Chapter-7


    The train rumbled forward, the steady clatter of wheels on rails filling the cabin as rolling fields and distant villages passed by. The confrontation with the nobles had left an uneasy tension in the air, but the commoner students had settled into quiet conversation, the excitement of what lay ahead dulling any lingering hostility.


    Ren sat by the window, watching as the landscape shifted. The further they traveled, the more developed the surroundings became. Villages turned to towns, roads widened, and scattered watchtowers stood like silent sentinels along the kingdom’s borders.


    Leo nudged him. “We should be arriving soon.”


    Ren nodded absently, his gaze fixed on the horizon. In the distance, he could just make out the towering walls of Vastren, the capital of the Aurelan Empire. Even from afar, the city was imposing—an intricate sprawl of stone and steel, its skyline dominated by spires and castles. A massive river wound through the heart of it, bisecting the city into districts.


    The Royal Academy was within Vastren’s inner district, near the heart of the empire’s power. That meant they would be passing through the outer and middle rings first.


    As the train neared the station, the excitement among the students grew. Conversations picked up, some leaning against the windows for a better look. Leo grinned. “I’ve seen sketches of Vastren before, but I never thought I’d actually get to see it like this.”


    Ren glanced around, taking in the sheer size of everything. “Hard to believe people actually live in a place like this.”


    “Right?” Leo grinned. “It’s like a city built just to remind you how small you are.”


    Before Ren could respond, movement near the station’s exit caught his attention. A line of academy officials stood waiting, their uniforms crisp, expressions unreadable. One of them, an older man with silver hair, raised his voice over the crowd.


    “First-year students, over here! Form up in lines. You will be escorted to the Academy.”


    Conversations quieted as students hurried to obey,rushing to form a line and following the officers as they marched towards the core district.Ren and Leo moved with the crowd, their boots clicking against the polished stone as they stepped forward.


    Beyond the towering gates, the capital awaited.


    _________________________________________________________________________


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The group moved through the streets under the watchful eyes of city guards. The outer district was a mess of crowded alleys, stacked buildings, and the constant movement of merchants and travelers. It smelled of spice, sweat, and damp stone.


    As they reached the middle district, the change was obvious—wider roads, proper stonework, and banners bearing the Aurelan Empire’s insignia. Here, wealthier merchants and minor nobility went about their day, their gazes flickering over the group of students with mild curiosity.


    Leo nudged Ren. “Think we’ll be seeing more nobles from here on?”


    Ren gave him a look. “Did you forget where we’re going?”


    Leo snorted but didn’t argue.


    Past another checkpoint, the inner district finally came into view. The Academy’s silhouette dominated the skyline, its towers rising over the city like a fortress of knowledge and power. Ren’s grip tightened on his bag.


    They were finally here.


    Leo''s surprised voice broke him out of his trance. “Whoa!”


    Ren followed his gaze, and his own eyes widened slightly. The entrance hall was massive—easily larger than any building in their hometown. The floor was polished marble, reflecting the warm glow of floating crystal lights that hovered near the ceiling. Elegant pillars lined the hall, each engraved with golden sigils that pulsed faintly with mana.


    A grand staircase split into two paths, leading to upper levels. Students in Academy uniforms moved through the space, some engaged in quiet conversation, others hurrying along as if they had somewhere important to be.


    Leo let out a low whistle. “I knew this place was gonna be fancy, but this is something else.”


    Ren couldn’t disagree. He had expected grandeur, but standing here now, he could feel just how different this world was from the one he came from.


    Before they could take in more, their assigned instructor clapped her hands sharply. “No dawdling. Orientation begins now.”


    The new students quickly snapped to attention, falling into line. The instructor led them through a set of arched doors into a long hallway lined with portraits of past scholars, their names and accomplishments inscribed in delicate script beneath each frame.


    “This is the Royal Academy of Sorcery,” the instructor began, her tone crisp. “Founded over two hundred years ago, it is the foremost institution for magical education in the Empire of Aurelian. Each of you has earned your place here—whether through noble birth or exceptional talent.”


    Ren noted the way she said it. A clear divide between nobles and commoners.


    “The Academy follows a strict hierarchy. Students are divided into classes based on skill, achievement, and potential. You will be evaluated over the coming weeks to determine where you belong.”


    Leo muttered under his breath, “Bet they already have a list of who’s getting into the top class.”


    Ren didn’t respond, but he had a feeling Leo wasn’t wrong.


    They passed through another set of doors, emerging into an enormous lecture hall. Rows of tiered seating overlooked a raised platform where another instructor—an older man with sharp eyes—stood waiting.


    The woman leading them gestured for them to take their seats. “Find a spot. Orientation will begin shortly.”