Jane led them across the central plaza.
Towering buildings surrounded a fountain where a silver phoenix statue poured glowing water into the basin.
Behind it stretched streets lined with shops, cafés, and even a towering glass dome that looked like an indoor arena.
"This island was built to be self-contained," Jane explained.
"Once you're here, you'll find everything you need inside the Academy grounds—shops, restaurants, even arcades."
"Arcades?" Aeon tilted his head, the word strange on his tongue.
He imagined rows of glowing runes on walls or strange human contraptions flashing lights. "Like… training halls?"
Jane smiled, amused.
"Not quite. Think of them as games. A place to unwind after classes. Humans find balance in study, work, and play."
Amarie perked up immediately.
"Games? That sounds way better than endless lectures. Do they have prizes?" she asked.
Jane laughed softly.
"Sometimes. Depends on the game. Some are just for fun, others for skill."
Aeon caught the quick spark in Amarie's eyes.
'Competitive, as always', he thought.
He could already imagine her storming through every arcade until she won something shiny.
Isolde's silver eyes narrowed slightly, her voice flat.
"Frivolous."
Aeon glanced at her.
Her words had that familiar weight of disdain, yet he caught the subtle way her gaze lingered on the glowing lights in the distance.
'She's definitely curious', Aeon thought, amused. 'Just won't admit it.'
He looked back to Jane.
"So everything we could need is here… and we're not allowed outside?"
"Correct," Jane said, her tone gentler now.
"This island is meant to be your whole world during your studies. It keeps students safe… and focused."
Aeon hummed, thoughtful.
Safe. The word was comforting, yet also felt confining. He wasn't sure which weighed heavier.
They stopped at a station where sleek, rune-etched trains waited.
Isolde marveled despite herself.
"That's a very long carriage."
"Right?" Amarie chimed in.
Jane chuckled.
"These are called trains. The railway runs through the entire island and will take you anywhere within minutes.
Though…" she added with a small grin,
"you'll probably find your legs more useful most days."
"Not me," Aeon said quickly.
"I'll take magic carriages over walking any day."
Jane smirked faintly. "You say that now..."
.
.
.
.
.
.
Jane led them inside. The train whirred to life, and in a blink… it shot forward, the world outside blurring into streaks of color.
***
Jane stayed standing, one hand braced lightly on the rail, her bright eyes glancing between the students and the view outside.
"Since you'll be living here for the next few years, let me give you a tour of the dorm districts."
She gestured out the window as the train curved upward into a glass-walled tunnel that gave them a sweeping view of the island.
"To the west," Jane began,
pointing toward a cluster of spired towers that shimmered with enchantments,
"that's Aries Hall. Only students excelling in combat and martial magic are placed there. They pride themselves on strength above all else."
The towers gleamed crimson under the sun, banners with dragon crests rippling in the sea breeze.
Amarie leaned forward, amused.
"Looks like a death trap disguised as a castle. Bet their food portions are huge, though."
She muttered, clearly thinking of Beren.
Jane smiled faintly before pointing toward a serene grove across a silver bridge.
"That's Sylvara Hall—where our scholars, mages, and future researchers reside.
They're known for brains, not brawn. The library there never closes."
Aeon caught sight of glowing lanterns hovering over the dorm rooftops, casting soft blue light across the trees.
To him it looked more like an elven temple than a dormitory.
Next, the train curved again, giving them a glimpse of a shining tower surrounded by gardens.
"And there," Jane said,
"is Gemini Hall, for the diplomats, heirs, and students pursuing politics or leadership studies. Their alumni usually end up as rulers, advisors, or statesmen."
Isolde's eyes flicked toward it briefly, then away again, unreadable.
Finally, Jane turned, adjusting her glasses with a small smile.
"And last—but not least—is your home."
The train slowed as the landscape opened into a wide plaza lined with ivy-draped walls and grand white stone buildings.
At the center, banners of deep gold and navy swayed proudly in the wind.
"This," Jane said, gesturing as the carriage doors opened,
"is Aurelius Dormitory. Reserved for the highest-ranking students and the heirs of distinguished families. Only the best of the best are placed here."
Aeon let out a low chuckle.
"So… the dorm of spoiled prodigies."
Jane's smile didn't falter.
"Some of them, yes. You'll get used to it."
Aeon stepped onto the platform, gazing up at the sprawling structure.
The sunlight caught the windows, making them gleam like molten gold.
For a moment, he simply stared, caught between awe and unease.
Isolde, however, didn't slow.
She walked ahead, her posture as cool and indifferent as ever.
"Come," she said softly, not turning back.
Aeon followed.
Amarie stretched with a grin.
"Well… guess we're Calden nobles now."