Astra and Vesper stepped out of the showers, both tall, lithe, and strikingly beautiful. Astra, with his feminine grace, looked almost delicate in contrast to Vesper's rugged handsomeness. His long, dark curls cascaded down his back, framing his pretty face in a way that screamed elegance and charm. As he looked at Vesper's muscular build, a mixture of admiration and frustration twisted inside him.
"Dammit, why am I so pretty?" Astra muttered under his breath, glaring at Vesper, particularly at the stark contrast between their physiques.
Vesper, however, was in his usual teasing mood. "Hey, no offense, Astra, but I like girls…" His voice trailed off as his eyes caught Astra's striking features, lingering on his face for a moment too long. "Your damn near a princess yourself." He chuckled, running away just in time to dodge the water projectile Astra had summoned, hurling straight toward his face.
Astra, fuming, shouted, "Shut the hell up, you idiot! I've had more experience with women than you can ever have!"
Vesper glanced over his shoulder and smirked. "Yeah? How many of them were actually pretty, you dirty princess?"
The words hit hard, and for a moment, Astra was silenced, the biting remark cutting deeper than he wanted to admit. Vesper laughed, clearly enjoying his victory, and disappeared into another room to change, leaving Astra standing there, fighting back the urge to throw something at him.
Astra and Vesper made their way down the stone corridors of the estate, both clad in light, dark tunics that subtly clung to their frames. Astra's tunic, a deep, rich shade of black, highlighted the ethereal elegance of his features, the fabric flowing just enough to hint at his lithe form. His long, dark curls rested gracefully against his shoulders, completing the picture of someone out of a dream. Vesper, on the other hand, wore a dark blue tunic that accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular build, his natural handsomeness and rugged strength impossible to ignore.
As they walked side by side, the echo of their footsteps seemed to carry through the halls, drawing eyes from every corner. The youths sent to train and compete in the upcoming tournament could not help but stare as the pair passed by. There were hundreds of them, all gathered in various stages of readiness, their focus momentarily shattered by the arrival of the two striking figures.
For Astra, it was a little nerve wracking. He could feel the weight of their gazes, the way they sized him up and whispered amongst themselves. The scrutiny felt overwhelming, even though he was used to attention. He adjusted his tunic, the nerves gnawing at him as he kept his gaze focused ahead.
Vesper, on the other hand, was at ease. His posture was relaxed, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips as he glanced around, taking in the attention like it was second nature. He had the air of someone who had grown up in the midst of this world, thriving under the constant gazes and expectations.
"Damned royals like him and Sera are born for this," Astra muttered under his breath, watching Vesper casually nod and wave at some of the other competitors who greeted him.
Vesper grinned, clearly unbothered by the attention, and glanced at Astra with a raised brow. "What, you think this is stressful? You'll get used to it, princess." He said it with a teasing tone, but the underlying confidence in his words was clear. Astra shot him a glare, but Vesper simply chuckled as they approached the dining hall.
"I wonder how he would react to learn I've had saints bow to me?" Astra mused inwardly to bolster his confidence and rid himself of his social anxiety.
When they entered, the chatter and movement in the room seemed to still for a moment. Every pair of eyes that had previously been on the sparring youths now turned to the duo, as if they were the center of the universe for that fleeting moment. Astra felt a tightening in his chest, but Vesper just nudged him lightly with his elbow, a knowing smirk on his face.
As Astra and Vesper settled into their seats at the long, polished dining table, the aroma of the spread before them filled the air, but Astra's attention was elsewhere. While Vesper dug into his food with his usual appetite, Astra subtly reached for his coin. With a slight motion, he activated it beneath the table, his fingers grazing over the surface as he opened up the messages and requests that had piled up.
Scrolling through the long list, Astra noted the sheer number of notifications, most of them from females. Some were admirers, others general greetings, but the majority were playful messages or inquiries about his well-being. It made him feel a little uncomfortable, honestly, but he was used to it by now. What struck him most, though, was the fact that there was nothing from Seraphine.
