Zane stepped out into the sunlight—and froze.
His eyes widened in awe.
The whistling roar of mana-fueled automobiles, gliding across both land and sky, filled his ears in rhythmic harmony. Sleek, levitating vehicles zipped past overhead while ground-level cruisers weaved between lanes of glowing roads.
Above him, skyscrapers stretched into the clouds, towering marvels of glass, steel, and glowing mana circuits—structures that looked like they had been pulled straight from a sci-fi movie.
Everything buzzed with motion and brilliance. Air traffic danced above in perfectly synchronized streams, while on the ground, automated carriages, transport drones, and city patrol constructs navigated the busy streets like a well-rehearsed orchestra.
Zane could hardly believe what he was seeing. "This is insane... it’s like another world," he muttered under his breath.
Shelby smirked beside him. "Welcome to Artemis City. This place runs on a fusion of mana-tech and automation, decades ahead of anything back home. Every streetlight, every transport vehicle, even the air filters—you name it, they run on mana."
Zane nodded slowly, eyes still scanning the city skyline. Everything pulsed with energy and life.
Shelby continued, "The city’s been built in layers—districts for commerce, research, military, and residential. But at the heart of it all is the Academy, the beating core of the city, where the finest Awakened across the Federation train."
Zane followed his gaze toward the center of the skyline, where a massive tower pierced the sky—the Academy. It gleamed with layered spires and floating platforms orbiting its upper levels, like moons circling a planet.
It wasn’t just a city.
It was a symbol—of power, ambition, and the future of humanity.
And for Zane Carter, it marked the true beginning of his journey.
The same could be said for all the other youths. Their eyes lit up with wonder as they took in the pristine streets, glimmering towers, and the constant hum of life all around them.
Bracewell, however, looked around in visible disgust. He scoffed at the starry-eyed expressions of the others. The core of his family estate was in the southwestern region of Artemis City—far from this crowd.
"These bumpkins," he muttered under his breath. "I need to get away from this group. If someone from the city sees me with them, my reputation’s finished."
Without waiting for approval, Bracewell strode up to Shelby. "I’ll go alone from here."
Shelby gave him a calm, unreadable glance. "Do as you see fit."
Bracewell tapped his wristwatch, and a sleek mana-powered vessel swooped down from above, hovering a foot off the ground. He pulled a glowing identification card from his pocket, waved it at the window, and the doors slid open silently. Without another word, he stepped in, and the vessel shot into the air, disappearing into the traffic stream.
Shelby watched the vanishing speck in the sky with a faint frown. "That brat... even if he’s from the Veyloris Dynasty, he’s still got a lot to learn. A true hero isn’t defined by their bloodline. It’s those from humble beginnings who climb the highest."
His eyes drifted to Zane.
Shelby’s instincts whispered that the Academy was about to become far more interesting. A storm was coming—and Zane might be the center of it.
Zane caught his lingering gaze. "What? Are we just gonna stand here like idiots?"
Shelby smirked and tapped his wristwatch. "Alright, alright. I’m calling a ride."
Moments later, a sleek land cruiser rolled up, guided by invisible mana tracks. The doors hissed open. Shelby motioned toward it. "Everyone in."
As the vehicle pulled away and merged into the vibrant city traffic, Zane’s eyes remained fixed on the distant spire of the Academy—the gleaming heart of Artemis City.
It was time to step into the unknown.
The ride took a little over ten minutes—smooth, quiet, and unexpectedly comfortable. The cruiser offered refreshments, and the group relaxed, chatting in low tones or gazing out the windows at the futuristic cityscape rushing by.
When the vehicle finally stopped, the doors slid open with a soft hiss. All twenty-seven youths stepped out and immediately froze in place, awestruck.
Before them stood the majestic tower of the Academy.
Its sheer scale defied belief. Some craned their necks, trying to glimpse the top—only to wince in discomfort. The tower climbed so high into the clouds, it was as if the peak vanished into the heavens themselves.
No one could see where it ended.
And standing near the grand gate, arms crossed and a scowl on his face, was Bracewell. He had arrived earlier, clearly annoyed at having to wait.
"Fools," he muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear, his voice laced with contempt.
A wave of irritation swept through the group. It was becoming increasingly clear that this green-haired brat had a knack for making enemies without trying.
Shelby gave him a sidelong glance and said bluntly, "Shut up and follow me—unless you’d prefer to get turned away at the gate."
Bracewell’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t say another word. He fell in line.
Zane gave him a look and muttered under his breath, "This guy’s gonna be a handful..."
Shelby took the lead, walking toward the towering gates of the Academy with calm confidence.
Behind them was the city.
Before them was destiny.
As they followed him along the paved walkway, Zane glanced at the massive building ahead and asked, "Is this the Academy?"
Shelby chuckled lightly. "No, this is just the Academy’s City Office—a reception and administrative hub. The real Academy is far from here, deep within the island’s heart, far removed from civilization."
Zane raised an eyebrow. "Why so far?"
"For security," Shelby replied. "No vehicle can get within a thousand kilometers of the Academy. That territory is completely sealed off—protected by layers of barriers and mana fields. It’s practically a fortress."
"So... how do we get there?"
"You’ll find out soon enough. But for now, we’ll be staying here for a week."
Shelby nodded. "During that time, your applications will be reviewed and processed. Only after you’re officially accepted will you be sent to the main Academy."
Zane digested the information silently as Shelby added, "And one more thing—there’ll be a Royal Competition this year."
Zane blinked. "A what?"
"A ranking tournament for all new candidates," Shelby said with a faint smirk. "It’s tradition. The Academy watches it closely. Perform well, and your path inside becomes a lot smoother. Mess up..." He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.
The group exchanged glances. Tension rippled through the air. Excitement. Pressure. Anticipation.
Zane clenched his fists.
So this was just the beginning.
The real test was still ahead.