Aelarion leaned on his seat. "And what of love, Raphael? my daughter, Freya, she is a worthy partner, no? Your being the same age is rather convenient don't you think?" He said, a light smile painting his features."Eeh..." Raphael was at a loss for words. At that point, Aelarion's smile looked more like the smirk of the devil to him. He remained silent for a couple of seconds, but, for beings of their calibre, time seemed to stretch to eternity.

And then he spoke, "I'll keep that in mind" standing up, cupping his fist respect, he vanished into the void.

Aelarion still held an amiable smile, but the bone chilling coldness in his eyes was all you had to see to know, he was not happy. Such was the temperament of an overprotective father.

" Is he suggesting that she is not good enough" His voice practically came out in a low growl

*

Raphael reappeared in his assigned room and immediately sat down on the floor on a mat. He released a long sigh as he let out a laboured breath.

"That was a close call" One might wonder though, why not accept the king's offer. Freya was a young, beautiful noble lady with suitors not just in Eritrea, but in even amongst nobles from other races. Intermarrying was no new concept around the world.

This was further encouraged in the academy, where different races mingled. As such, if her suitors found out that their elf of interest was offered off on a silver platter to an unknown young man, and he didn't accept straight away, who knew how they would react.

Raphael though had something else on mind. He was young and had his whole life ahead of him, he did not want to be shackled by trivialities such as marriage and commitments.

He never even thought of vengeance for the dragons or something. The ones responsible were either long dead or had ascended to a higher plane of existence.

As such, his thoughts as of now were to get as strong as possible, and sleep around of course.

Pushing these thoughts to the back of his mind, Raphael entered a focused state and cleared his mind.

"Cultivation" He muttered under his breath.

As mortals seek to transcend their limitations, they follow the path of cultivation. They don't merely grow stronger by external means; instead, they delve deep into their own essence—their bodies, minds, and souls. Seeking to break the shackles that hold them down to mortality.

They progress through stages, each marked by breakthroughs. They refine their bodies, attune their souls, and tap into mystical forces. It's not just about raw power; it's about quality—the refinement of their very existence.

Mana is the vital energy that flows through all things. Cultivators learn to harness it, circulating it within themselves. Through meditation, martial arts, and spiritual insights, they unlock hidden potential. Their bodies become vessels for this cosmic energy.

Cultivation isn't easy. One must endure adversity, face trials, and confront inner demons. Each challenge brings growth. The soul acts as an anchor in the path of cultivation. While each race follows its own mantra in soul cultivation, a universal grading system for souls was agreed upon by the high table of the adventurer's guild.

Qi Condensation: The initial level where cultivators gather and condense spiritual energy (qi) to enhance physical abilities.

Foundation Building: Cultivators form a foundation to stabilize their souls

Golden Core: A core formed within the cultivator's body, allowing them to channel spiritual energy within their bodies and on the surface of their bodies.

Nascent Soul: The next stage after Golden Core, where cultivators create a nascent soul. This nascent soul depicts a budding idol.

Idol Formation: Further advancement, involving the formation of an Idol that visually depicts one's soul.

Void Tribulation: A challenging test to ascend to higher realms, using mana to temper one's soul. The idol absorbs external mana and strengthens itself through this process

Immortal Ascension: Achieving immortality or godhood. The equivalent of Deity rank in soul cultivation

Some cultivators seek immortality—to transcend time and mortality. Others pursue enlightenment or mastery.

As they ascend, they uncover ancient texts, battle fierce opponents, and unravel cosmic mysteries.

Cultivation isn't just about physical prowess; it's a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.

Once a person's soul reaches the immortal ranks, it gains the ability to exist as an entity separate from the main body

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When the body is destroyed. The person does not die a true death. They can remain in the realm of the living, gaining another body means they can be reborn or revived with their soul strength and mana cultivation in place. though their body cultivation will be reset to the initiate rank.

All races are known to specialise in one of the three paths of cultivation. Elves for instance are known to specialise in mana cultivation

However, even without actively cultivating the other 2 facets, they are passively pulled along though they are usually 3 or 4 ranks below your true cultivation rank.

Dragons though, completely out of the norm, cultivated all three facets at once!

Raphael was currently A demi-god mana and body cultivator as well as an idol formation soul expert!

"Now let's see, I need about a year or so before I can challenge my void tribulation. Doing so now would cause more trouble than I'd want to deal with. I should slowly cultivate my body and mana for now. "

*

Raphael's chambers were dimly lit, the flickering candles casting shadows on the stone walls. He sat cross-legged on a plush rug, his eyes closed in meditation.

The door creaked open, and Freya slipped inside. Her steel blue hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She wore a gown of forest green, embroidered with delicate leaves.

(whispers) "Raphael."

Raphael opens his eyes "Freya? What brings you here at this hour?" a hint of surprise on his face even though he had sensed her presence before she even approached his room ' Aelarion must have sent her here. like a lamb to slaughter.'

"I couldn't sleep. Too many thoughts racing through my mind. You're joining the academy next week when we open, right?"

"Yes, that's true. It's an honour to be accepted." He said, sarcasm evident in his tone

"An honour, indeed. But do you know what makes our academy truly exceptional?" Freya responds, letting out a cute chuckle.

Raphael: "Enlighten me."

Freya: "All races attend. Humans, elves, dwarves, even the elusive fae. It's a melting pot of magic, knowledge, and ambition. We learn from each other, share secrets, and forge alliances."

Raphael: "But why? Why was the academy established anyway?" ' Must be to brainwash and maintain a modicum of control on the future leaders of all races even if only the least bit.

"Because the academy is a sanctuary—a place where old grudges fade, and new bonds form. We study together, spar in the training grounds, and attend feasts side by side. It's a delicate balance, Raphael."

"And what about the ancient rivalries? The centuries-old conflicts? I doubt it's all peace in the academy"

"They exist, but they're muted within the academy's walls. We're taught to see beyond our differences—to recognize the shared threads that bind us. Magic doesn't discriminate based on race."

"And what of the professors? Are they impartial?"

"Mostly. Professor Elowen, the ancient dryad, teaches herbology. She's strict but fair. And Master Thorne, the dwarf runemaster, is brilliant. He'll teach you how to inscribe spells onto stone."

"And you, Freya? What do you study?"

"Herbology, rune engraving and mana theory. they're all engaging concepts, Thats why I chose to attend those classes"

"And what classes do you think I should partake in? I doubt I'll have much to learn there. In fact, i think I would do better as a teacher, maybe in mana theory."

"Hmm... You may be onto something there. I mean you're probably stronger than all the professors. do try to not to cause too much trouble" Freya chuckled as she stood up, turning to leave.

'Hmm' "leaving already?" ' I guess he decided to take it slow?'

" If you need anything, you can ask me tomorrow. I'm tired from training" she said, letting out a yawn while stretching

"Cool"

Raphael watched as Freya opened the door and walked out. Thoughts swirling in his mind. 'Someone is pulling the strings at the academy. and has been for a long while. What do they have planned I wonder? '

*

Freya got to her room in the east wing and closed the door behind her with a thud

(With a sigh, she collapses onto her bed, her mind racing)

'I just left his place, and I'm still reeling from the rush of it all. Did I manage to keep my composure? My heart was pounding so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.

Every time he smiled, I felt like a thousand butterflies were unleashed in my stomach. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from spilling out my thoughts.

(Chuckles to herself) I played it cool, or at least I hope I did. I kept my face as neutral as I could, mirroring his casual demeanour.

But those eyes of his, they see right through me, don't they? I wonder if he noticed the way my eyes lingered a bit too long on his perfect face, or how I found every excuse to let our hands brush.

(Pauses, reflecting) I'm usually so good at this game, the poker face, the unreadable mask. But around him, it's like I'm transparent, made of glass. And yet, I can't help but go back for more, to feel that thrill of uncertainty.

Does he feel the same? Or am I just another face in the crowd to him? (Sighs deeply) Well, no matter. Tomorrow is another day, and I'll see him again. I'll wear my Armor, my poker face.

But one of these days, I might just let it slip – let him see the truth in my eyes. Until then, I'll keep wondering, keep guessing... just how much of my heart have I revealed?'

Freya gets up and approaches her wardrobe, slipping her forest green dress off of her body. The dim lighting in the room did little to hide her petite, hourglass figure.

She reaches out into her wardrobe and grabs a long white gown. She stands before her mirror, slipping into the soft fabric of her nightgown.

'In this quiet room, my thoughts are loud, almost deafening. I replay our conversation, dissecting every word, every pause.

Did he catch that fleeting look, that momentary drop of my mask? I'm usually so guarded, but with him, it's like standing in a storm, thrilling and terrifying all at once.'

She turns off the light and climbs into bed 'Here in the dark, it's just me and my racing thoughts. No poker face needed, no eyes to deceive. I can admit it to myself, at least – I'm falling for him. And it's not just a gentle tumble; it's a headfirst plunge into the unknown.'

She pulls the covers up to her chin, a soft smile on her lips

'But for now, I'll keep playing the game. I'll hold my cards close and my expressions closer. Maybe tomorrow, I'll catch a glimpse of his hand, see if he's holding hearts or hiding them. Until then, I'll drift off to sleep with his laughter echoing in my mind, wondering if he dreams of me too.'

Slowly, her thoughts begin to quiet as sleep takes over

'And as I cross the threshold into dreams, I let go, just a little. In my dreams, I don't need a poker face. There, I can tell him everything...'

Her breathing evens out, and she's asleep, a peaceful expression replacing the poker face