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Mage Towers had always stood as beacons of mystery and danger, looming silhouettes where mages bent the very fabric of reality to their will. Whispers of their wonders seeped into every corner of the realm: alchemists brewing potions granting endless strength, tamers summoning ancient beings from distant dimensions, and wizards calling down meteors to reshape the world—imaginations had run wild for the new students gathered at the base of this legendary tower.
As the heavy, enchantment-etched doors swung open with a resonant groan, a collective gasp escaped the students' lips. The air itself seemed to shimmer with anticipation. Stepping inside, they were enveloped by an expansive, circular chamber where the ceiling soared seemingly into infinity, mirroring the boundless night sky. Intricate mosaics depicted constellations and mysterious sigils that shimmered and shifted, each tile infused with a dampened luminescence that made the stars and symbols glow softly, as if alive and dancing above them.
The walls, crafted from polished obsidian, reflected the ethereal light of floating crystals that drifted lazily through the air like celestial jellyfish. These mana-infused gems bathed the chamber in hues reminiscent of the eight moons, casting a soft but dim light through the hall. The atmosphere was both serene and electric—a silent testament to the immense power contained within these walls, which every student could discreetly feel.
Tall archways lined the hall, each leading to different mysteries within the tower, each path giving a distinct sense Louis couldn't shake off when looking at it, as if instinctively knowing where it would lead to—artificing, alchemy, magic research.
They walked further inside, each footstep echoing softly against the silent tiles that responded to their presence, an elaborate mosaic that left ephemeral white imprints with each step, acknowledging their presence before returning to stillness.
Walking further, Louis saw a grand staircase spiraling upward, its elegant curves twisting into the tower's higher levels. The banisters were carved to resemble coiling serpents—mesmerizing and a touch ominous—their eyes inlaid with tiny gemstones that gleamed with inner light.
When Louis heard whispers around him, he turned away to see what his peers marveled at—a myriad of exhibitions surrounding them. The most striking was a massive circular platform at the hall's center. Hovering meticulously above it was a delicate, rotating model of Orbis, complete with all eight moons. Even those unversed in celestial lore couldn't take their eyes off it, captivated by the intricate dance of celestial bodies, feeling both insignificant and intimately connected to something far greater.
All this mysticism improved with a pinch of charming furniture, as standing tables, desks, and plush chairs scattered around them—inviting spaces where knowledge could be shared and discovered.
At the far end, Alexander approached what appeared to be a reception desk. Behind it sat a young spider-kin woman with an air of bored efficiency, her eyes lazily scanning the student body. 'Ocilia,' Louis frowned inwardly, exactly knowing who it was and not only because of her brother. She was Alexander's disciple and someone you shouldn't annoy. Rumors abounded of her sharp temper and even sharper abilities.
"Hey, Lia, is everyone here already?" Alexander asked with casual familiarity, his voice carrying effortlessly across the chamber.
Ocilia glanced up, her upper eyes narrowing slightly to a reddish-purple hue. "Yes, Master. All accounted for," she replied with a sigh. "You know..."
He cut her off with a dismissive wave, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Nope! We're doing it my way. I don't need any unnecessary complications."
She rolled her eyes, her annoyance barely concealed. "Fine," she muttered, her tone laced with exasperation. Her gaze swept over the throngs of students filling the space inside and outside the Mage Tower. "Master, you realize it'll take at least five to ten hours to process so many students?"
Alexander paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully before turning to address the crowd. His voice resonated through the chamber, yet it felt intimate, as if he spoke directly beside each person. "My dear students! Today will be a long day, but fear not—as I, Alexander..." Anastasia rudely interrupted him, bumping her hip slightly into his. "Alex, please, not another speech." While her tone was playful, she wanted him to make it quick, her expression showing tiredness.
Alexander sighed, addressing the crow anew, now much snappier, "You will have tomorrow off since today will take some time giving everyone mana skills!"
A ripple of excitement coursed through the assembly—not merely for the prospect of rest but because every student knew they would receive their mana skills. The air buzzed with anticipation; no one in their right mind would decline such a thing just because they had to wait.