Astra's heart dropped slightly as he scanned the list again, hoping he might have missed her message, but there was nothing. No reply, no update, not even a single word from her.
"Nothing from Seraphine... wow." His voice was barely a whisper, almost lost beneath the chatter around them, but he couldn't help the small pang of disappointment that tugged at him. The last time they'd crossed paths, there had been an undeniable pull. Seraphine's terrifying beauty, her icy demeanor, and most of all her power. Astra had suspected her to be a Rank two or perhaps even a Rank three though she concealed it well, keeping her strength hidden from everyone but those who mattered.
"Maybe she's hiding it for a reason..."
He couldn't quite put his finger on why he was so fascinated with her. There was just something about Seraphine her effortless grace, her sharp intellect, and the way she carried herself with an authority that made it impossible to not be drawn in. But as he thought about it more, Astra reminded himself to not pry. He knew better than anyone the secrets people kept, especially someone like Seraphine, who carried the weight of being a royal steward.
"Ugh, who cares? I know better than to pry into royal princess's secrets," he muttered to himself, scrolling past more messages. He didn't need to get entangled in Seraphine's world—not yet, anyway. There was still too much to figure out.
He shook the thought from his mind and went back to scrolling through the rest of the messages. It wasn't long before his attention returned to Vesper, who was already on his third plate, grinning at Astra's distracted state.
"Not gonna reply to any of them, princess?" Vesper teased, glancing at the screen over Astra's shoulder.
Astra rolled his eyes, giving him a half-hearted glare. "Not in the mood," he said, but his mind wasn't fully on the food or the tournament. Something about Seraphine still lingered, gnawing at him.
He did have encrypted messages from Saint Satalus, summarizing the state of the Church, and it honestly sounded like it was on the rise, In fact once war is declared some Saints from the Church are taking a shot at angel hood.
This put Astra on a timer, he wasn't so naive to believe he had full control in truth if he had not some minor control over the kingdom of stars he'd fully be a pawn piece right now, and he had worries that angels accessing such a kingdom might be able to mobilize its powers as well rendering him useless.
"I need to reach rank two and three as soon as possible!" Astra reminded himself.
As the meal drew to a close, Astra felt the weight of exhaustion pressing on him. His body was still sore from the earlier sparring match, and he could feel the lingering fatigue in his muscles. He offered a weary smile to Vesper as the pair parted ways, the sounds of the bustling dining hall fading behind him as he made his way through the corridors of House Shadow's estate.
The hallway was grand, with towering pillars and ornate tapestries depicting the house's history and victories. As he passed by a few of the other youth mostly Rank Ones and even some Rank Twos. Astra couldn't help but feel a bit out of place. The grandeur of the estate, the impressive rooms, and the focused energy of the other young warriors made him feel like an outsider, though he'd grown used to the feeling.
"Wow, they must really like me," he scoffed sarcastically to himself as he glanced at the other youths around him. Most of them were either training or studying in small groups, their eyes occasionally flicking toward him with curiosity. He wasn't blind to their gaze, and it made him uncomfortable, but he tried to shake it off as he made his way to his quarters.
As he stepped inside his room, Astra let out a long breath of relief. The space was larger than he expected definitely more luxurious than his humble upbringing ever allowed. Soft moonlight filtered in through the large windows, casting a serene glow over the room. The bed was large, covered in dark, plush linens, and a few personal touches, like the faint scent of incense, helped make the room feel more like a sanctuary than just another place to sleep.
But even with all the comforts around him, Astra didn't feel at home. His mind was elsewhere. He flopped onto the bed, still in his tunic, and immediately pulled out his mana coin. He opened up the network again, searching for anything of interest, any updates, or news about the tournament and the people involved.
