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Ardenia Chronicle: Journey Of Knighthood
Chapter 5: The Academies of Ardenia

Chapter 5: The Academies of Ardenia

At the far corner of the classroom, Cedric can be seen writing down all the details that were said by the teacher. Lost in his world, his hand moved swiftly across the parchment. The scratching of his quill against the paper echoed softly in the otherwise silent room.

Meanwhile, across the room, a group of students huddled together and engaged in a conversation.

"I heard Sir Edmund is going to demonstrate sword techniques in the training yard today," whispered one boy eagerly.

"Really? I hope I can catch a glimpse," replied a girl, her eyes alight with excitement.

"Did you finish your potion assignment for Professor Alaric?" asked another student, adjusting the strap of his satchel. This class is a mix of students from other academies, as this class teaches the general knowledge of the realm.

Cedric's thoughts briefly flickered to the snippets of conversation around him, but his focus remained steadfast on his aspirations.

A bell chimed, signaling break time. The sudden sound snapped Cedric out of his reverie. He stopped his hand and looked up at the clock; it was lunchtime. With a determined nod, he packed his parchment, quill, and ink into his bag, the weight of his dreams pressing against his shoulders.

As he made his way out of the classroom, Cedric couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead on his path to knighthood.

***

The Knight Academy stands as a beacon of honor and courage in the kingdom of Ardenia. Founded centuries ago by the legendary knights of old,

In the early days of its existence, the Knight Academy served as a training ground for the noble knights who swore allegiance to the realm's ruling monarchs. Here, aspiring warriors honed their skills in combat, mastering swordplay, horsemanship, and the intricacies of battlefield strategy.

As the centuries passed, the academy grew in stature and reputation, drawing aspiring knights from far and wide to its hallowed halls. Its grand spires and towering ramparts became symbols of hope and inspiration, embodying the virtues of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Today, the Knight Academy remains an enduring symbol of Ardenia's martial tradition, with its halls echoing the clangor of steel and the shouts of warriors in training. Aspiring knights from every corner of the kingdom and every race flock to its gates, eager to test their mettle and prove themselves worthy of the title they seek to claim.

***

In the hallways of the Knight Academy buildings, a lot of classrooms and buildings can be seen out the windows. Walking past other students in the hallways, Cedric lost himself in his thoughts again about how one became a mage or a knight.

This building was only for those who wanted to be knights, who chose to be knights rather than mages, as they did not have the most important essence of being a mage, magic. People who are born all have magic in them, but how much he or she has is what determines them to be a mage.

One in every hundred people born has the necessary amount to be a mage, or if they have a small amount, they can choose to be a knight or an alchemist. This profession does not require a lot of magic. But there are still a lot of mages in this era, unlike the old, where a mage could only be found once every hundreds of years.

***

The Mage Academy

Centuries ago, during the Old Age, the practice of magic was a mysterious and untamed force, wielded by only the most skilled and enigmatic sorcerers. As civilizations flourished and kingdoms rose and fell due to the unlawfulness and madness of magic users and sorcerers, the need for a formal institution to study and master the arcane arts became apparent.

Thus, the Mage Academy was founded. The Mage Academy became a sanctuary for those gifted with the ability to manipulate the elements and bend reality to their will.

Under the guidance of esteemed wizards and sorceresses, students delved into the arcane mysteries of the universe, learning to harness the primal energies that flowed through the very fabric of existence. From the elemental magics of fire and ice to the esoteric arts of divination and conjuration, the Mage Academy became a crucible of discovery and innovation.

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Over the centuries, the Mage Academy evolved into a revered institution, its halls filled with the whispers of ancient spells and the crackle of mystical energies. Graduates emerged as masters of their craft, wielding powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals and shaping the course of history with their formidable abilities.

Yet, with great power came great responsibility. The Mage Academy became a beacon of enlightenment and guardianship; its members swore to uphold the balance of magic and ensure that the forces of darkness were kept at bay.

***

Those who are born with magic and meet the requirements within them to be a mage can choose to be one or another profession branch of mages. You can have two to three professions, but you will need to work harder than those who just choose one. A mage needs to know not only how to cast spells and conjure stuff but also how to use magic to their will and under control.

Their magic began to grow as they matured if a mage did not have their magic under control. It might get out of control and unleash its unstable force. Uncontrolled magic can have catastrophic consequences, both for the mage and those around them.

I don't know if that is true or not; I'm hoping it's not. But the possibility of it being true is more than not, as then how can they know that it can explode if it has not happened before? So all those who have magic with them need to at least learn how to keep it in check, for the safety of us all.

And for those who have a small amount of magic that can only be used to cast some light spells, they can choose to be a knight or an alchemist, who creates artifacts, creates potions and elixirs, and learns how to transmute matters.

He's still lost in his thoughts and continues his walk in the hallway. Soon, a huge door appeared, leading out of the building.

