chapter 8 (Part 1)

Chapter 8 (Part 1)

The first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon, painting Arcanum’s towering spires in a warm blush. Soft golden light filtered through the windows, casting long, dappled shadows across Alena’s room as she rose.

A quiet determination settled in her heart—another day awaited, full of lessons,and challenges.

A delicate flutter stirred the air.

Aria, now a shimmering whirlwind of blue butterfly wings, landed gracefully on Alena’s shoulder, her tiny form pulsing with ethereal light.

"Back to butterfly form, I see," Alena murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Aria’s wings stilled.

"Miss Alena," she whispered, her voice suddenly urgent, "unless you’ve sworn the oath of the mages, you must never reveal that I am a shapeshifting spirit. Not even about the spirit greenhouse."

Alena blinked, her amusement fading.

"The oath of the mages?"

“Yes,” Aria said, her tone grave.

“It’s an oath sworn in the name of one’s family. If broken, the mage risks losing the magic power granted by that name.”

Alena’s fingers curled slightly at her sides.

The weight of Aria’s words settled over her, an unspoken warning woven into them.

Magic was more than just talent—it was bound to family and lineage.

That thought stayed with her as she walked through Bluebell Forest toward the classroom.

The crisp morning air carried the scent of dew-drenched petals, but she hardly noticed.

A family's name was tied to their magic… but what did that mean for someone like her, whose connection to this reaml was still so fragile?

As she continued down the path, her steps slowed.

The towering trees thinned, revealing an open vista where Arcanum stood in the full light of day.

Bathed in a soft glow, the school looked almost otherworldly—like something pulled from the pages of an ancient legend.

Ivory towers stretched toward the sky, their stained-glass windows scattering prismatic light across the grounds. Crystal-clear streams wove between stone pathways, their surfaces shimmering with an ethereal glow. Lush gardens flourished along the academy’s edges, seamlessly blending into the wild landscape beyond.

Ancient trees, their gnarled roots entwined with the very foundations of the buildings, seemed to grow both within and around the walls. Their towering branches stretched skyward, as if the forest itself had become part of Arcanum, sheltering it beneath a canopy of whispered secrets.

It was nothing like the looming castles Alena had once imagined.

This place felt alive, as if the magic that sustained it ran through the very stones, trees, and streams.

As Alena walked down the long corridors, she occasionally had to climb over large tree roots blocking the way.

The academy’s layout felt almost alive, shifting in ways that made navigation unpredictable.

With Aria as her guide, she followed the unfamiliar path toward the eastern annex—until, after rounding a corner, something felt... off. The air grew thinner, the light more muted, and the hallway stretched longer than it should have. When she reached the end, she stood before a door she didn’t remember taking the stairs to reach.

Her first class was “General Knowledge.”

The assigned location was a secluded chamber within the eastern annex of Arcanum, nestled at the top of the west tower.

Yet, despite the journey, Alena found herself the sole student.

She hesitated at the threshold, shifting her weight.

Was she early? Or had she misunderstood the instructions?

Her gaze swept over the room, absorbing its quiet warmth.

Dappled light filtered through sheer curtains draped over arched lattice windows, casting soft patterns across the wooden floor. The space felt like a cross between an attic and an old-fashioned tea shop—quaint, yet undeniably charming.

Shelves lined with delicate porcelain teacups, ornate kettles, and jars of dried herbs lent the room an air of cozy intimacy. A subtle blend of spice and lavender lingered in the air, wrapping the space in a gentle, lingering fragrance.

At the center, a round table draped in embroidered fabric stood surrounded by plush, cushioned chairs—an invitation to linger over a carefully brewed cup of tea. Yet beneath the inviting atmosphere, something else stirred—an air of quiet mystery, as though the room itself held whispers of knowledge meant only for the curious.

Alena inhaled deeply, releasing a slow sigh.

This doesn’t feel like a classroom…

Aria had said she would return after class—then vanished before Alena’s eyes.

At the center of the room, a small, plump woman sat in a high-backed armchair, half-hidden behind a delicate porcelain teacup she held with both hands. Her round spectacles magnified her watchful eyes, making her gaze feel even more intense.

She studied Alena for a long moment before setting down her cup with a soft clink.

“Ah, Alena Alderin, I presume,” said the woman, setting down her teacup.

“Please come in and have a seat.”

Alena hesitated before stepping forward, taking the seat across from the woman.

The chair was slightly angled away from the table, as though she were being positioned for observation rather than conversation.

The woman tilted her head, letting out a soft hum.

“I am Elria Edward. You may call me Mrs. Edward. I am delighted to be in charge of the special classes prepared for Alena Alderin.”

Though her words carried warmth, her demeanor remained authoritative, leaving Alena unsure whether she was truly welcome.

“I’ve heard that Miss Alena grew up with little exposure to the magic realm. Is that why?”

“…Yes?”

Mrs. Edward furrowed her brow.

