Chapter 17: Outer Court Takes Shape

News of the forthcoming conference of the Hegemony of the Eastern Region of the Mystralia Continent in the Kingdom of Salamanca spread rapidly, leading to an influx of visitors in the once tranquil Royal Capital of Salamanca. Arcanists, utilizing various means of transportation, swiftly journeyed to the region.

In response, enterprising capitalists unveiled their mass teleportation services, with each ticket priced at 1 arcane gold, equivalent to the daily earnings of a village in Salamanca.

The awakening ceremony concluded at high noon, yet the warmth of the sunlight remained imperceptible, obscured by the chill in the wind. The residents of Whitewood village had barely recovered from their celebration when they learned of the events transpiring in the Royal Capital.

As much as the villagers yearned to venture forth, they found themselves restrained, for a journey to the Royal Capital promised no opportunity to participate in the grand gathering. While modes of transportation such as the arcane train, carriages, and arcane jets existed, they were only accessible in the closest cities and towns. Even if they reached a neighboring town, there was still no guarantee of arriving early. Consequently, everyone resolved to return home and revel in the outcomes of the awakening ceremony.

Many had already departed, and Gerald and Sebastian, accompanied by Izy and her parents, contemplated their departure when Debi approached them.

The group respectfully bowed in deference to an arcanist from the prestigious academy.

"Please, there's no need for that," Debi said, her voice tinged with modesty, guiding the group to stand upright. She was aware of the customary reverence shown by villagers towards higher-level arcanists, but how could she accept such formality when the children accompanying them were her future junior brother and junior sister, all of them possessing exceptional talents?

The youngsters felt at ease with Debi's friendly demeanor.

"What can we assist you with, Miss Debi?" Gerald inquired politely.

"Just call me by my name. Adding 'miss' makes me feel much older," Debi replied, prompting laughter from the entire group upon hearing her response to Gerald's question.

"I'm aware that you may not yet be informed about what's going to happen next due to the conference. That's why I wanted to seize the opportunity to announce it myself, especially since I believe the Eastern Region forces will reach a unified decision."

Alcala and the two royal arcanists had also departed in haste, so when Debi saw a chance to address those who remained, she approached them to share her news. The parents left behind were perplexed by Debi's statement.

However, she swiftly clarified.

"Nexus Arcane Academy is extending an invitation to all the children who participated earlier to enroll in the outer court of the academy."

A hush fell over everyone, with only the sound of their breaths, birdcalls, and the rustle of the wind breaking the silence.

...

...

...

...

"What does that mean, Miss Debi?"

One of the parents broke the deafening quiet with a question, seeking confirmation of what they had heard.

"It means enrolling in the outer court of Nexus Arcane Academy," the young woman responded with a smile, addressing those who remained in the vicinity.

"Miss Debi, isn't that school located far away?"

"You're correct, but the school has decided to establish a new branch of the outer court right here," she continued to smile, with some unable to contain their delight upon hearing this news, while many others remained skeptical of Debi's statement.

I will share a more comprehensive announcement shortly. Please anticipate that before twilight sets in, there will be a formal announcement for everyone. I simply wanted to give you an early heads-up because I was truly impressed by the children's achievements.

***

By the afternoon, the conference had concluded with a decision, and they had chosen the locations where training grounds would be established for all arcanists from the Eastern region of Mystralia, in preparation for the upcoming Mystralia Arcane Conference. This event, held once every decade, was due to take place this year, prompting an emergency meeting among the regional forces.

Initially, the idea of constructing these training grounds was proposed by the schools alone. However, upon hearing this, other forces decided to join in, recognizing the need to prepare their own young prodigies.

In light of recent disturbances in the Night Forest, it was agreed that the Night Forest would be one of the chosen locations for the training ground.

Ashton also sought permission to establish a branch of the Nexus Arcane Academy in the Whitewood area. The king's swift approval, even before Ashton had completed his prepared speech, took him by surprise.

"Was it really that straightforward?" he pondered to himself, slightly amazed at the king's reaction.

Yet, there was no need to make a fuss over it. Given the scarcity of schools in Salamanca, the addition of Nexus Arcane Academy would help fill the educational gap. Moreover, the academy had a stellar reputation for producing high-tiered arcanists.

The entire Eastern region was taken aback when the Nexus Arcane Academy announced new enrollments, and what astounded everyone, even more was that the school would be situated near the training grounds discussed at the conference.

"Quite a strategic move," was the common sentiment among many.

As a result of this announcement, neighboring kingdoms swiftly directed their attention towards Whitewood Village. Consequently, the village's status was promptly elevated, officially transitioning it into a full-fledged town. Even before the enrollment had officially begun, participants from various other kingdoms started arriving for the awakening ceremony.

Fueled by envy, several prestigious schools also initiated searches within Salamanca's territory, seeking ideal locations to establish their own branch campuses.

Following the tumultuous events in the Royal Capital of Salamanca, it appeared that their focus had now shifted towards the eastern and northern regions of the kingdom.

The representatives from Nexus efficiently set up their outer court branch.

In the span of just a single day, a breathtaking marvel emerged from the very fabric of magic itself - the Outer Court branch of the Nexus Arcane Academy. This remarkable institution, a testament to the fusion of Elemental and Auxiliary Arcane arts, stood proudly amidst a landscape of lush greenery and serene lakes. It was a masterpiece, crafted not with bricks and mortar, but with the ethereal essence of arcane energy.

As the first rays of dawn kissed its pristine spires, the academy came alive, gleaming like a gem amidst nature's tranquil embrace. The architecture was a symphony of styles, a harmonious blend of classical elegance and futuristic innovation. Its walls, adorned with intricate runes and symbols, seemed to pulse with an otherworldly glow, radiating a welcoming aura that beckoned aspiring arcanists from far and wide.

Gardens of vibrant, magical flora surrounded the academy, each flower and tree representing an element or an auxiliary aspect of the arcane. The air was filled with the melodious hum of waterfalls and the occasional burst of elemental fire, a harmonious reminder of the incredible power that lay within the academy's walls.

Within the grand entrance, a towering statue of an Elemental Master and an Augmenter, hand in hand, symbolized the unity of their disciplines. 

The heart of the academy, the Great Hall, was a breathtaking chamber of awe-inspiring proportions. Its enchanted ceiling mimicked the ever-changing sky, shifting from bright morning to the twinkling canvas of a starlit night. A colossal crystal chandelier, pulsating with elemental energy, bathed the hall in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Classrooms, each attuned to a different element or auxiliary aspect, were sanctuaries of knowledge. Here, students delved into the secrets of fire and water, earth and air, or honed their abilities to augment and heal. The library, a treasure trove of ancient tomes and modern scrolls, promised answers to the most profound of arcane questions.

In just a day, the Outer Court branch of the Nexus Arcane Academy had risen from the depths of imagination to become a living testament to the boundless potential of magic. wo