Before Kael Phong, Lania Snowveil, and Draven Longfang stood a massive, intricately carved structure made of pure white stone, surrounded by glowing energy barriers. The Astra Academy, most prestigious institution in the Central Continent, was both majestic and ancient, like a fortress of knowledge towering amidst a chaotic world.
A middle-aged man in a purple cloak stepped out from the grand entrance. His hair was graying, eyes deep and sharp, and every step he took radiated quiet authority. He paused before them, surveying each of them with a serious gaze that barely hid a flicker of curiosity.
"You three… are the ones who defeated the Lost Frost Dragon?"
Without waiting for an answer, he smiled faintly and turned around.
"Follow me. First, we'll meet the head instructor."
As they walked through the wide marble hallways, students in academy uniforms stopped and stared. Whispered murmurs filled the corridor.
"Is that really them? The ones who scared off the Frost Dragon?"
"That guy looks strong…"
"Who's the one with brown hair? His aura is strange…"
"That silver-haired girl… she's stunning…"
Kael heard it all. Their recent battle had apparently drawn more attention than he'd thought.
He kept a calm expression, quietly observing and taking mental notes. At the end of the hall, they entered a large room where the professor gestured for them to sit.
"I am Professor Azure Lam, responsible for entrance evaluations at Astra Academy."
"You're Kael Phong, and the others are Lania and Draven, right? So it's true, you're the ones who defeated the Lost Ice Dragon?" Professor Lam nodded as he spoke.
He then looked directly at Kael, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Inside you… is an ancient aura that cannot be analyzed with normal senses. Are you interested in joining the academy?"
Kael remained silent. His expression unchanged, yet he was clearly contemplating something.
Professor Lam chuckled softly.
"I can offer you all the knowledge of magic, strategy, even access to the ancient library. But this academy doesn't accept weaklings. You'll need to pass a test."
Longlong whispered from within Kael's soul, urging him to accept the offer.
Kael nodded.
"But if I join… my friends join with me."
Draven and Lania blinked in surprise. They hadn't expected Kael to speak up for them.
Professor Lam raised an eyebrow, then nodded firmly.
"Of course. But they must also pass the test. Astra does not accept anyone lacking strength or intelligence."
Soon after, the three were taken to Training Field Level Three, where a summoning circle was already drawn. A deep roar echoed as a sealed creature was released.
It was a Steel-Spiked Rock Panther, a Rare-rank beast.
"Your task: defeat it."
The three stood in the vast arena. The Rock Panther towered before them, its body as tough as mountain stone, long steel spikes lining its spine, and burning red eyes filled with primal rage.
Lania leapt forward first, launching a Fireball spell.
Draven followed, slashing his silver gleaming blade.
Technique – Sky-Splitting Slash
The blow cracked the ground, but the beast barely flinched. It roared and swept its tail, throwing both of them back.
Kael watched closely. Every lunge and tail swipe sent clouds of dust and rubble flying. He wanted to help but couldn't, his body was far weaker, and he couldn't use magic or brute strength like the others.
Grinding his teeth, Kael scanned the area. An idea sparked.
"It's focused on you two! I'll lure it into the open!" he shouted.
Before they could respond, he sprinted to the left, drawing the beast's attention. The Rock Panther snarled and charged after him like a rampaging juggernaut.
"NOW!" Lania cried.
She unleashed another fire spell
Blazing Star Shot
The fireball struck the beast's face, staggering it. Its spikes vibrated wildly.
Draven twirled mid-air and slammed his blade, Soul-Sever Blade, forged from the scales of ancient beasts, at the panther's neck.
CRACK A few steel spikes shattered, and dark blood oozed from the wound.
"Draven Toss it to me!" Kael yelled, eyes sharp.
Without hesitation, Draven threw the massive blade. Kael caught it, barely holding its weight, and slid beneath the beast, slashing upward.
A shallow cut opened under its belly, dark blood leaked out, but Kael's strength was lacking.
The weapon slipped from his hands and landed at the beast's feet.
Kael stumbled, reaching to retrieve it when
ROAAAAAR
The beast regained its balance and charged with renewed fury.
