stretched across the landscape, their walls covered in intricate carvings of elemental symbols. The open courtyard was crowded with students, some chatting, others showing off their powers—fireballs igniting in the air, bursts of wind sending leaves flying, streams of water weaving through fingers.
Despite its elegant appearance, the place buzzed with raw energy.
Aether noticed Bolt staring. "Looks cool, right? Feels like we stepped into a fantasy novel."
Bolt muttered, "I'll be fine as long as no one gets in my way."
Aether smirked. "Oh, buddy. They're definitely getting in your way."
Before Bolt could ask what he meant, a loud, authoritative voice boomed over the courtyard.
"All new students, assemble at the main hall! Your entrance exam begins now!"
The crowd stirred instantly. Some students grinned excitedly, while others tensed up.
Aether groaned. "Ugh. No break, huh? Straight into the fire."
Bolt frowned. "Entrance exam?"
"Yeah," Aether said, stretching his arms behind his head. "Getting into the academy is one thing. Staying here? That's the real test. Fail the exam, and you're out."
Bolt narrowed his eyes. So this place isn't just tough—it's ruthless.
As they moved toward the main hall, Bolt felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck—as if someone was watching him.
His gaze shifted to a tall student leaning against a stone pillar, staring at him with cold, calculating eyes. His lips curved into an arrogant smirk, like he had already decided something about Bolt.
Aether followed Bolt's gaze and sighed. "Ah, great. Looks like you've already caught the attention of someone who's gonna make your life hell."
Bolt exhaled slowly. So it begins.
Th
e entrance exam wasn't just about proving himself.
It was about survival.