As Arnos stepped onto the grounds of Celera Magic Institute, he couldn’t help but admire the grandeur surrounding him. Known as one of the kingdom’s top academies, Celera ranked just below the unmatched Arens Institute in prestige. For Arnos, a young man of modest origins, being here was already a victory. With over half the academy’s spots reserved for nobles, it was nearly impossible for someone like him to get in. Earning admission as a commoner was an achievement he could truly be proud of.
He let out a quiet sigh, taking his first steps on the sprawling campus. Everything around him seemed designed to show off the academy’s wealth and status. Celera Magic Institute stretched across over 200 acres of well-kept grounds, featuring vast training fields, clear fountains, and herb gardens filled with rare magical plants, each carefully maintained. Ahead stood the main building, a symbol of the kingdom’s history and power. Made of dark volcanic stone, it had a wide terrace and two tall spiral pillars which seem to be invading the heavens. These ancient, enchanted pillars were said to repel intruders with powerful protective magic.
The entrance to the schools ground was covered by four meter high black and grey coloured stone walls which lead fo an imposing gate. The main building had two main entry points, one on the east and another on the west side.
As one of the kingdom’s most respected magic schools, Celera enjoyed the favor of the royal family and noble houses. These wealthy patrons heavily funded the academy, ensuring their children had access to the best education, resources, and security. They spared no expense to create an environment that gave their heirs every possible advantage.
Looking around, Arnos noticed groups of students heading toward the main building, chatting and laughing with ease. It was clear that many of these nobles had known each other long before arriving, attending banquets and private events together. Even on the first day, they naturally grouped with others of similar status.
Scanning the crowd, Arnos saw that most of his peers came from powerful families, their uniforms tailored perfectly and decorated with subtle signs of their wealth. For commoners like him, getting accepted into Celera was a rare feat only one or two non-nobles were admitted each year. They not only had to compete with other commoners but also with nobles trying to claim the same spots. Those few who managed to enter were often treated with disdain or at best ignored.
But Arnos wasn’t bothered. He already knew about the academy’s social hierarchy. The elite rarely associated with those they deemed beneath them, and he planned to focus on his studies and avoid drawing attention. If they ignored him, that was fine by him.
Entering the main building, Arnos stepped into a grand hall. The polished marble floors and ornate chandeliers gave the space a warm glow. He looked up to see intricate carvings on the walls, each telling a story from the academy’s past. He paused for a moment, appreciating the beauty around him.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp voice filled with arrogance. “Oh, really? Another commoner amazed by the decor? Step aside if all you’re going to do is gawk.”
Arnos turned to see a young woman approaching. Her finely embroidered outfit spoke of wealth and sophistication. Her long, perfectly styled blonde hair flowed over her shoulders, and just behind her stood a butler, his every movement showing the precision of someone trained to serve nobility.
Realizing he was in her way, Arnos moved aside, wondering, Are butlers even allowed here? But his curiosity was cut short when another voice called out, “Princess Emily!”
A young man with jet-black hair and sharp eyes approached, his confident stride drawing attention. His charming smile was aimed at the blonde-haired girl Princess Emily.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Princess Emily,” he said warmly. “I trust your journey was pleasant?”
Emily’s eyes flicked to Arnos with clear disdain. “It was,” she replied with a dismissive smile, “though I did have to deal with a small insect.” Her gaze lingered on Arnos, making it clear she was referring to him.
Arnos met her gaze without flinching, keeping his face neutral while thinking, If she’s going to rule the kingdom someday, we’re in trouble. But that’s not my concern. Better to stay away from her.
He started to slip away quietly, hoping to avoid further attention, but a voice stopped him.
“And where do you think you’re going?”
Turning, he found Emily’s cyan eyes locked on him, her expression mocking.
“I was just excusing myself, Your Highness,” Arnos said evenly, keeping his tone polite. “I wouldn’t dream of imposing on someone of your status.”
He thought to himself, Nobles love their egos, a little flattery might keep her satisfied.
A smirk appeared on her face. “At least you know your place,” she said. “Maybe you should drop out now and apply for a more suitable job like tending my dogs.That seems fitting for someone like you.”
Arnos felt a twinge of irritation but kept his face calm. Is she serious? he wondered. Then, with a polite bow, he replied, “I’m not skilled in animal care, Your Highness. I’d hate to cause trouble for your pets. Perhaps fighting goblins as a lowly adventurer would suit me better.”
A small crowd had gathered by now, whispering and chuckling at the exchange.
One girl muttered, “He does look like a dog caretaker.”
Another chimed in, “Perhaps he should be my butler instead. He seems to know how to behave, wouldn't you agree? Maybe, if he grovels, I might even consider letting him.” They laughed mockingly.
A boy in the crowd commented, "Though his appearance doesn’t quite suit a butler perhaps a maid instead," he added with a chuckle.
The comments only seemed to amuse Emily more. She laughed softly, fanning herself. “A lowly adventurer? How fitting! Even goblins might reject someone like you.”
Arnos forced a polite smile, though his patience was wearing thin. Oh, I’d prefer their company over hers any day, he thought.
Out loud, he said calmly, “That may be true, Your Highness. Still, I plan to make the most of my time here, even if I’m at the bottom of the class. Being last at Celera is better than leading anywhere else.”
Emily raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. “You have accepted your place here with surprising grace. Perhaps there’s some hope for you, though I wouldn’t count on it.”
With that, she turned away, clearly bored with the conversation. The crowd began to disperse, some laughing, others giving Arnos pitying glances.
As the hall emptied, Arnos exhaled, his expression steady.
If she ever becomes queen, this kingdom is doomed, he thought without hesitation.