"As magic bends the laws of nature, status shapes the tides of fortune, both commanding awe and reverence." - Senator Orbus Rolvelo

Kyson lingered a moment longer outside the colosseum, Elara's cryptic words echoing in his mind: "Not everything at Novus is as it seems." He shook it off, chalking it up to her witchy aura. Still, something about her and her familiar left him feeling uneasy. But he didn’t have time to dwell on it; orientation was starting soon, and he needed to find Nox.

As Kyson made his way through the crowd of students filing into the enormous arena, he spotted Nox waving from a distance. His blonde hair stood out in the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"Kyson! Over here!" Nox called out, making his way through the throng of students. "Dude, this place is crazy! I just saw a kid conjure up a shield around himself because he was afraid of getting bumped into. If that’s the level we’re starting at, I need to step up my game."

Kyson chuckled as they walked toward the massive entrance together. "Yeah, there’s definitely some serious talent here. I just ran into a couple of interesting students too. But we’ll have plenty of time to scope out the competition later. Right now, we should find seats."

The colosseum’s interior was just as grand as its exterior. Rows upon rows of seats circled a central stage, which had a large magical barrier shimmering around it, likely for demonstrations. As the students took their places, Kyson marveled at the sheer size of the arena. It looked like it could host a full-scale magical duel—probably because it had. Students would compete with each other at the end of term to show off what they learned.

They finally found seats near the middle of the arena, giving them a clear view of the stage below. Hundreds of first-year students were scattered throughout, whispering excitedly or showing off minor spells while they waited for the orientation to begin. Nox elbowed Kyson, nodding toward a group of upper-year students hovering above them on enchanted discs. "Looks like the veterans are here to judge us fresh meat."

Before Kyson could respond, a booming voice echoed through the colosseum, silencing the chatter in an instant.

"Welcome, first-year students, to Novus University!"

The magical amplification made the speaker's voice resonate through the massive structure. A tall, imposing figure stepped onto the stage, wearing flowing dark blue robes that shimmered like the night sky. His long silver hair and sharp eyes commanded respect. There was no mistaking it—this was Headmaster Solian Drakos, the legendary arcane sorcerer and one of the most powerful wizards of the modern era.

"It’s him!" Nox whispered excitedly. "The guy who fought off the Night Horde single-handedly. I can’t believe we’re being welcomed by him."

Drakos raised a hand, and a calm silence settled over the arena. His presence alone seemed to demand attention. "You have all been chosen to attend Novus University not because of your potential, but because of what you have already achieved. This school is not a place where we make great wizards—it is a place where great wizards become legends."

The crowd was captivated, hanging on every word. Drakos continued, pacing the stage as he spoke.

"Here, you will be pushed to your limits, challenged beyond what you thought possible. We do not coddle, we do not soften the edges of reality. The world outside these walls is brutal and unforgiving. And so, too, are we. But for those of you who rise to the challenge, greatness awaits."

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The Headmaster paused, his eyes scanning the crowd. Kyson could swear for a moment their eyes met, and an unexpected thrill shot through him.

"You will be instructed by the finest magical minds the world has to offer. These professors have dedicated their lives to the mastery of their craft. Show them respect, and they will shape you into wizards of renown."

At that moment, several professors began appearing on stage, one by one, in flashes of light and elemental displays of power. The crowd murmured in awe as each professor introduced themselves with a demonstration of their magical specialty.

"Professor Valenheart," announced a commanding voice. A tall, beautiful woman stepped forward, raising her hand. From the ground, massive vines erupted, twisting and blooming into dazzling flowers. "Your instructor in elemental control and botanical magic."

Next, a short, stout man with a thick beard appeared in a burst of flames. "Professor Torak Ironfist, head of combat magic. You’ll be learning how to survive—and win—on the battlefield under my guidance."

A few more professors followed, each displaying their magical prowess: an healer, a summoner, and a professor specializing in magical theory and runes. The last professor to step forward, however, drew the most attention.

In a quiet shimmer of electricity, a tall figure materialized on the stage. His long and messy dark hair crackled with energy, and his piercing blue eyes surveyed the crowd with a smirk. He wore a sleek, silver coat adorned with intricate runes that seemed to glow faintly. There was no need for an introduction—everyone knew who he was.

Victor Blackheart

Kyson felt his eyebrows go up in surprise. This was Victor Blackheart, the infamous upstart at the high-council . He was an elite dualist who after making his fame and fortune in the arenas decided to get into politics. No other wizard went up the ranks in the senate as fast as he did, Victor made it to the coveted rank of Archmage of Policy and Ethics when he was just 25 years old. However, just last year there was this huge scandal that got Blackheart removed from council. No one knew what happened as the media was tight lipped about it but there were wild theories on the web forums ranging from having an affair with another councilmen's wife to messing around with dark magic. He glanced at Nox, who had a wide grin on his face, clearly sharing Kyson’s awe.

"As you already know, I’m Victor Blackheart," he said, his voice smooth but confident. "I’ll be leading advanced combat training and strategy for those of you who manage to survive the first year. But let me be clear—just because I'm new here doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you. If anything, it means I'll be tougher."

The students erupted into murmurs, some in excitement, others in nervous anticipation. Blackheart was known for his high level spells and high expectations.

After the professors were introduced, Headmaster Drakos returned to the center of the stage. His voice boomed again. "You have seen your instructors. You have heard my words. Now, your journey begins. Prove yourselves worthy of Novus University. I will see you at the Trials."

The moment the word "Trials" was spoken, the atmosphere in the colosseum shifted. Whispers and anxious glances spread through the crowd. Kyson’s stomach tightened—he’d heard of the infamous first-year Trials, but they were always shrouded in mystery.

Drakos gave a final nod before turning to leave the stage, the rest of the professors following suit. Victor Blackheart lingered for a moment, locking eyes with several students as if gauging their potential, before vanishing in a flash of purple light.

As the students began filing out of the colosseum, Kyson looked at Nox, who still had a wide-eyed grin. "Trials, huh? I was hoping for a break before they started throwing us into life-or-death situations," Nox joked, but Kyson could sense the underlying tension in his voice.

"Yeah, no kidding," Kyson replied, trying to suppress his own nerves. "But hey, if we’re going to be the best, this is where it starts, right?"

Nox nodded, the grin returning. "Damn right. And who knows? Maybe we’ll be standing with the Arcane Five by the end of all this."

As they left the colosseum, the sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the university. The Trials loomed ahead, and Kyson knew one thing for certain—his time at Novus University was going to be anything but ordinary.