Four years passed like a turning page.
The seasons changed, the skies of Aetherion painted themselves in countless shades of dawn and dusk, and the children who had once entered the academy with curious eyes and unpolished talent had become young men and women whose names were already whispered among instructors and veteran awakeners alike.
Countless mornings had begun with sword drills until their hands bled.
Countless evenings had ended with meditation beneath moonlit skies while refining spirit, body, and will. There had been victories. There had been failures. There had been injuries that nearly ended promising futures.
Yet every hardship became another stone laid upon the road they now stood upon. Arios Dreamveil, Lysera Dreamveil, Borus Ashveil, Lex Vaelith, Destiny, Cecil, Veldama, Damrei, Rei, Zefair and Alex. They were no longer first-year students. Today…they were graduates.
The grand auditorium of Aetherion Academy had never been so full.
Rows upon rows of students sat quietly in polished seats while teachers lined both sides of the massive hall.
Tall crystal chandeliers floated beneath the ceiling, illuminating banners that carried the crest of the academy. Aetherion Academy.
"Where potential becomes responsibility."
The graduating class occupied the front rows.
All eleven of them wore formal black academy uniforms adorned with silver embroidery, each bearing the emblem of an upper-class graduate upon their chest.
Arios sat comfortably in his chair, his short white hair neatly combed as his crimson eyes wandered across the auditorium.
Beside him sat Lysera. Her long hair, divided perfectly between black and white, flowed elegantly behind her shoulders, making her crimson eyes stand out even more.
One by one, familiar faces filled the stage.
Maelaric, Instructor Jin, Miss Bromet and finally…Principal Philis Evongoth slowly walked toward the podium, supported by his familiar cane. The hall instantly fell silent. No one dared speak principal Philis looked across every student before smiling softly.
"So…It seems another generation has reached the end of one journey."
His calm voice echoed naturally throughout the enormous auditorium.
"This year is a great and promising one. Not only because you will graduate…but because today, each of you gains something far more important."
He paused.
"A choice."
His aged eyes slowly scanned the graduating students.
"The world after the White Flash is unlike the one that came before. The gods are no longer untouchable. The impossible has become attainable but remember…The most precious thing in existence is still the human heart and even that…can become corrupted."
Silence filled the room.
Philis continued.
"So what will you choose? Will you stand and fight, knowing death may greet you tomorrow? Or…Will you become the very thing you once despised?"
His expression softened.
"I know my students and because I know them…I believe they will make the right choice."
A warm applause filled the auditorium.
One by one…Names were called. Each graduate stepped onto the stage. Each received a medal. Each received honors recognizing four years of relentless effort.
When Arios' name echoed through the hall, the applause noticeably grew louder. When Lysera followed shortly after, many students stood to clap. By the time the final medal had been presented…Aetherion Academy had officially welcomed another generation into the world.
The formal ceremony soon came to an end. The academy grounds, once filled with lectures and training exercises, transformed into a place of conversation and laughter.
Students wandered the gardens. Teachers shared stories with graduates.Groups gathered beneath trees to reminisce about their academy days. Near one of the stone fountains, Arios and the others sat together beneath the afternoon sun.
Borus stretched his arms before glancing toward Arios with a grin.
"So…What are you planning to do now?"
Arios leaned back against the bench, looking toward the clear blue sky.
"I'm going to become an Ascender."
There wasn't the slightest hesitation in his voice.
"I want to travel through different realms. I want to challenge stronger opponents and someday…I'll crush the gods."
The declaration wasn't filled with arrogance. Only conviction. Lysera smiled beside him.
"I'm thinking the same thing."
Everyone turned toward her. She shrugged casually.
"If my brother's throwing himself into danger, somebody has to keep him alive."
Laughter spread throughout the group. Cecil folded her arms.
"So…Everyone's thinking the same thing?"
Veldama nodded.
"I guess it makes sense. Our parents were called the Revenants and the Mirrored Six. Our powers may be different…but they've all inherited something from that era. In a way…we're walking the same road."
Alex remained completely silent as always. Lex casually dropped onto the bench beside him.
"You know…I've known you for years. I still don't know if your vocal cords actually work."
Alex slowly looked toward him and said nothing. Lex sighed dramatically.
"I knew it."
The group burst into laughter. Even Alex's expression softened almost imperceptibly. Zefair and Damrei walked over carrying drinks before sitting beside them. A few moments later Rei joined as well.
Destiny looked around the circle.
"We all have the same goal but realistically…We probably won't stay together. The Ascenders Academy has countless departments. Combat, Exploration, Research, Special Operations, Different instructors and missions. We'll definitely meet…just not every day."
