As the train began to slow, the once blurred scenery outside Reed's window came into sharper focus. What had once been a nondescript stretch of forest and field now gave way to sweeping hills and lush green meadows dotted with bursts of wildflowers, swaying gently in the warm breeze. In the far distance, nearly swallowed by the horizon's haze, stood the walls of the capital city of Asteria—tall, pale stone structures carved with magical runes that shimmered faintly in the daylight. The contrast between the wilderness they had passed and the grandeur of the approaching city was stark, and it drew a breath of anticipation from Reed.
The city was enormous. Even from afar, its layered structure was clear: concentric walls surrounding a shining central spire, likely the Grand Spire Tower where the royal family and council of Archmages convened. But nestled near the eastern quadrant, surrounded by smaller towers and domed buildings, was the true destination—Asterian Academy. It didn't dominate the skyline like the Grand Spire, but even from here, it exuded importance.
A knock rapped lightly on the door of Reed's cabin, and a moment later it slid open with a practiced ease. A man stepped into view—short, lean, and neat to the point of precision. His chin was freshly shaven, his buzzed head revealing a faint scar across the scalp, and his uniform was pressed to perfection. The crest of Asteria shimmered on his left breast, glinting silver under the warm lights of the hallway.
"About five minutes till arrival," the attendant said with brisk efficiency. His tone was neutral, practiced, as though he'd said those same words a thousand times already today. Without another glance, he turned on his heel and continued down the corridor, repeating the announcement in an almost mechanical rhythm.
Reed blinked. He could hear the man's voice continuing down the hallway… and then farther still… and farther. By all rights, the walls should have muffled that sound by now. He tilted his head slightly, listening, and sure enough, he could still make out the words, though faint, as the man made the announcement to passengers far beyond his sight.
"How am I still hearing that?" Reed murmured, narrowing his eyes. The train was sturdy, well-insulated, and the hallway extended beyond several rooms. His enhanced senses were proving to be more than just a side benefit. "Guess I can add that to the list of strange new traits."
He leaned back slightly, folding his arms across his chest. At his current level—if one could even call it that—he had a mixture of physical enhancement, heightened perception, and defensive capability thanks to the skull marking on his back. His skin, when cloaked in that shadow, felt harder, tougher. Combined with his newfound senses, he was fairly confident he could hold his own in physical training. But the real question remained: how much of it should he show?
If he revealed everything, he'd undoubtedly attract attention—possibly the dangerous kind. But if he downplayed his strength too much, people would think he had no magic at all, and his designation as the "Death Mage" would become a cruel joke rather than a mysterious title.
He decided on a compromise. He wouldn't hide what he was, but he wouldn't parade it either. His skull mark? He'd keep it visible when needed. His shadow enhancements? Only if the situation called for it. He would hold back, just enough to keep people guessing, just enough to avoid painting a target on his back.
Outside the window, the outer gates of Asteria loomed larger now, and Reed found his mind racing ahead. The academy's reputation was no exaggeration—it had reached even the dusty corners of his tiny village. He'd grown up on whispered stories and rare visitors passing through, speaking of merit trials, arcane duels, and legendary instructors who had personally battled in the Elemental Wars. The Academy rewarded effort unlike anywhere else. Bring in rare resources to assist in mana cultivation? They'd double your results. Devote yourself to training and self-discipline? The Academy would provide recovery pills, magical stimulants, even weaponry suited to your skills. No wonder the best mages across the continent fought for entry.
A sudden high-pitched "TWEET-TWEET" echoed down the hallway—a sharp whistle from the train's conductor. The signal of arrival.
Reed rose from his seat and reached for the door handle. He opened the door and stepped into the hallway, taking a moment to take in the corridor in full for the first time. Ten rooms total—five on each side—and each one identical to his. The hallway was carpeted in a fine brown weave, soft beneath his boots, and the walls were a pleasant cream wood that added warmth to the train's otherwise sleek design.
Other students had begun emerging as well, the soft hum of conversation and shuffling feet rising around him. They came in a variety of shapes and sizes—tall and short, human and non-human, a kaleidoscope of cultures brought together by the Academy's wide reach. None particularly stood out to him until his gaze landed on three familiar faces grouped near the end of the hall.
The other three from the Blessing Ceremony.
They were clustered together in an instinctive sort of alliance, the kind born from shared experience and uncertainty. As Reed approached, their conversation quieted, and he saw their expressions shift subtly—curiosity tinged with apprehension… and something else. Was that fear?
"Uh, hi, my name's Re—"
"Reed, yes, we know," interrupted the girl with the vivid green light. Her tone was clipped, not overtly hostile, but certainly not welcoming. "I don't think there's a kid on this train who hasn't heard who you are yet."
Reed blinked, momentarily taken aback. She didn't elaborate, nor did she offer a hand.
"Sorry about Prin," said the boy who had received the water-based blessing. "She's a bit on edge. First day and all." His voice was far more relaxed, and his smile helped to break the tension. "I'm Trent. And this is Cath." He motioned to the other girl, the one with the radiant golden light.
Cath was striking in a quiet, dignified way. She stood at eye level with Reed, with long golden-blonde hair braided to one side, a dark gray tunic paired with a pale blue skirt that rustled softly when she shifted. For a moment, Reed's gaze lingered. That skirt really brought out her—
No. Focus.
He forced the thought away. He wasn't here to get distracted by a pretty face—especially not one carrying power like hers.
Prin, the green-lighted girl, had a sharp bob cut of neatly maintained brown hair and a faintly glowing necklace. Reed's eyes narrowed. It radiated mana—an artifact. A real one, even if weak. Ancient items like that were incredibly rare, either discovered in ruins or forged by grandmasters. Whatever it did, it wasn't just for decoration.
Trent, meanwhile, had the stocky frame of someone who had grown up lifting more than books. His short curly hair bounced each time he shifted and he had to constantly sweep his bangs out of his eyes. He radiated physical strength and raw confidence—clearly someone blessed by a fortifying magic.
"Well," Trent said, after the awkward silence had passed. "If we've got introductions out of the way… want to head to the Academy together?"
Reed gave a small nod. "Sure. Let's go."
Together, the four exited the train and stepped into the bright afternoon sun. A light breeze tousled Reed's hair as they made their way down the stone-paved platform. They showed their identification badges to the waiting guards—standard fare issued by the bishops or conductors at their respective departure points—and passed through the city gates without issue.
As they walked, they made idle conversation—comparing what they'd heard of the Academy, joking about who might end up at the top of the rankings, and lightly teasing each other. Interestingly, none of them brought up Reed's mysterious lack of a visible blessing. Whether it was politeness or uncertainty, he wasn't sure. But he appreciated the silence.
Eventually, the outer city gave way to the Academy's campus. They approached on a beautifully maintained cobblestone path, lined with tall hedges and flowering bushes that danced in the wind. The main gate towered ahead—open, welcoming, but guarded. And beyond it, the grand main hall stood tall, its spires scraping the sky, its marble surface gleaming under the sun.
Reed looked up at it and clenched his fists. His goal had never been clearer.
He was going to show them. All of them.
Not just that he had power.
But that he was destined for something greater.
And one day, when the world finally acknowledged that… he'd move his family from that tiny village to a place where they'd never want for anything again.