The mana network buzzed with activity, messages pinging from all directions, but Astra wasn't paying much attention to the chatter. He scrolled through the latest updates, scanning through brief news snippets about the various houses and their upcoming events. There were some mentions of House Shadow's high-ranking youths, and though his name came up a few times, it was more about his association with Vesper and the other prominent figures than anything personal.
"Nothing interesting," Astra muttered, idly flicking through the messages. Most were just updates from various sources nothing that really grabbed his attention. He could feel the exhaustion creeping in, though he was too restless to sleep just yet.
He let out a sigh, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts drifted back to the tournament. A small part of him couldn't help but feel the weight of the pressure. After all, this wasn't just any competition it was a chance to prove himself. To show that he wasn't just another pretty face or another son of a fallen house. He had to win. He had to be something more than what everyone expected.
"I'll just focus on training tomorrow," he thought, rolling onto his side. He tried to shut out the noise of the network, his mind still running with thoughts of the tournament, the other competitors, and the strange unease that had settled in his chest.
After a while, the weight of the day began to drag him under, and his eyelids fluttered shut, his mana coin still resting loosely in his hand. The exhaustion of the spar and the emotional strain of the day finally took its toll.
For now, Astra let himself fall into a much-needed sleep, though his mind remained restless, spinning with thoughts of Seraphine, the tournament, and the looming challenges ahead.
He dreamt of Cold and Darkness.
.....
Astra woke up to the soft twilight creeping through the windows, the city of Duskfall already alive in the darkness. The cool, gentle glow of the dimming light mixed with the lingering warmth of his bed as he stretched and groggily rubbed his eyes. He could hear the faint sounds of the city below, the night's activities just beginning to peak.
"Ugh, another day to get my ass handed to me," Astra muttered, rubbing his temples. The quiet of the morning was quickly interrupted by the sound of the mana network buzzing in his pocket, signaling that the day was about to get just a little bit more chaotic. But first, he needed a shower.
He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, feeling the cool air of the room against his skin. His feet carried him to the bathroom, where the steamy warmth of the shower awaited. As the hot water cascaded over him, Astra let out a sigh of relief, the water soothing his muscles and easing the tension from his body. But as he stood there, his thoughts drifted to something that had been bothering him the entire night.
The smell of starflowers.
He had bought a handful of them with his own money a few days ago, drawn to the delicate, sweet scent that had always reminded him of something… better, something more peaceful. He'd placed them in a small vase by the window of his room, but for some reason, the fragrance now felt strangely out of place like a reminder of everything he wasn't, everything he couldn't escape.
"Why the hell did I request for these anyway?" Astra grumbled under his breath, splashing his face with cold water to shake off the strange feeling. His mind tried to push the thought away, but it lingered, as if the flowers themselves were mocking him, reminding him of his softer side something he rarely allowed to show.
He quickly finished his shower, the steam curling around him as he grabbed a towel and dried off. His hands brushed through his wet hair, shaking the water free before he grabbed his dark clothes. A sleek, stylish tunic with intricate silver detailing, black pants, and boots that were just fashionable enough to make a statement without being too over the top. His reflection in the mirror made him pause for a moment, his long, dark curls framing his face.
"Damn," he muttered, flicking a strand of hair out of his eyes. He looked good, but it only made him feel more out of place.
His coin buzzed again, pulling him from his thoughts. A message from Vesper.
"Hey, princess. Get out of bed and go explore the academy and festivities before I beat your ass again in the training ring. You're too pretty to spend all day hiding in your room."
Astra rolled his eyes, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. "Vesper...," he muttered, shaking his head. He was really growing on Astra, he reminded him of Iskander in a way. Vesper could perhaps become a genuine friend, but Astra knew better than that.
"Fine," Astra grumbled, slipping into his boots and making his way out of his quarters. The heavy doors of his room creaked as he pushed them open, revealing the grand hall that stretched before him. The estate was still quiet, the air fresh with the morning, and the faint hum of activity could be heard as servants and other youth began their day.
