Liam narrowed his eyes, skepticism creeping in.
"So this is the place where you ’raise talents’?"
Elder Erin nodded.
"This is where the most promising individuals co to hone their abilities. The best of the best are trained here, whether they co from prestigious bloodlines or humble origins."
Liam didn’t miss the way the elder’s eyes lingered on him. The implication was obvious.
You’ll end up here soon.
Liam crossed his arms.
"I never agreed to join any academy."
Elder Erin chuckled.
"No, you didn’t. But things have a way of working out, don’t they?"
Liam didn’t like the cryptic response.
He turned his attention back to the scenery, trying to get a read on the place. There were people walking around—students, probably—dressed in uniform robes, their conversations lively.
So were sparring on an open field, using magic and weapons in fluid motions. Others were deeply engrossed in books, or engaged in discussions with ntors.
It didn’t look like a prison. But Liam knew appearances could be deceiving.
"Liam."
He turned to Asger, who was still tense. The half-dragon’s eyes were sharp, his body still coiled for battle. He didn’t trust this place. And that ant Liam shouldn’t trust it either.
"Why bring here? What do you want from ?"
Liam finally asked.
Elder Erin sighed.
"I told you already. You have potential. More than you realize. And whether you like it or not, you’ll have to make a choice soon."
Liam frowned.
"A choice?"
"To walk away from power... or to embrace it."
The words sent a shiver down Liam’s spine.
He clenched his fists.
He didn’t like being backed into a corner. And he definitely didn’t like being told what to do.
But at the sa ti...
His gaze drifted to the students in the distance, effortlessly wielding magic.
...Wasn’t this what he wanted?
To get stronger? To learn more?
To be in control of his own fate?
Elder Erin must have noticed the conflict on his face because he smiled knowingly.
"Take your ti, Liam. Look around. See for yourself what this place has to offer."
Liam exhaled slowly.
"...Fine. But I’m not promising anything."
Elder Erin gave an approving nod.
"That’s all I ask."
Liam glanced at Asger, who still looked like he wanted to burn the entire place down.
"We’ll be watching."
Asger muttered.
Liam smirked.
"Wouldn’t have it any other way."
And with that, they stepped forward into the unknown.
______
Liam let out a slow breath as he walked through the academy grounds, his gaze flickering over the different students moving around.
He could feel the weight of their stares, so filled with curiosity, others with wariness. It wasn’t outright hostility, but it was clear that he stood out.
Liam had expected this, to so extent. He was a stranger, brought in by none other than Elder Erin himself. It was only natural that people would be curious.
But there was sothing else.
It wasn’t just curiosity—there was admiration in their gazes.
Not for him, though.
For Elder Erin.
Liam glanced at the older man, who was walking beside him with a calm expression.
The students around them seed almost hesitant, as if debating whether they should approach or not.
It was clear that Elder Erin held a high status here. So of the students—even the older ones—looked at him like he was a living legend.
Liam frowned.
He had known that Elder Erin wasn’t just an ordinary magician, but the sheer level of respect and reverence the students had for him was... sothing else.
And then, as if so invisible dam had broken, the students could no longer hold themselves back.
A stampede of eager individuals rushed toward them, their voices overlapping in excitent.
"Elder Erin! You’ve returned!"
"Please, Master Erin! Will you oversee our training today?"
"I have a question about the advanced rune formation you taught us last week—!"
The crowd surged, pushing and shoving to get closer.
Liam barely had ti to react before the wave of students completely separated him from the elder. He took a quick step back, narrowly avoiding being trampled.
"Asger, move!"
He hissed, grabbing the half-dragon by the tail and dragging him along as they slipped through a gap in the crowd.
The mont they were free, Liam took a deep breath, steadying himself. He cast a glance back at Elder Erin, who was now surrounded by a sea of students, his composed deanor unwavering.
"...I feel like we just escaped a disaster."
Liam muttered.
Asger scoffed, flicking his tail.
"That was ridiculous. Why do they worship that old man like he’s so kind of god?"
Liam had no answer to that.
Instead, he decided to take advantage of his temporary freedom and began walking around the academy grounds, trying to clear his mind.
He could still feel the presence of magic in the air—strong, dense, and ancient.
Even without actively casting anything, he could feel how saturated the environnt was with mana. The air itself felt charged, like the academy was built atop so kind of magical wellspring.
He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the flow of energy around him.
It was an odd sensation—like standing in the middle of an invisible current. The magic here was alive in a way he hadn’t experienced before. If he could just tap into it...
A voice interrupted his thoughts.
A very annoying voice.
"Well, well, if it isn’t the little fledgling. What brings you to the academy? Did you co to see ? How did you know I would be here today? Ah, am I being stalked?"
Liam’s entire body tensed.
No way.
Liam did not want to hear Victor Rhemington’s voice, but it seed as if his brain had a different idea and it forced Liam to hear that voice.
He tried to ignore it, pretending he hadn’t heard anything. Maybe, just maybe, if he acted like the voice didn’t exist, it would disappear.
But then, an arm wrapped itself around his shoulder.
Liam reacted instantly.
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