“What is that building?” Adion asked as he and his siblings continued their walk through the Academy. Looking into starting his own House had to wait as not even his brother had any idea about the process. So his brother and sister continued taking Adion around the Academy, telling him bits and pieces about their life there.

“It’s the North Hall,” Ailera answered him as she also spotted the huge building appearing from behind the trees. Adion had discovered that much of the Academy grounds was empty of buildings, with fields of trimmed grass and beautiful trees covering both sides of the wide road they were walking on. He spotted a lot of students who were sitting on the grass, meditating. Some were accompanied by classmates and were training together instead, or simply having a relaxing meal.

It’s a very peaceful environment.

“What’s the North Hall?” Adion asked.

“It’s one of the Five Halls,” Ailera said, “That’s where almost all classes are held. As a first year, most of your classes will be in the North Hall, so you should remember how to get here.”

“Mm,” Adion nodded.

Amazing. If someone had told me that just the North Hall was the entirety of the Academy, I would have believed it. But I guess the Academy has a lot more students than I realized.

Even though you couldn’t get accepted without reaching the low Bronze stage at 17, something only the most talented people could accomplish, the number of people managing it wasn’t so low when the entire continent was taken into account. He had learned from his siblings that about 3,500 students joined the Academy each year, the number varying slightly depending on the number of talents born in a particular year.

“There is also the West, East, South, and Fifth Hall,” Ailera said, “We will soon be able to see them. You might take a class or two in one of those Halls, depending on what you choose.”

“How do I choose classes?” Adion asked.

“There will be an introductory speech from the Headmaster tomorrow,” Ailera said. Some reverence could be heard in her voice. “After that, you will get a schedule with some obligatory classes assigned to you already. But you will also have free slots to fill with classes of your choice if you would like to. Don’t get more than you can handle, though. Most people only choose one extra class, maybe two, and focus the rest of their time trying to increase their strength.”

“I’m already very strong, though,” Adion said, “I should make the most of the opportunities here.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Ailera nodded carefully, “You are already strong enough to graduate, after all.”

“Still, no need to take on more than you can handle,” Aiden said, “You should take some time to familiarize yourself with the Academy before deciding how much time you want to spend on studying.”

“You have already worked hard for so long,” Ailera said, looking at Adion with concern, “You should relax a little and enjoy yourself now that you’re safe.”

Adion smiled at his sister. It wasn’t a bad idea to start things slow for once, “I will do it like that then.”

“Mm,” Aiden nodded, “You have a girlfriend that will need attention, after all.”

“Right,” Adion smiled, a little embarrassed, “Do you know where she could be?”

“Haaah,” Aiden sighed, “I can ask Rellitha next time we meet. But she will be at the introduction tomorrow, so I wouldn’t worry.”

“I guess that’s true,” Adion murmured. He had preferred to meet Sell sooner if possible. But one more day wasn’t too much.

I look forward to training with Sell again. It never felt like something I had to push myself to do so when we were together.

“I still can’t believe it,” Aiden said, “I still can’t believe a lot of things. But the fact that your girlfriend is Sellitha Amyss will take a long time for me to accept.”

“Why would that be so hard to believe?” Adion asked.

“Probably because he would never dare do the same thing with Rellitha,” Ailera commented.

“Oh?” Adion looked at his brother, “You like her?”

“What? I-,” Aiden seemed stumped, “I mean, who wouldn’t like a beautiful princess? But I don’t have any thoughts about her or anything.”

“You should tell her that you like her if you do,” Adion said with a nod, “Or are you actually a coward?”

“It’s far from that simple, Adion,” Aiden said, a little flustered. “In fact, it’s literally impossible.”

“Hahaha!” Ailera laughed, “How can you say that to Adion? Isn’t he the proof that it’s very much possible?”

“I still can’t believe it,” Aiden muttered.

“Hmm,” Adion looked at his brother, a little disappointed, “Whatever.”

“It seems that you have disappointed our little brother already,” Ailera said with a wide smile.

“Adion…It’s just a little complicated,” Aiden tried.

“I get it, I get it,” Adion waved the matter off. Thinking about it, he actually didn’t know enough to judge the situation. “If you don’t like her enough to tell her, it’s probably for the best anyway.”

“Ouch!” Ailera stabbed her heart mockingly and grinned at Aiden.

“Fine,” Aiden said stubbornly, “I’ll tell her I like her. We’ll become a couple, then marry, and I’ll be accepted as the first human to become the king of Iitha. Everyone will bless us. Just like that. Happy?”

“Oh?” Adion said, surprised, “I thought you didn’t-”

“I was trying to- Whatever, let’s forget about it,” Aiden sighed.

I don’t get it. Does he like her or not?

“What just happened?” Adion asked his sister in a low voice.

“I think Aiden wanted to show how unreasonable you were, but you didn’t get it,” Ailera said with a smile.

Adion took a moment to think about it.

I guess I’ve been through a lot of things that made me change my perspective of things. Aiden is just now learning about all of it and has a hard time wrapping his head around it. From his perspective, it does sound ridiculous.

