Elydes
Chapter 318: Prologue

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Start of Book 5 - The Academy Arc - Prologue

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Chapter 318 -Prologue

Ice flakes drifted from plum white clouds. The weather had remained unchanged for the last week, a gentle and persistent dusting as if the sky wished to bury Raelion in a crystal coffin.

It would have without the wards…

Valela pulled her hood tighter and hastened her steps toward the Wing Aurea across campus. The building looked somber in the weather.

Since blood marred the snow, a lull had fallen over the academy, almost holding its breath. All the reassurances of the collegium couldn’t hush the murmurs of the accident.

Death was hardly a stranger to Raelion’s history. The vast number of students and uncompromising curriculum made it a near inevitability, a cost carefully managed by the dean. Sparing no expense, precautions mitigated the risks as far as they didn’t hinder growth.

The Guide couldn't be cheated even by the young scions of the Republic. In the face of mortality, their patrician lineages were salt in the sea.

Still, Narcilla and Renri’s deaths had been unusual in more than one way. Every corner of the school grounds was supposed to be safe. Since the reforms a century ago, fatal accidents have been confined to major exams, especially in the first year.

It’s not like it’s never happened…

It was rare, but not unheard of. Whether the culprit was a malfunctioning array or a prank gone wrong, the truth was outside her grasp. Valela exhaled a breath, the puffy vapor warming her nose.

In a couple weeks, everyone would move on to other gossip—probably the winter acceptance.

The accident was really quite odd… No, I’m jumping to conclusions.

Since she stopped researching the Stygian Cult in agreement with Kai, she saw conspiracies wherever she turned. Perhaps she needed another hobby.

It just rattled me that I knew them. That’s all.

Valela gazed at the overcast sky. The snow continued to flake, burying footprints and ornamental shrubs; if only she could watch the spiraling swirls and forget everything else. Books and pictures failed to convey the winter of the mainland: the white landscape extending as far as the eye could see, only broken by the towering marble buildings and frozen trees.

Valela studied the ice crystals landing on her sleeve, each tiny star slightly different.

Ugh! I’m going to be late.

Woken from her reverie by the cold stinging her cheeks, she strode to the Wing Aurea, brushing the limits of Poise. She had an appointment more appealing than watching snow fall.

Across a blanketed garden, a student used Water Magic to shovel another path, weaving his arms in frustrated gestures. The wards of the academy let the ice build just enough so the students would have a chore to complete for credits or punishment.

Valela offered him a sympathetic glance, glad to see no impromptu snowball battles on her trail.

Sparse groups of students moved between the buildings, their haughty demeanors hidden by a variety of puffy furs. The coats aimed to provide heat as much as showcase the fur of rare exotic beasts—one of many unofficial competitions.

Valela met disdainful gazes with polite nods and waved at the people she recognized. Her white cape threaded in silver enchantments seemed modest by comparison—almost shabby.

A low profile meant fewer problems. Her family didn’t have centuries of accumulated wealth and power to rely on, or even the lowest patrician status. There was no golden net to catch her if she failed.

Longtime success was worth more than empty pride, and she had the patience to bide her time.

Hmm… did I tell him everything?

Valela quickly climbed the marble steps of the Wing Aurea. Inside the wide arched doors, the temperature rose to blooming spring and chatter filled her ears. She narrowly avoided crashing into a student from the Martial Studies. Uniforms from all courses and years crowded the hall, patricians and commoners alike; everyone gathered to escape the cold.

I should have known…

The Wing Aurea was by far the most popular building on campus. It held little to no educational facilities, just seven floors of shops selling more than a student could browse in a year.

Ignoring the smell of baked pastries and hot chocolate, Valela made way for the closet lift across the hall—the House of Mirrors was on the fifth floor.

“Excuse me…”

Teenagers and older students streamed around her, all unable or uncaring to move. Where was the supposed patrician decorum when she needed it? They all packed like any other group of commoners.

“Could you…”

It was the last meeting before Kai attempted the test. He probably wouldn’t leave if she was late, but what if…

I can’t be late.

Valela pushed her way through the gaps, using elbows where words and apologies failed. No doubt, her etiquette teacher would purse her dried lips and harshly shake her head if she saw her.

What she can’t see can’t harm her. Her maid—Nalia—always said that when breaking the rules of proper society, smiling to herself.

Reaching the central lifts, the golden clock above the hall signaled only seven minutes to the appointed time. Valela dashed to the shortest line, nearly cheering aloud when the door promptly slid open.

Spirits, I’m so late.

She glided inside with all her Poise, trying not to glare when a blond girl stopped on the threshold. The student wore the gold-orange of a second-year from Mana Studies, she stared down her nose as if expecting someone to get down for her.

“Can’t you see it’s full?” A student with less patience snapped from the back. “Get on the next one.”

The blond girl fell back, looking too appalled to answer. “Do you know who I am? I’m Jel—”

“My sincerest apologies, my lady. I’m afraid we’ve reached capacity.” The attendant operating the array bowed, looking deeply contrite till the doors shut. He then muttered under his breath, probably something that would make the gaping girl stutter.