Astra made his way down the stairs, his footsteps echoing through the marble hall as he headed for the main exit. His mind was already racing with the thought of what Vesper had in store—probably another chance to embarrass him in front of the others, but something about it felt different today. There was a strange pull to the idea of exploring, of stepping out of his self-imposed isolation for a moment.
Astra was cleared to go out and explore it would look strange if he didn't, House Shadow knows that I have ways to hide my self, probably thinking its some ancient powerful method from the Church of Night, I should be fine from the gazes of the divine, Saint Satalus did say to enjoy the remaining time I have and not look too suspicious for now."
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a look around attend some classes. I mean with what House Shadow said my status at the academy is more so a Fifth year on his way out I dont truly have to put real effort in." Astra muttered to himself, his hand brushing against the cool stone walls of the grand estate as he descended toward the festivities. He wasn't entirely sure what he expected, but with Vesper around, it was sure to be an eventful day.
And, no doubt, another round of teasing and sparring was right around the corner. But for now, Astra would try to enjoy the moment.
Astra descended the grand staircase, the stone steps cool beneath his boots. The estate seemed quieter in the early morning, the lingering silence of the night slowly giving way to the bustle of activity. His mind wandered as he moved, each step echoing through the expansive hall. His thoughts swirled around the message from Vesper and his own internal struggles with the day ahead. The familiar weight of his past seemed to settle over him like a shadow, a constant companion, but he shoved it aside for now.
The din of the festivities outside grew louder the closer he got to the exit. Astra could already hear the faint sounds of music and laughter, voices calling to each other, and the rhythmic pulse of the city's heartbeat just beyond the estate walls. It was a stark contrast to the stillness within the grand house, a reminder that life moved forward, even when he preferred to remain in the shadows.
He pushed open the large wooden doors, stepping into the early twilight. The air was cool but not unpleasant, a refreshing contrast to the steamy warmth of the shower he had just left. The market and the city beyond were alive with energy, and Astra found himself momentarily distracted by the chaos of it all. Stalls were lined with colorful goods, some familiar, others strange and foreign, the scents of various foods drifting through the air, blending with the sharp scent of fresh flowers. It was as if the whole world was awake, all at once.
Despite the pull of the festivity, Astra felt that gnawing discomfort deep inside. The attention he got wherever he went felt like a weight on his shoulders. It wasn't just the fact that he was from House Shadow, or that he was a high ranking youth. It was the way people looked at him the way Vesper looked at him. He couldn't help but feel that sense of being out of place, caught somewhere between being a beautiful, delicate thing and the harshness of the world he'd grown up in.
He was pulled from his reverie as he spotted Vesper across the courtyard, surrounded by a group of young men, all from different houses. Vesper's laughter rang through the air, infectious and confident, drawing attention as always. His tall, muscular frame was a striking contrast to Astra's more slender, graceful appearance. Even in the distance, it was impossible not to notice how Vesper seemed to fit in so naturally with everyone around him, the life of the gathering, while Astra had always been more of an observer.
Astra sighed, trying to ignore the slight irritation that tugged at his chest. He hated how powerful yet fragile his situation truly was. How small yet somehow large he was.
When he finally reached Vesper, the other youth shot him a teasing grin.
"Finally decided to grace us with your presence, princess?" Vesper chuckled, clearly amused by Astra's grumpy expression.
Astra crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. "Hey Vesper, you know your zippers down?"
Vesper raised an eyebrow, clearly not bothered by Astra's teasing. "Oh...yeah I know."
Astra didn't respond, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. As annoying as Vesper's teasing was, it felt oddly familiar, comfortable even. And in this sea of strangers, maybe that was all Astra needed for now. The pull to the festivities, the chaos around him, would have to wait a little longer.
The pair made their way towards the inner city towards the Twilight tower, its majestic figure ever enshrouding the city in an ethereal glow.
