I stepped into my new room and shut the door.
I was finally alone. "What a relief"
I looked at the room,
The room was simple wooden walls with faint patterns that pulsed like they were breathing. Soft glow from nowhere in particular. The magic here felt heavier than the outer court definitely better than sharing a room with strangers
I caught my reflection in a bronze mirror near the bed. My face looked small, framed by messy black hair. Dark eyebrows making me look intense even when I was exhausted. looked pale from the incidents of the day or from the cold—or from stress, who knew. I pressed my lips together, trying to look composed.
Inside? Total mess.
I walked to the window and looked out at the inner court backyard. Flowers shimmering weirdly in the moonlight. Water rippling for no reason. Everything here was soaked in magic.
But at least I had my own space. No roommates. No one watching.
I let out a breath. I'll do my best here. I guess.
Restlessness hit me so the training started tomorrow, but why wait?
I smiled and grabbed my coat and headed to the library.
The library hit me the second I walked in it was so different and Ancient but Powerful. and Alive.
Shelves stretched way up, packed with books that crackled with faint energy. I found a section marked 'Academy Laws & History' and pulled out a heavy book for the beginners it said: The Rulebook of Artemis Academy.
I sat in a corner and flipped through it. Formal stuff at first, then a chapter heading caught my eye: 'The Eight Gates and Their Guardians.'
I started reading.
The Artemis Academy was built upon the principles set by the first Grandmaster, Lucian Voltaris, a mage of unparalleled knowledge and power. He established the Eight Gates to separate mages based on their strengths and magical affinities, each gate led by a chosen Elder, known as the Guardians of the Gates.
Voltaris. That name again. Orion Voltaris was the Elder of the Abyss Gate. So he was a descendant of the founder?
I kept reading.
Ripe Gate (Gate of Masters) – Overseen by Elder Veena Dawnblade. Discipline and combat mastery. Elite warriors only.
Titan Gate (Gate of Strength) – Led by Elder Ragnor Shadowcrest. For people with massive raw power.
Void Gate (Gate of Shadows) – Elder Seraphis Voltaris. Stealth and deception.
Celestial Gate (Gate of Scholars) – Elder Aria Aerovault. Researchers and scholars.
Evergreen Gate (Gate of Life) – Elder Magnus Brightflare. Nature and healing magic.
Tempest Gate (Gate of Wind & Water) – Elder Kael Aquaelis. Water and wind magic.
Infernal Gate (Gate of Flames) – Elder Liora Voidwalker. Fire mages.
Abyss Gate (Gate of Forbidden Knowledge) – Elder Orion Voltaris. For those walking the line between power and destruction.
I shut the book slowly.
This wasn't just a school. It was a legacy. The Elders weren't just teachers—they were keepers of this ancient legacy
And somehow I was stuck in the middle of it.
I tucked the book under my arm and wandered deeper into the library. The air smelled like old parchment and something metallic—magic ink, probably.
I found the fire magic section. Books hummed under my fingers, letters shifting like they were judging me. I grabbed a few: Inferno's Embrace, The Dance of Flames, The Forgotten Fire Arts. thats all i can read for today
If the inner court was a battlefield, I needed to be ready.
I turned to leave—
And nearly ran into two people.
"Whoa! Easy there!"
I looked up it was Rhyshe and Celvia.
My books almost fell. "What are you two doing here? You're from the outer court right?"
Rhyshe scratched his head. "Well… technically, yeah.... but."
Celvia shot her a look. Then at me. "We're originally from the inner court."
I blinked. "What? why so suspenseful?"
Rhyshe leaned against a shelf. "We were sent to the outer court for a reason. Had to investigate something but we originally belong from the inner court."
"sorry we lied to you, it was not our intention" celvia seemed quite in a hurry even her apology was rushed
"Investigate what?"
Celvia's expression darkened. "Can't talk about it."
More secrets. Great.
"So all this time…?"
Rhyshe gave a half-smile. "We apologize truly"
I felt a weird mix—betrayal, curiosity, something else I couldn't name.
Rhyshe glanced at a clock. "Damn, we're late."
Celvia nodded. "We'll catch up soon."
They left. I stood there in the dim glow, heart pounding.
"Why are they all so weird here? everybody is in a rush"
Anyway, I came here for answers. Got more questions instead.
Back in my room, I sat at my desk with the books stacked in front of me. I opened Inferno's Embrace.
The words blurred. Didn't make sense.
Tried another book. Same thing.
Why can't I understand this?
I took a breath. Decided to try something practical. A simple fire spell.
I straightened my hands. "Liticum Berua."
Nothing.
I tried again, louder. "Liticum Berua!"
Still nothing. Not even a spark.
I slammed my fists on the desk. What's wrong with me? its embarrassing
Was I a fraud? Did the Grandmaster make a mistake?
The room felt smaller. The magic pressing in, whispering doubts.
No.
I shut my eyes. Focused.
I don't know why but i remembered the Grandmaster's words. "Your fire is special."
Special...
I took another breath this time I didn't force the magic. Didn't demand it. Just… understood it.
My hands warmed. I felt something in my body like a clutter of something moving inside it was rushed but could definitely feel it this time
Then came a flicker. Small it was barely there just when I opened my eyes.
A tiny flame danced on my fingertips.
I let it burn for a few seconds, then let it go. I felt happy it was not stressful I could already feel the magic I wasn't powerless and I wasn't failing.
I was just growing tomorrow; I'd try again it's so fun.