Chapter 329 - Introductions at Raelion

“And there is the Veiled Spire.” Valela gestured to a tower like a spike of black glass stuck in a wood of snow-dusted pines. “It holds one of Raelion’s skill vaults and a few courses of higher magic. Access isn’t restricted, but only upperclassmen go there. As first-years, I’d advise you to stay away.”

Her gaze passed over each of them in turn, confirming they were focused and listening. “Everything clear?”

“Crystal,” Kai said, trying to fix the maze of paths and rules in his mind—Raelion was like a city-state unto itself. Flynn had pulled out a notebook two hours ago and was still scribbling notes, while Rain craned his neck, wide eyes darting to take in all the sights.

“Okay.” Valela tucked a lock of auburn hair behind her ear and let her hands rest at her sides. “That covers the main areas you need to know, at least for Mana Studies.” She offered Flynn an apologetic glance. “I’m not as familiar with the areas exclusive to Martial Studies in the southern grounds.”

Flynn waved off her concern, tucking his notebook and enchanted pen into a pocket of his long coat. “It’s quite alright. I’ll figure it out later. Your creepy magic buildings are much more interesting anyway.”

“Yes… I can introduce you to someone later, if needed,” Valela replied, her voice perfectly polite—maybe too polite.

She takes her role as guide pretty seriously…

Kai narrowed his eyes. Something was off with her. She hadn’t been this stiff when they talked at the House of Mirrors. And why did she keep avoiding his gaze?

Did I offend her somehow?

Since rooms wouldn’t be assigned until the sorting ceremony that evening, she’d offered to give them a personal tour of the academy grounds and help with paperwork and luggage.

Kai appreciated the gesture. A private visit was far more helpful than being herded on a welcome tour in packs of fifty like the other newcomers.

He had known Raelion was large, but hadn’t truly grasped its scale before. Towering buildings rose in clusters across snow-covered fields, frozen ponds, and frosted woods. A grid of stone roads ran through the main facilities, and winding cobblestone paths connected the rest.

They had been walking for the last three hours and still hadn’t reached the fringes. Kai might not have believed the academy bordered one of the Republic’s largest mana forests—if the ambient density didn’t brush Green-1.

His skin hadn’t stopped tingling since he stepped out of the silver portal in the Summonarium. Each breath felt fuller, every sense sharper, his muscles eager to move.

I missed this.

“I know it’s a lot to take in at first.” Valela smiled at their slightly lost expressions. “You’ll get used to it. At least, for the most part. Just stay on the paths and you’ll be fine.” She checked a gold pocket watch, its lid engraved with a seahorse. “It’s nearly noon. Do you remember where the Wing Aurea is?”

Three arms pointed past a hill at their right with near-synchronized motion. Velala blinked, letting a hint of surprise slip. “That is right…”

“About a fifteen-minute walk,” Flynn added.

“We can make it in ten,” Kai said. The map was simple compared to the tangle of Raelion’s formal and informal rules.

“Depends on our route,” Flynn replied. “She did tell us to stick to the main roads.”

“That would be best,” Valela agreed, glancing up at the puffy clouds scattered across the sky. “The side paths are cleared less often when it snows. And the minor arrays can malfunction…” Her gaze grew distant, then she shook her head. “You’ll have time to use shortcuts once you know your way around.”

“So… that means I’m right.” Flynn grinned brightly at Kai. “Don’t worry, I’ll come looking for you if you get lost.”

I wasn’t wrong.

Kai dodged the hand reaching to ruffle his hair. “Time wasn’t even part of the question. Right...” Looking for support, he saw Valela and Rain already strolling down the path.

Traitors...

“C’mon, let’s go find something to eat.” Flynn chuckled at him. “I’m curious to see how the food’s here. Remember you promised to buy me lunch with the money from the bet?”

“I do... and I also remember you saying you’d never eat again this morning,” Kai recalled the aftermath after using the portal—a swirl of silver, a flash of kaleidoscopic lights and hundreds of miles crossed with a single step. Though the consequences for many students hadn’t been quite so brief. A fair number of them had emptied their stomachs in the square. “I’m pretty sure you swore never to eat again, in fact.”

Wasn’t that bad for me. Practicing Spatial Shift paid off.

“Now, let’s not dig up painful memories,” Flynn used a hand to cover his eyes as if he couldn’t bear the thought of his lost breakfast. “That was three hours ago. I can’t get bogged down by past me. I must keep looking forward!” He pointed down the cobblestone trail.

“You’re so courageous.” Kai rolled his eyes. “And will lunch help you cope with the loss?”

“Yes...” Flynn pressed a hand to his forehead. “It—it might lessen the pain…”

“All right. Then I’ll also cover your tuition fees.” Kai added almost like an afterthought.

“I—” Flynn’s grin turned into a grimace. “You don’t need to do that. I’ll pay it with credits. I have enough for the first installment.”