With a flourish, Alexander waved his hand. From seemingly nowhere, pamphlets of pristine white parchment—finer than anything Louis had ever seen—flew into the air, gently drifting into the hands of each student. "While you wait, please read this," Alexander explained. "If you can't read, ask a peer or wait for my servants to arrive! This is very important to know before we continue our journey into the mystical ways of magic!" His voice became theatrical as if trying to entertain the youngest, who started giggling and whispering between each other.
Louis caught the pamphlet, marveling at its smooth texture and crisp ink. The words seemed to glow softly, the letters elegantly scripted. As he began to skim through, he couldn't help but notice Alexander and Ocilia conversing in hushed tones, the latter's expression a mix of irritation and impatience.
"All right!" Alexander's voice rang out again, drawing everyone's attention. "Those who don't have the [Literacy] skill, please step forward! I will explain to you what the pamphlet says!"
To everyone's surprise, only forty students came forward, their expressions a mix of embarrassment and caution. Louis felt a pang of empathy for them. He knew all too well the sting of feeling inadequate. However, a ripple of whispers and barely stifled giggles spread through a group of students—nobles from the Flower Households, their haughty gazes and smug smiles betraying their disdain.
A sense of unease settled in Louis's stomach. 'Great idea, morons,' he thought bitterly. 'Just laugh at those for whom this school was specially built.' He edged away from them, not wanting to be associated with their callousness.
He understood that nobility held no special privileges in this place. If anything, Alexander favored the marginalized, offering them opportunities they had been denied elsewhere. Louis suspected that mocking the less fortunate here would not end well.
As if on cue, a sudden shout rang out—not from Alexander, but from Ocilia. "What are you laughing at, idiots?!" Her voice was sharp, slicing through the murmurs with razor-edged fury. The hall fell silent, all eyes turning toward her. The tension was palpable as shimmering threads materialized around her fingertips, snaking through the air like predatory vines. They coiled around the mockers, binding them in place.
Ocilia advanced toward them, the crowd parting like water before her. Her gaze locked onto Henry, Belia, and two others—students Louis recognized from wealthy families. "Is it funny to you?" she taunted, her voice low and dangerous, slowly tightening her threads. "How about I break every bone in your body and laugh at your fragility? That would be sooo hilarious, wouldn't it?"
Fear flashed in their eyes, their bravado crumbling under her glare. Louis felt a knot tighten in his chest. As much as he disliked them, he didn't want to see anyone hurt. He glanced at Alexander, hoping he would intervene.
"Now, now, Lia," Alexander's voice was calm but firm. "No killing—at least not today." His eyes held a warning but also a hint of amusement.
Ocilia hesitated, her threads tightening for a moment before she sighed dramatically. "Fine," she huffed, the shimmering bindings dissolving into the air. The students collapsed to the ground, visibly shaken.
Alexander addressed the assembly, his tone shifting to one of stern authority. "This school is a place of learning and growth. I will not tolerate any mockery or belittlement of those seeking to improve themselves. It's akin to laughing at someone injured going to the Temple for healing."
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He turned his gaze back to the chastened students. "Now, apologize. We don't have all day."
There was a heavy silence as they gradually stood up. Henry stepped forward, his face flushed with humiliation. "I apologize, Mr. Alexander," he muttered, barely meeting Alexander's eyes. The others followed suit, their apologies equally mumbled.
Louis noticed the slight twitch of Alexander's lips—a sign that he was not entirely satisfied. It dawned on Louis that the apologies were meant for the mocked students, not for Alexander. The distinction was important.
Before Alexander could humiliate them further, a young panther-kin woman stepped forward. Her sleek black hair and fur caught the ambient light, and her amber eyes burned with determination. "Mr. Alexander, may I?" she asked respectfully.
He nodded. "Go ahead, Hana."
She approached the group with measured steps, each movement exuding confidence. Standing before the mockers, she spoke firmly. "You four didn't mock Mr. Alexander but our peers. Apologize to them directly."
They looked at her with a mixture of defiance and uncertainty. One opened his mouth to protest, but Hana's gaze hardened. "This is not your territory, and these are not your subjects. Such behavior dishonors us all."
Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Louis felt a surge of admiration for her. She was using her position not to belittle them further but to uphold a standard of dignity and respect.
Reluctantly, the mockers turned to the group of illiterate students. "We're sorry," they mumbled, voices barely above whispers.
Hana nodded, a small smile of satisfaction touching her lips. "That's barely acceptable if it's also okay for Mr. Alexander," she said simply, waiting for Alexander's approving nod before returning to her place when he did so.
Louis observed the exchange thoughtfully. He recalled meeting Hana at a grand ball years ago. Even then, she had been poised and eloquent, a prodigy from the Lotus Household—the strongest among the Flower Households under their Duchess.
Hana's presence here spoke volumes about her intentions. By attending this academy, she wasn't merely seeking education; she aimed to gain Alexander's goodwill by enhancing the school's reputation through her own noble status. The fact that she defended her noble circle to prevent any tarnish on their image indicated she wasn't planning to stay for just a month or two. No, she intended to remain for the full six years—a clear sign that she considered this institution far more valuable than any other academy.
He realized that if someone of her stature chose this place over other prestigious institutions, then the academy was indeed exceptional.
He glanced around at his fellow students, many of whom were commoners, lessers than artisans or grunts. Some might consider them unworthy of such an education, but Louis knew better. Given the right resources and guidance, anyone could achieve greatness.
'Hana thought this too, I guess,' he mused, knowing too well that if this school continues and more commoners come out, staying on good terms with them would be a good decision. The decision to force them to apologize also stemmed from that, Louis was sure.
Alexander clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention once more. "Excellent. Now, let's proceed. If anyone else lacks the [Literacy] skill, please come forward. It's important that everyone understands the material."
A few more students hesitantly stepped forward. Alexander smiled warmly at them. "No need to be embarrassed. We're here to learn, after all."
He gave the rest of the students thirty minutes to read the pamphlet, encouraging them to discuss it with their peers and seek help if needed while disappearing with them while talking loudly.
Over the following minutes, more servants and teachers arrived, appearing slightly stressed and whispering among themselves. Louis found a quiet spot near one of the arched windows, the view overlooking the sprawling gardens below. As he settled onto a plush couch, three small gems floated toward him, emitting a soft light perfect for reading. He couldn't help but marvel at the simple yet thoughtful gesture.
He delved into the pamphlet, his eyes scanning the intricate script. The content was dense—pages of rules and guidelines, safety protocols, and conduct expectations. It was clear that the academy took its responsibilities seriously.
A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he overheard snippets of conversations around him.
"Did you read section 3.8a? Does it refer to 4.0 or 5.5?"
"I think it's about handling mana-infused materials, but the wording is so convoluted!"
He smiled to himself, finding comfort in the shared confusion. It was oddly reassuring to know that everyone else was just as overwhelmed.
"Mind if I join you?" a familiar voice asked.
Startled, Louis looked up to see Janina settling onto the couch beside him, her arms crossed and a hint of amusement in her emerald eyes. Her snow-white hair, streaked with strands of black, framed her face elegantly.
"Not at all," he replied, scooting over to make room. He felt a little nervous but decided to act like Alexander wanted them to act and treat everyone as equals.
She glanced at the floating gems. "Convenient, aren't they?" Janina remarked a hint of pride in her voice.
Louis nodded, still mesmerized by the softly glowing stones hovering above him. "Quite. This place continues to surprise me."
Janina smirked, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "My brothers, Narsi and Alex, designed them. It was quite a challenge to make them float, you know?"
He looked up at the gems, watching them drift gently over his head. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "And how do they work, if I may ask?"
"It's all about manipulating weight," she explained, her tone both proud and slightly bored as if she'd repeatedly recited this explanation. "Sitting down on the couch activates an enchantment that causes the gems to float over to you. They maintain the same elevation using magnetic forces."
Louis nodded appreciatively. "Fascinating."
She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "You didn't understand anything I just said, did you?"
He chuckled softly. "Not a word."
