Chapter 18 The Academy [part 1]

Chapter 18 The Academy [part 1]

Milhguard Academy stood as an enigmatic fortress, situated on an island shrouded in mystery – the Sanctuary of The Crimson Shadow.

This isle lay at the heart of the vast Central Plain, its existence owing to the eerie sea of smokes that lurked beneath instead of a vast expanse of water.

Tra-el, the realm in which it resided, recognized the island as one of its nine wonders – places where unexplainable phenomena defied human comprehension.

No matter how fervently scholars attempted to unravel the secrets behind these marvels, their efforts proved futile, for the wonders remained cloaked in enigma.

As the flying ship approached, Northern peered down from the deck, his gaze meeting the unsettling sight of crimson smokes creeping eerily far below.

The academy itself stood fortified, surrounded by towering walls that enclosed its buildings, safeguarding them from the creepy claws of the shadowy haze.

The height of these walls was staggering, stretching so high that even from the ship's lofty trajectory, the structures within remained obscured from view.

Northern found himself pondering how they would gain entry, wondering if the vessel would need to ascend to greater heights.

As if in response to his curiosity, the ship glided directly towards the wall.

Northern watched, captivated, as the air sailors skillfully folded the colossal mast and maneuvered the vessel's three wheels to direct its course.

With the mast folded, the ship appeared less imposing, liberated from its bulky rigging.

Suddenly, a section of the immense wall parted, revealing a cavity from which an extended metallic aerial bridge unfurled.

Simultaneously, a wide circular platform unfolded, and the ship slowly glided towards it, making a smooth landing.

The moment had arrived – it was time for Northern to enter the academy he had long anticipated.

His eyes danced with sparks of excitement as he envisioned the wonders that awaited him beyond those formidable walls.

Just then, a young lady approached, her raven tresses flowing gracefully in the wind.

Her crimson eyes seemed to pierce through all they beheld, exuding an intensity that hinted at a thirst for conquest.

Her skin bore a warm, flawless hue, and her jet-black bangs framed her forehead, stopping just above her sharp, defined brows.

Northern found himself momentarily distracted by the floral scent that lingered around her.

He turned to regard her, only to nonchalantly avert his gaze moments later.

"This is yours, right?" he inquired amiably.

"Ah, yes it is," Northern responded, slightly taken aback. "Thank you," he added, politely collecting the bag from Gilbert's grasp.

Falling in line with the other passengers, Northern surveyed his surroundings.

Most of his fellow travelers appeared to be between the ages of fourteen and sixteen, with the exception of a single diminutive figure who immediately caught his eye.

The youth was not merely short in stature but possessed blue hair and a cold, piercing gaze that hinted at a troubled disposition.

To Northern, the boy seemed out of place, as if he should not have been present.

As Northern approached the cavity within the wall, he glanced around once more, but there was still no sign of Ruchsbourgh.

While his absence did not perturb Northern, he had expected the individual who had invited him here to accompany him on the journey. If not, how could Ruchsbourgh possibly teleport them into a place he had never been?

As Northern walked, someone matched his pace, and a boy greeted him with a slight bow of his head.

"Good afternoon. My name is Ellis... Ellis Ruthsworn."

Northern regarded him with a deadpan expression, offering no response.

"So what about you... what's your name?" Ellis pressed, undeterred by Northern's silence.

Northern sighed inwardly. 'Can't he even get a hint?' he mumbled under his breath before answering curtly, "Northern..."

Ellis studied Northern intently, as if expecting more information.

"What?" Northern grumbled, growing impatient with the boy's scrutiny.

"You must be from the imperial family..." Ellis whispered conspiratorially.

"Are you trying to hide your identity? Don't worry, not everyone knows about the white hair of Luinngard Empire."

Northern arched a brow, his expression puzzled.

"I think you have the wrong person..." he stated matter-of-factly, hastening his steps to put distance between himself and the persistent Ellis as they entered the hallowed walls of the academy.

What sprawled out before his eyes was a sight more grandiose than anything he had ever laid eyes upon – the magnificent Milhguard Academy in all its splendor.