The grand plaza of Marshall Academy was filled with young Arcanists…

They were students from across the world who streamed into the ceremonial grounds, each wearing the Academy's uniform.

Since this was a new era for the Academy, they were given deep indigo coats lined with silver trim, with the emblem of the Academy stitched proudly on the chest. Yet each student also bore a second emblem, smaller but distinct, representing their chosen Arcane Path.

Those of the Dark Arts wore a raven-black emblem, etched like shadow across their sleeve.

The Summoning Arts students bore a golden circle with a grimoire spiraling inward.

The Mystic Arts carried a crescent moon entwined with stars.

The Elemental Arts displayed a four-pointed emblem, each tip glowing faintly with fire, water, earth, and wind.

The Knights wore a silver sword crossed with a shield.

The Alchemy Arts carried a flask and a transmutation circle.

The Rune Arts displayed a wisdom rune on their emblem…

The Beast Arts's emblem was like a claw mark surrounded by primal energy.

The Holy Arts bore a radiant sun emblem, symbolizing purity and divine order.

The Combat Arts carried a crossed spear and gauntlet, representing raw martial prowess.

The Psychic Arts displayed an eye surrounded by rings… and lastly…

The Transformation Arts had a hexagon divided into three sections, each with a different symbol, a claw, a flame, and a wing…

The plaza was filled with proud students, and of course, they were all divided by their Arcane Path. Each group gathered proudly beneath their Path's banners.

For years, Marshall Academy had only taught four disciplines: Dark Arts, Mystic Arts, Psychic Arts, and Elemental Arts.

But this year was different. For the first time, all twelve Arcane Paths were represented, and the students gathered here were not ordinary apprentices. They were prodigies, chosen from every corner of the world, each carrying the hopes of their nations, clans, and families.

After all, there was still a limit to the number of students they could accept.

The air grew still as a ripple of power swept across the plaza. The students turned as the Headmaster arrived.

Constance Leore, the Spirit Immortal, descended gracefully from the Dark Arts Tower's balcony.

Her long blue hair shone, and her gown of spirit threads glowed faintly...

She walked to the center of the stage, as her gaze swept across the gathered students.

For a moment, silence reigned as she began to speak.

"Students of Marshall Academy… welcome. For many years, this Academy has stood as a place of knowledge, training Arcanists in four disciplines... Those paths have forged warriors, scholars, and protectors who now serve across the continent.

"But today… today marks a new era.

"For the first time in our history, Marshall Academy will open its halls to all twelve Arcane Paths. Dark Arts, Summoning Arts, Mystic Arts, Elemental Arts, Knights, Alchemy Arts, Rune Arts, Beast Arts, Holy Arts, Combat Arts, Psychic Arts, and Transformation Arts… each of you carries the emblem of your path, and with it, was your destiny.

"You are not ordinary students. You are talents gathered from every corner of the world, chosen not only by your nations, your clans, and your mentors, but also by Fate! Some of you have crossed great lands, others have left kingdoms, and still others have defied fate itself to stand here.

"This Academy is a perfect place of learning. It is a proving ground. Here, you will be challenged. Here, you will struggle, grow, and rise. And here, you will discover not only the strength of your own path, but the power of standing together.

"The world beyond these walls is changing. It is you, the next generation, who must rise to meet it.

"So I welcome you, students of the Twelve Paths. The Marshall Academy is yours. Let the new age begin."

The plaza erupted in applause…

***

After the opening ceremony, Cassian adjusted the silver-trimmed collar of his indigo coat as he stepped into the lecture hall reserved for the first-year Mystic Arts curriculum.

Beside him walked Selene with her long dark hair tied neatly...

The hall was vast, and there were already dozens of students filed in, each bearing the same emblem.

Today marked the beginning of their journey into the basic or elementary knowledge of the Mystic Arts.

"Mhmm… So there were only 60 of us…" Cassian muttered after counting the number of students inside the hall.

The instructor, a robed Arcanist named Professor Halvar, raised his hand, and silence fell.

"Welcome, students of the Mystic Path. Today, we begin with the foundation of all mystic practice… Elementary Spirit Law."

He gestured, and a diagram of flowing energy appeared above the lectern…

"Spirit energy is not something that only Arcanists have. It is in everyone's body… Today, we will learn how it differs from your Arcane Energy…"

Just like that, Professor Halvar started that Class with them learning their Spirit Strand.

One by one, the students were tested using the Spirit Converging Crystal, allowing them to learn how much Spiritual Energy they actually have.

After that, they learned that, depending on the number of strands they could produce, they would be able to learn Spells…

"Any questions?" The Professor asked.

"Can we ask about the foundational Mystic Spells of the Academy?" One student asked.

This made all of them curious.

Cassian also felt curious. The Church's foundational spells were Spirit Veil, Resonant Pulse, and Harmonizing Light.

On the other hand, the Order of the Illustrious Liquidator's three foundational Spells are Piercing Ray, Binding Seal, and the Cleansing Flame.

Professor Halvar nodded at the eager faces and swiftly wrote about them on the board. He knew that all students would be so curious about them, so even if it shouldn't be him teaching about these three spells, he could still introduce them.

"They're the Mystic Hands, Spirit Whisper, and Arcane Shield…"

As soon as he said this, everyone felt a bit disappointed. It felt too simple for them!

However, even after seeing their reaction, Halvar just smiled…

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