“Sorry, Aiden,” Adion said, looking a little guilty, “You’re right. It’s ridiculous. But so are a lot of things that have happened recently, no? Try to get used to the idea that our family will become the most powerful family clan on the continent.”

“Adion,” Aiden looked at Adion a little strangely, “Even with all you’ve told us. We’ll be far from the most powerful family. Even if Grandpa manages to become a Soul mage, even if he eventually becomes a Pure Soul mage, we wouldn’t be the most powerful.”

“I’m not saying he will take us there,” Adion said, “He’ll be part of it, but we are the future pillars of the family. And I’m planning on going higher than the Pure Soul stage, aren’t you?”

“I…I can’t say that I am,” Aiden said hesitantly.

“Well, you should,” Adion said.

“You think you can reach that high, Adion?” Ailera looked at her younger brother carefully.

“I do,” Adion nodded, “But I know how it sounds. Just try to get used to the idea.”

It’s just like when I told my teammates about my plans. They didn’t think I could reach the Soul stages. And doubted they’d even reach Diamond themselves. But eventually, they got used to the idea to aim higher.

Adion knew he was unusual in being so sure of his own advancement, but he thought that belief in itself was an important part of going far. And he wanted his siblings to grow strong along with him, so it would be nice if they started thinking like that too. He didn’t want his family to be left behind and grow old while he kept on growing stronger. Not because of their attitude, at least.

“Right,” His sister said, looking at Adion doubtfully.

“Anyway,” Adion said, “Where to next?” They had reached a crossroad as they left the Five Halls behind them.

“We could take a look at the arena on our way to the Old Academy,” Ailera said, “Your tournament will take place there.”

“Sounds interesting,” Adion said, “When will the tournament take place?”

“In two days,” Ailera answered, “So you have time to rest and prepare yourself, but I guess you won’t need that.”

“Not really,” Adion said.

“It will create quite the spectacle when you reveal your Gift,” Aiden said with a small smile.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“Mm,” Adion nodded, “I’m a little worried that some professors will take a great interest in it and question me about my Gift. That seemed to be the case when the professors at admission talked about it.”

“Probably,” Aiden nodded, “Do you think you can fool them?”

“It depends on how powerful they are,” Adion said, “I can probably fool Diamond mages without issue, but if someone stronger takes an interest, they might notice something.”

“Not many Soul mages take an interest in the day-to-day here,” Ailera said. “But I guess your Gift could be the exception.”

“You could always refuse their invitations,” Aiden said.

“I could,” Adion nodded, “But that might create unnecessary problems. I might just say I need some time to get accustomed to the Academy. That will give me some time to think about how to deal with it all.”

“Mm,” Aiden nodded.

“I can’t really think of anything,” Ailera said, “I still don’t quite believe any of this is real.”

“It’s okay,” Adion said, “I’ll figure something out.”

“Worst case, they figure everything out,” Aiden said, “But they might just be even more interested in you. It is unlikely someone from the Academy would wish you harm just because of your unique element.”

“I know it’s unlikely,” Adion said, “But I’m still too weak to take any chances.”

“Mm,” Aiden nodded. “There are a lot of things to consider, I guess. Better take things slow and safe.”

Yeah. No need to rush into anything. I can slowly consider my options. I can also discuss it with Sell. She will probably have a better idea of the possible consequences revealing things about myself would have.

At the thought of Sell, Adion once again felt his mood soar. He was already extremely content with everything, but the thought of being around Sell again lifted Adion’s spirits to new heights.

Maybe I can just ask someone if they know where she would be. It might be seen as strange, but I can just make up some excuse.

“Is that Rellitha?” Ailera suddenly interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Rellitha walking towards them further down the brick road. Unfortunately, her little sister didn’t seem to be around.

Rellitha also seemed to have spotted the siblings as she got a small smile on her face and increased her pace to meet them.

“Don’t say anything crazy, please,” Aiden muttered.

“Why would I say something crazy?” Adion asked, “I’ve carried a lot of secrets for a long time. I can keep my mouth shut.”

Adion’s siblings looked at each other with doubt.

What’s this? Why the doubt?

“Aiden,” Rellitha greeted as she walked up to the group. There were two other elven girls her age beside her.

“Rellitha,” Aiden greeted. He then turned to the other girls, “Hether, Klissa. Nice to see you.”

“Is this the little brother?” The girl introduced as Klissa asked, she had long brown hair and, just like the other two, a feeling of nobility around her.

“Yes,” Aiden nodded with a smile, “This is my lost younger brother, Adion.”

“It’s nice to meet you all,” Adion nodded to the girls.

“I’m glad to see you have all reunited,” Rellitha said with a smile, “Adion, I heard you were quite impressive during your admission.”

“You have?” Adion asked.

How could she have heard about it already?

“Is it true?” The girl named Hether asked excitedly, brushing some of her black hair from her face behind her ear.

“I guess I impressed them,” Adion nodded.

“Not that,” Hether said, “Is it true that you’re Gifted? And that it’s incredibly powerful?”

“Oh,” Adion didn’t see a point in denying it, “Yeah.”

“Can you show us?” Hether asked.