"Look out!" Draven shouted, rushing forward to shove Kael aside and stand unarmed before the incoming attack.
"NOT GOOD"
"Fall back Draven move" Kael screamed, then raised his hand and focused every ounce of magic he had left.
"Summon CANON TURTLE"
A blinding beam descended from the sky, shaking the earth. Within the swirling smoke, the colossal form of Canon Turtle emerged, twin cannons rotating slowly atop its armored shell.
"CLOSE-RANGE BARRAGE" Kael commanded.
A roaring explosion rang out. A blazing cannon shell struck the panther's chest.
BOOM
Dust and debris flew everywhere. The shockwave knocked all three of them to the ground. When the dust settled, the Rock Panther lay motionless, its eyes devoid of rage.
The battle was over.
Kael stood, panting, and looked at Canon Turtle.
"Return"
The giant beast shimmered and faded into the void.
Silence hung in the arena for a moment. A breeze passed. The three glanced at each other and nodded, words were unnecessary. Trust had grown stronger than ever.
Professor Lam clapped lightly, then asked curiously
"Impressive. But… why didn't you summon Canon Turtle from the beginning?"
Kael didn't answer immediately. He shook his head and looked at the professor.
"If I did, the fight would've been too easy. And I don't want to attract too much attention. I just want to study in peace, research strategy and knowledge, not become the center of gossip."
Professor Lam frowned slightly. His gaze turned serious.
"Do you truly understand what that means? The academy isn't just for studying. It's a place to grow, to struggle, to prove yourself. If you avoid every challenge, you won't achieve what you seek."
Kael remained silent. He understood the professor's point, but he still didn't want to get caught in senseless competitions or stares. At last, he answered simply
"I'll do my best."
Professor Lam looked at him for a long moment before softening his tone.
"Very well. But remember, your silence may lead to misunderstanding. Sometimes, facing challenges is the best way to prove who you are."
After a pause, the professor stood and pointed to the door.
"Now, I'll take you to the dormitories. Astra has male and female dorms. You'll stay in the male wing. You may also choose to live outside, but only if you can afford it."
Kael blinked in surprise.
"Afford it? So there's a currency system here?"
The professor smiled.
"Of course. We use gold, silver, and copper coins as currency. Gold is the most valuable, followed by silver and then copper. You'll use them to buy food, gear, study materials, or combat items."
Kael felt uneasy. He hadn't prepared for this. He only had a few copper coins and had never considered making money.
"What if I… don't have money?"
Professor Lam chuckled.
"Don't worry. Every student receives a small stipend. But if you want more freedom or better living conditions, you'll need to earn it through missions, strategy tournaments, or becoming an adventurer outside the academy."
He paused, then added with a warning
"But be warned adventuring is dangerous."
Kael let out a breath of relief. He wasn't ready to face financial hardship just yet, but at least there was a path forward.
The three were escorted to the dorms. The large building had two wings, one for male students, one for female. Kael and Draven were assigned to rooms in the male wing. Lania was taken to the female wing.
As she walked away, Draven said quietly
"You're not worried she'll be alone over there?"
Kael was, but when he glanced over, he saw Lania already chatting cheerfully with a group of girls, blending in as if she'd always belonged.
"She's stronger than we think." Kael smiled, though a flicker of worry lingered.
They settled into their rooms. Kael chose a simple space with a bed and small desk. Draven's room was next door. Still, they agreed not to let Lania be alone for too long, even if she had already adapted.
That evening, the three of them explored the city surrounding Astra. They wandered through lively shopping districts filled with magical items, weapons, food, and training gear. The vibrant energy of the market awed them.
"They sell everything here?" Draven asked, staring at a glowing shield.
"Weapons for sale… in an academy?" Kael murmured, surprised.
Eventually, they found a modest house tucked in a corner of the street, small but beautifully built, with an open yard. It wasn't meant for students, but the three silently agreed, someday, they'd come back and buy it.
Before returning, they stood outside, staring at it like a shared dream.
"One day, this will be ours," Lania said, eyes sparkling.
Kael and Draven nodded. The road ahead was long, but at last, they had a place to call their own, Astra Academy.
[End of Chapter 9]
Next Chapter 10: Trouble