Towan and Elliot stepped out into the hallway, their tense shoulders finally relaxing. “That was intense,” Towan whispered, glancing back at the now-closed doors.

“No kidding,” Elliot replied, his tone low. “But at least we’re in.”

The brothers exchanged a determined look, the weight of their encounter fueling their resolve as they prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them at the academy.

“Thank god Eryndar wrote the letter… it truly was our golden ticket,” Towan said, letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“You’re right,” Elliot agreed, his tone thoughtful. “Speaking of which, this headmaster seems to be on his level, don’t you think?” He glanced at Towan, curious to hear his brother’s perspective.

Towan nodded slowly, his brow furrowed as he recalled the oppressive pressure in the office. “Yeah, I’d say so. But there’s something different about him. He uses wind—I'm sure of it,” he added, his tone certain. “I could feel it in his flow. It wasn’t just power; it was precision, like the wind itself was bending to his will.”

Elliot considered this, his gaze drifting down the hallway as students passed by, their chatter a stark contrast to the tension they had just escaped. “Makes sense,” he said after a moment. “The way he controlled the room... it was like a storm was about to break, but only if he let it. Eryndar’s flow feels more like an unstoppable force—raw, unyielding. Reniel’s is sharp and deliberate.”

Towan chuckled softly, shaking his head. “We’ve barely started here, and we’re already comparing him to Eryndar.”

“Well, it’s not every day you meet someone on that level,” Elliot pointed out with a faint smile. “Still, we’ve got a long way to go before we can even dream of matching either of them.”

Towan smirked, the competitive spark in his eyes returning. “Then we’d better get moving. We’ve got no time to waste.”

Elliot matched his smirk with one of his own. “Agreed. Let’s get our uniforms and see what this academy is really about.”

With renewed determination, the brothers made their way down the hall, blending into the sea of students. Yet, even as they walked, the memory of the headmaster’s overwhelming presence lingered, a reminder of the challenges—and opportunities—that awaited them.

Most of the students had already dispersed to their classes, leaving the halls quieter than before. Towan and Elliot couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief—they wouldn’t have to endure more curious stares or whispered speculation, at least for now.

“Do you think they’ll take it well that we’re starting late?” Towan asked, his voice low but laced with worry. His eyes darted around the empty hallway, as if expecting someone to pop out and confront them.

Elliot glanced at his brother, noting the crease of concern on Towan’s brow. He hesitated for a moment before answering, knowing honesty wouldn’t ease his brother’s nerves. “I fear they won’t,” he admitted. “Word spreads fast in places like this, and the fact that we got in with a recommendation letter…” He trailed off, shaking his head.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Towan sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. “Yeah, I can already imagine the whispers. ‘Who do they think they are?’ or ‘Why do they get special treatment?’” His tone was a mix of frustration and anxiety.

Elliot placed a reassuring hand on Towan’s shoulder. “Let them talk,” he said firmly. “We didn’t ask for special treatment—we earned Eryndar’s trust, and that letter is proof of it. If anyone wants to challenge us, we’ll prove we belong here through hard work, just like anyone else.”

Towan glanced at his brother, a flicker of determination replacing the doubt in his eyes. “You’re right,” he said, nodding. “We’ll just have to show them what we’re made of. Actions speak louder than words, right?”

“Exactly,” Elliot replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Besides, it’s not like we’ve ever had things handed to us. This academy will be no different. We’ll fight for our place here.”

As they continued down the hallway, the imposing architecture of the academy surrounded them—high vaulted ceilings, intricate carvings of elemental symbols etched into the stone walls, and large windows that bathed the corridors in soft sunlight. The grandeur was a reminder of the journey they’d just begun, one that would test not only their skills but also their resolve.

Despite their shared apprehensions, a quiet determination settled between the brothers. They might be starting late, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

After wandering the labyrinthine halls of the academy and taking several wrong turns, Towan and Elliot finally found their way to the clothing department. The room was modest yet efficient, lined with shelves stacked neatly with folded uniforms. A few staff members bustled about, organizing garments and assisting other students.

A clerk approached them, a clipboard in hand. “Towan and Elliot, correct?” she asked, glancing at their disheveled appearances.

“Yes, that’s us,” Elliot confirmed.

Without much fanfare, the clerk handed them neatly folded uniforms adorned with the academy’s crest—a stylized swirl representing the unity of all elemental and natural flows. Along with the uniforms, they received a timetable and a pair of keys.

“These are for your shared room in the west wing,” the clerk explained. “Your classes start tomorrow. Make sure you’re punctual.”

The brothers exchanged a relieved look at the mention of a shared room. At least they wouldn’t be separated in this unfamiliar environment.

“Thank you,” Towan said, bowing slightly as they gathered their items and exited the department.

The west wing was a maze of identical doors and long, echoing corridors, but after a few more moments of trial and error, they found their room. Unlocking the door, they stepped inside to find a cozy but simple space. Two beds were positioned on opposite sides of the room, separated by a small wooden desk. A wardrobe and a window overlooking the academy grounds completed the setup.

“Well, it’s not much, but it’s home now,” Towan remarked, tossing his bag onto one of the beds.

“It’ll do,” Elliot agreed, setting his belongings on the other. “Better than sleeping in the forest, at least.”

Both brothers were exhausted from the day’s events—the journey, the overwhelming academy, and their encounter with the headmaster. Without much discussion, they decided to rest and prepare for what awaited them.

Towan sprawled out on his bed, staring at the ceiling. “Tomorrow’s going to be something, huh?” he said, his voice tinged with nervous anticipation.

Elliot nodded, sitting at the desk and glancing over the timetable. “Yeah. But we’ve made it this far. We’ll handle whatever comes next.”

With those words, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Towan quickly drifted off to sleep, while Elliot stayed awake a little longer, gazing out the window at the sprawling academy grounds. Tomorrow would mark the true beginning of their journey—a chance to prove themselves and carve out their place in this extraordinary new world.