Kael stepped into the main hall of Beacon Academy, feeling as if he had entered another world. The soaring ceiling was exquisitely carved, and the magic torches hung on the walls cast a soft glow, illuminating hundreds of students moving about. Unlike the dilapidation of the slums, this place exuded an aura of grandeur and ancient knowledge.
The scrutinizing gazes did not leave Kael alone. There were curious looks, contemptuous ones, and even envious stares from talented students who couldn't understand why a "cripple" was personally allowed in by the Headmaster. Kael could sense the energy from their various Source Cores – some strong, some weak, but all seemed overshadowed by his Primordial Energy.
Headmaster Eldrin led Kael through the hall, ignoring all the whispers. He brought Kael to a small, quiet room at the end of the corridor.
"Have a seat," Eldrin said, gesturing to a simple wooden chair. He sat opposite Kael, his profound gaze fixed on him. "Kael, I'll be direct. The energy you displayed at the gate... it doesn't belong to any Source Core I've ever known. It's completely different."
Kael remained silent. He knew he couldn't hide it for long.
"Where are you from? How did you acquire that power?" Eldrin asked, his tone not forceful, but filled with genuine curiosity.
Kael decided to tell the truth, at least the part he knew. "I'm from the slums. As for the power... I found an ancient relic beneath the Bloodshadow Abyss. It changed me."
Eldrin frowned. "An ancient relic? Beneath the Bloodshadow Abyss?" He tapped his fingers on the table. "Do you know what that relic is? And that energy, what is its name?"
"It's called Primordial Energy," Kael replied, his voice resonating with newfound confidence. "And from what I can sense, it's the source of all Source Cores. The ancient civilization used it."
Eldrin's eyes widened in astonishment. He stood up, pacing the room. "Primordial Energy... The Source... Do you realize what you just said? If true, it would overturn all our knowledge of cultivation!"
He turned back to Kael, his gaze now containing not just curiosity but also respect and a hint of awe. "You said you seek answers. What do you want from this Academy?"
"I want to learn to control Primordial Energy," Kael said. "I want to understand this world better, and what happened to that ancient civilization. And I want to be strong enough so no one can harm me again."
Eldrin nodded. "Clear ambition. Good." He walked to an ancient bookshelf, pulling out a thick, leather-bound book, its cover faded with age. "Arcania holds countless mysteries. And one of them is the records of a 'Primordial Era' erased from history. These records speak of a 'primordial' energy that shaped the world." He placed the book on the table. "Perhaps, you are the key to deciphering them."
"I will allow you to stay at the Academy, as a special student," Eldrin continued. "You will not have to attend basic Source Core classes, as they are unsuitable for you. Instead, I will personally guide you, and you will have access to the Academy's ancient library."
Kael was surprised. To be personally guided by Headmaster Eldrin? This was something thousands of prodigies could only dream of.
"In return," Eldrin said, his gaze becoming serious, "you must keep your power a secret. Only reveal it when absolutely necessary. And you must report all your progress, all your discoveries, to me." He looked directly into Kael's eyes. "Do you accept?"
Kael didn't hesitate. This was his only chance. "I accept."
"Good," Eldrin nodded. "You may begin exploring the Academy now. Tomorrow, come to my office. I will give you some basic materials on Arcania's history and energy theories. We will start from there."
Kael stood up, bowing to Eldrin. As he left the room, he felt a rare sense of relief. He had a place, a path. He was no longer alone.
Kael wandered through the Academy's spacious corridors. He saw students practicing different types of magic, warriors honing their combat skills. All were full of life and enthusiasm. Kael realized, this was the world he wanted to belong to, a world of the strong, not the desperate slums.
Passing by a lush garden, Kael heard the clash of swords. He approached and saw Lyra, the girl who had been with him in the slums, practicing alone. A faint purple magical light shimmered around her sword, each strike fluid and powerful.
Lyra stopped, panting. She turned, and her eyes met Kael's.
"Kael? What... what are you doing here?" Lyra asked, surprised. "How did you get in?"
Kael smiled. "It seems I found a way."
Lyra stared at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She must have heard the rumors from the slums.
"So, that thing you used to take down Radek... it's real?" Lyra asked, moving closer. "What is it?"
Kael looked at her, weighing his options. He had promised Headmaster Eldrin to keep it a secret. But Lyra was the first person to trust him, the one who hadn't scorned him.
"It's complicated, Lyra," Kael said, but a mischievous glint was in his eyes. "But I think... I'll need an ally to figure it out. Do you want to explore with me?"
Lyra beamed. "Of course, you idiot! Do you think I'd let you have all the fun by yourself?"
The sunset cast a golden glow over Beacon Academy. Kael stood there, beside his first friend, feeling a new surge of energy not just from Primordial Energy, but from hope. He had taken his first step into a new world, and this journey would no longer be solitary.