Kai yawned, standing up from the boxy bed that laid in the corner of his room.
It was uncomfortable, but comfort rarely mattered in a world like this.
He walked over to the sink and drenched his face, vigorously rubbing at it, cleaning away his tiredness.
In around 30 minutes the Academy's opening ceremony would begin, and then classes would happen after that.
As a first year student, Kai was obligated to take at least 8 classes.
He looked at the magical scroll that had appeared on the bedside table last night.
Upon it was written-
-Below are the following classes available for first year students.
Please choose exactly eight. Once you do, the scroll will roll up and transport itself to the attendance desk.-
There were three categories, one for Augmenters, for Casters, and for both.
Ignoring the Caster section, he continued to read.
-Path ambiguous classes-
'Mana-Theory and Shaping: The Essential Practices of Mana Manipulation.'
'Elemental Affinities: The Rundown.'
'Magical Beasts: Locations and strategy.'
Path specific classes for Augmenters.
'Body Magic: Spells for Augmenters that do not require a magic circle.'
'Magic: The Gathering and condensing of Mana for advancement.'
'Swordsmanship 101'
'Spearmanship 101'
'Bowmanship 101'
…
Yeah he'd just skip those, he had Keldreth anyways.
His eyes fell onto one class in particular.
'Mana Engineering: Remedial Classes for Dullard Casters.'
It seemed interesting, but–
'Is that a class for Casters with learning disabilities… Why is it the hardest class in our options!??'
His hair ruffled under his fingers– in irritation, fingers clenching the pen in his hand harder.
'Doesn't matter… I'll take it anyway. Everyone has to start somewhere after all.'
Reviewing the list he picked his eight classes.
Mana Theory and Shaping, Elemental affinities, Magical Beasts, Magical Engineering, Gathering and Condensing mana, Mage Anatomy and Biology, Body Magic, Practical Combat.
While Kai was definitely tired of fighting– he figured the experience gained from Practical Combat wouldn't hurt.
He also had something else on his mind, something these classes would hopefully help with…
'I need friends.'
It was simple, but Kai knew neglecting relationships would only cause him another breakdown in the future, and he may not be so lucky next time.
'Vaelric was a start, but I can hardly call him a friend… we're acquaintances at best.'
Each of the classes aligned with a part of Kai's personality so he hoped to find friends that shared his interests there.
It was at that point Kai looked over to his shelf, his mailbox –a small hole in the wall with a sliding door– signaled that it was no longer empty.
A genuine smile broke onto his face. He was looking forward to reading that later, but for now he had a ceremony to get to.
-
'There really are too many steps in this academy… even for me.'
Kai had gotten turned around at some point in his journey, lost his way, and only just made it in time for the ceremony, legs sore from sprinting down the halls of the massive megastructure that was Elytrior Academy.
'At least I'll get to learn things here… like the best way to climb stairs!'
Gently bouncing on the balls of his feet, he continued to shift as he looked around– hyperactive.
He hadn't always been this way, it was only something he noticed recently, but he didn't mind, it kept him loose and flexible.
"Welcome students!" A man with a short grey beard, and thick eyebrows spoke.
"You are the first years of Elytrior, the next generation of this Academia."
His voice was resonant and imposing, his battle robes hung like white wraps off of his body.
'Caster, powerful at that. Every time I see it, it's funny. When people think of mages they think of Casters, it's not a big distinction, but it is an important one.'
Meandering thoughts on Casters and jokes about the systemic oppression of Augmenters rolled through his head– the man continued on.
"In just a moment I will allow our very own student council president to speak, however, for now let me leave you with a final thought."
"You may have all heard before, this academy is not for the faint of heart. The entrance exam you all have just passed made that very clear did it not."
His gaze washed over the crowd, many people looked away, his mana signature too imposing, disrupting the flow of their own internal energies.
A Realm Five Mage.
Apex level too. Someone who could realistically reach the next realm given enough time.
"But do not be disheartened, for in pain, adversity, and setbacks- there is true power."
With that the large torch behind him roared to life, bathing the students in its purple glow.
The man took a single step backwards–
No one could trace the movement, but he was now seated.
A golden throne, with purple velvet backing.
This was the Headmaster
Olsen Hienzfurher
…
"You may take the stage now."
A young woman nodded at the headmaster, her hair was jet black, and her eyes dark, like pools of ink, with glittering silver flecks–.
Their student council president was a mage with starlight in her eyes.
"I am Jadis Doran."
"I will be your student council head."
Her eyes met with Kai's– his pulse quickened, her eyes were terrifying.
Little voids, it felt as if one would be forever trapped in them if they looked for more than a second.
She was terrifying.
'Monsters… they're all monsters.'
Shuddering, he steeled himself. Will solidified like an iron vise around his mind.
'If they're monsters… who's to stop me from being one as well.'
"If there are any issues, go to Eric, he will be in charge of the disciplinary committee for the first years. Any greater issues not involving petty misdemeanors will be handled by myself."
She tilted her head, completing her statement.
But then, as if she had forgotten before she smiled.
It was beautiful, but more terrible than her eyes.
The boy no longer felt like a man in front of these mages.
To them he was still just another kid, his soul churned as he looked away.
This place was doing things to him.
And he didn't know how to handle it all.