บท 106: Micah - 10.2
Before I could process this, a sharp voice cut through the tranquility.
"What are you doing lying there in that ridiculously fake armor?" a boy's voice sneered. "Did you lose your court, jester?"
I looked up to see a kid, not much younger than me, standing over me with a disdainful expression. He was dressed in fine clothes, clearly from a wealthy family. His nose wrinkled as he looked me over.
"Are you some kind of fool? Do you think this is a place for playing dress-up?"
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, a bell tolled in the distance. The sound was deep and resonant, filling the air with a sense of urgency. I turned towards the source of the sound and my breath caught in my throat.
A grand display of architecture stood before me, towering spires and intricate carvings reaching towards the sky. The buildings were a masterpiece of design, each structure seamlessly blending beauty and strength. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, a city that seemed to be pulled straight from the pages of a storybook.
The boy scoffed at my awe-struck expression. "First time seeing the academy? Figures. You look like you crawled out of a gutter."
Ignoring his insults, I struggled to my feet, still clutching the letters.
"Where am I?"
He rolled his eyes. "You're at the Academy, obviously. The bell means class is about to start."
"Which Academy?"
"The Academy, dunce."
I glanced around, taking in the lush gardens and pristine pathways that surrounded the magnificent buildings. The academy's grounds were meticulously maintained, a stark contrast to the disarray I had left behind.
"Arcanium?"
"Gods your slow. Stop blemishing the front lawn before I report you to the staff."
He turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, bewildered.
I looked down at the letters in my hands. I opened the newest letter first, tucking the one from my father beneath my gambeson. I ripped open the wax seal and unfolded the paper. The parchment was exquisite.
My dearest nephew, light of my life and my brother's most favored treasure,
When I arrived at your mother's place, I promised to show you the world, but one thing led into another and we've been stuck in Aetherhaven far too long. You can learn about my bakeries later. You may have been through war, but you need to mature.
I had Magnar transport you, which he at great lengths complained about until I reimbursed him with how many crystals he had to sacrifice to affect that suit of yours, to somewhere where you can learn the secrets of the world. Somewhere where you will learn the balance of life. I hope you can find the answers to the dreams that plague you as well as finally feel normal, as everyone there is cursed to be extraordinary.
Farewell and mana be with ye in Auroria.
꧁༺ 𝒰𝓁𝓎𝓈𝓈𝑒𝓈 𝑀𝑜𝓇𝓁𝑒𝓎 ༻꧂
I crumpled the letter in my hand, seething with frustration.
"First, he steals me from my home in Aune, then he sentences me to this island in the sky with only two ways out—graduation or expulsion. What does he expect me to do here? Blend in? Fit in with all these... these most gifted magical children across the allied kingdoms?"
I paced back and forth, the grand buildings and lush surroundings doing little to calm my anger.
"Ulysses thinks he knows what's best for me. He never asked what I wanted. He just decided and sent me off like I'm some package to be delivered. I save uncle's life from accidental execution and this is the thanks I get?"
The boy from earlier glanced back, probably hearing my rant. I shot him a glare, daring him to make another snide comment, but he just smirked and kept walking.
"Great," I muttered to myself. "Just great. Stranded here, surrounded by people who have no appreciation for smiths."
I kicked at the ground, feeling utterly defeated.
With a heavy sigh, I looked around, trying to get my bearings. The Academy loomed ahead, a testament to power and knowledge. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to make this work. To turn this exile into an opportunity.
"Alright, Ulysses," I said, my voice low and determined. "You want the balance of life? I'll craft the perfect balance."
The ornate archway of the entrance loomed above me, a beautiful yet intimidating structure adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering runes.
The courtyard was teeming with new prospects for the year, each one seemingly more overwhelmed than the last.
"Alright, freshmen! Gather in your assigned groups and have your admission papers ready!" a faculty member shouted.
I scanned the sea of faces, looking for any indication of where I was supposed to go. It seemed like every student had a specific place to be, while I was left adrift in this monsoon tide of people.
"Excuse me," I said, approaching behind a girl in line.
She turned around, her eyes wide with anxiety.
"Do you know where we're supposed to go?" I asked, hoping for some direction.
She shook her head, biting her lip. "Our names... Check the big board over there..."
She pointed to a series of large boards set up near the entrance, each one covered in rows of names.
"Thanks," I said, giving her a reassuring nod.
I pushed my way through the crowd, making my way toward the boards. As I got closer, I could see other students crowding around, trying to find their names among the endless lists. It was a madhouse, with everyone jostling for a closer look.
I accidentally bumped into someone and they passed out.
"Sorry," I muttered.
I finally reached one of the boards and began scanning the names, my eyes darting from line to line.
"Morley, Morley... where are you?" I whispered to myself, the anxiety building with each passing second.
Finally, I found it. Micah Morley under homeroom Sable Isolde. I stepped back to allow others to find their names.
"Sable Isolde," I repeated to myself, looking around for any sign of who that might be.
I spotted a teacher holding a sign that read Sable Isolde and began making way towards her.
The teacher was a tall woman with white, flowing hair and piercing blue eyes. She had an air of elegance and authority that immediately commanded respect. As I approached, she glanced at me and nodded slightly.
"Micah Morley?" she asked, her voice smooth and controlled.
"How'd you know?" I asked.
"Welcome to Arcanium, Mr. Morley."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง