Elias Leywin POV
"It seems Talent really does run in your family, Mr Leywin" A crisp voice cleanly sliced through the fading sounds of a now distant spar.
My father slowly turned his head toward the source. I followed his gaze, wiping the gathered sweat from my brow.
An older woman stood at the edge of the patio. Her amethyst-coloured robes fell over her frail-looking form, one hand raised to her chin.
'How had I missed her? She feels familiar...'
My Father fell to one knee before her. "Director Goodsky?" he asked, breath catching slightly. He straightened instinctively. "I was not made aware of your arrival. Even though I'm the head of security..." he muttered the last sentence to himself with a snicker.
She offered a slight nod in greeting, her hands clasped loosely before her. "That was intentional. I wished to observe without altering the environment. It often reveals more than formal displays or testing."
'Testing?'
Father's eyes flicked to me before returning to her. "If I had known, I would have arranged something more appropriate. This was simply morning practice, nothing more." He rose and steadied me by the shoulder, as if I might fall without him.
"On the contrary," she informed, the faintest curve touching her lips, "it was quite interesting."
He cleared his throat. "Forgive my hesitation, Director, but may I ask what brings you here? Arthur isn't here; he left two months ago."
"I'm not here to see your eldest," she replied smoothly. Her gaze settled on me. She raised a finger and pointed it at me. "I came to see him."
Father blinked, "...Elias?"
She nodded once. "I wish to take him under my guidance... and train him."
"Director Goodsky!" Uncle Vincent stumbled out onto the patio, shirt half-tucked and hair dishevelled. His shoes struck sharply against the stone. "You-you're here already?! I wasn't told you had arrived!"
Papa's voice dropped. "Vincent... you knew she was coming?"
Vincent faltered, eyes darting. "I-yes, well, I did, Rey, but not this early! She wasn't due until this afternoon!"
Their voices tangled together, tight and hushed.
The Director stepped past them and lowered herself to one knee in front of me.
"You're not frightened," she said, studying my face. "That's good."
I nodded, though I wasn't entirely sure she was right. My fingers still tingled from gripping the training sword. My pulse hammered in my chest and echoed in my ears.
She studied me in silence for a moment longer, then spoke softly, just for me to hear. "Do you know who I am?"
I nodded again. "You're Director Goodsky... of Xyrus Academy. You fought my brother a few months ago."
Her lips twitched at the corners. "I'm glad you remember me"
---
Tea steamed between us in the sitting room.
"Apologies for dropping in uninvited, Vincent." The Director spoke, stirring her cup. Spoon softly tapping against porcelain.
Uncle Vincent forced a laugh and sank into the sofa. "You're always welcome here. I just wish I'd had time to prepare something more fitting."
"You needn't fuss," she replied with a soft smile. "I did not come for formalities."
Her eyes briefly flicked to me again, and then to my mother. She sat inhumanely straight. Her fingers had not left her teacup's handle since she picked it up. "So," My Mother began, her voice as composed as she could manage, "You came here... for Elias?"
Cynthia nodded.
"He's six," Mother pressed, her tone sharpening ever so slightly. "I'm sorry, Director Goodsky, but this isn't something I'm comfortable with. He's just a child."
"I understand your concern," the older woman said gently. "And I don't mean to overstep. But this isn't a suggestion I'd make lightly."
"Then why did you suggest it, Director?" My father asked, arms crossed now, expression unreadable.
With a graceful motion, the Director reached into her robe and pulled out a piece of carefully folded parchment. She laid it on the table in front of my mother and tapped it once with a pale finger.
"This letter arrived two weeks ago. It was written to me by your son, Arthur."
Dad leaned forward slightly, while Mum, hesitatingly, reached for the letter. Her hands unfolded the crisp paper, and her eyes began scanning it.
I tried to catch a glimpse, but I could only make out the first line in my brother's rather distinct handwriting.
[ I hope this finds you well, Director Goodsky. I am writing to ask for a favour, I believe enough time has passed since my departure from my family that... ]
Mother's eyes widened faintly. Her lips moved as she read silently. She lowered the letter to her lap.
"Director Goodsky... I don't mean to question Arthur's wishes. And I truly appreciate you making this journey yourself, to see our son." Dad said as he tiptoed around anyway that he might have offended the great mage. His eyes flicked to me, then back to her. "But I'm not sure we can accept. We... we're not in a position to afford Xyrus Academy."
Vincent placed a hand on my father's shoulder. "Rey, money is no issue, I'll happily Spons-"
"There is no cost, or rather tuition, that you are obligated to pay for Elias' education," she said firmly.
Both of my parents blinked.
"Pardon?" Mum asked.
"As Elias would be my Apprentice, he would be exempt from all financial obligations."
She folded her hands in her lap, her voice still calm.
"If Elias truly possesses the potential Arthur believes he does, then I will mentor him myself. Not as a formal student of Xyrus Academy, but as a personal pupil." She said, smirking, as she raised her cup to her face.
