Chapter 1 - Aetherium Academy

Taron, a young boy from a small village in the kingdom of Eldoria, was among the lucky few selected by the Aetherium Academy scouts. He was fourteen when he discovered his abilities, abilities his peers found impossible to match. For the past four years, he had been attending the magic elementary school in his village.

Surrounding him were geniuses from every corner of the kingdom, ranging in age from twelve to eighteen. Taron had just turned sixteen. Among these extraordinary talents, some were visibly nervous, while others released their auras, intimidating the weaker ones.

Suddenly, Taron felt a heavy aura pressing down on him. He turned to find the source: a young prince, the same age as him. The prince wore an exquisite green robe matched with black boots laced with gold stripes. As Taron turned, the prince's attention shifted to him. It became clear that the prince's target was actually the person standing beside Taron. Being a novice, the prince couldn't fully control his aura, and the stray energy affected Taron.

Taron glared at the prince until one of the boys behind him stepped forward and countered Taron, "Where do you come from, pumpkin? Did your parents not teach you to bow your head before a prince?!"

The boy's loud voice attracted attention, and the crowd quickly formed a circle around them. From the whispers, Taron quickly understood that the prince was a well-known figure. Axel, the prince of Luminara City, was infamous for his ruthlessness. He was the most talented and pampered of his father's children, to the extent that his father would eliminate enemies just to please him.

Standing before the feared prince, Taron remained cool and composed, exuding confidence and determination. He glared at Axel and pointed to the boy who had spoken earlier, "Tell your dog to apologize, or the next minute will be a grave one for both of you."

"You!" Axel shook with anger, staring at Taron. The crowd was surprised that Taron dared to speak back; they expected him to cower in fear after hearing the rumors. Instead, he stood even taller. Axel was about to remove his robe when the boy who spoke earlier stopped him. "Don't stain your hands, my prince. I alone am enough for him."

"I am Brin. May I know your name?" Brin stepped forward and spoke politely. Taron simply shook his head and turned away, uninterested in these theatrics. They were merely trying to show off before the entrance examination.

"That's it?"

The surrounding teenagers were disappointed. They had been standing there for two hours, bored, hoping for some excitement. Some looked at Taron with disgust, others thought he was wisely avoiding future trouble, while many saw the encounter as childish.

After waiting for another twenty minutes, the large gate before them made a loud creaking sound as it opened slowly. The magnificent Aetherium Academy revealed itself, leaving the teenagers with their jaws hanging; even Taron was astonished by its grandeur. He had heard stories in his village, but nothing compared to the sight before him.

The academy stood as a testament to both ancient tradition and advanced magic. Towering spires reached toward the sky, each topped with a glowing orb that pulsed with arcane energy. The main building, constructed of gleaming white stone veined with silver, shimmered under the sunlight.

The sprawling grounds were dotted with various specialized buildings. The Hall of Elements bore elemental symbols carved into its façade, indicating the powerful magic practiced within. Nearby, the Tower of Enchantment stood tall, its walls inscribed with intricate runes that glowed faintly, even in daylight. Dominating one side of the academy was the grand Library of Arcana, its towering structure promising knowledge and wisdom within.

A majestic observatory with a crystal dome glittered in the sunlight, hinting at the celestial studies conducted there. The Alchemical Gardens, visible from the gate, were a riot of colors, filled with rare magical plants that added to the academy's otherworldly beauty.

The Great Hall stood prominently at the center, its massive entrance flanked by statues of legendary mages. Above the main door, an enormous chandelier made of enchanted crystals reflected light in a dazzling array of colors. Surrounding the main buildings were luxurious dormitories, each resembling a small manor house, offering a glimpse into the comfortable lives the students would lead.

The meticulously landscaped grounds featured enchanted fountains, serene reflecting pools, and statues that seemed almost alive, subtly moving or changing expressions as the magic within them ebbed and flowed. Even from outside the gate, the air hummed with the energy of countless spells and wards protecting the academy. Aetherium Academy was a breathtaking sight, a place where magic and beauty intertwined, promising adventures and discoveries beyond imagination.

"Welcome to Aetherium, students!"

---