The courtyard of the Twilight Academy shimmered like a mirage caught between dusk and dawn. The academy had been built where the desert night touched the first hints of morning light, its towers made of polished obsidian and pale starstone. They rose like watchful sentinels, each one marked with ancient runes that pulsed with mana from time to time, remnants of eras long past.
Astra walked beside Prince Vesperion, their pace measured, dignified. The prince's posture was impeccable, elegant without arrogance; Astra's gait was quieter, deliberate, as if he walked in tandem with shadows most could not see.
Here, they did not jest or trade easy remarks.Here, decorum mattered.
The Twilight Academy was not a place for trivial camaraderie.It was a crucible.
Despite its fame, the Academy was not a universal institution. In the realms, there was no standardized mage curriculum across the kingdoms. Magic was too vast, too varied, too deeply personal. Every lineage shaped its scions differently.
For noble houses, especially the Great Houses—the Academy was optional at best.
Most minor and major houses sent their heirs here, hoping exposure to rivals and instructors would polish them. But Great Houses… they had their own ancient rites, their own libraries, their own regimens forged through wars and divine pacts. Royalty was even more selective.
Vesperion himself only attended because he wished to—out of curiosity, not necessity.Astra could feel that. The prince walked like a man visiting a foreign temple.
Astra, on the other hand, had never dared apply in the past.
His magic was too strange. Too rare. Too revealing.And his background… a shadowy blur the world wasn't meant to dissect.
Iskander—his closest friend—had refused for his own reasons. Mysterious and withdrawn, Iskander avoided institutions like one avoids a hunter's net.
But now, things had changed. Astra had returned with House Shadow's backing, with the Crown of Stars, with a sacred realm no mortal could begin to fathom.
He had a place here now.A dangerous, undeniable place.
Vesperion slowed to a stop as three young men approached, standing in a half-circle beneath a flowering oasis tree. They were noble—Astra could tell instantly. Their mana signatures were steady, refined, yet burning with the fierce desert heat of their lineage.
Vesper inclined his head lightly, a gesture of princely courtesy."Gentlemen."
They bowed in return—shallow for most nobles, but deep enough for a prince.
The first to step forward was Khalid of House Mirage. A Major House.
His skin gleamed bronze beneath the filtered light of the academy's wards. His dark eyes mirrored the bending distortions of desert heat. Illusion magic clung to him like a veil—unseen but felt, the way one feels a shift in air before a mirage appears.
"It is an honor to finally meet you, Astra of Shadow," Khalid said with polished composure. "Our Houses have not crossed paths in recent years. I hope this changes."
He was overly polite more so a normal scion would be for another scion, yet Astra was in the company of a prince, anyone smart would know Astra was not a normal scion.
Astra returned a precise nod. "The honor is mutual. House Mirage's mastery of heat illusions is spoken of even in the North."
There was no smirk, no challenge, only mutual recognition. Astra did truly marvel at house Mirages magic, it was truly infamous.
Beside Khalid stood Azraq of House Oasis, tall and serene. His pale gold skin gleamed faintly, as though reflecting hidden waters beneath desert sands. His hair—white as moonlight—was tied back, revealing sharp green eyes.
Azraq inclined his head with gentle respect."Your arrival at the Academy has stirred considerable interest, Lord Astra. House Oasis welcomes you." He was a member of a Major house but their standing had long fallen, now they are merely a minor House yet Oasis was never known for their strength no, it was their wealth that set them apart wealth that rivaled even great houses.
His voice flowed like calm water, steady and cool.
Astra pressed a fist lightly over his chest. "Your words are most kind. Water in the desert is a gift no one forgets." Astra responded with house Oasis local saying. He had been truly studying the past days.
A faint smile touched Azraq's lips—rare, but genuine.
The final scion stepped forward with the lively energy of shifting dunes. Samir of House Sand—shorter than the others but emanating confidence like heat. After all he was a scion of a major house and a powerful one at that.
