The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and freshly turned earth as I stood at the massive gates of Elixir High, the most prestigious magic academy in the kingdom of Eldoria.

  A place where the brightest mages, alchemists, and scholars gathered to shape the future of the world.

  A place where I—a swordsman with no magic—didn’t belong.

  The iron gates stretched high, adorned with ancient runes that shimmered faintly in the morning sun. Beyond them, towering spires of white stone rose into the sky, their surfaces etched with golden inscriptions of forgotten spells. Students in midnight-blue uniforms hurried through the entrance, their conversations buzzing with excitement.

  Some glanced at me, their eyes lingering with curiosity—or disbelief.

  I didn’t blame them.

  Magic academies weren’t for people like me. They were for mages, spellcasters, and prodigies who could bend the elements to their will. But I had entered through an exception—my swordsmanship.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Even though I had yet to awaken any magic, my combat skills had caught the attention of Headmaster Alric, a man said to possess one of the oldest grimoires in existence. He personally approved my admission, claiming I was a ‘unique case.’

  I exhaled and stepped forward.

  The moment my foot crossed the threshold, I felt it—a pulse of energy.

  It was faint, like a whisper in my bones, but for a split second, the world around me felt heavier. The ground beneath me thrummed with something ancient, something familiar.

  I paused.

  What was that?

  "Oi, move it along, newbie," a voice snapped behind me.

  I turned just in time to see a tall, broad-shouldered student brush past me, his deep-red cloak signaling his rank as a senior mage. He didn’t even spare me a second glance.

  I ignored him and continued forward, my eyes scanning the Grand Courtyard. It was larger than I had imagined—an open space with marble pathways, floating lanterns, and a massive fountain at the center, where a statue of the First Archmage stood tall, one hand raised to the sky. The moment I passed the fountain, my admissions badge hummed softly, signaling my presence.

  I wasn’t the only new student.

  All around me, first-years gathered in small clusters, chatting nervously. Some were already showing off their abilities—one girl conjured floating orbs of water, while another boy sent a burst of flame into the air.

  I felt nothing.

  No magic. No connection to the energy they so easily commanded.

  I clenched my fist.

  I didn’t care about magic. I had gotten here through my own strength.

  And if that wasn’t enough… then I’d make it enough.

  A loud chime echoed through the courtyard. The first bell.

  "All first-years, gather at the Grand Hall!" a voice boomed, amplified by magic. "Your orientation begins now!"

  With a deep breath, I adjusted the sword strapped to my back and walked forward.

  This was the beginning.

  Not just of my time at Elixir High.

  But of the truth I would soon uncover.

  Because whether this world knew it or not—

  Lucian Vael had returned.