Kael had always been a bright and ambitious boy, with dreams of one day working for the empire. He had studied hard, learning everything he could about the world of magic and the workings of the empire. But one day, everything he knew was destroyed when the demons invaded.

Kael had been in his village when the demons attacked. He had narrowly escaped with his life, but he was now alone, wandering aimlessly in the forest. His friends and parents, slaughtered like animals. 

Using his anguish and inner turmoil, he miraculously survived for a year, hunting and gathering food, and living off the land.

One day, while exploring a nearby hill, Kael stumbled upon an old, abandoned tomb. It was dark and eerie, and he felt a chill run down his spine as he entered the tomb. As he wandered through the corridors, he found himself in a hidden chamber, where he saw a figure cloaked in darkness. Kael cautiously approached the figure, only to find that it was a Lich, an ancient creature known for its mastery of death sorcery.

Kael's first instinct was to run, but he found that he was unable to move. The Lich had drained his Mana the moment he came close enough, leaving him powerless. Kael fought for his life, but he was no match for the Lich's magic. The Lich, impressed by Kael's resilience and his ability to withstand death spells (after casting one to no avail), decided to take Kael under his wing and teach him the ways of necromancy.

Over time, Kael grew to respect and even love the Lich. He learned the basics of Mana control and manipulation, and was soon able to perform simple spells. The Lich taught him the secrets of death sorcery, showing him how to raise the dead and control their bodies.

As Kael's power grew, so too did his loyalty to the Lich. He saw the Lich as a mentor and a father figure, and he would do anything to protect him. Kael knew that the world saw the Lich as a monster, but he saw something more. He saw a being that had lived for centuries, with untold wisdom and knowledge.

As Kael's training continued, he began to realise that he had a gift for necromancy. He could control more undead creatures than anyone else the Lich had ever trained, and he was quickly becoming a powerful force to be reckoned with. He seemed limitless in the willpower he contained. Perhaps it was a thirst for vengeance that drove him. Or maybe it was his innate gift and affinity towards death. The Lich did not know. 

But even as Kael's power grew, he knew that he could never reveal his true nature to the world. Necromancy was seen as a dark and dangerous art, and anyone caught practising it would be hunted down and executed. 

Kael had made his choice. He would continue to learn from the Lich, and he would use his powers only for good. He would help the innocent and the weak, and he would fight against the forces of evil that threatened the world. Not to say he wouldn't get his hands dirty. Kael wanted humans to prosper. He wanted the demons to be eradicated at any cost! Pursuing the secrets of the dead was simply the best way to achieve it.

By the end of his training, Kael had become a powerful mage. He had mastered the basics of necromancy, and he was able to control undead creatures with ease. He had also developed a deep respect for the Lich, and he knew that he would never forget the lessons he had learned.

Kael had found a new purpose in life, and he was determined to use his powers for good. He was no longer the bright-eyed boy who had dreamed of working for the empire. He was now a powerful mage, with a mission to protect the human race and to fight against the chaotic forces that threatened to engulf the world.

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Kael had spent many years under the tutelage of the Lich, learning the secrets of necromancy and honing his skills in the dark arts. But the time had come for him to leave his mentor and strike out on his own.

The Lich had told Kael that he had nothing more to teach him until he had become more advanced in his studies, and that he must go out into the world and learn other forms of magic. Kael had taken the advice to heart, and had decided to seek out the ancient art of Shadow magic.

Kael had heard of Shadow magic from ancient texts, and was intrigued by its versatility and power. He also felt a natural affinity towards it, as it shared many similarities with death magic. Furthermore, Kael knew that Shadow magic was legal, albeit barely, and was even taught at the prestigious Royal Academy of Magic.

Kael made his way to the Academy, arriving just in time for the entrance exams. He was now eighteen years old, and had spent the past two years studying and practising his dark arts in solitude. His knowledge of shadow was little, but he had immense knowledge in the art of Death Sorceries. He could be considered an advanced mage in terms of light magic and a beginner necromancer. Despite this, his control and immunity gave him skill few others could claim. 

As he entered the Academy, Kael felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knew that this was the place where he could hone his skills and become the most powerful mage he could be. His potential will finally be utilised to its maximum! The art of shadow is what he needed. 

“Ha! Truly a marvellous sight!” Kael admired the enormous building that would be his place of study with a fire light in his eyes. This is what he has been working for!

Kael looked in awe. A large stone spire could be seen overlooking the castle. Grand light blue tiles lined the roof of the momentous building. The pride of the empire others called it. The look of the castle lived up to Kaels expectations. He had taken a boat with many other young mages to get to the secluded peninsula. Kael walked forth, staring down the old man standing in front of him.  

‘Likely a teacher’ Kael thought before approaching. A couple dozen other students congregated in front of the old man. All eighteen like him and most of them with wonder in their eyes. 

The old man had an aura of power about him. Kael felt a sense of wisdom he could also feel in the Lich. 

‘I wonder how master is doing…’ Kael greatly missed the Lich. The Lich was powerful and guided him when his parents couldn't. Kael couldn't go back without the knowledge he has devoted his life to. Magic is his calling and to return back without any improvement would disgrace his master. 

Kael brought his attention back to the old man. He was wearing brown leather boots with mud at the bottom of them. The man wore a white cloak with blue shoulders. The white and blue mixed to make a pleasant pattern. The man wore a pointy hat that was the same hue of blue on his cloak. He looked like a powerful mage one would hear about in children's stories.

“Welcome to the royal academy young mages! I am Victor Kolstrof, an archmage specialised in water magic.'' At the mention of the old man's name, the gathering of youth broke out into small murmurs. 

“It's the famous Victor!” “God, I want to be taught by him.” “I heard he single handedly halted a demon lord's armies with his magic!” 

‘It seems this Victor guy is famous.’ Kael paid no attention to his fame. He was planning to major in shadow magic, why would he care about a water mage. 

“You are all here today to be tested on your magic knowledge. We are the best of the best and will not settle for mediocrity. Follow me to begin your test.” The man spoke with an unnaturally loud voice, one likely amplified by magic.

The gathered youth quickly became quiet and focused. The infamously difficult entrance exam. There was a written portion and a magical portion. Kael was confident in his master's teachings and fully believed he would have no problem. 

Contrary to Kaels expectations, there was no entry. A simple examination to ensure the participants are eighteen is the most they did. No question about magic subject, no question about past, skill or any of the likes. 

‘Likely to save time. As the best school I'm sure they get plenty of applicants. Wasting so much time wouldn't make sense for a school as difficult as this.’ Kael understood why. The royal academy was notoriously hard and even more so famously popular. Kael could only imagine how many applications they got every year. 

After his group was examined through magic, by a truthsage, the older mage led them towards the castle gate. The gate opened with a blue shine and the sound of old metal screeching. After being lead through a stone path the mage took them to a room. 

“This is where the written portion of exams will be written. Please have a seat.”