As the days turned into weeks, the academy thrived with the influx of new knowledge and scholars from different realms. The latest success in Thaloria had solidified the academy's reputation as a center of excellence and a beacon of hope for many. Aidan, now more seasoned and confident, found his role evolving. He was not just a leader but also a symbol of the academy's ideals.
One morning, as the sun's rays filtered through the ancient stained glass windows of the council chamber, a new challenge emerged. Aidan stood before the council, a scroll in his hands bearing a seal they hadn't seen before—a sigil intertwined with stars and spirals, representing the lost realm of Astralis.
Lysandra, recognizing the seal, spoke first. "Astralis... the realm that vanished during the Great Cataclysm centuries ago. Many believed it was lost forever."