As Towan and Elliot followed the flow of students toward the massive central hall, a commanding voice interrupted their steps.
“Excuse me.”
They turned to see a man approaching, his posture straight and his gaze sharp. He radiated an air of authority, reinforced by his tailored robes adorned with subtle Essentia-infused embroidery.
“I’m Professor Khalvar,” the man introduced himself. “I don’t recognize you two. Are you here to enroll?”
Towan and Elliot exchanged a quick glance. Khalvar’s presence was undoubtedly imposing, but after spending years under their Master and sometime with Eryndar’s mentorship, the weight of his aura felt less intimidating than it might have for others.
“How did you know?” Towan blurted, his tone a mix of surprise and nervousness.
Khalvar raised a brow, but Elliot was quicker to respond. “We’re not exactly blending in, Towan,” he said dryly, gesturing to their plain travel-worn attire. Around them, the other students were dressed in crisp academy uniforms, their designs varying slightly depending on their elemental focus but still uniform enough to highlight the brothers’ obvious difference.
“Ah, right…” Towan mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.
“Yes, we’re here to enroll,” Elliot continued, turning his attention back to the professor.
Khalvar’s expression shifted to one of mild regret. “Unfortunately, the term began two weeks ago. Enrollment for new students is closed until mid-year. You’ll have to wait for the next session to apply.”
As he spoke, Khalvar’s eyes subtly scanned the two brothers, noting their well-built physiques and the palpable energy of their Essentia.
“Hmm… Their flows are unusually strong. And they’re physically conditioned too—not something we often see. Most students here focus solely on controlling their Essentia. A rare combination… What a waste, arriving late like this,” he mused internally.
“Wait!” Towan exclaimed, snapping Khalvar out of his thoughts. “We’ve got a letter! That’s our golden ticket!”
Elliot nodded, reaching into his satchel and producing the letter. Its seal, bearing Eryndar’s unmistakable insignia, gleamed faintly in the sunlight.
“We were instructed to deliver this to the headmaster,” Elliot explained, holding the letter out for Khalvar to inspect.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Khalvar hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. “A letter?” He took it carefully, his gaze lingering on the seal. “I’ve never seen anyone bypass the entrance exams with just a recommendation, but… this is different. The flow of their Essentia, their physical discipline—it’s not ordinary. And this seal… Could it truly be from him?”
After a moment, Khalvar handed the letter back to Elliot and nodded. “Very well. I’ll escort you to the headmaster’s office. Follow me.”
As he turned and began leading them through the sprawling campus, Towan leaned toward Elliot, whispering with a grin, “See? I told you the letter was the golden ticket!”
Elliot sighed but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Let’s just hope it’s enough to actually get us in.”
They followed Khalvar through the academy’s winding paths, the towering spires and meticulously crafted training areas casting long shadows in the afternoon light. Students practicing in the distance paused briefly to glance at the newcomers, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Elliot’s grip tightened slightly around the letter. Whatever lay ahead, he knew this was only the beginning.
“Who are those two? And why are they heading to the headmaster’s office?” one boy whispered to his friends, glancing at Towan and Elliot from across the polished marble hall.
The question rippled through the small group, but no one had an answer. Other students in the grand corridor turned their heads as well, their murmurs filling the air. The strangers stood out like ink on parchment, their worn travel clothes and confident strides starkly contrasting the crisp uniforms and practiced demeanor of the academy’s attendees.
Towan felt the weight of their stares, his shoulders tensing. He leaned toward Elliot, keeping his voice low. “I feel like we’re intruding…”
“You’re not the only one,” Elliot muttered back, his eyes scanning the towering walls lined with intricate carvings and glowing sconces. The hall exuded grandeur, its vaulted ceilings arching high above with beams etched in Essentia-infused patterns that pulsed faintly, giving the space an otherworldly aura.
Professor Khalvar, walking a few steps ahead, glanced over his shoulder. His tone was calm, though his words carried an undertone of curiosity. “It’s not every day we have two newcomers arrive weeks after term has begun—and with a letter of recommendation, no less.”
The professor’s statement only seemed to fuel the interest of the nearby students, many of whom pretended not to listen but couldn’t help sneaking glances as the trio passed. Towan noticed one girl whispering to her friend, her expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
“They’re all staring,” Towan said under his breath, his voice laced with unease.
“Let them,” Elliot replied, though his grip on the letter in his hand tightened slightly. His gaze remained forward, determined. “We’re here for a reason.”
Professor Khalvar gave a subtle nod of approval at Elliot’s composure before addressing the two. “This academy values talent above all else. If your letter holds the weight it seems to, then you have nothing to worry about.” His words were meant to reassure, but his tone carried a hint of doubt, as though he was testing their resolve.
The group continued down the corridor, passing by expansive training chambers visible through arched windows. Inside, students practiced elemental techniques, their Essentia lighting up the spaces with flashes of fire, rippling water, gusts of wind, and shimmering stone. The energy was palpable, a testament to the skill and discipline cultivated within the academy’s walls.