His sandy hair framed sharp blue eyes that glimmered with spirit, not mockery."Astra" he said warmly. "House Sand greets you. Your House's reputation precedes you—but I admit, seeing you in person surpasses what I imagined."
Astra offered a graceful bow of his head. "You honor me more than warranted, Samir of Sand."
Samir only smiled wider. "Then we shall see if I spoke too soon, or not soon enough."
Again, it was polite. Respectful.A dance of noble etiquette.
Astra's Thoughts
So this is what it feels like… to stand as an equal among highborn mages.
Not as a hunted boy from the slums.Not as a nameless shadow drifting through violence.Not even as the mysterious prodigy whispered about in corners.
But as Astra, a lord of House Shadow.
Astra couldn't help but internally imagine the reactions people would give him if they found out his true identity and status. Having Saints at his disposal still felt weird and unreal.
The Academy's gardens stretched before him—lush oases conjured by daily water rituals, bridges of shimmering obsidian bending over canals that reflected starlight. Students walked in graceful formations—robes of various colors denoting Houses or personal magical paths.
And yet, beneath the beauty, Astra sensed something deeper:
Ambition. Rivalry. Awe.And the subtle tremor of fear when their eyes slid toward him.
He almost felt a subtle sadness for missing out.
As they walked, Vesperion spoke softly, as though giving a tour.
"The Twilight Academy is less a school and more a gathering ground," the prince explained. "There is no universal path for mages. The world is too vast. No two affinities are the same. No two cores ever grow alike."
Astra nodded. He had learned as much.
Vesper continued, "Common-born students come here hoping the Academy elevates them. Lesser nobles seek polish, reputation, recognition. Minor and Major Houses send their heirs here in hopes of forging alliances, marriage pacts and exposure. "
"And the Great Houses?" Astra asked quietly.
Vesper's eyes turned toward one of the lofty towers.
"Great Houses do not send their heirs here… unless they choose to come on their own terms. They already possess deeper teachings, ancestral rites that no academy can reproduce. I mean look at us" He chucked.
Astra understood immediately.
The prince added, with a faint smile as he extravagantly spread his arms."Which is why you now begin here is causing even more commotion. When I went here last year I did it out of pure boredom meanwhile you need exposure to the world of nobles fast. So here we are!"
Astra smiled at Vesper, he really was something.
Inside, his thoughts churned.
Khalid gestured toward the grand stairway leading to the upper terraces.
"If it pleases you, we would be honored to accompany you and His Highness on a brief tour. The Academy has many places of interest for someone of your talents."
Azraq added, "The Constellation Altar may interest you in particular. Few students can approach its wards without strain."
Samir's grin softened into respectful eagerness."And the Dune Arena has tests designed for those with exceptional agility. I believe you might enjoy them."
Vesperion turned to Astra,
"What do you say?"
Astra looked at the academy rising before him—its towers, its courtyards filled with starlight and desert winds, its students whispering as they passed—and felt something unexpected stir in his chest.
"Id be happy to." He smiled.
Khalid stopped first in a vast open courtyard paved with smooth white stone. Faint glyphs shimmered beneath the surface, pulsing with breaths of amber, indigo, and viridian light. Students were scattered across the space, each practicing some form of elemental shaping or conjuration.
"This," Khalid said with a polite, welcoming gesture, "is the Courtyard of Manifested Arts. Most Rank One students spend the majority of their early years here."
A column of violet smoke erupted from a circle in the far corner, followed by the startled yelp of a student. Another group nearby shaped water into spiraling patterns, their instructor adjusting their wrist angles with gentle taps.
Astra watched quietly, sharp eyes memorizing every detail.
The faint runes beneath the stone were intricately woven—a stabilizing array to prevent mana overflow, explosion backlash, and magical contamination. The Academy spared no expense in safety and efficiency.