Chains of runes lit the capsule as the lift started ascending, stopping on every floor to get people down. Valela crossed her arms. Another student tried to meet her eyes; she feigned ignorance, too busy counting in her head.

Why did they build so many floors?

When the lift stopped for the fifth time, she darted outside with as much grace as the action allowed.

Blessedly, the floor wasn’t crowded. She reached the branch of the House of Mirrors on the west side. Sat behind the lacquered desk of the lobby, the clerk scanned her with a judgmental air. “Yes?”

“Valela Hightide.” She folded her cape over her forearm. “I have an appointment.”

“Mhmm… Valela, Valela…” The clerk said as if he didn’t like the taste of her name, and tapped on the enchanted matrix. “Yes, your connection is here… Room 36. For a planned appointment, the rates start— Oh, your contact has already paid.” He took out a brochure from behind the desk. “May I interest you in—“

“I’m fine, thank you.” Valela strode into the onyx corridors to avoid the promotional spill.

Soon, she stood alone in the room, the door sealed for privacy. She had barely finished fixing her hair when the shrouded mirror cleared, revealing a room identical to the one she had just left, except for the person sitting there.

“Hi,” Kai smiled upon seeing her.

“Hi,” Valela said, her mind suddenly blank. Why did he always look so calm, and why were her thoughts such a mess? She sat and cleared her throat. “Sorry, I’m late.”

“You’re not.” Kai closed the book in his lap, switching it for a silver pocket watch in his spatial artifact. “I was a couple minutes early. Uhm… Is everything alright?”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Gray eyes studied her, jumbling the order of her thoughts.

Get a grip.

“It’s… been a complicated few days.” There was no need to infect him with her wild conspiracy theories. Valela laced her fingers to stop herself from fidgeting. “You know, Raelion isn’t the best academy if you're looking for a quiet time. The students can be particularly… competitive. Only half of them pass the first year.”

“You’ve only told me half a dozen times.” Kai chuckled. “It’s alright. I’ve discussed it with the others, and we agreed to try. I know it won’t be easy, but that’s the point. You can’t get anywhere by hiding. And you said it’s the best academy in the Republic.”

“Yes. That’s true…” Valela cursed her past self. The idea got stuck in his stubborn mind the moment she said those words. “You could also wait for the entrance test next autumn. The students joining mid-year in winter often don’t have great success. They’re used to make up the number of those who quit early.”

If he waited, she’d also be in a better position to help him next year.

“We’ll be fine.” Kai stifled a yawn with no hint of worry and massaged his eyes. “Sorry, I didn't get much sleep on the airship. But really. It’s gonna be fine. You told us everything we need to know, and we prepared for this.”

If only it were so simple…

His confidence left her with mixed feelings. She knew he was skilled—remarkably so given his grade at birth—but everyone at Raelion was a genius of some kind. Yellow wasn’t an achievement, just the baseline to attempt the test.

“How far have you progressed?” Valela chewed her lip, knowing it was an impolite question. It had been years since she had seen him use his skills. How else could she temper his expectations? “Most here have a few mana and magic skills in their twenties, or higher. I— Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked…”

“It’s fine.” Instead of offended, his grin looked amused and a tad smug. “If you’re curious, we can compare spells when I get there.”

“I… ” Valela shook her head. “I’ll look forward to it then.”

What am I doing?

She wasn’t going to change his mind, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

I told him everything he needs to make an informed choice, more than I knew coming here.

Picturing him walking her same halls turned her stomach upside down. Suddenly, she wished for the chill air outside to clear her head. The heat in this room was stifling; the temperature enchantments must not be properly balanced.

They caught up on what had happened since their last talk before other obligations cut their conversation short.

“Call for me if you need anything,” Valela said. “Good luck at the test.”

“Thanks.” Kai nodded with an amused look. ”You should also tell me if you need anything. I feel bad always being the one receiving favors.”

Valela wrapped a lock of hair around her fingers, wishing she could sip a cold drink—they should really fix the heating. “It’s nothing, really. We’ve signed a contract. It’s my duty as your sponsor. Everything I told you is common knowledge at Raelion. You could have gotten the same information anywhere.”

“Perhaps. But my offer is still valid. Ask if you ever need help with anything,” Kai said, checking the silver pocket watch. “Sorry, I have to go now. I’ll see you at the academy.”

He waved and tapped the mirror twice to end the connection. The artifact’s surface rippled and clouded up to its jagged edges.

Alone in the featureless room, Valela squished her face between her hands and conjured an ice cube to chew—a very unladylike habit. The square shape pulled on her cheek.

Seriously, what’s going on with me?

Dealing with troublesome people had been a constant in her life, but her skills and experience seemed to evaporate with Kai. He always had a talent for throwing her off balance. It had been that way since their first meeting as kids, and it seemed to be getting worse.

