[Eldoria Academy],
Crystallis Islands.
At the heart of the dense Crystallis Forest, a towering medieval academy stood, whose spires pierced the clouds, as its walls shimmerd faintly with enchanted runes.
Eldoria Academy, a fortress of knowledge, power and prestige which had stood in the forest for more than 300 years. For the people in every continent, it was akin to sacred grounds.
Every year, from the academy, multiples scholars, knights and mages graduated, becoming a quite famous and influential figures in near future.
The academy grounds was a blend of architectural magnificence and natural beauty. As winding cobblestone paths led towards the sprawling courtyards, even their fountains were enchanted as to never freeze, even in the harsh winters.
In the middle of all the academy grounds stood a central tower, known as the Spire Of Knowledge, which loomed over the campus, housing an extensive library that said to contain knowledge even about the ancient fallen empires.
And, in the central tower above the academy, also resided the office of the Headmaster of Eldoria Academy.
The Headmaster of the academy was no ordinary figure. He was one of the Archons, beings who had transcended mortality, and ascended to divinity, stepping into the realm of gods.
He was known far wide as, The Heavenly Sage - Elaric Alden . His presence was akin to a living legend. As stories of his various exploits whispered throughout the continents.
Though the legendary figure's office, a sanctum of power and wisdom, was rather ordinary, that is in looks only.
It was said that the walls of the office were adorned with various runes, so powerful that even Transcender would be unable to enter it.
There, sitting in the office, was a white haired man who seemed to be concentrating on his document as he wrote. Elaric's quill moved swiftly as he wrote across the parchment, his focus sharp. Yet, breaking his rhythm, his gaze was drifted towards the north, as a subtle frown formed on his brows.
As a being of great power, he was easily able to sense the massive disturbance at the north even if he was thousands of kilometres away.
Thus, he was easily able to sense the massive blast of mana in the north. Putting down his quill, he leaned on his chair, as he stroked his beard thinking about the reasons behind the disturbances.
Though, a moment later, he sensed the faint ripple as someone passed through the academy's barrier, the fluctuations were so slight, that only someone with his senses could notice.
As for the barrier around the academy, it was a formidable defense, which was designed to withstand even the most powerful intruders. Yet, in all of his knowledge, there was only one person who could slip through the barrier with such ease.
Elaric sighed deeply, as his mind recalling the image of a woman—golden hair flowing like sunlight, a stoic expression carved into her flawless face. "As rude as ever." he muttered shaking his head.
Whoosh!
With a simple snap of his fingers, Elaric vanished from his place. Teleporting to the outskirts of the barrier where he had sensed the disturbance.
Whirr! Whirrr!
In front of him, a shimmering portal materialized, as its edges swirled, glowing with an otherworldly light.
From the portal, a figure came out, it was the same knight that Cassandra had instructed. As he moved forward, Elaric noticed the knight cradling a delicate bundle that barely radiated any energy whatsoever. The child, was an enigma.
Elaric's sharp violet eyes narrowed, as his mind pieced together the situation. "That mana blast... and now this child, who accompanied by a knight of Cassandra. This couldn't be a mere coincidence, could it?"
The knight's figure wavered, as its form flickered as though it was struggling to maintain its physical presence. As, the knight almost disappeared, the cradle fell from its grasp.
Though, If Elaric hadn't moved swiftly, the fragile child would have fallen. His hand shot out, as steadied the cradle effortlessly. The knight's figure, soon vanished as if it's supply had been cut short.
For a moment Elaric stood frozen, his thoughts racing as the peices of the puzzle fell in place. It was clear now.
"She is gone," Elaric muttered, his words were heavy with the weight of realization and regret. He sighed deeply, as the sound of his breath carried a bitter finality. "Hah... What were you doing my idiot student?. " He spoke in sadness.
His gaze landing on the boy who was sleeping in the cradle, as his eyes caught a neatly folded letter tucked beside the infant. Curious, Elaric reached out for it and unfolded the parchment.
The familiar handwriting in it brought a bittersweet pang to his chest. And as his eyes scanned the words in the letter, a dry laugh escaped his lips, a laugh filled with a mix of exasperation and sorrow.
[Old man,
If you're reading this, then it means you've probably figured out what happened. Ah, so yes we messed up,and well... things didn't turn out good. But now I'm entrusting you with the only thing that matters to me—my son. You remember, you said i can ask for any one wish, right?
Then, please this is my last wish.
Don't you dare let anything happen to him. Protect him just till he turned fifteen. As he's the last piece of us left in this world.
He's special, Master. I don't even know that i fully understand how much, but I know one thing that is —he'll need guidance, protection, and someone to keep him from losing himself. And, that someone is you.
You always said I was reckless, perhaps i am. But I also know you. You're also stubborn, too damn wise for your own good, and annoyingly capable. So, If anyone can keep him safe, it's you.
So, please raise him well, old man. Don't let him grow up too soft, but don't let him become like me either. And... tell him about us, when the time is right. Tell him that no matter what, his parents loved him.
Cassandra.]
Elaric sighed, as folded the letter with care and slipped it into his coat. His gaze returned to the boy, who stirred slightly in his sleep. "Hah, reckless as ever, Cassandra," he muttered, shaking his head. "You always did know how to drop the world on my shoulders."
He adjusted the cradle, as a hint of a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. "Well then, little one, welcome to Eldoria Academy... and perhaps to a very chaotic life."
"Hmm," Elaric hummed, as his sharp gaze landed on the child's tiny arm, where the colour of his skin was turning blackish-blue.
Looking at this his eyes narrowed, a hint of disdain passing though them as he recognized the poison coursing through the boy's veins.
"Hmph, a mere poison," he scoffed, his tone laced with contempt for the pathetic attempt to harm the child. With a casual snap of his fingers, a vial filled with shimmering, golden liquid materialized in his hand.
He uncorked the vial, as the faint, glowing liquid in the vial, radiated an aura of potent nature energy. Without hesitation, he let a single drop of the liquid fell onto the boy's arm.