Damrei nodded.
"Not to mention real missions. If we're assigned to dimensional expeditions…They'll probably pair us with experienced Ascenders. We'll have to learn from veterans before we're trusted on our own."
Arios crossed his arms behind his head.
"No use worrying about that. We'll still have free time and besides…"
He smiled.
"We're all trying to trample the gods. To do that…We'll have to become far stronger than we are now because…even we can die."
Lysera immediately punched him in the shoulder.
"Don't kill the mood."
Arios:
"Ow."
Arios rubbed the spot dramatically.
"I was just being realistic."
Lex laughed loudly.
"He's got a point."
Zefair nodded.
"Unfortunately…He does."
The atmosphere remained lighthearted.
For the first time in years…
None of them were thinking about battles, monsters or impossible enemies. Today…They were simply friends. As evening approached, they returned to the academy one last time. One after another…They thanked the teachers who had shaped them.
Instructor Jin smiled proudly as he shook Arios' hand.
"You've become a proper swordsman but don't stop training. The moment you think you've mastered the sword…is the moment you stop improving. I understand."
Miss Bromet quietly looked toward Lysera.
"You've learned restraint. Don't lose it."
Lysera bowed respectfully.
"I won't."
Maelaric simply nodded toward the group.
"I expect to hear your names throughout the realms."
Philis stood at the academy gate, watching every graduate leave.
"You all know where you're headed. The Ascenders Academy. It isn't another school. It's an association. A place where awakeners become true explorers."
His voice remained calm as always.
"There…You'll gain access to portals, Dungeons, Different realms, Combat simulations, Live battlefield training. You'll learn how to use your powers properly. You'll receive missions and based upon your rank…you'll receive an identity card. That card will determine where you're permitted to travel."
He smiled faintly.
"Within the academy…They are responsible for your lives but once you step into another realm…you're on your own. The worlds beyond do not care who you are. It is…the survival of the fittest."
No one spoke. Every graduate understood. Their real journey…was only beginning.
The sun had already begun disappearing beyond the horizon when Arios and Lysera finally returned home. The Dreamveil Estate glowed warmly beneath the golden evening sky. The aroma of freshly baked food drifted from the kitchen before they even stepped inside.
Arios pushed the front door open.
"Mom, we're home."
Footsteps echoed from the upper floor.
A moment later Selene descended the staircase with effortless elegance. Her long silver-white hair flowed behind her like moonlight made tangible. Her silver eyes carried the same gentle warmth they always had.
She smiled.
"Welcome home and….Happy birthday."
A large cake rested upon the dining table beside a feast that could have fed an entire household.
Lysera blinked.
"You remembered."
Selene raised an eyebrow.
"Of course I remembered. I carried the two of you for months. You think I'd forget your birthday?"
Arios laughed.
"I guess not."
Before anyone could sit…Space in the middle of the living room rippled. A circular portal quietly unfolded. A young girl stepped through wearing azure-colored robes.
Perched comfortably upon her shoulder was a tiny black dragon that lazily yawned before looking around the room. The girl's silver-blue eyes immediately brightened.
"Hey, Mom! Big sis! Bro!"
Selene smiled warmly.
"Welcome, Aelira. You came at exactly the right time."
Taking Aelira gently by both hands, Selene led her toward the dining table lysera immediately hugged her.
"We missed you."
Aelira:
"I missed you guys too."
Arios laughed before rubbing the top of her head.
"You've gotten taller."
Aelira pouted.
"I'm still growing."
The tiny dragon umbra chirped proudly from her shoulder as everyone laughed. Soon the table became filled with conversation. Cake was cut. Dinner was served. Stories from the academy filled the evening with laughter.
For just a little while…There were no gods,battles or destiny waiting beyond the horizon. Only a family sharing a meal together.
Far behind them…Standing where no ordinary eyes could perceive…A figure composed entirely of gentle light watched silently. Only the outline of his face could be seen.
A small smile appeared upon it.Within the dining room…Selene suddenly paused.A familiar sensation brushed gently against her soul. One she could never mistake. Her heartbeat skipped. Slowly…She turned.
"Husband…?"
Nothing..the room was empty. The being of light had already vanished. Yet the lingering warmth remained. Across the table, Arios unconsciously looked toward the same empty corner.
"I don't know why…but it felt like Dad was here."
Selene smiled softly, her eyes lingering on the place where the presence had disappeared.
"So did I."
Somewhere beyond realms…Beyond concepts…Beyond even the structures Lucien himself had once rewritten…A quiet smile answered them. Though unseen…The Creator had never truly left his family.