Chapter 13: Welcome to Aetherian Academy
The magical gates of Aetherian Academy pulsed as if breathing. A thousand runes blinked across the archway above:
"Let Knowledge Temper Flame, Let Strength Guide Justice."
Mario stared, slack-jawed.
"Are we sure this isn't a castle in disguise?"
Sofia, brushing dust from her sleeves, answered, "It's both. Probably has a library with trapdoors and cursed shelves too."
Lena stretched. "If they have hot food and clean showers, I'll enroll forever."
Caroline glanced at the scroll in her hand. "Says here all new applicants must pass an entry trial. Practical. No exceptions."
The Entrance Test
A tall instructor greeted them in the courtyard, dressed in ceremonial armor. Floating crystals circled above his head.
"Trial groups, prepare for combat simulation. You will be tested for coordination, power, and adaptability. This is a real battle illusion — no fatalities, but pain is pain."
The Hero Party stood side by side, blades out, magic humming.
Trial Initiated – Objective: Survive and Extract the Flag
Enemies: Simulated bandits and corrupted beasts
Time Limit: 10 minutes
It wasn't easy. The illusion was brutal — enemies swarmed them in waves.
• Emma cast Area Heal
• Sofia used Aura Burst Shields to repel assassins from behind
• Lena went full frontline berserker
• Caroline led them in formation with precise coordination
But Mario… had the final play.
He rushed the hill alone, baiting the illusionary beast into leaping at him.
"NOW!"
Sofia blinked a stunning flare, Lena smashed it mid-air, and Mario dove forward with a leap, grabbing the glowing flag.
[System Notification]
Trial Passed — Mario: Rated A-
You have unlocked: Tactical Feint (Lv. 1)
They collapsed on the grass, panting.
"Well," Emma grinned, "I guess we're official students now."
The Shock
While waiting for dorm assignments, Mario noticed a familiar silhouette in the outer yard — alone, standing near the dueling field.
Same black hair.
Same quiet posture.
Same green eyes.
His voice came out before he could stop himself.
"Andrew?"
The figure turned. Calm. Older. Sharper.
"You left us to die," Mario said, stepping forward. "And now you're here… living like a student?"
Andrew raised an eyebrow.
"You may say so."
That calm infuriated him more than if Andrew had yelled. But before Mario could say more
Caroline appeared, arms crossed. "Well, well, if it isn't our lost noble."
Emma followed. "Still brooding, I see."
Sofia narrowed her eyes. "Your aura is colder. You've changed."
Lena just smirked. "Are we gonna talk, or fight already?"
Andrew sighed theatrically, then put a hand to his chest.
"Not even a welcome back? Not even one girl calling me her handsome prince?"
Caroline rolled her eyes. "You are good looking, Andrew."
Emma smiled. "Just not sure about Mario though."
"HEY!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
Sofia smirked. "This academy is big. Maybe we'll find a rich noble with a tragic backstory and perfect hair."
Andrew gave a mock hurt look.
"So that's how it is. Betrayed by my own party before the first class."
Caroline nudged him. "You'll survive, general."
A New Beginning
As the sun dipped below the academy towers, a horn sounded from the central hall.
"All new students report to Class Assignments – Arena Twelve."
Andrew walked ahead.
Mario stood watching him. Something still weighed heavy behind those green eyes.
"He's back," Mario muttered to himself. "But he's not the same."
Caroline, walking past, added gently:
"Neither are we."