The morning sun bathed the sky in a brilliant glow, casting its golden hues over the landscape. 

The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves pulling the carriage echoed through the air, accompanied by the jolting discomfort of the worn-out seats that bounced me with every pit and bump along the road.

“We could have arranged for a better carriage,” I remarked, my dissatisfaction was evident with the creaking gates and almost translucent windows that surrounded us. 

The musty smell, reminiscent of a neglected stable, permeated the air.

“My lord, every detail is crucial. Even your attire was meticulously tailored to blend seamlessly among the nobility,” the man in black butler’s attire, seated opposite me, replied with a hint of paternal concern. 

He was more than a servant; he was akin to a father figure, devoted to ensuring my tasks were executed flawlessly and our estate meticulously managed.

“This carriage is superior to those of many nobles,” he continued, his discomfort mirroring my own as he glanced around at the aging seats and bare wooden floor.

“Superior?” I remarked skeptically, just as the carriage lurched over a pit, causing both the butler and me to bump our heads against the roof before landing heavily back onto the hard seats.

“Yeah, it really is,” I muttered wryly, rubbing my sore head while the butler massaged his bruised backside.

“Did you memorize the list of questions I gave you my lord?”, he asked. 

“Yes I did.”, I replied. He was talking about the list of questions he created the recruiter from academy might ask. While creating a new identity was not a great task but creating a complete history and life of a person. I think my buttler overdid on that part.

“My lord, I carefully crafted them after studying the typical queries posed by such institutions. If one endeavors, it should be done with utmost excellence—or not at all,” he said with unwavering determination.

“I suppose so,” I muttered, half-amused by his fervor, half-wishing he’d applied it to securing a more comfortable carriage.

With each jolt and barely perceptible change in scenery, our carriage eventually came to a stop. The driver rapped loudly on the window three times, signaling our arrival.

My butler reached for the door handle, only for it to break off in his hand with a muted clatter. He stared at it in bemusement for a moment before leaning out the window.

“Open the door, squire!” he called out with growing impatience.

“What?” came the irritated reply from outside.

“Open… the… door!” My butler repeated, holding up the broken handle for emphasis.

The driver finally understood and promptly opened the door for us, muttering something under his breath.

“Charming ride,” my butler remarked dryly, handing the broken handle to the driver, who took it with a grumble.

As I surveyed the scene, an immense and grandiose structure came into view—the Academy of Ether. Dry leaves danced on the marbled floor leading to towering steel gates where a man awaited my arrival.

He was clad in white robes adorned with a lavish golden chain and rings encrusted with diamonds on each finger. Golden spectacles perched on his nose, and he possessed a lean, scholarly demeanor.

“Good Morrow, Mr. Hesten. Welcome to the Academia of Ether,” he greeted me with an accent hinting at origins from the eastern regions.

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“Good Morrow?” I prompted, indicating for him to introduce himself.

“Ah, my apologies. My name is Kale Gula, Professor of Basics of Magic and Ether Management, and also your assistant recruiter for orientation,” he replied smoothly.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kale,” I responded.

“The pleasure is mine. Shall we proceed? Your belongings will be arranged in your office and quarters,” he informed me.

“After you. But what about the interview?” I inquired, puzzled that they had assigned me an office without the customary interview.

“Oh, well, the interview process at this stage is merely a formality. Your recruitment was assured the moment your accomplishments as a mage of fire came to our attention,” he explained, clearly impressed by my supposed achievements—feats fabricated by my butler to perfect my persona.

“Help them with the arrangements of my belongings, Jefferson,” I signaled to my butler, who bowed and set to work without hesitation.

“As you wish, my lord.”

With Jefferson managing my things, I followed Mr. Kale through the grand gates. The broad pathway, paved with pristine white marble, was lined with lush greenery, and the fresh air made the walk towards the building truly delightful.

“Recruitment for teachers is a rare occasion at the Academy,” Mr. Kale began, breaking the silence. “The primary reason is the challenge of finding individuals with excellence in their designated subjects.”

“A teacher for every subject?” I asked.

“Not just one, but at least two,” he paused, then added, “However, the case for Elemental Mastery is different. We have only one teacher excelling in Elemental Mastery, and now you will be the second addition.”

I nodded. The Academy must value Elemental Mastery highly to keep such a selective roster.

“I’m glad to be of service,” I replied. “It’s a surprise, though, that with so many mages in the Kingdom, only one has excellence in Elemental Mastery.”

“Part of it is because children—or should I say most people—don’t have magic that favors one single element in particular. This time, however, there are many children with a strong affinity toward a single element, yet not many have excelled in the study of elements,” he explained.

“I understand. And if there are any, they don’t choose to be teachers,” I added.

“You’re right. There are those who excel in Elements. And you know who they are. No matter how high-ranked a noble is, one cannot ask a favor from royal entities like dukes to teach children,” he said.

Dukes are a powerful force, the most trusted by the Kings, and they come under the royal class. Commoners and even nobles fear the wrath of royals, for they are the ones who make the rules, and no power in the world except the king can stop them from doing as they please.

The case is so intense that if a noble even had a glimpse of a Duke, he would boast about it all his life for being in one’s presence. Mainly because the King might come out of the castle to connect with the people of his kingdom, but dukes stay hidden, and their sole purpose is fostering the King and the Kingdom.

“Right, I understand. The Academy is quite peaceful, if I must say,” I remarked.

“That is because everyone is in their lodging rooms. Classes begin at noon. Teachers, however, wake early to prepare for the day, but they are not confined to the Academy grounds, so it’s rare to find one during this time,” Mr. Kale explained.

We entered the main hall, a vast expanse filled with silence. The only sound that echoed through the space was the rhythmic clatter of our boots against the marble flooring as we made our way toward a broad staircase.

“This is the heart of the Academy,” Mr. Kale explained, gesturing around. “From here, you will have access to all the facilities, including the classrooms, libraries, and training grounds.”

I glanced around, taking in the grandeur of the hall. Tall pillars lined the sides, supporting the high arched ceiling adorned with intricate designs and carvings. 

Drapery depicting historical events and legendary figures hung on the walls, adding a sense of history and tradition to the place.

“Impressive,” I said, my voice echoing slightly in the vast space.

“Indeed,” Mr. Kale agreed. “The Academy of Ether has a long and storied history. It has produced some of the greatest mages and knights in the kingdom.”

At the top of the stairs, we entered another corridor, lined with large windows that let in the soft, golden light of the morning sun. The view outside was breathtaking—lush gardens with neatly trimmed hedges, fountains, and statues of legendary heroes.

“This corridor leads to the faculty offices and the Headmastr’s Office” Mr. Kale continued. “Your office is just down here.”

We stopped at a heavy wooden door with a brass plaque that bore my name—Hesten. Mr. Kale produced a key from his pocket and handed it to me.

“Your office,” he said with a smile. “But before you settle in, we must attend to your formal interview.”

“Of course,” I replied, taking the key and placing it in my pocket. “Lead the way.”

Mr. Kale led me further down the corridor until we reached another grand door, this one intricately carved with symbols of the Academy. He knocked twice, and a voice from within bid us to enter.

We stepped inside to find a spacious room lined with bookshelves and adorned with paintings of past headmasters. Behind a large desk sat an elderly man with a stern but welcoming expression. His eyes sparkled with intelligence and curiosity as he assessed me.