“Hether,” Rellitha said a little sternly, before turning to Adion, “Sorry, you don’t have to show anything. It might be useful to keep it a secret until the tournament.”

Sell’s sister is really nice!

“It’s okay,” Adion said, “I’ll win the tournament no matter how much I reveal.”

“That’s a brave statement,” Klissa said with an intrigued smile. “There are two high Bronze mages joining this year. One of them being Rellitha’s younger sister.”

Sell has advanced to high Bronze? That’s good.

“I still like my chances,” Adion said.

“Do you think so too, Aiden?” Rellitha asked his brother.

“He’s grown a little cocky,” Aiden said with a smile, “But yes, he will win. His Gift is very strong.”

“Oh?” Rellitha looked a little surprised.

“Seems like you have to warn Sellitha about him,” Klissa said with a teasing smile.

“I guess so,” Rellitha nodded.

“Can you show us the Gift?” Hether asked. “I heard it can stop people from moving.”

Is it that Sora who has begun spreading information? I should be careful of things like this in the future, it seems.

“Alright, who should I try it on?” Adion asked.

“Me!” Both Hether and Klissa said at the same time.

“I can only do one person at a time,” Adion said. It wasn’t completely true, as his Authority was enough to freeze the both of them completely, considering their small stature. But it was a limitation Adion had contrived in order to not reveal everything about his powers.

“Me first, then,” Hether said, stepping in front of Klissa and started walking toward Adion.

Adion nodded and froze the space around Hether, making her come to a standstill. She was a low Silver mage, and she had a strong Will. But Adion could still hold her for a few seconds before he didn’t want to waste more Will and let her go.

“What!?” Hether yelled as Adion let go, “I’m a Silver mage! How did you…”

“You tried to move?” Rellitha asked carefully.

“I fought with all I had,” Hether said seriously as she turned to look at Rellitha.

“It…Your Gift is that powerful?” Rellitha asked.

“Mm,” Adion nodded.

“I’m sorry, but your sister doesn’t stand a chance,” Hether said.

“Can you try it on me too?” Rellitha asked.

“Sure,” Adion nodded. Klissa didn’t insist on her turn and let Rellitha try.

As Rellitha stepped toward him, Adion did as always and froze the space surrounding her. But he was shocked at how difficult it was. Not even a second passed before Rellitha broke free.

She must have a very strong Will. I should remember that mages are a lot different from beasts.

“Incredible,” Relltiha murmured, still impressed with Adion’s power despite her fast release.

It was to be expected. In her eyes, Adion was just a middle Bronze mage, and seemingly without much effort, he could hold her still long enough for a sword to pierce her heart given the right circumstances.

“I want to try to,” Klissa said and walked toward Adion.

Adion obliged once again, this time managing to hold her still just as long as Hether.

“This feels like cheating,” Klissa said as she was released.

“Congratulations on such a powerful Gift,” Rellitha said, “Have you joined Eternal Fire yet? If not, Soaring Souls could make you a better offer.” She then looked to Aiden with a small smile, “Sorry Aiden, but your brother is too powerful to pass up.”

“If you can make him join you, I would be glad,” Aiden said while shaking his head. “He is planning on starting his own House as it is now.”

“Your own House?” Rellitha looked at Adion, surprised.

“I want control over my own credits and actions,” Adion said with a small shrug.

But if Sell has joined this House…No. Well, maybe.

“You should think it through carefully,” Relltiha said, not threateningly, more like she was giving heartfelt advice, “It would be a shame if you couldn’t progress to Silver because you didn’t join a high-ranking House.”

“I’ll think about it some more,” Adion said, “Is your House powerful? Have you gotten any strong first years? The two high Bronze mages you mentioned?”

“Not yet, we do most recruiting after the tournament,” Rellitha said, “But you would be different.”

Adion elbowed his brother, gaining him a confused look. Adion tried to make him ask about Sell, but his brother didn’t seem to get it.

“Surely your sister can join you without having to compete in the tournament?” Ailera asked.

That works too.

“She is still thinking about it,” Rellitha said with an awkward smile.

Adion once again elbowed his sibling, this time his sister.

Ailera looked at Adion with a knowing smile.

“Where is your sister?” Ailera asked, “Is she preparing herself for the tournament?”

“Er,” Rellitha hesitated, “No. She wanted to check on the list of new students for some reason. So she went to the admissions office to look.”

Is she looking to see if I got here? Maybe she didn’t hear from her sister.

“What a coincidence,” Adion said awkwardly, “We were just heading there. I don’t know where I’ll be living as I missed the guided tour.”

“Oh? We could all-” Rellitha began, but Adion interrupted her.

“But you should all continue talking,” Adion said, “I’ll run and get it done in a few minutes.” He turned to his siblings who were staring at him knowingly, “I’ll meet you by the arena like we said.”

As soon as he said that, Adion took off running. Leaving three elven girls looking after him with confused expressions.

I don’t want anyone else there. It would make it hard to talk.

Adion didn’t know the exact location, so he had to stop and ask a few people along the way, but he didn’t slow down as he didn’t want to miss Sell.

Hopefully, she’s still there. I don’t want to wait until tomorrow.