I’m probably just tired…

Securing her place at Raelion didn't allow her to slack. A stack of books waited for her at her dormitory, and she needed to put in three hours of mana exercises before sleep.

Valela pushed the ice cube into her other cheek. Lessons and tests were only one side of the competition at Raelion, the fairest side, the one she could control.

I hope he’ll be alright.

~~~

Kai left the onyx building, descending the steps two at a time.

Four and five-storey buildings shadowed the roads in the western district of Nerethi, the sun hidden by the shingle roofs. Since he landed at the airport last night, his mind was still wrapping around the size of the city.

Passersby streamed in every direction. Kai watched for carriages before crossing. Awakened horses would trample worse than a truck.

I’m quite content with this life.

Nerethi was the largest metropolis he had visited in the two months after Limgrell. He had seen quite the number. Traveling between the main population centers was quick if you bled gold for airship tickets. And he had drawn a trail of blood across the Republic to reach the HartProvince.

This should be the last one for a while.

Flying among the clouds earned them more time to train.

Kai paused at a crossing to recall the map Flynn showed him—he really didn’t want to ask a stranger for directions.

Valor Road should be…

He spotted the correct street plaque, aligning the knowledge in his head with what he saw. His next appointment was a thirty-minute walk. He had just two days before the entrance exam, and much to do.

Despite Valela’s apprehension, he wasn’t nervous for the actual test. He had a pretty good idea of his chances.

The information she provided could fill a notebook. Knowledge of Raelion was barred without a patrician status. He would have spent a fortune to learn half of it, and never found the rest.

And she said it was nothing…

It might be true for her, but he didn’t have her connections. He knew just two people on the mainland—at least that he could reliably reach. One was Valela, and the other one he was about to meet.

She’s too nice for her own good.

Any time he had a doubt or problem, she was promptly there to offer assistance. It was true they signed a contract, but it was more for appearances' sake; he hadn’t done much for her.

Is she feeling guilty for Limgrell?

It had never been her fault. Kai couldn’t understand why she went out of her way for him. Did she see it all as an investment?

Hmm… I’ll find a way to repay her when we meet.

He took SaberStreet, moving toward the river that crossed the city. Passersby streamed on both sides, reducing his speed; he didn’t have the permit to run on the roads.

I’ve got time.

Surrounded by way too many people, he summoned his status to distract himself.

• Name: Kai Tylenn (Matthew Reece Veernon)
• Race: Yellow ★ – 452,100 > 485,500 / 500,000 XP
• Profession: Favored Mystic of the Isles (lv1>3) – 188 / 22,000 XP

Body stats

• Strength: 36
• Dexterity: 37
• Constitution: 44 (38+6) > 46 (38+8)
• Mind: 55 (43+12) > 59 (43+16)
• Spirit: 62 (50+12) > 66 (50+16)
• Perception: 40 (34+6) > 42 (34+8)
• Favor: 91

Boons:

• Gifts of the Earth

• Kahali’s Retribution

• Spatial Attunement

• Minor Elemental Attunement

Profession Skills:

• Natural Prodigy (lv1>10)

• Echoing Empath (lv1>7)

• Astral Pathway (lv2>11)

• Water Cannon (lv5>14)

• Nature Healing (lv3>8)

• Spatial Shift (lv8>16)

General Skills:

• Hallowed Intuition (lv87>88)

• Mana Observer (lv49>51)

• Body Augmentation (lv45>46)

• Mana Analyst (lv33>37)

• Mana Weaving (lv33>37)

• Mana Engraving (lv23)

• Water Magic – Advanced (lv27>30)

• Split Mind (lv27>29)

• Arcane Enchanting (lv11>12)

• Elemental Swordsman (lv13>14)

• Hobbes (lv27>29)

• Runic Scholar (lv11)

• Nature Magic – Advanced (lv7>11)

• Space Magic – Advanced (lv11>13)

• Herbology – Advanced (lv99) >> Herbalism (lv1>4)

• Alchemy (lv88>94)

• Blessed Swimmer (lv73)

• Shadow Magic (lv50>55)

• Earth Magic (lv50>56)

• Advanced Hunting (lv37>40)

• Treasure Sense (lv37>39)

He had made good progress in the last two months. His mana skills especially benefited from the extra attributes and the study of his profession skills.

Accepting quests in the Hall of Seekers, he had learned how to thread the limits of Favored Mystic of the Isles without straining his channels.

Three levels are enough for now.

Attributes granted diminishing returns. The first point in Spirit was worth more than the hundredth, though he wasn’t yet clear on the progression.

Kai switched his Domain XP back toward his race. Profession levels could wait until he had a more appealing goal.

I’m so close to the enhancement.

It was a pity he couldn’t reach Yellow ★★ before enrolling in Raelion, though that meant the academy wouldn’t know either. It would make for a fun surprise.

After listening to Valela, he was ever more curious to see how he compared to the students there. He had envied those golden babies since Virya told him of them nine years ago.

They must be quite good, but I haven’t wasted time.

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