Chapter 13: The Academy's Embrace

The morning of Eclipse's enrollment dawned with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. He awoke with a newfound sense of purpose, the knowledge that he was about to step into a realm of magic, knowledge, and camaraderie that would shape his future. The warm rays of the sun filtered through his window, casting a golden glow across his room as he prepared himself for the journey ahead.

After bidding farewell to Aster and expressing his gratitude for her hospitality, Eclipse set out on the path that would lead him to the academy. The mere thought of what awaited him filled his heart with a blend of eagerness and determination. With each step, he felt as though he was leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown, a realm where his potential would be tested and his abilities refined.

As he walked the winding path from the armory, Eclipse's gaze fixed upon the horizon. And there it was—towering in the distance, its grandeur undeniable—the academy. Its spires reached towards the sky, a symbol of knowledge and growth that beckoned to all who sought to learn its secrets. The sight of the academy stirred a sense of wonder within Eclipse, a reminder of the dreams he had nurtured and the journey he had undertaken to reach this point.

As he approached the entrance, Eclipse couldn't help but feel a mixture of awe and humility. The entrance gate stood tall and imposing, adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to tell stories of the academy's rich history. The path beyond led to a courtyard bustling with activity, as students from various noble families mingled and exchanged introductions.

Eclipse stepped through the gate, his heart pounding with a blend of excitement and nervous energy. His footsteps echoed against the cobblestones as he walked along the pathway, taking in the sight of fellow students who, like him, were on the cusp of embarking on this journey of growth and discovery.

A loud nose was made

Eclipse's curiosity piqued, he turned his gaze towards the commotion at the entrance of the academy. A small crowd had gathered, their attention fixed on a confrontation that was unfolding. Eclipse's steps quickened as he closed the distance, his inquisitive nature compelling him to see what was transpiring.

Amidst the gathering of students, Eclipse's eyes fell upon the source of the disturbance. A fiery-haired young man exuded an air of arrogance and malice as he confronted another student who lay sprawled on the ground. The fallen student wore a determined expression, his grit evident despite the challenge he faced.

Eclipse's jaw tightened as he watched the scene unfold. The fiery-haired individual taunted the fallen student, his words dripping with disdain. "A low-ranking noble like you shouldn't be here," he sneered, his voice laced with a mocking tone that reverberated through the air.

The crowd's murmurs created an atmosphere charged with tension. Whispers and hushed conversations buzzed as students exchanged thoughts on the confrontation before them. Eclipse's grip on his emotions tightened as he assessed the situation before him.

Just as the situation seemed to escalate further, the fallen student struggled to rise, his determination a stark contrast to his apparent disadvantage. But before he could fully regain his footing, the fiery-haired aggressor launched a swift kick aimed at knocking him down again. Eclipse's senses quickened, and without a second thought, he stepped forward.

With swift precision, Eclipse's hand shot out, wrapping around the aggressor's ankle just as his kick was about to land. The fiery-haired student's eyes widened in surprise and disbelief as his intended target thwarted his assault effortlessly. Eclipse's voice carried a calm but assertive tone as he whispered, "A fight on the first day?"

Eclipse's grip tightened slightly, a reminder that he was prepared to intervene if necessary. The crowd's attention shifted to the unexpected interruption, their voices hushed in anticipation. The fallen student, now given a momentary reprieve, slowly pushed himself upright, his gaze fixed on Eclipse.

The fiery-haired student's expression wavered between surprise and annoyance, his initial arrogance replaced by uncertainty. Eclipse's presence, combined with his unexpected intervention, created a tension that hung palpably in the air. The scene had shifted, and it was clear that Eclipse's actions had altered the course of events.

The fiery-haired student's eyes narrowed as Eclipse's presence seemed to eclipse his initial dominance. His frustration mingled with curiosity as he demanded, "Who are you?" The words tumbled from his lips with a mix of arrogance and irritation, but Eclipse remained steadfast, his silence speaking volumes.

the tension hung thick in the air, the fiery-haired student's patience wore thin. With a sudden burst of fury, he launched himself forward, his movements quick and aggressive. His fists lashed out in a barrage of punches and kicks, each strike aimed at Eclipse. But to his astonishment, every attack was met with a swift evasion.

Eclipse's movements were fluid and precise, his body weaving effortlessly through the onslaught. He dodged and evaded, each step a testament to his agility and control. The crowd that had gathered watched in amazement as Eclipse deflected the fiery-haired student's attacks, his actions defying expectation.

The fiery-haired student's frustration grew with each missed strike, his aggression morphing into a furious determination. But Eclipse's composure remained unshaken. As the fiery-haired student lunged forward once more, his fist aimed directly at Eclipse's face, Eclipse deftly sidestepped the blow.

Seizing the opportunity, Eclipse delivered a well-timed counterattack. His fist connected with the fiery-haired student's abdomen, the impact sending a shockwave through his body. The fiery-haired student staggered back several paces, his face contorted with surprise and pain. The crowd, initially taken aback, erupted into a mixture of gasps and murmurs

Amidst the onlookers, murmurs of recognition began to circulate. Whispers carried information about the fiery-haired student's background—a member of a prominent and powerful noble family, known for their influence and strength. Eclipse's actions had not only challenged the student's arrogance but also rattled the status quo.

The fiery-haired student's breathing was ragged as he steadied himself, his eyes locked on Eclipse with a mixture of anger and disbelief. The reality of the situation seemed to settle in—a seemingly ordinary student had effortlessly deflected his attacks, an outcome he had not anticipated.

Eclipse's gaze remained steady, his crimson eyes holding a glint of determination. He had no interest in provoking unnecessary conflict, but he also had no intention of backing down from a challenge. The fiery-haired student's actions had consequences, and Eclipse's response was a testament to his unwavering resolve.