“Even though Arcanum doesn’t require formal addresses or gestures of reverence, you must be mindful of how you carry yourself around Evergale.”

Alena stiffened.

She had barely moved—just a slight nod to Lucian Evergale—so what had given her away?

She realized then that her very presence had been noted the moment she entered, her every movement observed with quiet scrutiny.

“Be more careful in the future.”

“…Yes.”

Mrs. Edward exhaled, her tone softening slightly.

“Although you were chosen by Arcanum, the magic realm isn’t quick to accept newcomers. Of course, I’ve heard of your remarkable talent, Miss Alena. So, I hope you will live up to expectations, if only to ease these concerns.”

She adjusted her spectacles, studying Alena for a moment before speaking again.

"Shall we begin, then?"

With a flick of her wand, she uttered a single word:

"Simulaecrum."

A pulse of magic rippled through the air.

Before Alena, space twisted and expanded, giving way to a massive, glowing world map that unfurled in midair. But this was no ordinary map—it was alive. Its parchment-like surface shimmered with shifting patterns, as if woven from pure light. Rivers pulsed with silver currents, mountains cast moving shadows, and cities twinkled like constellations against the vast expanse.

Golden sigils flared to life, marking the four great magic realms and their leaders:

Elandria (Evergale), Nars (Ra), Han (Chen), Occid (Ivanov).

Alena’s gaze lingered as she lost herself in the map, still processing its intricacies.

Mrs. Edward’s voice cut through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

“The magic realms may seem separate, but they are deeply intertwined,” she said, tapping the air.

At her gesture, the map shimmered, revealing faint, intricate lines connecting the realms like veins in a living body.

“Trade, politics, and magic influence flow between them, shaping the balance of power.”

Alena leaned forward, her gaze drawn to Elandria.

Unlike the others, its golden glow pulsed slightly brighter, steady and commanding.

“Why does Elandria stand out?” she asked.

Mrs. Edward nodded approvingly.

“Elandria stands at the heart of the alliance—the strongest and largest of the realms. It dictates magic law and influences diplomatic policy.”

She paused before adding, “But with great influence comes great responsibility.”

The map slowly faded, its light dissolving into the air, but Mrs. Edward continued.

“Elandria’s influence doesn’t just come from its magic or politics. It is also shaped by its people,” she said.

“A family name in Elandria is more than just an identity—it is status. Every family has a role, and the respect and authority they command depend on their significance in society.”

While Arcanum allowed students to pursue magic freely, Mrs. Edward explained that after graduation, their family name would define their path—along with the responsibilities and privileges that came with it.

She met Alena’s gaze, her tone firm yet measured.

“Evergale is the ruling family of Elandria, and the Luminari—formed from the guardian families—stand beside the Evergale to uphold its rule. Together, they shape the realm’s future.”

Alena's brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face.

Mrs. Edward exhaled quietly, studying her for a moment before speaking again.

“I heard about what happened yesterday. The students had no right to treat you that way. That should never happen to someone bearing the name Alderin.”

Her voice softened, laced with something almost like regret.

“Even though you couldn’t become a Luminari of Evergale due to your lineage, I will remind them to respect Alderin name.”

Through her words, Alena realized the weight of the Luminari’s status—one of the guardian family of Elandria.

And more importantly, she now understood why she could never be one.

Her mother wasn’t a mage....

Only then did she understand the strange look Lucian Evergale had given her and the unpleasant cold reactions of the Luminari.

‘I should avoid them as much as possible.’

Mrs. Edward continued, explaining the nature of mages in the magic realm.

The mages of the magic realm were divided by their magic affinities—Divination, Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Light.

These affinities not only shaped their abilities but also influenced their interactions.

Mages, due to their magical disposition and the magnitude of their power, couldn’t easily form bonds with others. Especially if their magic affinities didn’t align, it was difficult to get close.

When affinities didn’t match, it was hard to even be in the same place, though powerful families could overcome this with their own strength.

The mages of the guardian families possessed strong powers, allowing them to assist Evergale closely.

All matters in Elandria were first relayed to the guardian families and then passed on to Evergale, whose will was carried out through them.

"The Divinator of Ravenhurst, the Water of Blackwood, the Wind of Forestheart, the Earth of Silvermist, the Fire of Emberfel, and the Light of Alderin—these are the guardian families of Elandria."

Mrs. Edward explained that the Luminari were very special.

Children of the guardian families born in the same year as Evergale grew up like siblings, graduated from Arcanum together, and led the Elandria together until their dying day.

Alena, who had always lived surrounded by her parents’ love, felt a pang of sadness.

‘Just yesterday, when we entered Arcanum together, the atmosphere wasn’t so bad…’

Noel had been kind, and Ava had even smiled at her, but the moment they heard her name, the children had kept their distance.

Seeing Alena’s dark expression, Mrs. Edward added,

“Alena Alderin. The Light of Alderin, who communicates with nature, still oversees all light mages in Elandria. Don’t be too disheartened about not becoming a Luminari.”

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