Academy

At the break of dawn, a carriage was traversing a dense forest, inside which were two men, young and old.

"I commissioned an old friend to help you inside the academy, and by noon he is expecting our arrival," said the old man as he handed him a token.

"Wear this token when inside the academy so his men can easily identify you." "Be careful when you enter the academy, and don't use our last name."

The young man accepts the token and places it on his chest as the silence continues inside the carriage.

A day later, "old master, we are approaching the city," said the couch man. As they approached the city, they could see it rising from the horizon like something out of a fairy tale. The structures were composed of stone and brick, with complex carvings and architectural flourishes that alluded to the magical realm within. The streets were bordered with trees and gardens, and the air was filled with the aroma of blossoming flowers and bird music.

The architecture was a combination of modern and antique, with historic castles and enormous estates coexisting with sleek skyscrapers and enticing cottages. Even the most mundane structures had a touch of enchantment, with doors that opened on their own and windows that glowed softly in the moonlight.

A lively marketplace in the middle of the city sold everything from charmed trinkets and potions to fresh fruit and homemade items. And there were cafés and restaurants all across the city serving cuisine from all over the world, catering to the tastes of every guest.

As they entered the heart of the city, the carriage stopped in front of a hotel.

In a luxurious hotel room in the heart of a magical city, two old men were engaged in a discussion. The room was tastefully decorated with plush furnishings and magical artifacts, and the windows offered a breathtaking view of the city below.

The first man was tall and imposing, with a stern expression that betrayed his no-nonsense attitude. He wore a fine suit and carried a sword at his side. The second man was more relaxed, with a friendly smile and a laid-back demeanor. He wore a dark cloak and carried a wand that crackled with magical energy.

The two men had come together to discuss an important matter that could have serious consequences for the magical world. They spoke in hushed tones, their voices low and urgent, as they debated the best course of action.

The first man spoke first, with a strong voice. "Are you certain about this old friend?"

The second man agreed with a nod. "I think about it a lot, and I'm certain of it."

The first man turned to face him. "Well, then, I'll do my best to keep your boy safety inside the academy."

The second man laughed. "That's very good; I owe you this one; if you need some help in the future, just tell me, and these old bones will assist you to the best of my abilities."

The first man nodded and smiled. "Don't worry about that, my friend; just be careful with the council. I received some news that they dispatched their most powerful wizards just to hunt you."

The first man smiles. "Let them come, for they will not return."

And with that, both men left the hotel room.

Two days later. As the day of the entrance exam for the Academy of Arcane Arts approached, Kaelan, accompanied by his grandfather, arrived at the designated venue. The grandeur of the building was enough to take anyone's breath away, but Kaelan simply yawned and stretched as they approached the entrance.

As he walked towards the registration desk, the other applicants stared at him in awe and respect, sensing the power that emanated from his being. However, Kaelan paid them no mind, simply filling out the necessary forms and submitting them.

As he walked to the examination hall, Kaelan was met by several officials who tried to make conversation with him, asking him about his background and his reasons for attending the academy. However, Kaelan's answers were brief and uninteresting, leaving the officials feeling cold and unimportant.

As he entered the examination hall, Kaelan's eyes scanned the room, taking in the nervous and excited expressions of the other applicants. Kaelan, however, remained calm and composed, his face displaying no emotion as he began to answer the questions on the exam paper.

As the other applicants frantically scribbled their answers, Kaelan remained silent, his pen gliding effortlessly across the paper. When the time was up, he calmly stood up and submitted his paper before leaving the hall, unnoticed by the other applicants, who were too focused on their own papers.

Later, when the results were announced, Kaelan's name was listed among the successful candidates, much to the surprise of the other applicants, who had not even noticed his presence during the exam.

A month had passed, and the day of entry to the academy finally arrived. Kaelan and the new students arrived at the entrance of the academy, where they were welcomed by a grand and magical spectacle. The entrance was adorned with colorful flowers and ornate decorations that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight. The air was filled with a sweet scent that could only be described as otherworldly, and the sound of music could be heard in the distance.

The new students were then led to a large auditorium, where they were greeted by the academy's headmaster, a wise and powerful mage who had led the academy for many years. The headmaster spoke about the history of the academy, its achievements, and its goals for the future. He also introduced the faculty members, who were some of the most talented mages in the world.

After the welcoming ceremony, the students were divided into groups and taken on a tour of the academy. They were shown the various buildings, classrooms, and laboratories and introduced to the different subjects they would be studying. The academy offered a wide range of courses, including magic theory, history, and practical magic.

The students were also introduced to the library, which was one of the largest and most extensive in the world. The library contained books on a wide variety of subjects, including ancient spells and artifacts, magical creatures, and the histories of various magical societies and civilizations.

As the grand and magical welcoming ceremony for the new students at the academy commenced, Kaelan found himself feeling increasingly bored and uninterested. Despite the stunning display of spells and enchantments being performed around him, he couldn't help but feel like it was all just a spectacle meant to impress the new arrivals.

Eventually, Kaelan decided that he had seen enough and leave. As he walked through the bustling crowds of students and faculty, he noticed that many of his peers seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the festivities, taking pictures, and eagerly chatting with one another about the wonders they had just witnessed.

As the grand ceremony came to an end, the students were dismissed to their respective dorms, with the exception of the first-years, who had to attended an orientation session. The rest of the students excitedly made their way to their dorms, chatting and laughing with their new friends.

But Kaelan wasn't interested in socializing or exploring the campus. He was bored with the whole ceremony and decided to head straight to his dorm. As he walked through the hallways, he noticed that the architecture of the academy was stunning. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and the windows were made of stained glass that cast colorful patterns of light on the floor.

Despite the grandeur of the academy, Kaelan was unimpressed. He had seen many beautiful places in his travels with his grandfather, and the academy did not excite him as much as it did the other students.

As he arrived at his dorm, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was small and sparsely furnished, with just a bed, a desk, and a chair. The walls were adorned with magical symbols and sigils, and the air was thick with the scent of arcane energy.

Without bothering to unpack his belongings, Kaelan flopped down onto the bed and closed his eyes.

Here are some quotes from the 48th Law of Power from Robert Greene's book "The 48 Laws of Power," "Assume Formlessness." This law advises individuals to be adaptable and flexible to avoid being pinned down or predictable in their actions or behaviors. By remaining fluid and open to change, individuals can stay one step ahead of their adversaries and remain unpredictable, making it difficult for others to anticipate their next move. This law highlights the importance of being able to shift and adjust strategies and tactics as needed, rather than being rigidly fixed on a particular course of action. By assuming formlessness, individuals can maintain a sense of control and power even in the face of uncertainty and change.