As Arnos stepped onto the grounds of Celera Magic Institute, he took in the grandeur surrounding him. Known as one of the kingdom's most prestigious academies, Celera stood just below the unrivaled Arens Institute in prestige. But for Arnos, a young man of humble origins, standing here was a triumph on its own. Over half of Celera’s enrollment was reserved for nobles, making it a near-impossible goal for common-born students. Admission for someone like him was a feat worth every ounce of pride.
He sighed softly, beginning his first steps on the expansive campus, where everything seemed designed to display the academy's grandeur. Celera Magic Institute sprawled across over 200 acres of meticulously maintained land. The grounds boasted vast training fields, crystal-clear fountains, and herb gardens filled with rare magical plants, each one tended to preserve its unique properties. Ahead lay the main building—a testament to the kingdom’s history and power. It was constructed from dark volcanic stone, crowned with a broad terrace and two spiral pillars that ascended toward the heavens. These ancient, enchanted pillars were rumored to be bound with protective magic, casting off any intruders with powerful repelling spells.
The entrance to this grand structure was framed by four-meter-high walls of black and gray stone, which led to an imposing gate. The building offered two main entry points, one on the east and the other on the west side. Towering above even the spiral pillars, four colossal columns flanked the building as silent sentinels, legends telling of potent enchantments within them to protect the academy from any threat.
As one of the kingdom's most esteemed magic institutions, Celera enjoyed privileges bestowed by the kingdom’s rulers. Many noble families with ties to the royal court generously funded the academy, ensuring that their children received top-tier education, resources, and security. These benefactors had invested deeply, expecting an environment that would grant their offspring every conceivable advantage.
As Arnos took in the scene, he noticed groups of students making their way toward the main building, chatting and laughing easily among themselves. Their casual familiarity spoke volumes; many of these young nobles had likely grown up attending galas, banquets, and private gatherings, forging bonds long before stepping foot here. Even on the first day, they had instinctively gathered with others deemed suitable for their company.
Scanning the crowd, Arnos noted that nearly all his peers hailed from influential families, their uniforms tailored to perfection and adorned with subtle symbols of wealth and status. Securing a place at Celera as a common-born student was a challenge; only one or two commoners were accepted each year, forced to compete not only against other common-born applicants but also against nobles vying for any remaining spots. And for those few who managed to gain entry, the journey was seldom easy—they were met with disdain or, at best, thinly veiled indifference.
But Arnos was undeterred. He’d heard enough about the academy’s social hierarchy to know how things worked here. The elite rarely mingled with those they saw as beneath them, and he fully intended to focus on his studies, keeping a low profile. If he did, they would likely ignore him entirely—an arrangement he found ideal.
As he stepped inside the main building, Arnos entered the grand entrance hall, an architectural marvel of polished marble floors and ornate chandeliers casting a warm glow across the space. Lifting his gaze, he took in the intricate carvings adorning the walls, each depicting scenes from the academy’s storied history. He allowed himself a moment to appreciate the beauty of the place.
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His quiet reverie was soon interrupted by a sharp voice laced with condescension. "Oh, honestly! Another commoner struck dumb by the decor? Move aside if you're going to stand there gawking."
Arnos turned, slightly startled, to find a young woman approaching him. She wore a finely embroidered outfit, every detail radiating sophistication and wealth. Her long, meticulously styled blonde hair fell over her shoulders, and just a step behind her was a poised butler, his practiced grace betraying a life spent serving nobility.
Realizing he was in her way, Arnos stepped aside, wondering, Are butlers even permitted on campus? But his curiosity was cut short by another voice calling out, “Princess Emily!”
A young man with jet-black hair and sharp, dark eyes approached. He carried himself with an air of easy confidence, his charming smile directed toward the blonde-haired girl—Princess Emily.
“We were awaiting your arrival, Princess Emily,” he greeted warmly. “I trust your journey was comfortable?”
Emily’s gaze briefly flicked to Arnos, her expression openly disdainful. “It was,” she replied with a dismissive smile, “though I encountered a minor inconvenience in the form of an insect.” Her gaze lingered on Arnos, making it clear that she considered him the "insect" in question.
Arnos met her gaze evenly, his expression carefully blank, though his thoughts were anything but. If she’s to inherit the throne one day, the kingdom is truly in trouble, he thought dryly. But that’s not my problem. Best to keep my distance.
He quietly attempted to slip past the gathering, aiming to avoid further confrontation, but before he could make his escape, a voice called out, halting him in his tracks.
“And just where do you think you’re going?”
Turning back, he found Princess Emily’s piercing cyan eyes fixed on him, her expression taunting.
“I was merely excusing myself, Your Highness,” Arnos replied smoothly, keeping his tone neutral. “I certainly wouldn’t presume to stand in the company of someone of your status.”
As he spoke, he thought, Nobles are known for their egos; perhaps a little flattery might appease her.
A smirk flickered across her face. “Ah, so you’re capable of learning, after all,” she replied. “How about you abandon your aspirations here and apply yourself to a more fitting role—perhaps tending to my dogs? A task befitting your… talents.”
Arnos felt a flicker of irritation but kept his expression polite. Is she serious? he thought, then replied with a respectful bow, “I’m afraid my skills don’t extend to animal care, Princess. I’d hate to impose my inexperience upon your beloved pets. Perhaps I’d be better suited to fighting goblins in a lowly adventuring party; it’s a far more suitable role for someone of my standing.”
By now, a small crowd had gathered, murmuring as they observed the exchange.
One girl whispered, “Maybe caring for dogs would suit him perfectly.”
Another smirked, adding, “Or perhaps he could be my butler—if he begs nicely enough. He certainly seems to know his place.”
A boy chimed in with a chuckle, “He really does look like an insect, doesn’t he?”
The growing comments only seemed to amuse Emily further, and she let out a mocking laugh, elegantly fanning herself. “A lowly adventurer, you say? How appropriate! Even the goblins might turn their noses up at you.”
Arnos forced a polite smile, though his patience was wearing thin. Oh, I’m sure they would, he mused. In fact, I might prefer their company over hers.
Outwardly, he maintained his composure, inclining his head respectfully. “That may be, Your Highness. However, I intend to make the most of my time here and find my way, even if it’s at the back of the class. After all, standing at the very back in Celera is better than leading anywhere else.”
Emily arched an eyebrow, her smirk deepening. “Well, I must admit, you seem to have accepted your lot here with a touch more grace than I expected. Perhaps there’s hope for you yet, though I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Arnos offered a small bow, signaling his desire to end the interaction, but Emily was already turning away, losing interest now that she’d made her point. The crowd began to disperse, murmuring quietly about the exchange, some laughing, others glancing at Arnos with a mixture of pity and disdain.
As the hall emptied, Arnos exhaled, his gaze steady and resolved.
He thought to himself without a second of doubt If she inherits the crown I am sure the Kingdom is doomed.