I've never seen arrays woven in such careful layers before, Astra thought. Night uses depth, Shadow uses subtlety… but this? This is an entire philosophy of magic built on harmony.
Azraq stepped beside him, hands folded neatly behind his back.
"Our foundational classes begin with understanding one's affinity," Azraq explained in his calm, soft-spoken tone. "We are not forced into a path. The academy observes us—guides us—helps us discover where our mana resonates."
Samir added cheerfully, "Unlike the great houses, where you're born into a lineage and expected to uphold it."
His tone was friendly, not mocking.Astra nodded, appreciating the honesty.
"Minor and major houses send their heirs here to refine their techniques," Khalid continued, "but even they aren't pushed into specific arts here. Twilight Academy prides itself on choice."
"And the great houses?" Astra asked.
Vesper gave a light shrug. "When we come, it is usually for networking. Influence. Meeting future heads of noble lines. Creating bonds early."
Samir chuckled lightly. "Or to flaunt superiority. The great houses love that."
"Some do," Vesper admitted, smiling faintly.
Astra hid a sigh.
And yet, walking among the students—nobles, commoners, mixed lineages—he felt something flicker inside him.
Maybe this is good for me. I need to see how the next generation learns. How nobles standardize their education. How they grow together, not apart.
It was knowledge he'd never fully had access to.
And in his position now Castellan to the Kingdom of Stars, Caliph of a Church, and soon-to-be competitor in the tournament—knowledge mattered more than ever.
The group moved through towering silver doors into a massive hall lined with bookshelves, floating orbs of crystalline mana drifting between them.
Young mages sat at long desks, studying silently.
"This is where Rank Two theory is taught," Khalid explained. "Advanced mana control, elemental harmony, and the shaping of secondary cores."
Astra's attention sharpened.
"What kind of instructors do you have at fifith year?" he asked.
"Specialists," Azraq said. "Almost always Rank Three mages—experts in their fields. Some are former nobles; others are independents recognized by the Mage Constellary."
Samir chimed in:"They teach without pushing you into their style. If you're a flame mage, they help you find your flame's nature. If water, then your water's temperament."
Khalid nodded approvingly.
"It is the Academy's belief that forcing a mage into a rigid path destroys potential. A fire mage taught like a soldier becomes a weapon. A fire mage nurtured as an artist becomes a phenomenon."
A subtle shiver ran down Astra's spine.
No wonder the Summer Courts and the Twilight Majors produce prodigies. They nurture instead of mold. They guide instead of command.
I heard from Vesper that House Shadow was brutal and rigorous, From the ancient texts House Night was no better, even when I lived in the ghettos it was brutal and mistakes often resulted in injury or immense pain sometimes even death.
This place was different. Gentle in a way he wasn't used to.
Children walked by, whispering to each other, casting brief respectful glances at the nobles in the group. They nodded politely to Vesper, Khalid, Azraq, and Samir. No kneeling. No fuss.
A little girl with silver-ringed irises waved shyly at Astra.
He blinked, then nodded back.
Gods If only she knew who she was waving at.
He felt strangely self-conscious.
The next stop was a massive tower spiraling upward like a helix of starlight. The mana density around it made Astra's skin prickle.
"This," Vesper announced with a trace of genuine admiration, "is the Aether Spire. Rank Three instructors teach here."
Samir elaborated:
"Only those preparing for high mage examinations or elite combat circuits train here. The Rank Three instructors tailor their training individually—again, no forcing."
Astra's brow rose.
"Even for nobles?"
Khalid answered smoothly, "Especially for nobles. If they push us into a path unsuited to our bloodline, it reflects poorly on the Academy and can create problems."
Azraq added, "Many nobles inherit unique house magics. The Academy teaches us how to complement those, not replace them."
Astra hummed thoughtfully.
So that was why great and royal houses could attend without fear of losing their traditions.And why they didn't rely on the academy alone—they already had their own foundations.