"Why would you go so far?" my father asked as an air of confusion washed over him.
"Well, to be entirely honest, I was having tea with an old friend a few weeks ago, where he was bragging about his own student, so... and I got the letter from Arthur not long after..."
'Was I just a plaything to this crazy old woman?'
Feeling the air shift and the eyes gathering on her, the Director let out a slight cough as she continued. "After his display against his father, I was impressed." She swirled the teacup she held. "Due to his age, I would like to suggest that he commutes to the Academy, and as he grows older and takes additional classes, move into the dorms"
"That makes sense... I suppose," my mother stated, looking at me hesitantly.
"As it is a Sunday tomorrow, why don't you and your son, Mrs Leywin, come visit the Academy's grounds? I will personally give you a tour," she added with a wag of her finger.
"Please, Mu- Mother," I said pleadingly, looking wide-eyed up at her.
"I-It wouldn't hurt to look around... I guess," she exhaled.
---
The carriage lurched once as it stopped, and I had to grab the edge of the seat to keep from pitching forward.
Beyond the glass, past the wide stone road and iron gates, Xyrus Academy rose so high I had to tilt my head back to see the tops of the towers. Pale grey stone caught the morning sun and flung it back in sharp flashes from silver spires.
Archways curved between buildings like ribs, and balconies stacked one above the other in perfect symmetry. Leaves whispered in the courtyard trees, gold and green flickering against white walls.
My breath fogged the window. "It's even bigger than I thought."
"Elias."
I dropped back into my seat at the sound of my name. Mother's fingers slid through my hair, smoothing it into place. She brushed an invisible speck from my collar, then another from her own skirt. Her hands did not quite stop moving.
"Stay close to me the entire time," she reminded me as the carriage door opened.
"I know." I nodded as she lent me a hand to climb down.
The gates stood open, their metal bars twisted into curling vines and crescent moons. Waiting in the sunlight was Director Goodsky, her amethyst robes shifting around her ankles as the breeze passed.
"Welcome," she said.
Mother inclined her head. "Thank you for receiving us, Director."
Her gaze softened as it moved to me. "And good morning to you, Elias."
I gave a quick, nervous bow like my mother had me practise. "Good morning, Director Goodsky."
The faintest glint of amusement lit her eyes. "Come. I thought we'd begin in the central courtyard."
My shoes met polished white stone as we passed through the gate. It was so smooth I could see a faint blur of myself in it. Around us, students moved in small groups. They wore their crisp white and perfectly tailored Uniforms. Most looked to be teenagers, only a few years older than Arthur.
"This is the most prestigious mage institution on the continent," the Director said as we walked. "This institution accepts only those with rare talent and the will to refine it," the Director said as we walked. "Many of our students come from noble families. Others rise from obscurity. But those who graduate from here... often shape the future of this kingdom."
We passed between two of the grand towers, and the buildings seemed to stretch up forever. Their walls were carved with decorative trim, not magical inscriptions, but detailed reliefs of beasts, mages, and battles.
The plaza ahead opened wide, marble fanning out between lecture halls. Students sat on benches with open texts balanced on their knees. Others crossed the space at a brisk pace, whispering incantations under their breath.
"This area hosts most of our lecture halls. First-year students began with mana theory, elemental control, and magical discipline, amongst others, and more practical classes such as Artificing." She looked back at us. "Each student's Classes grow more specialised as one progresses."
She slowed as we reached a raised overlook framed by columns. "From here, you can see the inner court."
I stepped forward.
Below us, a carefully maintained field stretched out. It was divided into circular training rings bordered by stone seats and thick barriers. A few of the rings were occupied by students sparring under the watchful gaze of instructors.
"This is the Inner Court. This is where students can refine their practical skills as well as those taught in class. Every student, regardless of background, trains here."
I leaned forward on the stone railing, eyes wide. "Are they... fighting for real?"
I gripped the railing. "Are they fighting for real?"
A pulse of wind knocked one student back several steps before he dug his heel into the ground and steadied himself.
"They are," the Director replied. "Watch their hands."
I did. Every movement was deliberate. When a spell surged too close to the barrier, it thinned and vanished against the stone.
"But with control. Injuries are rare even at this level; students understand the importance of restraint." She glanced at me. "Power means little if you cannot wield it with intention."
Mum stepped beside me, her gaze sharp as it scanned the field. "And if a child loses control?"
The Director didn't shy away from the question. "Then we intervene. No one here is left to struggle alone."
That answer seemed to satisfy my mother, at least a little bit for now.
We moved on to a shaded garden path. Fountains murmured somewhere beyond trimmed hedges. Students sat cross-legged beneath trees, eyes closed, hands resting on their knees. Mana shimmered faintly around a few of them like heat above stone.
"This is the West Garden. This is an area dedicated to independent study or focused meditation. Magic is not only a force of nature, but it is also a force of the mind. Balance is essential to growth."