They shared a brief laugh, the moment easing the tension from earlier. Louis appreciated Janina's willingness to share and her lighthearted teasing. Most young nobles, like himself in the past, would be too arrogant and proud for this.
They shared a comfortable silence before she turned to him, her gaze curious. "You know, you handled yourself well earlier."
He raised an eyebrow. "Earlier?"
"With Belia and the others. You could have joined in or stayed silent, but you didn't."
He shrugged modestly. "It just didn't feel right to stand by."
She studied him thoughtfully. "Why did you do it? Aren't you worried about getting into trouble?"
He considered her question. "I was following the rules," he said simply. "And besides, this place feels different. Like it's giving us a chance to be better."
A soft smile tugged at her lips. "I like you, Louis."
Before he could ask her what she meant, two more students approached—a tall girl with golden-brown hair and ruby-red eyes, her coyote-kin ears twitching slightly. Her gait was casual yet confident, hinting at combat experience. Beside her was a more petite girl with charcoal-black hair and golden-orange eyes, her enthusiasm palpable and treading elegant, like the perfect Lady.
"You must be Janina," the coyote-kin said with a friendly grin. "I'm Yvonne from Nine-Fire. How are you? It was quite the scene earlier."
The smaller girl nodded eagerly. "Hi! I'm Clara, also from Nine-Fire. Nice to meet you! Are you okay after all that?"
Janina smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you both. Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for asking."
She glanced behind them. "And you, I know. How are you, Matilda? Didn't expect to see you here."
Tall with sparkling emerald-green eyes and scarlet-red hair, Matilda approached with a confident stride. "Couldn't resist the allure of this place," she said, tapping the little fox emblem on her uniform. "Apparently, I'm in the Fox student body—quite fitting."
The four girls launched into conversation, discussing their first impressions of the academy and the grandeur of the Mage Tower.
"Can you believe this place?" Clara gushed, practically bouncing on her toes. "It's like stepping into a dream!"
Yvonne chuckled. "Calm down, Clara. You'll wear yourself out before we even get our mana skills."
Matilda smirked. "Let her be. It's refreshing to see someone so excited. Besides, she's got a point. This place is incredible."
Janina nodded, agreeing with them, "Though the rules are... extensive."
Clara rolled her eyes playfully. "Tell me about it! I feel like I need advanced skills just to understand the pamphlet."
Yvonne nudged her. "That's why we're here—to learn. Even if it means navigating a labyrinth of regulations."
Matilda laughed softly. "As long as we don't get lost in the process."
They continued chatting, their voices a pleasant backdrop. Louis listened quietly, feeling both included and slightly out of place.
Janina turned to him suddenly. "Louis, what do you think about all this?"
He looked up, surprised to find all eyes on him. "Oh, it's... remarkable," he managed, gesturing vaguely at their surroundings. "A bit overwhelming, but in a good way."
Yvonne nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. It's a lot to take in."
Clara leaned forward, her eyes bright. "But isn't it exciting? Think of all the things we'll learn! I will become a mage," her smile widened as her voice raised. "A mage!" A high-pitched squeal escaped her.
He offered a small smile. "Yes, it is exciting."
Matilda eyed him curiously. "You seem different from the others."
He tilted his head. "Different, how?"
"Less... pretentious," she said with a wink. "It's refreshing."
He chuckled softly. "Well, I aim to please," he leaned slightly forward, his smile flirtatious. "Though, you should know something."
Matilda, too, leaned forward, showing a bit of her chest. "I listen, pretty boy." Her smile was charming and flirtatious.
"I have a girlfriend who I love," his smile didn't cease, only Matilda suddenly forced hers. After another moment, everyone else started laughing. "I am sorry, didn't mean to be mean," he meant it genuinely.
After a moment of pouting while peeking at him, Matilda also started laughing but sighed in the end, "I will end as some crazy legendary lone warrior, I'll tell you."
"Legendary? You wish!"
Their conversation flowed naturally, the initial awkwardness fading. Louis found himself relaxing, the weight of his past easing slightly. These were people who didn't judge him for his name or lack thereof. 'It's refreshing,' he enjoyed their company.