Chapter 14: First Day
Kaelin adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped out from her dorm into the Royal Magic Academy, located in the heart of Erundal’s capital. The morning sun cast golden light over the sprawling campus, illuminating the intricate engravings which lay on the cobbled stone pathways. Two of the academy’s spires stood before her, towering above the cityscape like a fortress of both knowledge and power.
The students alone could wipe out a battalion of the royal magic knights. While only a fraction of the army, many of the student’s had barely started their education.
A flicker of unease stirred within Kaelin. This was the most prestigious magical institution in the kingdom, reserved for the elite – those who had proven themselves in the entrance exam or had received direct recommendations from high-ranking mages. To be here was an honour few attained.
The Academy was even grander than she had imagined. Despite having been here for the past two weeks, her limited access to the facilities made her excitement build.
Sprawling courtyards stretched between ornate lecture halls, each adorned with colourful banners that stood out among the marble pillars and sandstone walls.
Students bustled through the polished corridors – some engaged in animated conversations, others absorbed in thick tomes.
The Academy uniform was a midnight blue with silver embroidery along the cuffs, the uniform alone would cost more than she, or her family, could afford. This trademark design was meant to promote equality. But in reality, the hierarchy was clear. The highest nobles pushed down the commoners who had succeeded in the exam, although most of the rest accepted this as the norm.
Then, a familiar voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"Kaelin! Over here."
Lena stood near the entrance to the main hall, waving her over. Her auburn hair was neatly braided, and she looked as effortlessly composed as always.
Kaelin joined her, exhaling sharply. "Morning."
"You look like you haven’t slept," Lena noted, her expression shifting to mild concern.
"Because I haven’t. I was too excited to if I’m being honest"
Lena gave a sympathetic smile. "It’s a big step, but I'm sure we’ll manage"
They followed the stream of students into the grand lecture hall, where Professor Aldric stood at the front, surveying them with sharp eyes. The room fell silent as he began to speak.
"Welcome to the Royal Magic Academy. You are here because you are the best. Whether through trial or recommendation, you have proven your worth. But talent alone is not enough. You will be tested in three main sections throughout your time here. Through academics, and both physical and magical tasks.”
In the academy, there were a multitude of subject one could take. In their first year, students were forced to take them all, and at the end of the year, they would choose 2 to continue studying during their final two years, along with ‘Fine Magic Control’ as an extra
The core subjects included: Fine magic control, History of the Kingdom, Mathematics, Language, Political Relations and Physical Education.
Kaelin straightened, the weight of the moment settling in.
"Your schedules have been assigned," the professor continued. "Find your name on the board out front, it will tell you which class you are to be in for the core subjects."
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
The hall buzzed with murmurs as students filed out. Kaelin looked up and down the board to find her name, then at Lena.
"Looks like we’re in the same class," Lena said.
Their first class was exactly what Kaelin had dreaded – an intensive lecture on the history of the empire. Starting from its founding. While interesting, it was overwhelming. The professor, an elderly woman with piercing blue eyes, spoke quickly, expecting them to keep up. The moment class ended, Kaelin barely had time to breathe before they were rushing to their next lesson.
After a brief break, their second class was ‘Fine Magic Control’.
As soon as everyone was seated, the professor started, “Dear students, although we strive for equality here at the academy, we do encourage some friendly competition. For your time in the school, you will each wear a wristband of a colour equating your level of ability in this area.”
The professor continued, listing the correspondence between colour, and tier. “Yellow bands are low-tier, green are low-mid tier, red is mid-tier and blue is mid-high tier. You shouldn’t need to know the rest as they are yet to be reached by a student at their time here. But be aware we have them in reserve... Just in case. Anyway, please come up to the front to receive your wristband.”
Kaelin’s heart pounded as she stepped forward. The instructor handed her a yellow wristband, instructing her to wear it on her right wrist. Low tier.
Kaelin clenched her jaw. She had hoped for a higher ranking during the exam, but she really couldn’t complain. After all, she had only unlocked her affinity a month prior. There would be time to improve.
The final lesson of the day was what she had been waiting for – Physical Education.
While in the future they would be learning properly, this being the first day, the Professor had decided on a practical lesson.
"In this subject, you will be learning more about how your body functions and ways to conserve energy for long term fights. In addition, we will be having practical lessons twice a week, this is for you to train both your body, and for real=life scenarios"
A murmur ran through the students. Kaelin flexed her fingers, excitement overtaking her earlier nerves.
“Today, we will be doing some practicals, as you can tell by where we are.”
The professor had the students lined up outside in front of the running track.
“Now,” the professor said, with a commanding voice, “each take 10 laps around the track. And don’t go slow.”
The student’s hesitated, still looking at the professor, but Kaelin decided to take the first step. And she ran.
Compared to the others, she had an advantage. To make up for her lack of magic, Kaelin had been preparing by training her body to its limits. She was stronger than almost all the boys here, and also much fitter.
Kaelin finished first, 2 laps ahead of second place. Most of the others had barely done 7 laps at this point.
Once they had all finished, the professor stepped forwards.
“You are all utterly USELESS,” The professor shouted, “All run 20 more laps, the faster you finish, the faster you can get to lunch. Oh, Kaelin and Sam, stay back. Good job you two.”
Kaelin breathed heavily but allowed herself a small smirk. She was finally first at something.
As the day came to a close, she walked out of the dueling grounds with Lena at her side.
"Not bad for a first day," Lena said.
Kaelin stretched her arms, feeling the exhaustion settle in. "It was brutal."
They made their way to the dining hall, where students were already gathering for lunch. The scent of warm bread and roasted meat filled the air, a welcome reprieve from the morning’s intensity. The two found a spot at a table near the windows, where sunlight streamed in, casting golden patterns across their plates.
As Kaelin took a bite of her food, Lena leaned in slightly. "So, have you heard about Zephyr Kalyndria?"
Kaelin frowned. "Of course I have, he was with us at the Thread Trials."
Lena arched a brow. "Oh yea... sorry, I forgot!" Lena let out a soft laugh as she said this.
Kaelin shook her head, chuckling to herself.
Lena looked back, a playful smirk plastered across her face. "He’s kinda hot, and he’s waaaay strong!”
Kaelin leaned back, mulling it over. "I guess so... I never really thought about it. He always seemed too serious."
Lena smirked. "I bet if you get to know him it’ll be different."
“With all this work, i don’t know if I'd have time.”
“I might have to snatch him up then” Lena replied.
Kaelin looked back to her food, deep in thought.
Today had been tough. For now, she would focus on making it through the week. One day at a time.