I turned to look at her. "Do you come here often?"
She smiled faintly. "Not as often as I should."
We entered a wide corridor, where glass-paned windows ran along one side, letting in beams of warm light. On the other side, framed portraits watched us pass. Men and women in regal robes. Battlemages in armour.
"These were some of Xyrus' most distinguished alumni," the Director said. "Royal battlemages. Guild masters. Advisors to the court. Even a few Kingsguard."
We descended again and walked toward the southern edge of the campus, where a quieter building stood near a large rectangular pond. Inside the wide hall, older students bent over tables scattered with crystal shards and carved rods. One traced a careful line along a staff. Light seeped from the groove, steady and warm.
I stepped closer, pressing my hands to the window. "How did he do that?" I asked before I subsequently remembered myself.
Cynthia smiled down at me. "This is our artificing hall. Here, students learned to infuse mana into tools and constructs. This is promoted to those who are less inclined toward combat. It's an alternative path. But no less important."
I nodded as she began to lead us back to the main building. Director Goodsky led us down a quieter hallway than before, where the polished marble gave way to darker stone, and the high ceilings dipped lower. Decorative lanterns glowed dimly along the walls, their light soft and golden. I exchanged a glance with my mother as the air grew cooler.
At the end of the corridor, we came to a stop in front of what looked like a stone alcove. The room was bare, except for the hallway we had just entered and a circular platform inset into the floor with runes carved around its edges.
Standing beside it was a man in a crisp black uniform, silver embroidery lining his cuffs. He gave the Director a polite bow, then turned his eyes to us.
"Whenever you're ready, ma'am," he bowed.
"Take us to Subterranean Level Three, please."
The man stepped onto the platform and motioned for us to join him.
I hesitated. "Um... what is this?"
"An elevator," the Director replied calmly. "A vertical transport platform. It will carry us down."
"Down?" I blinked. "There's more academy... underground?"
"Much more," she smiled.
The servant pressed his palm to a rune panel inset into the wall. The lines on the floor lit up. With a low hum, the platform began to descend smoothly into the earth. I tightly gripped Mum's hand as the stone walls shifted and glowed faintly with passing sigils.
"How many levels were there?" Mum asked warily.
"Three," Director Goodsky replied. "Only the top two of which were accessible to the general student body."
"What's on the others?" I stared up at her.
"You'll soon see," she said, eyes twinkling.
The platform slowed. Stone parted ahead with a soft chime, revealing a passage lit in cool blue.
Our steps echoed as we approached towering black doors trimmed in gold. A carved tree split across them, roots reaching down, branches stretching high.
My mother slowed beside me, brow furrowing. "What is this place?" she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Director Goodsky said nothing. She only approached the doors and placed a single palm against the centre of the carved trunk. Gold light bloomed outward from her touch, dancing through the inlaid runes along the surface like veins coming to life.
With a soft rumble, the doors began to open. Light pooled through the crack as it widened.
'Is that Sunlight?'
Warm, golden beams poured in from above as the doors swung open to reveal not a room, but an entire landscape.
The chamber beyond was enormous, easily the size of the entire academy's courtyard, maybe larger.
I stepped forward into the room and, for a moment, forgot to breathe.
A field of lush grass stretched across the floor. soft green blades swayed gently beneath an artificial breeze. Trees dotted the far edges, their canopies rustling as though touched by real wind. A narrow stream trickled through the landscape, its surface glittering as it wound between smooth stones and low flowerbeds.
And above it all, high overhead, a crystal dome arched like a second sky. Its translucent panels shimmered with illusion, projecting a bright blue firmament scattered with drifting white clouds.
My jaw dropped as my mind wandered.
'This place almost felt like...'
"We're still underground?" Mum asked, her voice quiet with disbelief.
"Correct," Director Goodsky said. "This was the academy's subterranean training chambers. It was designed to emulate a natural environment while maintaining full magical containment. The dome was reinforced with layered enchantments to suppress stray mana and redirect force. It adapts automatically to the caster's level."
"This is..." I began, trying to find the right word, "...for me?"
"It is," she said, turning to face me. "If you chose to become my apprentice?"
I looked at my mother with pleading eyes.
"Elias," she said, still in absolute awe of the room.
She turned to face the older mage and lowered her head. "Director Goodsky, please train my son"
She glided toward my mother, placing a hand on her shoulder. "There is no need to bow to me, Mrs Leywin. I should be the one asking for your permission."
Mum raised her head to look at the woman before her.
"And please call me Cynthia, because I believe we'll be seeing a lot more of each other over these coming years."
She let go of my mother and looked down at me with a smile. "Shall we begin, my young Apprentice?"
---
Hello everyone, Rius here,
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. See you tomorrow for Chapter 13.
Thank you to Lancelot Dragonroad for beta-reading and editing.
Rius Out.