“You know there are better uses for credits. You’ll spend the rest of the year paying off tuition while everyone else gets ahead.” Kai tried to keep the exasperation out of his voice. Why was he being so stubborn? “Let me help. Your fee’s just a hundred gold.”

“Just a hundred?” Flynn raised both eyebrows. “Since when was that small change? You could buy a town for that back home. Maybe two. People here live in their own crazy world.”

“I—you know what I mean. And how much I have.” Kai raised his ringed hand. “It’s only half of what I got from that ridiculous bet. If I needed something you could easily provide, wouldn’t you help me?”

“That... It’s not the same.” Flynn’s scowl deepened. “And I might not if you told me not to.”

“Really?” Kai gave him a skeptical look.

“Maybe?” Flynn crossed his arms and avoided his gaze. “I don’t know… it would depend on the circumstances.”

“Right. So take the money and use your credits for something useful. If you really have to, consider it a student loan. You can pay me back after graduation.”

“A student loan?”

“Yes. Just without the predatory part.”

“The predatory part…?” Flynn blinked, even more confused. “Wait... is that from… y’know?”

Kai waved it off. “Doesn’t matter. Just say you’ll take it.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“I...” Flynn chewed his lip for several seconds, then sighed. “Fine. Add it to my tab. I’ll pay you back. With interest.”

“I don’t want interest.” Kai huffed. Having a hundred more or fewer mesars in his ring made no difference. Gold didn’t depreciate like Earth’s money. “Just do well in your studies. I can’t be seen hanging around with a weakling.”

Flynn scoffed. “Can’t be worse than being seen with a short boy. You never appreciate my sacrifices.”

“I’m—” Kai stomped a boot on the frozen cobblestones. “I’m still growing.” His height was perfectly normal for his age. He wasn’t yet fifteen.

“Of course you are, little buddy.” Flynn ruffled his hair before he could dodge. “You’ve still got a good centimeter in you. Maybe even two. The Spirits always loved you more.”

“They recognize a good investment,” Kai grumbled. “Hmm... It’s been a while since we sparred. I can show you how to see the world from the ground. I hear it gives you a new perspective. Maybe the Spirits will notice you too.”

Flynn grinned without a hint of worry. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. You always threaten violence when you’re losing an argument.”

“Shut up. I am not short.” Kai sped up to catch up with Valela and Rain.

“Of course,” Flynn kept pace, looking ahead with a smile. “I’m sure there’s at least one person who thinks so.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing much. You’re the perfect size. Don’t worry.”

“I’m not.” Kai shook his head. Probably just another tease.

I’m out of practice with jabs.

As they neared the marble shadow of Wing Aurea, the paths filled with streams of students in enchanted cloaks trimmed with fur and feathers. The winter uniforms beneath marked their years: burgundy, rusty orange, beige yellow, and forest green—easy enough to remember. Crests and lining details in gold, silver and black denoted their course of study.

Kai resisted the urge to scan them with Mana Observer. Asking not to be noticed in a magic academy was hopelessly reckless—even with his Luck.

Old habits die hard.

He stepped aside to let two girls in matching coats pass—Artisan Studies, second years. They didn’t spare him a glance, let alone a thank you.

Rude.

“How are we supposed to address the patrician kids?” Kai asked Valela. She’d already taught them a dozen ways to greet professors depending on time and place. He’d never cared much for etiquette, but he didn’t want unnecessary trouble.

“Uhm.” Valela pursed her lips and sighed. “It’s... complicated. The amended Sixteenth Principle states every student attending Raelion shall be treated equally, regardless of their station outside, till their education is complete.”

“And in practice?” Flynn asked.

“Well...” She checked that no one was nearby before lowering her voice. “Many patricians treat the principles more as general suggestions than strict rules. They might take offense if you address them informally or don’t give them precedence.”

Kai frowned. “What codes are you talking about?”

“The founding principles of Raelion’s code of conduct?” She tilted her head, puzzled. “The ones you agreed to follow when you enrolled? You didn’t read them? I— Sorry, it’s my fault. I should’ve mentioned it.”

She rummaged through her spatial purse, her arm reaching down further than the small pink bag suggested possible. With a scowl of effort, she pulled out a thick tome that stretched the opening to its limit. Raelion Academy’s Codex gleamed in gold letters on the cover.

“Here. You can borrow mine.” She offered him the volume. “Each student can request a free copy at the administrative building, but it takes a few weeks during intakes.”

“Alright… Thanks.” Kai used his thumb to flip the pages filled with tiny columns of text. He liked reading, but the awkwardly worded legalese gave him a headache. “Is there no abbreviated version?”

Valela watched him, puzzled. “That is the abbreviated version. The full codex is over three thousand pages. They’ve been adding rules for centuries. A bit of a lengthy read. You can get around with this one and some common sense.” She tapped the spine of the book in his hands.

