It is a fascinating paradox: God, the very creator of this realm, once wove together fragments of chaos, imparting the wisdom of brotherhood. And yet, what was forged in unity has often been torn apart by walls of mankind's own design.
Caste, creed, wealth—all tools of separation, born from arrogance and greed. Among these, none have proven more insidious than the Noble–Commoner system: a false pride that dictates worth by birth rather than by deed.
Commoners, diligent and deserving, are often dismissed or ignored. Nobles, shielded by privilege, frequently regard them as mere tools, fit only for service. Yet even within this flawed system, glimmers of hope have appeared—rare souls who see beyond gilded distinctions, who value the inherent worth of every life.
Lord David Heavenstar was one such soul. Noble by birth, he dreamed of a world where all lived as equals under the same sun. His vision was tangible, rooted in action and integrity—not mere fantasy. Yet hope is fragile.
His untimely death cast a long, cold shadow, plunging Commoners back into the familiar grip of oppression. Heavenstar's dream faded into whispered memory. Still, embers endure. Even buried in ash, they resist extinction.
Now, a new dawn approaches. Lady Grandmaster Maya Flamefox stands poised to carry this legacy forward. Will she rise as a phoenix from the ashes of injustice, reigniting the flame of equality into a blazing inferno? Or will the darkness, patient and insidious, consume even her brilliance?
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"And with that, I conclude my speech. Thank you all for your attention. Now, to continue our journey together, I would like each of you to introduce yourselves. Starting from the front, please share your name and a bit about your dreams here at the academy," Maya instructed, gesturing toward the first disciple in line.
Maya returned to her chair, her gaze sweeping across the rows of disciples until it landed on a black-haired girl seated in the front row to her right. A warm, approving smile spread across Maya's face. The girl responded with a slight nod, rising gracefully from her seat.
Her black leather shoes made soft thuds against the polished floor. A slim, poised figure emerged—her long black hair framing a serene, composed face. She moved with a calm, unhurried pace, the soft rustle of her purple warrior hanfu creating a striking silhouette.
At the front, she paused, surveying the curious faces of her fellow disciples. Her eyes, sharp yet composed, held a quiet strength. She bowed respectfully to the teachers, a subtle steel beneath her calm exterior.
"Greetings, esteemed teachers and fellow disciples. My name is Noa Kazami. I am a first-year disciple, aspiring to master the path of Sky magic. I reside in Silver Heaven Town under the guidance of my cousin, Lady Maya Flamefox."
She straightened, her voice clear and confident. "My ambition is to become a great Sky Magus and to serve the Silver Heaven Region with unwavering dedication as a proud Arcane Commander, following in the footsteps of my idol, the legendary Storm-Empress Noelle Airheart. Upon graduation, I hope to join the prestigious Silver Heaven Imperial Army and uphold her magnificent legacy."
A small, genuine smile softened her words. "I am here to train diligently and, hopefully, to make many new friends along the way. Thank you for listening." She bowed once more, the sincerity in her eyes unmistakable.
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A faint, almost imperceptible smile graced Lady Maya's lips as she observed Noa's confident introduction. A ripple of awed whispers swept through the classroom as the younger disciples processed her declaration.
"Did you hear that? She's a cousin of Lady Grandmaster Maya. But Lady Maya wields fire magic. If Noa is her cousin, how can she wield Sky magic?"
"Perhaps one of Noa's parents is a Sky Magus; that could explain it. But if she's related to Lady Maya, imagine her potential! And she aspires to be as powerful as the legendary Storm-Empress Noelle Airheart!"
"Wow! I've always admired Noelle Airheart. She was an exceptional Magus and a former disciple of this academy. Her victories over male mages without breaking a sweat show just how formidable she was."
"All the women in the Silver Heaven Region looked up to her. Under her protection, the region felt safe. Noelle brought immense pride to the Silver Heaven Region. Seeing someone aspire to her level at such a young age is amazing."
Shaun and Natasha sat together, captivated by the spectacle. Natasha's hand gently held Shaun's, a faint smile gracing her lips.
"She's bold, isn't she? Declaring a goal like that… Her determination is palpable. Noa certainly aims high," Natasha whispered.