Night had its own methods. Shadow its own horrors. Astra did not forget having to fight his own shadow, almost all scions of house shadow had to go through that tradition at a young age, and a lot died.Perhaps… I can learn something they cannot teach me.
He glanced up the spiraling tower. The air shimmered like liquid magic.
Maybe this place will help me integrate something. I can learn proper mage techniques here without issue as I train, possibly have somewhat of a normal few weeks.
He felt a little lighter at the thought.
Weaker than them in status? No.But inexperienced in conventional noble education? Absolutely.
This academy could bridge that gap.
They stepped into a serene garden filled with glowing blossoms and mana-saturated air. Floating petals drifted lazily, pulsing in rhythm with nearby students meditating beside streams or sitting under luminous trees.
Azraq took the lead here—unsurprising, given his elemental sensitivity.
"Affinities are tested here," he explained quietly. "Not with harsh trials or arcane pressure. Just resonance. The gardens respond to your nature. Water, flame, storm, earth, spatial, shadow, light—each essence has its place."
As he waked mana motes took on the hue of dense water droplets. A rank water quality they all saw and felt. Azraq did not mind sharing his affinity as house oasis was famous for water in the deserts of Sahara.
Strangely enough Astra and Vesperion were standing outside its perhepral range. It surely would sense his star magic. Both Astra and Vesper seemed surprised, they shared a look. "It seems he has his own secrets" They both thought at the same time. Astra smiled at vesper and laughed. Vesper did the same.
Azraq knew that a lot of nobles would skip this section, as the great and royal houses always had their own secrets. It actually was a taboo to ask a noble to test for their affinities.
Astra sighed he shouldn't attract attention. Not with everything he was hiding.
Khalid and Samir did the same, in all their years at the academy they had not stepped foot in here.
Azraq continued speaking. "To be frank not many nobles use this room are are guided here, usually its the minor house scions and commoners that use this facility. A shame considering how helpful it can be."
As they continued the tour, Khalid spoke in a lower tone:
"You must understand, Astra. when great houses send scions here, it's rarely for the curriculum."
Azraq nodded. "It's for the people."
Samir grinned. "Make friends now, rule together later."
Vesper chuckled politely. "He's not wrong."
Astra absorbed their words, expression calm.
Networking.Influence.Connections with future nobles, guild leaders, ministers, heirs…
He needed that more than he cared to admit.
He was the sole inheritor of Night.He was entangled with gods.He led the Church of Night in secret.
And yet he lacked one thing the academy could give him:
A public foundation among nobles his age.
Even if he were to survive and rise as a Demi god or perhaps more, he needed some connections after all he was around people who were more likely to become divine than others.
He finally spoke, tone even and dignified:
"I appreciate this tour more than you know. Strength alone is insufficient for the future. I need to understand how other nobles are molded."
Vesper looked at him for a long moment, something thoughtful flickering in his eyes.
"You might find you fit in here more than you expect."
Astra offered a small, guarded smile.
"We shall see."
As they stepped onto a high balcony overlooking the Academy grounds, the ethereal purple of Duskfall took on a darker tone making the city even more beautiful.
The towers shimmered. Students laughed in the courtyard.Magic—safe, structured, full of hope—flowed through the air.
Astra stood quietly, hands clasped behind his back.
He exhaled.
"I can see how enjoyable life can be for those who are nurtured and guided peacefully, chaos and hardship do make those who are strong but often those who are In such environments break more than they are tempered, I merely persevered due to luck, my great potential, Iskander and desire for more, but what if I had terrible talent and no friend, perhaps I would be no better than those thugs who tried to rob me a few days back." he pursed his lips as he stared.
He straightened his posture. His eyes colder.
"Unfortunately cannot enjoy such a life, I have too much going, my coming here is merely a small stepping stone for the future. After all, once summer comes the flames of war will envelope the realms."