***

The Alchemist Academy

In the shadow of the Mage Academy, another institution emerged—one devoted to studying the natural world and the secrets of alchemy. The Alchemist Academy traced its origins back to the earliest days of civilization when primitive cultures sought to unlock the mysteries of creation and transformation.

Alchemy, the ancient science of transmutation and synthesis, fascinated scholars and philosophers alike. From the humblest of beginnings, alchemy grew into a sophisticated discipline, blending elements of chemistry, philosophy, and mysticism into a harmonious whole.

At the heart of the Alchemist Academy lies the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. Students immersed themselves in studying matter and energy, exploring the fundamental principles governing the universe. From the transmutation of base metals into gold to the creation of elixirs of immortality, alchemy held the promise of boundless discovery and untold riches.

Through trial and error, success and failure, the Alchemist Academy persevered, its scholars driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Graduates emerged as alchemists of unparalleled skill and vision, their discoveries shaping history and ushering in new eras of enlightenment and prosperity.

***

As Cedric emerged from the building, the vibrant energy of the Knight Academy's front yard enveloped him. Students bustled about, their voices mingling with chatter and laughter. Some practiced combat drills in small groups, their swords flashing in the sunlight, while others sat in clusters on benches, poring over parchment scrolls and textbooks.

Nearby, a trio of students engaged in a conversation, their voices filled with admiration and excitement.

"Did you see Sir Roland's demonstration in the training yard yesterday?" one exclaimed, his eyes shining with awe. "He's a true master with the blade! He cut those training dummies with ease."

"I know, right?" replied his companion, nodding enthusiastically. "I've been practicing his techniques every chance I get. Maybe one day, I'll be as skilled as he is."

Cedric caught snippets of admiration for various knight heroes as he made his way through the bustling courtyard. A group of girls nearby gushed over Lady Elara, renowned for her bravery in battle and unwavering dedication to justice.

"I heard Lady Elara defeat three ogres single-handedly in the last skirmish against the Orcish Horde," one of them exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration. "She's my idol!"

Cedric smiled inwardly at the fervor of his fellow students, their dreams and aspirations echoing his own. He continued his stride towards the exit gate, going to the cafeteria of the academy.

His footsteps echoed against the cobblestone path as he approached the grand spectacle of the Battle Colosseum, its towering form casting a shadow over the bustling courtyard. The massive structure stood as a testament to the academy's rich history and the valor of its knights-in-training.

As he neared the entrance, Cedric couldn't help but marvel at the coliseum's imposing presence. Its circular design, reminiscent of ancient arenas, seemed to beckon students and spectators alike to witness the spectacle of combat within its hallowed walls.

The Battle Colosseum is in the middle of the three schools. It looked like it was hit by a giant meteor and was used to build the Colosseum surrounding the academies. The cafeteria, adjacent to the Battle Colosseum, hummed with activity as students queued up for their midday meal. The scent of savory stew and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, tantalizing Cedric's senses as he joined the bustling throng.

The placement of the cafeteria next to the Battle Colosseum served as a testament to the vision of the academy's principals. The principal of each academy, who stays at the top of the building of the academies, wants it so that the students get a show of battles, as they can learn even when they are eating, and for those who want to challenge each other or those who want to watch a fight.

Cedric observed the bustling activity as he approached the cafeteria entrance, the sound of clanging metal and echoing cheers from the nearby arena adding to the excitement in the air.

Inside, the cavernous space of the cafeteria buzzed with conversation and laughter, the clatter of plates and utensils creating a lively cacophony. Groups of students gathered at long wooden tables, swapping stories of past victories and eagerly discussing the day's upcoming events.

"This place is perfect for watching the battles," remarked one student, his eyes fixed on the colosseum's towering structure. "You can grab a bite to eat and catch some action at the same time."

Another student nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting towards the arena with a hint of excitement. "I can't wait for the competitions this year. I've been training day and night to showcase my skills."

Cedric listened intently to the conversations around him, the buzz of anticipation contagious as students eagerly awaited their chance to prove themselves in the upcoming competitions.

The three academies at the end of every year will be holding a grand competition for people from all over the realm—other kingdoms—who will also be coming to watch the competitions. Every year, the competitions are for the students to show off their skills and their hard work learning from the academy to compete for prizes or for recognition from the veteran knight, mage, or alchemist to take under their wing. Those who win will not only get the prize but also a mentor to guide them. The prizes change every year. Those who win the competitions will get to have a treasure, artifacts, or a request from one of the kings of each race.

The best equipment from the dwarf kingdoms, artifacts or mythical items, an ingredient from the elves kingdom, the treasures in the vault of the treasure of Ardenia Kingdom, and the wings to soar in the sky of the Aereans kingdom.

As he entered the bustling cafeteria, Cedric couldn't help but feel a surge of determination coursing through him. The prospect of competing against his peers and earning recognition for his hard work fueled his resolve to become the strongest knight he could be. Today marked the beginning of his journey towards greatness, and he was ready to seize every opportunity that came his way.

***

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