"I hope she achieves her dreams. It's always good to have big aspirations," Sabastian said softly.
A gentle murmur swept across the classroom, spreading like a breeze. Whispers of admiration and speculation bloomed, intensifying with excitement. Sakura, seated beside Maya, leaned close and whispered,
"Noa's introduction was remarkable, wasn't it? She's taking her first true steps to become a great Magus, just like Noelle. It feels like yesterday she was just a little sprout, and now look at her. You've done an incredible job mentoring her, Maya. She's flourishing under your guidance. You must be proud," Sakura added warmly.
"Indeed. Noa possesses remarkable talent and a spirit brimming with potential. She will undoubtedly blossom into a formidable Magus, just as Noelle was," Maya's stoic expression softened slightly, a faint smile appearing.
"Noelle was a prodigy and an inspiration for every teenager, especially women. Criminals once trembled at the very mention of the Storm-Empress Noelle, a true lover of justice," Sakura added.
"As for pride in her upbringing, I am merely guiding her, fulfilling a promise I made to someone very dear," Maya inclined her head lightly.
"An exceptional guide you are, my Lady Grandmaster. Seeing Noa flourish fills my heart with immense pride," Sakura nodded, her playful demeanour replaced by sincere pride. Just then, a cold, dismissive laugh cut through the moment.
"Oh, please. Still clinging to the ghost of Noelle's so-called legacy? Pathetic. She was hardly the paragon some claim her to be," Katherine sneered, her lips curling in contempt. Her gaze flicked dismissively toward Noa, radiating disdain.
"She never deserved recognition and died pitifully, like a stray animal. Suggesting Noa could match her… absurd," Katherine added, voice dripping with scorn.
"Noelle's accomplishments speak for themselves, far beyond petty accusations. Unlike some, she didn't rely on cheap tricks to succeed. Her legacy will echo through history. Perhaps some have forgotten her victories in past Magus Tournaments?" Maya's eyes narrowed slightly, a simmering warning in her gaze.
"That… that was merely a fluke! An unfortunate mistake!" Katherine's fury became palpable, her grip on her fan tightening as memories of her humiliating defeat resurfaced. A silent challenge hung in the air between the two women.
"Noelle? Noa mentioned Noelle quite a bit. Who exactly is she?" Shaun, observing carefully, furrowed his brow.
"Shaun, you don't know Noelle? She's the Sky Empress — a legend!" Natasha exclaimed, eyes wide with disbelief. Concern flickered briefly across her face.
"She proved that women could stand as equals — even surpass men — in a male-dominated field. Every woman in the Silver Heaven Region admires her. Myself included," she added, a proud smile lighting her face.
Shaun studied Natasha intently, noting every nuance. Sabastian nodded slowly, his distant gaze recalling ancient accounts.
"Indeed. Noelle's feats were exceptional. Her lightning-fast manoeuvres and unmatched aerial combat earned her a personal invitation from Supreme Magus, Gabriel Heavenstar, to join the Silver Heaven Imperial Army," Sabastian explained.
"Wow… she sounds incredible. I want to hear more," Shaun said, captivated.
"She served bravely in the spy division for two years before moving to their Internal Division. Her dedication was unparalleled. But then…" Natasha's expression softened, a hint of sorrow in her eyes.
"It's tragic what happened. She perished in a mysterious fire many years ago."
"A fire? That's… heart-breaking," Shaun murmured, shoulders slumping in empathy.
"That's not the whole story, Shaun," Sabastian whispered, eyes darting around.
"Rumours suggest Noelle's death wasn't an accident. Some say she was close to uncovering a vast conspiracy, investigating the deaths of the Imperial Lord of North Silver Heaven, Lord Kairo, and even the Emperor, Lord David Heavenstar, before her own demise."
"My father, an Arcane Commander, once told my mother that Noelle's death hid deeper secrets than appeared on the surface," Natasha added, recalling her parents' conversation.
"It's all very mysterious," Shaun said, eyes widening as he absorbed the implications.
As Noa concluded her introduction, the murmurs about Noelle began to fade. A new voice, calm and elegant, rose among the disciples.
"Greetings. I am Tanya Whirlwind. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
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