“I see.” Kai discreetly stored it in his ring. “I’ll return it once I finish reading it.”

At least the parts that look important.

The buzz of chatter grew as they reached the broad plaza in front of the Wing Aurea. Footprints and mud marred the snow, while the trickle of students became a continuous stream.

“Here you can find anything you need.” Valela stopped beside the marble steps, glancing away at the distant buildings. “You know where your welcome ceremonies are tonight. We can meet later if you need.”

“Wait.” Kai caught her as she looked about to leave. “At least let me buy you lunch.”

“Huh? W—what?” She halted mid-step, face visibly flustered.

“Lunch? Food?” Kai motioned to the colossal building looming over the four of them. “You have to eat too, right? Let me treat you. It’s the least I can do after you showed us around.”

Valela frowned slightly. “You mean... join you three for lunch?”

“Yes?” Kai said, noticing Flynn and Rain sharing grins and whispers in his periphery.

Was I not clear?

“If you have something else to do, don’t feel obligated to come. We can meet up later. Or tomorrow. We’ll find our way. You’ve helped so much more than you had to.”

“No, I—” Valela froze when a honeyed voice chimed in behind her.

“So this is why you suddenly disappeared. Huh… You kept yourself busy, Val.” The voice giggled. “I didn’t think you were the type to see three boys at once.”

Two girls walked toward them.

The taller one glided on the pavement with the grace of a ballerina. Sharp cheekbones accentuated her pale complexion and jet-black hair, which was held aside with an amethyst brooch. She observed them with cool curiosity.

Her more petite companion was the one who had spoken. She had a doll-like appearance, with golden locks, large purple eyes and a perfect almond face, though the mischievous smile and confident gait hinted she might not be that innocent or delicate.

“All new students. You sure don’t waste time.” The girl scrutinized them each in turn, hands angled on her hips. Her long eyelashes fluttered upon seeing Rain, before hurriedly moving onto Kai. “Well… I can’t say you have bad taste. Still, I feel a little hurt that you didn’t share.”

“Lys.” Valela snapped out of her daze, cheeks flushed, glaring daggers at the newcomer. “They’re friends from home. I was showing them the grounds around Raelion. You’ll make them think we’re all mad.”

“Friends?” Lys curled a lock around her finger and smiled sweetly. “I see I jumped to conclusions. Please, accept my apologies.” She rested a dainty hand on her chest, looking truly remorseful for a moment. Then she turned to elbow Val and whispered. “How could you never tell me you had such cute friends coming to Raelion? I’m barely presentable.”

Flynn covered his bright smile, leaning on Rain, and barely containing his laughter.

“Enough nonsense.” Valela pulled her back, her face smoothed into a tight expression. “You didn’t have to meet them now. They just got here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Lys spun out of Valela’s grip to stand before them. “I have not introduced myself. I’m Calyssa of House Fairmont. You can call me Lys. Any friend of Val is a friend of mine.” She gestured to her willowy companion, who watched the exchange in silence. “And this fascinating creature is Renaria Drakmore. Not much of a talker, but very worth knowing. Now… tell me more about yourself. How long have you known Val?”

And I thought Flynn had thick skin and too much energy…

Kai glanced at Rain and Flynn. Both stood further behind than he remembered, letting him alone to confront the inquisitive girl. Resigned, he extended his hand. “I’m Matthew. Mat is fine too.”

It was proper to offer only a first name to patricians.

Hopefully, she doesn’t expect me to curtsy. She seems casual enough.

“Matthew?” Lys’ manicured eyebrows lifted. Eyes widening as if she saw him for the first time. “The Matthew, from the archipelago? The one Val is always running off to chat with in the House of Mirrors?”

“Yeah…? I guess that’s me.” Kai looked in confusion at her gleaming gaze.

Am I missing something?

Even the quiet Renaria had parted her lips in surprise.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Lys clasped his hand in both of hers, leaning forward as if afraid she'd miss a pore on his skin. “Val has told us so much about you.”

“Has she?” Kai stepped back to escape the inspection. Throwing a glance at Valela, who looked pale. “What things exactly?”

She wouldn’t break my cover identity. She basically built it.

“Only good things. I can’t wait to know how you two met.” Lys beamed, glancing at the bustling plaza and rubbing her arms. “But maybe somewhere warmer to talk? I’m freezing.”

“That’s a great idea!” Flynn slung an arm over Kai’s shoulder and tapped his back with a suggestive look.

They’re Val’s friends. Guess we’ll be seeing them again.

“We were just about to have lunch,” Kai offered. “Do you want to join us? I’m buying. Maybe you can suggest a place in the Wing Aurea.”

“Handsome, considerate and apparently generous. We’d love to accept your invitation.” Lys hooked arms with Valela and Renaria. “You truly have the best friends, Val. I’m so envious.”