Chapter 26: Chapter 26 - Valeria Academy Entrance Ceremony
Valeria Academy of Magical Arts, a beacon of magical knowledge and mastery, was nestled within the enchanted depths of a mystical forest.
The entrance, a massive stone door inscribed with ancient runes, loomed like an impenetrable gateway to the secrets within.
As students approached, the door's runes glowed with a soft, welcoming light, and it swung open with a resounding yet inviting creak, revealing the mysteries that lay beyond.
Once inside, the academy was a masterpiece of magical architecture.
The corridors were illuminated by radiant mana orbs, each casting a gentle, ethereal glow. These orbs floated gracefully along the pathways, guiding students through the majestic halls.
Adorning the walls were tapestries woven with enchanted threads, depicting scenes from magical history and tales of legendary wizards and mythical creatures.
High-vaulted ceilings stretched above, supported by towering columns of polished marble that seemed to touch the very sky.
One of the most awe-inspiring spaces was the Grand Hall of Awakening, a vast chamber dedicated to the initiation of new students.
This hall was a marvel in itself, with its immense stained glass windows that depicted the great magical elements and their harmony. As sunlight filtered through these intricate artworks, it cast mesmerizing patterns of color across the marble floor.
Valeria Academy was overseen by a wise and enigmatic Principal, known for her unwavering commitment to nurturing young talents. Yet, the true enigma was the Director of the academy, an elusive figure whose identity remained hidden behind a veil of secrecy.
Legends and rumors swirled around the Director, their powers and wisdom the stuff of whispered tales. Few had ever glimpsed their face or known their true name.
In the Great Hall, students gathered with bated breath. The Sorting Ceremony, a cherished tradition, was about to begin.
The professors, experts in their chosen fields of magic, took their seats at the high table. Each professor was a living testament to the academy's commitment to excellence.
Valeria Academy was not only a place of magical learning but also a reflection of the social hierarchy.
Indeed, the system of recommendations within Valeria Academy was not based solely on the influence of noble families within the institution. It was, in fact, a reflection of the students' perceived strengths and potential.
The Cratens were a unique race, primarily denizens of the sea.
For them, water was not just an element; it was like air, an intrinsic part of their existence. Their entire civilization thrived beneath the waves, in a world hidden from the eyes of those who dwelled on land.
Their underwater cities, adorned with the most magnificent of structures, were a testament to their mastery of their aquatic domain.
In this vast and mysterious underwater realm, the Cratens lived, thrived, and found their true essence.
However, being creatures of both sea and land, Cratens could adapt to life outside their aquatic kingdom when needed. While their homeland lay submerged beneath the depths, they were not confined solely to the ocean.
Their distinctive characteristics, including the small, elegantly adorned holes in the ears of Craten males, along with their silver hair, set them apart, even when they walked on land.
The Craten females possessed their own unique beauty, with their slightly rounded, pointed ears and the enchanting allure of ash-grey hair.
Their existence was a testament to the harmonious coexistence of two realms, a living bridge between the world beneath the waves and the land above.
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Within the grand hall dedicated to the awakening of new students, a vast assembly of young talents gathered.
These were not just ordinary students; each of them carried the weight of their noble lineage and the hopes of their respective countries.
The hall was an impressive spectacle, with its towering stone walls adorned with intricate inscriptions, depicting the history and purpose of the academy.
In the heart of the hall, a towering platform stood, where the awakening rituals would take place.
Assembled before the platform were nearly two thousand students, each chosen and recommended by their noble families.
These young talents hailed from various nations and territories, but they all shared one common destiny: to serve as the highest-ranking members of their respective countries, carrying the torch of leadership for generations to come.
The influence of their noble backgrounds was evident, and the air was charged with anticipation as the academy prepared to unlock the potential of this elite group. It was a momentous occasion, one that would shape not only their individual destinies but also the future of their country.