Of the five elders gracing the stage, the central figure appeared the most precarious, as if the sheer weight of his layered ceremonial robes threatened to collapse his frail frame. Yet, as he ascended the few steps to the raised podium, the murmur of conversation rippling through the tiered floors of the Assembly Hall withered into silence.
When he placed a withered hand upon the lectern, the stone responded. A vein of cerulean light woke beneath his palm and bifurcated, racing to opposite ends of the stage and illuminating the gloom with a spectral glow. Beyond the brilliance, a keen eye would catch no flicker of fire or hum of mana shards, but rather fine, deep gouges etched directly into the ancient rock—language of a greater being.
"Welcome to Orientation. I am glad to see every seat filled." The old man chuckled softly. "My name is Orrin Drevayne. For the last fourteen years, I have served as the sixth Headmaster of this institution, a burden entrusted to me by our patrons, the Mage Association. Beside me stand my most loyal and experienced staff: the Deans and Head Instructors."
He turned, allowing a heavy moment of silent respect to settle over the hall before addressing the students once more.
"We do not have a curriculum specialized for a single field. This is not a Magic Tower or a Knight Order designed to teach you the mechanics of battle, killing, and death in five years. When I first set foot here, there were few buildings and fewer staff. It was a place of promise, but it lacked structure; it certainly could not fly then as we do now."
His gaze drifted upward, as if seeing through the ceiling. "Through the tireless efforts of those who came before, this patch of grass and dirt was transformed into the world's first true center of magic education. We create individuals with endless opportunities—pioneers who can reach limitless heights, not mere fighting machines. Forty years ago, our predecessors constructed what you now see: one of the greatest marvels of both architecture and sorcery. Nothing—no Magic Tower, not even the Cathedral of the Sun—could be placed above it. And every year since, our Academy has only grown stronger."
He leaned forward, his voice hardening. "You have earned your place. Out of millions in your generation, out of hundreds of thousands of applicants, only the fifteen hundred seated here were chosen. Whether you belong to the School of Magic or the School of Academia, know this: you are the most gifted and capable of your time. We will guide you to discover a destiny that lies beyond these walls, whether in intellectual fields, charting through dangerous lands, or becoming educators yourselves. That is the charge of the Academy and the Mage Association."
"I am certain your parents are aware of the world's troubles and the risks of this Academy. They would not have sent you unless they were prepared. But now, you are on your own. For the next five years, you must live, learn, and grow independently. Students in the School of Magic will spend two years mastering foundational principles and academic cores. Your fourth year is devoted to independent research. Your fifth will take you outside the Academy to gain practical experience at Magic Towers, Knight Orders, Divine Conclaves, or Research Centers. When you do, I promise you will excel."
He paused, acknowledging the other half of the student body. "Students in the School of Academia will spend two years mastering core subjects. In the third of both Schools, they will devote themselves to a single specialization, continuing until the completion of their Academic Study. If requirements are met, they will spend the remainder of their fifth year mentored within our affiliated organizations, and graduate with a Degree of Advanced Studies.
Orrin looked down at the lectern, his tone shifting from welcoming to grave.
"However, these options vanish if you break our contract. You are not free to leave. Our flying city docks at fewer than ten sanctioned locations, and its course alters only in the face of true catastrophe. The world beyond these walls is perilous. Our ultimate goal is to reclaim it so future generations may live without the fear of monsters, but we are not there yet. Wherever there is darkness, there are monsters. Wherever there is light, there are monsters. We float above these lands of light and dark; civilization is a rare sight. We cannot guarantee your safety on this rock if the Dragon God or Demon God attacks, but we will do everything possible to protect you."
The old man's eyes swept the room, cold and absolute. "If you leave, you will almost certainly die."
The silence in the hall was suffocating.
"Let me speak clearly. While being admitted is an achievement in of itself, it does not guarantee continued enrollment. The first semester is a probationary phase focusing on foundations and the core curriculum. Your midterm performance will determine your fate: retention, elevation to the Honor Class, or the loss of your seat to an external applicant. Those who were not admitted initially are already taking preparation classes, graded by stricter standards. We honor your punctuality in the First Academy Qualifying Test, but only to a point. If you fail to show ambition, this is not the place for you."
"As for daily life: Wake-up is at 07:00 hours. Classes run from 08:00 to 18:00, with breaks for meals. Attendance is not mandatory if your results are satisfactory, but lessons are never repeated. To miss class without preparation is to fall behind. Supplementary lessons cost Academy Credits. Dressing in proper uniform is required to be counted present. You are to be presentable."
"Conduct is rooted in respect. There will be no discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, status, or school. I must stress: the Honor Class holds no special privileges beyond access to Specialized Classes, a necessity due to the scarcity of specialized instructors. My dream is universal education, but educators are a finite resource."
"Integrity is paramount. Plagiarism, fabrication, impersonation, unauthorized collaboration, and cheating are strictly forbidden. Violations fall under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Board of the Mage Association. You will come to know the Academy Credit system well. Aside from your stipend, credits are earned through outstanding work. They buy food, private lessons, rare materials, or access to restricted areas. They cannot, however, bypass the law. Misuse will be punished."
"Combat training is core to Academy life. Injuries are possible, though staff are present to safeguard your health. Hear me well: killing or attempting to take a life is forbidden. Violence is limited to sanctioned assessments. Unsupervised duels result in immediate detainment. If found guilty, you will be expelled and stripped of protection from your home nation's laws."
"As for access: every structure on this flying island belongs to the Academy. Intentional destruction is forbidden. The city is divided into seven sectors—five for students by year, two for staff. You may access only your designated sector and public facilities. Leaving the Academy without documented authorization is prohibited."
Orrin softened slightly, his posture relaxing. "By the power of the Mage Association, we grant you a surname if you do not bear one. This name, valid on all official documents, bestows no noble status, but it is yours to pass down for centuries. It ensures every student stands equal in our records, with a name that will be remembered."
"I close with this. It is our honor to teach you, and yours to be here. The Academy thrives because of those who came before and those who come next. These rules are not chains, but the structure that allows greatness to flourish. Compete with vigor. Learn without restraint. Remember, you are not merely students, but heirs to the greatest institution of magic in the world."
"Schedules will be posted tonight in your dorm meeting halls. Classes begin tomorrow. Speak with instructors if you have questions. Until then, partake in the meal our chefs have prepared. I hope you enjoy your time here."
He raised his hand. As if compelled by an instinctual command, the entire hall erupted into applause.