Astralaire Venera, a valley, a realm that defied the laws of gravity and normal existence. A place, which housed nothing on the ground but was made whole in sky.
It was a continental area made up by numerous floating islands. Each island was part of some other plane, a fragment of some other world, that appeared in Arcadia after emergence.
These islands instead of falling down with the pull of gravity, kept floating among the clouds.
In this mysterious place, was an island known throughout Arcadia as the most prestigious and beautiful one, it was called Laurelia Sanctum. The name itself held profound meaning, signifying the sanctuary of legendary knowledge and lores that this island held.
Laurelia Sanctum island was filled with stone statues and nonunents, each said to be holding the secrets of sansaar(world). Thus this island was also often referred as Cairn island. Meaning a place where statues carved from stone dotted its landscape and knowledge was engraved and etched on them.
The island's mystique was further enhanced by its ethereal beauty. Clouds embraced its peaks, giving the illusion that it rested on a celestial throne. As sunlight kissed the ground, a golden aura seemed to emanate from the island, captivating all who gazed upon it.
But despite its vast mysteries and beautiful scenery, it was mainly known for something else. This was where Arcadia's current best academy was made. One of the 5 pillars of world association, their pride, Zenith academy.
While the island remained shrouded in the barriers of magic and concealed by the veils of clouds for most of the year, today was a rare exception. Today it was open for the world to see as an special occasion. This was because today marked the entrance ceremony of Zenith Academy's new batch of students.
But even today, not just anybody could walk in. Considering the safety of the ceremony and crowd control, only those who were invited could take a step inside this island.
Numerous famous reporters from various guilds, magazines and other sectors were called and given permission to record and broadcast this grand event throughout the world.
Families of the incoming students, who had either been selected through examinations or received invitations based on their talent and recommendations, were also welcomed to partake in this grand event.
The security of the place was guaranteed as the staff of Zenith Academy was present there. The responsibility to maintain the crowd and smooth orchestration of the event was also given to the student council and discipline committee of the academy.
Many drones were flying in the air, to record the whole area, sitting arrangements were made in an open space for everyone.
In the center of the celebratory ground stood a big circular stage, elevated to offer a clear view to all. Figures of authority and faculty members from Zenith Academy gathered upon the stage, their presence exuding an air of authority that naturally drew the attention of the crowd
Glass screens suspended in mid-air provided an up-close view of the stage for everyone present. Even those sitting far behind or those watching the footage of drones from their home.
Any incident like the one 2 years ago doesn't happen again, so extra measures of safety were taken. Even the principal of Zenith was present on the stage, waiting to commence the ceremony.
Some speculated it was also because of the vast number of talented people who joined the academy this time. From the Royal princess of Schilla, to the heirs and heiresses of some Dukes. From the children of the top 5 guild leaders, to even heir apparent of the Elven empire. From scions of noble vampire families to students of high ranking dwarven officials, everyone had come to join Zenith academy this year.
"Golden generation" that's what people have been calling it. Ever since the news and some footage of the entrance examinations were released to the world. The talent shown by each one of the selected students in their respective fields was something that could put them in highlights of history, and now they were all coming together, to study and grow together at the same academy.
As anticipation built, a hushed excitement enveloped the crowd. Conversations buzzed with anticipation, mixing with the gentle breeze that carried whispers of rumors and the potential of future.
"The principal himself is here. This is going to be awesome."
"When was the last time he made a public appearance?"
"I heard this batch of students includes some of the most talented kids from whole world."
"Did you not see the list of new students present? No wonder everyone's calling them the golden generation, every one of them is a monster."
Conversations like these echoed through the air, mingling with the energy of the crowd.
"Man, I waited a whole year to come here again."
"Yeah, I had to use all my connections to convince my supervisor to let me enter. This is all so worth it."
"Humph what's so special about it. It happens every year."
"Who do you think took the first rank in entrance examination? The list had so much competition."
"I don't know man, they all seem so good. Someone even said, that the record of Rio as the fastest to finish the Spectrum Maze in history was broken this time too."
"Wh_what, who did that?"
"I don't know, but whoever that person is, they're likely to take the first place too."
"Damn."
Amid the celebration and anticipation, soon the murmurs started flowed regarding the return of a figure long thought dead.
"Talking about Rio, is he really back? I've seen images and heard stories, but is it possible?"
"Nah, they're just rumors I bet. Otherwise his family or the guilds would've made an announcement. It's been over a month but no one has seen him. It was probably done by some reporters to start some controversy to get famous."
"I think so too, after all, how can one survive in a dungeon for 2 years."
"Even with his talent and luck, he can't just survive a dungeon crash right? That's impossible."
Such discussions were inevitable, given the circumstances surrounding Rio's supposed return. Some were skeptical, attributing it to the sensationalism of the media. While some were still doubtful since after that day, the influx of many influential people and healers had increased in Damascus.
But on the papers, the news about his return was basically buried now. Since no one got any confirmation even after a month, every media company moved on, and was now busy covering the articles on entrance examinations and ceremony.
Many guilds had also sent their scouts to get some underdogs or less known talented students in their guilds. After all, once someone joined the academy, they wouldn't be able to leave for the whole year. And they can't sign with any guild until they graduate from the academy.
The 4 years of academy life, would solely be taken over by studies and trainings on these islands. So many guilds were trying to rope in kids before they join the academy, and their value increases. This way it's cheaper and has less competition, instead of waiting for 4 years to get that same guy to sign with the guild.
This also works only cause once someone graduated from any of the top 5 academies, they would only join one of the top guilds, that's why mid or low ranking guilds try to get as many talents contracted to them as soon as possible.
Obviously since everyone knows about all this, they all want to join the top 5, not many can be fooled , but still those who have no connections or those who're in need of money or other resources -do sign these deals to join a guild.
In another section of guests were the students who passed the exams and their families. Every student could bring 2 people with him to watch the ceremony. So despite the limitations the crowd of hundreds had formed in the ground.
No conflicts or safety issues arises, so proper distance and space was maintained between all the sitting arrangements. The families, clans or races which aren't on friendly terms or have bad relationships were especially given separate spaces away from each other, so as not to create any fights on day one of the new year.
The stage was set, and the entry of the protagonist was about to happen. The perfect boost of backing, confidence, power and prestige awaited the hero. But obviously how can the destined devil, let it all happen so smoothly.
Years ago, on a similar stage he had changed the fate of the first heroine, and today, he was finally coming face to face with the hero.
He was back from the certain death to ruin it all.
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A/N - how shocking do u think the world would be to finally get proof of all those rumors? What reactions will the world have for now that he returned.
Waiting for d young master who has dragon castle or spacecraft
_praying_
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