The Dragon's Soul. Unveiling the Truth

Chapter 9

“Dear first-year students,” the loudspeaker announced, “first, allow me to congratulate you on your admission to the Academy of the Elements. Being here is already a great honor. Your life from this day forward will be divided into before and after.”

“In the Academy, you will gain access to the knowledge and mysteries of the elemental magics of Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Our multi-level system of education ensures only the best of the best advance. Every six months you will face a Trial. Only by passing it will you progress to the next level. Take this seriously. The Academy of the Elements does not give second chances.”

“Your first task will be to master the fundamentals of magic and the element of your Great House. You must learn to feel your magic and use it consciously. At the end of the first semester, you are required to manifest your element physically. Those who fail—even if they pass the Trial — cannot continue and will be expelled permanently.”

“Only those who complete all six levels become true elemental magicians.”

“Your curriculum consists of both theoretical and practical training. Remember: without theory, you cannot practice; without practice, you cannot succeed.”

“Good luck to all of you. Classes begin tomorrow at eight. Tonight, the third-year students have prepared a Welcoming Ritual for you. Settle into your dorm rooms and begin preparing for the celebration, it’s a great opportunity to make connections and perhaps even find mentors.”

“This year, first-years will be housed in the west wing of the campus.”

“Once again: classes begin tomorrow at eight. Do not be late. Follow the rules, be noble, and be worthy of the elemental magic.”

“Thank you for your attention.”

The loudspeaker went silent.

The western wing was only a five-minute walk from the auditorium where the loudspeaker had greeted us.

Lida tagged along behind me. It wasn’t that I disliked her company, she seemed sweet enough, but I had far more important things to discuss with Aria. Still, I didn’t want to be rude, so I walked with Lida and tried to keep up the conversation.

“We’re lucky,” she chattered nonstop on our way to the dorms. “To be studying in the era when they’re choosing the next Supreme Dragon! We’ll see the duel between the Houses of Fire and Water! Two irresistible rivals, two opposite elements. And they’re both so handsome! I still can’t decide which one I like more! You’re so lucky you actually know Noah!”

She kept going on and on about the same thing, but I’ll admit, I barely listened.

We were roughly the same age, yet all she seemed to care about were the two pretty heirs of Fire and Water.

“Yeah. Lucky me,” I muttered through clenched teeth.

“The third-years prepared an initiation ceremony for us! I hope someone notices us. It’s the perfect chance to make an impression! What color dress are you wearing?” she asked, practically vibrating with excitement.

Oh. My. God. Was she really this shallow?

My head was aching from thinking about how to help Aria and find a way back home — and here she was, fussing over a dress.

“I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet,” I answered dryly, realizing I didn’t even know what was inside this suitcase.

“Ari, let’s go together, okay? I usually can’t bring myself to talk to people, but with you I feel lighter.”

“Fine,” I agreed reluctantly, hoping she might calm down a little.

My room was on the second floor. Lidia went up one level, begging me not to go to the party without her.

The window in my room overlooked the courtyard, where a massive old oak tree grew. Judging by its enormous trunk and roots, it must have been centuries old.

The room itself was cozy, far more than I expected. A comfortable bed big enough for two, a soft armchair, a wardrobe, a dresser, a writing desk, and behind a narrow door — a bathroom.

Thank goodness! I hadn’t even thought about how people in this world handled basic hygiene.

“Ari, what surprises you so much? People here are the same as in your world. They’ve simply learned to use elemental magic,” Aria remarked.

“In my world people are more polite,” I shot back.

“Power uplifts the mind and absolute power blinds it. People stop seeing and hearing others.”

“What is this academy anyway?” I asked the dragon.

“The Academy of Elements was created for those capable of wielding power. Here, they learn to control it and use it for good.”

“Not everyone here has magic?” I asked, shocked.

“No. Magic is everywhere, but not everyone can feel it, see it, or use it. Some are born with the gift. Others will never let it into their consciousness, no matter how much they study. Revealing secret knowledge to everyone is pointless — many can’t comprehend the responsibility that comes with power.”

“Great. An academy for the chosen ones. But I can’t use elemental power at all. I can’t do magic. How am I supposed to study here? They’ll expose me immediately,” I fretted.

“Magic is everywhere, Ari,” the dragon soothed. “I’ll help you. You’ll manage. We’ll manage.”

I lay down on the bed, staring at the white ceiling. Magic is everywhere. All I had to do was feel it, let it into my consciousness.