Elandor was an ancient world, vast and filled with wonder. Its lands stretched beyond what most could imagine, divided into seven great continents. Each was home to powerful kingdoms and empires, but the true power in Elandor didn't lie with the kings or emperors. It belonged to the wizards—those who could bend the world to their will through magic.
One continent, Vandoria, stood out from the rest. A place of towering mountains, deep forests, and mighty cities, Vandoria was ruled by many kingdoms, each led by wizards who were more than just advisors. They were warriors, rulers, and the keepers of magic. In Vandoria, magic wasn't just a tool; it was everything.
The wizards of Vandoria used many kinds of magic. Some could control the elements—fire, water, earth, and air—through a magic called Aeromancy. Others used Vitalis, a type of magic that made people stronger or faster, often used to help armies in battle.
But not all magic was good. Some wizards practiced Omenhex, casting curses that could bring sickness or bad luck to anyone who crossed them. Dark magic like this was feared, and rightly so.
Some wizards had power over spirits and ghosts. This magic, called Eidolon, allowed them to speak with the dead or call upon otherworldly beings. Others who mastered Voxir could control people's minds, changing their thoughts or making them forget things.
And then there was Aetheris—the most dangerous kind of magic. It was raw and powerful, and only the most skilled wizards could handle it. Those who did were said to wield a power greater than any other.
In Vandoria, battles weren't fought with swords alone. Kingdoms rose and fell, but behind every throne, every victory, and every defeat, a wizard was pulling the strings. It was their world, and everyone else was just living in it.
***
A new day dawned in Ravendale, a bustling city in the heart of the Edrion Empire. The streets were alive with the sounds of traders, the clatter of horse-drawn carts, and the hum of everyday magic that filled the air. But today, all eyes were on one place: Valoria Magic Academy, the city's most prestigious school for wizards.
Among the crowd of new students standing nervously in the grand assembly hall was a boy named Kaelen. At fifteen, he was one of the few who had passed the magic affinity test held the week before. Only 300 had been chosen out of thousands, and Kaelen was one of them.
The hall was packed with other Apprentice Wizards, all waiting for the headmaster to arrive. Some whispered excitedly, while others stood in nervous silence.
A few guards stood along the hall, ensuring the students stayed controlled.
"Can you believe we made it?" Kaelen's new friend, Liora, whispered beside him. She had short, messy hair and an infectious smile. "I thought for sure I'd mess up the test."
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"Yeah, it's still hard to believe," Kaelen replied, looking around at the other students. "I didn't even know if I had any magic until last week."
Liora grinned. "Well, you must be pretty good if you're here. My brother took the test last year, and he didn't make it. He was so mad."
Kaelen chuckled. "I'm just hoping I can keep up with everyone. We have to learn all the basic elemental magic, right?"
"Yeah," Liora said, her eyes widening slightly. "And not just that—levitation, moving objects, making fire. It's going to be a lot."
Kaelen nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. He had heard stories about Valoria Magic Academy his whole life. The students here learned everything, from creating a small flame with a snap of their fingers to summoning gusts of wind strong enough to push back armies. But now that he was here, it all felt much more real.
A boy next to them, Jarin, leaned in to join the conversation. "I heard the instructors are tough. They won't let us slack off."
"I guess we better be ready, then," Kaelen said, trying to sound confident. Inside, though, he wondered how long it would take before he could manage the simplest spells.
As the students waited, the doors to the hall creaked open, and silence fell across the room. It was time for their journey as Apprentice Wizards to begin.
Every head turned to see five figures enter the grand assembly hall. At the front was the headmaster, a tall man with silver hair and a stern but kind expression.
He was flanked by four teachers, each wearing a robe in a different color—red, blue, purple, and green. Their presence filled the room with an air of authority, but the excitement among the students was palpable.
The headmaster raised his hand, and with a small gesture, a magical circle flickered into existence before his mouth. His voice rang out, amplified by magic, clear and powerful, reaching every corner of the vast hall.
"Welcome, new students of Valoria Magic Academy," his voice boomed, yet it carried warmth. "You stand here today as Apprentice Wizards, chosen from thousands for your potential and magical affinity. Each of you has passed the first test, but your journey is just beginning."
Kaelen and the others listened intently, their nerves mixed with anticipation.
"My name is Headmaster Orlon Farstride, and it is my honor to guide you as you begin your studies here. You will be taught by the finest wizards in the empire, and through hard work, discipline, and dedication, you will learn to master the magic within you."
The headmaster paused, letting his words sink in. Then, he gestured to the four teachers standing behind him.
"Here with me are the heads of the four houses you will belong to. These houses will be your family, your support, and your challenge. They will guide you, test you, and help you grow into the wizards you will become."
He pointed to the teacher in red robes, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes. “This is Professor Allara Drakenholt, head of House Drakar. Their symbol is the Dragon, representing strength, power, and endurance."
Next, he gestured to the teacher in blue robes, a calm and serene man with a gentle smile. "This is Professor Maris Aqualon, head of House Piraeus. Their symbol is the Phoenix, a creature of fire and rebirth, symbolizing resilience and transformation."
The teacher in purple robes stepped forward—a tall woman with an air of mystery. "This is Professor Velandra Silvershadow, head of House Leonis. Their symbol is the Tiger, a guardian of wisdom, stealth, and courage."
Finally, the headmaster nodded toward the teacher in green robes, a quiet yet imposing man. "And this is Professor Thalorn Vire, head of House Vespera. Their symbol is the Griffin, a majestic beast symbolizing honor, vigilance, and loyalty."
The students exchanged glances, some whispering about which house they hoped to join. Kaelen felt his heart race, wondering where he would belong.
"These houses," Headmaster Orlon continued, "are not just places of residence. You must reflect on their qualities, the traits you will hone throughout your time here. You will be sorted into your houses shortly, and from that moment, you will carry their banner with pride."
He stepped back, his eyes sweeping over the eager faces of the new students. "Prepare yourselves, Apprentice Wizards. Your journey into the world of magic begins now."