The pale light of the new day began to peer through the cloudy sky as Kaelem followed Selkor through a dense fog, barely able to see the path beneath his feet. They had awoken at the crack of dawn, Selkor had insisted on Kaelem buying some supplies for the start of his academic adventure.

The world around Kaelem felt muted, as if he was suspended in some dreamlike, otherworldly plane. The shadows shifted around them as if they were watching, waiting. Kaelem glanced at Selkor, who had a hint of anticipation in his stride.

“Eldritch Academy isn’t like any school you’ve ever heard of,” Selkor murmured, a touch of pride in his voice as a former student. “It exists within its own dimension, a haven for those gifted in the art of magic.”

“Another dimension?” Kaelem asked in astonishment, he hadn’t even considered the possibility of traveling to a world beyond this one.

Selkor nodded. “It’s protected by ancient magic - wards and protection spells. Hidden from the prying eyes of the royal family, and guarded by sentries attuned to detect even the faintest hint of malevolence.”

Kaelem let out a gulp, wondering if his connection to the spirit would count as malevolent.

‘Don’t worry. I come in peace,’ she said jokingly, her voice echoing with an otherworldly resonance. ‘Besides, your average guard wouldn’t be able to fathom my existence,’ her tone gave off the impression that she was rather proud of this fact.

As they continued along the path, the fog lifted suddenly, as if it had been placed there on purpose. As Kaelem’s vision became clearer he expressed astonishment at the sight before him.

A massive steel gate, painted white stood before him within towering stone walls. Intricate runes pulsed along the surface of the gate in a variety of colors, giving it a pearlescent shine as they swirled together. Beyond the gate, Kaelem caught a glimpse of the outline to a majestic castle, its spires piercing the sky and its size unimaginable.

“Quite the view huh? Doesn’t exactly live up to its namesake. That refers to its history, rather than its appearance.” Selkor said with a smile as he approached the gate.

Selkor reached forward, placing his hand against the gate. His palm glowed with a cold, pale blue light and the runes responded, shimmering as they rotated like mechanical cogs unlocking. The gate groaned open and the pair stepped through.

Crossing the threshold, Kaelem felt an intense wave of energy passing through him. As if he was shedding part of himself, leaving behind the weight of the world outside. It was an unusual sensation, similar to having an outer body experience, but he was certain now he had entered another plane of existence.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to that feeling.” Selkor gave his apprentice a comforting smile, recalling the first time he had teleported with unease.

Inside, a breathtaking vista unfolded before them. Ancient towering turrets rose against a backdrop of lush, verdant gardens. Forests within the stone walls that spread yonder, the academy was truly a world within a world. Kaelem stared agog, unable to comprehend how he had never heard of such a marvel before.

They walked along the cobblestone path, low well maintained shrubbery keeping them from straying onto the grass. Ahead of them, Kaelem saw the entrance to the castle. A tall figure was waiting for them at the foot of the steps, draped in white robes embroidered with sigils that shifted and flowed. Her aura was both powerful and calming, a mix of authority and empathy. She smiled brightly as they approached, her eyes glowing as she recognised Selkor.

“Selkor,” she greeted warmly, approaching him with open arms. ”It has been too long.”

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“Neryssa,” Selkor replied in kind, accepting her offer of an embrace. “So, do they call you Spirit Queen or Headmistress these days?”

Neryssa chuckled coyly, brushing a loose curl of her silver-streaked hair behind her ear. “The fact you even have to ask, proves it has been too long.” Her gaze shifted to Kaelem, studying him with a piercing look as if she was reading his very soul.

‘She is looking at me…’ Kaelem heard his spirit say, as if her words were meant to comfort the unnecessarily long stare.

“Am I to presume this young gentleman is the apprentice you spoke of?” Neryssa asked, her tone was gentle and inviting.

“This is Kaelem,” Selkor introduced, brimming with pride as he acknowledged her presumption. “You will find he has… unique potential and a good deal of untamed power, he is making up for being a late bloomer I fear.”

Neryssa’s gaze softened, chuckling again at Selkor’s comment. “I have always said that phlox paniculata smell sweeter because they bloom later in the summer, but worry not. Our magic awakens precisely when it’s required.”

She offered Kaelem a welcoming smile, he couldn’t help but feel the warm comfort provided by her words.

Neryssa continued “As you may know, joining mid-semester isn’t typical. Your fellow students have already begun their classes. I’m sure you’re more than capable, but we wish to be certain with an entrance exam.”

Kaelem glanced at Selkor, who smiled and gave an encouraging nod.

“I’m ready,” Kaelem replied with confidence, not entirely sure what he had just signed up for.

“Excellent, follow me if you would be so kind.” Neryssa said as she began to lead them up the steps and through the castle’s doors. The interior of the castle was equally grand, tapestries depicting grand battles and magical mysteries adorned the walls, and portraits or renowned wizards watched over the next generation.

Neryssa led them to the second floor, past several classrooms where students were in the middle of their lessons. She took them up to her office which had its own tower on the east wing of the academy.

Once inside Kaelem noticed a stark contrast to what he had seen of the school so far, Neryssa’s office was comfortable. Instead of hardwood floors, her office was lined with a soft gray carpet and the walls were filled with bookshelves and landscape artwork of beautiful scenery.

She gestured for Kaelem and Selkor to sit at her desk as she placed her cloak on a coat rack beside the door. She then took a seat on the other side of the desk, facing the two of them. She began rummaging through her drawers before finding what she was searching for, a black orb covered in runes.

“Kaelem,” Neryssa began, “your task will be to face yourself - once you connect with this orb you will be transported to a room where you will face your trial. An echo of yourself that will mirror you in almost every way, pushing you to your limits in order to gain a deeper understanding. This is part of the final exam all first years take to advance, but given your circumstances - I believe this should help to even the playing field with your fellow classmates.”

Kaelem looked at the orb intensely, it was radiating with arcane magic. He recognised some of the runes from the book Selkor had him study, if he had to guess it created a small pocket dimension that could be observed from the outside.

“Given your situation, I am not expecting you to overcome this trial. But it may offer you some insight into your own magic.” Neryssa continued. Selkor glanced at her, recalling his own trial after his first year. Neither he nor Neryssa envied Kaelem; they knew it was no mean feat to face oneself.

“It’s worth noting,” Selkor chimed in. “Nobody has ever actually succeeded in defeating their counterpart in this trial, it was designed to see how the student adapts under insurmountable pressure. Not for them to surpass themselves in that exact moment. This test has been held at the academy long before the headmistress and I attended. Even we have never been able to beat our own echoes.”

“Exactly, usually this trial is done with a room full of teachers to observe their students as they demonstrate what they have learned in their first year. But Selkor and I more than qualify to determine if you have the aptitude to study magic further.” Neryssa finished explaining, she then moved the orb to the center of the table so that Kaelem could attune to it. “You can begin whenever you’re ready.”

Steeling himself for the trial he was about to face, Kaelem peered into the orb. Noting the iridescent colors that reflected at certain angles. Though uncertain how he would fare against himself, he was ready to prove to Selkor and Neryssa that he belonged at the academy.