Caled arrived at the capital of Deylan, his feet touching down gently after a smooth flight. He paused for a moment, hovering in the air, to take in the sight of the kingdom below. The city sprawled before him, a mix of old and new, with impressive structures that showcased both the history and the rapid growth of Deylan.
Deylan used to be a small, upstart nation, fighting for recognition. But now? It had become one of the most prominent kingdoms on the continent. A kingdom known for its military strength, unmatched by most, and a place that had once been underestimated. Over the past century, it had transformed into a powerhouse.
What made Deylan stand out, however, wasn't just its military prowess. It was the academy. The Magic Academy of Deylan was world-renowned, producing some of the most powerful magic swordsmen the world had ever seen. Warriors who wielded both blade and magic with precision, strength, and elegance. It was no surprise that foreign swordsmen dreamed of studying here.
As Caled flew over the city, he saw the sprawling campus below him. The academy was a massive sight, a series of towering buildings and expansive school grounds that stretched on for miles. The place was a monument to centuries of tradition, and the students who passed through its gates carried the weight of that legacy on their shoulders.
Caled's feet finally touched the ground in front of the academy's grand, fenced gate. It was a striking sight—the huge iron gates, standing tall, acting as both a barrier and a symbol of the academy's importance.
He could see the hustle and bustle inside, the students moving about in their daily routines. A steady flow of people went in and out, each one focused on their own purpose, but all part of something larger.
He watched for a while, observing the students as they moved through the gates, their uniforms crisp and clean.
Black sailor uniforms, accented with red ribbons and linings. The sight of them—so focused and driven—made Caled smile.
It reminded him of the younger generation and the potential they carried. The future was in their hands, and he could see the same hunger in their eyes that he once had.
But as he stood there, a group of students passed by, and suddenly, their demeanor changed. They stiffened, their eyes darting around, and without warning, they began walking faster. Caled blinked, unsure of what had caused such a reaction. His gaze shifted over to them, and a small chuckle escaped him.
"I think they misunderstood me for a pervert who came here to see girls in uniforms," Caled muttered, amused by the unintended effect his presence had caused.
It was a simple mix-up, but it was enough to make him smile.
Shaking his head, he made his way towards the gate. However, before he could take more than a few steps, four students stepped forward, blocking his path. They moved with a sense of purpose, their expressions serious and focused. The group seemed to be acting as the gate's official guardians.
The tallest of the group, a girl with blonde hair that caught the light as she moved, walked up to him. She was confident, her posture straight, and her eyes—green and sharp—studied him with intensity. Her figure was slender, and she carried herself like someone who was used to being in charge.
"Stop right there," she said, her voice firm and unwavering. "Outsiders aren't allowed inside or even near the campus. State your business, or we'll have you escorted out."
Her hand rested on the hilt of her sword, which hung at her side, a silent threat that Caled couldn't ignore. The message was clear: she wasn't going to let him pass without a good reason.
Caled's eyes briefly glanced at the sword, then back at her. He didn't react with any aggression, instead opting for a calm smile. He wasn't here for a confrontation—he had a mission to fulfill.
"Easy there," Caled said, his tone light and casual. "I'm just here to visit the academy. Someone sent for me."
His eyes met hers, waiting for her response. He knew he had to play this right—he wasn't here to fight, but to help. And judging by her stance, she wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
Caled raised his hands with a relaxed smile, trying to ease the tension in the air.
"My name is Caled Stellarion. I'm the newly appointed Archscholar," he said casually. "I came here at the request of one of the students."
The blonde girl looked at him with a confused expression. She took a moment to process his words, her brow furrowing slightly as she scanned him.
"Aren't you too young to be an Archscholar?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You look about the same age as me. And I'm just a fourth-year student."
She glanced over at her companions, as though seeking their agreement. Fourth years at the academy typically hovered around twenty-one years old—barely out of their teens, and already on the cusp of adulthood. Caled couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
If only she knew.
He shrugged, unfazed by her observation, and unbothered by the sword she carried so close to her side.
He pulled out his ID and held it out for her to inspect. It was a simple gesture, but the card carried the weight of his position.
The blonde girl looked at it carefully, her eyes scanning over the details. After a moment, she nodded slowly, her gaze softening as she recognized the authenticity of the ID.
Without missing a beat, she stood up straighter, her posture shifting from guarded to more formal, even respectful.
"It's nice to meet you, Professor," she said, her tone now tinged with a professional politeness. "My name is Celestine Valmont. I'm the vice president of the Guardian Assembly, responsible for the campus's security and order."
Caled nodded, matching her formal tone with a smile.
"It's nice to meet you too. Now, can I enter?"
Celestine's expression shifted again, becoming more serious. She glanced at the other students with her, giving them a brief nod to continue their watch.
"You may enter, but before that," she said, her voice firm, "you'll need to coordinate with the governing body of the academy—the student council. While it's true that you have jurisdiction, we can't have a stranger… let alone a man… wandering around the campus without the knowledge of our student council president."
Caled nodded in understanding. He hadn't expected to just waltz in without any formalities.
"Understood," he said, a smile tugging at his lips. "Then, let me meet her."
Celestine gave a sharp nod, turning her back to the gate. The other three students that had been standing guard moved aside, returning to their positions as Celestine gestured for Caled to follow her.
"Follow me, Professor."
Caled fell into step behind her, watching the campus come into view as they walked. The massive grounds of Deylan Academy sprawled out ahead of him, a combination of open spaces, large stone buildings, and well-maintained paths.
Students walked past in groups, chatting and laughing, their energy filling the air. He couldn't help but notice the way everyone seemed to be focused, purposeful, with an almost palpable sense of ambition that hung over the entire place.
This was the heart of Deylan, where warriors were made, and powerful magic users honed their craft. The potential here was immense. He could already feel it—the pressure of living up to the expectations, the weight of responsibility.
As they walked further into the academy, Caled kept pace with Celestine, watching her confident stride and noting the way she scanned the surroundings, her role as vice president of the Guardian Assembly clearly important to her. She didn't just keep the peace; she embodied it.
"So," Caled said, breaking the silence between them, "what exactly is the student council like here?"
Celestine glanced over her shoulder at him, a brief but sharp look, as if assessing whether he was asking out of genuine curiosity or just to pass the time.
"You'll see for yourself soon enough," she replied. "But let's just say, the student council president is someone you don't want to underestimate."
Caled raised an eyebrow, intrigued. It seemed like this meeting wasn't going to be just another simple introduction. As they moved deeper into the academy, he couldn't shake the feeling that Deylan had more going on beneath the surface than it let on.
They were getting closer to the heart of the campus. And soon, Caled would meet the people who would either help him or make his job that much more complicated. Either way, he was ready.