Rebirth-Transcending All Beings-Chapter 78: Academy [1]

Elina and Eleanor remained on horseback as they approached the academy.

Elenaor led with quiet grace, her brown hair trailing like a ribbon in the breeze. Along the road, they joined other travellers.

Prospective academy students. Young mages, hunters, cultivators and merchants heading in the same direction.

The road hand begun to meets it end, and what stood at the end was a new beginning.

It was unlike anything Elina had imagined or could anticipate as the academy came into view.

Set against high cliffs in the northern valley, the entrance to the academy was built from polished white stone. Weathered bu time by unyielding in a majestic manner. Etched in glyphs and arrays for protection.

Each mark deliberate, sacred and powerful.

The main gate stood tall and pristine, made of a white-coloured wood, lined with steel–along with symbols etched across it. Glowing faintly, forming patterns of ancient magic of protection and preservation.

Dozens of prospects crowded outside. Some entered inside, others murmured nervously. Their breaths dogging in the cool morning air.

Arriving at the base of the steps leading to the gates. Elenaor turned her head slightly. "Are you coming with me, she asked gently. "Or your uncles?"

Elina looked up at the academy, eyes reflecting its glow. Then she nodded. "I’m coming with you."

At the top of the stairs, a gaurd stood at the gate, clad in white robes and his hands clasped behind his back.

"Only those with official recommendation letters may enter,’ he announced in a sharp and emotionless tone. "Otherwise you can wait until the entrance exams begin to be let in."

Eleanor dismounted, and without hesitation climbed the stairs with Elina–handing the letter sealed with Elviras crest.

The man opened it, scanning the contents and froze. His lips parted slightly as he read it once more–slower.

"This... this is from her?" His voice began to waver.

Looking at Eleanor once more. "I wasn’t informed that she was giving out recommendations any more..."

For a brief moment, only the sound of whispers and passing wind travelled.

Slowly, he stepped aside, rigid in posture. "I assume she is your attendant. Both of you may enter." As he finished speaking, the gates began to part with a deep resonant hum–as if acknowledging their presence.

Beyond them, the reception of Vaeloria unfolded–white marble paths along with luminous lanterns floated in the air as ivory towers rose throigh the mist like spires from noble fantasy.

They moved forward, Eleanor walked in front with elegance, her steps carrying the natural authenticity of a noble.

Although she appeared relaxed to the onlookers, there was a sharpness in her eyes. The area round her was nothing new to her. This place was beautful yet tame.

Elina, by contrast, was nearly spellbound. Her eyes beginning to widen as she looked at the decorations spread around, trailing slightly until Eleanor genlty nudged her.

"Stay close," Eleanor spoke firmly.

"Sorry," Elina replied, snapping back to reality, hastening her steps.

A women in green robes stood at the end of the white-marbled path. Her posture calm and straight, her hair neatly pinned–with an enchanted quill floating next to her.

She gave the two a polished, almost robotic smile as they drew closer. "Greetings,’ she spoke in a calm tone. ’Could you state your names?"

Eleanor stepped forward smoothly. "I’m Elle Vayne,’ she said enunciatingly. "And this is my servant Ellina–who will attend with me."

The receptionist flinched at the name. Her eyes darted to Eleanors face before quickly recovering with a polite mask.

"Miss Vayne," she spoke with caution. "I deeply apologise for your incorrect treatment. I’ll escort you the room assigned for students with recommendation letters."

Elina shot Eleanor a glance, but Eleanor remained impassive.

They followed the woman down a long barbled corridor, lined with tall windows thag opened to views of the mountain and a lake thag sat behind the academy walls.

The path began to curve slightly as they entered thr campus residential sector. The dormitory buildings were grand but quiet.

Constructed of white stone and enchanted woods as they roofs gilded in silver shimmered beneath the sky.

Other early candidates moved through in small candidates, wearing their own set of clothes from their homeland as Elina watched all of them with a growing awe.

"Um," Elina asked hesitantly, "how are the rooms divided?"

Eleanor didn’t answer.

But the receptionist did, glancing briefly over her shoulder. "Those who have recommendation letters from instructors or high-ranking officials are housed earlier than the others. You’ll be placed on the third floor. It’s reserved for special entries."

"The elite section," Eleanor said flatly.

The woman gave a short nod. "Yes. Each room there is fitted with privacy wards, personal study space, and a small barrier field for training. Meals can be summoned by channeling mana through the mark on the doorplate. You’ll also receive a key enchanted to respond only to you and your servant."

Elina’s eyes widened again. "They have private barrier fields?"

The woman allowed herself a small smile. "Of course. Many of the students accepted through recommendations are prodigies—or nobles. We wouldn’t want accidents."

"I see..." Elina murmured, still digesting everything.

Reaching the base of the dormitory buildings, they made their wag up the white marble staircase, upward, lined with floating glyphs.

"Third floor, room 312," the woman said, handing Eleanor a small silver key. "If you have any issues, use the bell charm on the desk inside. I’ll leave you to settle in. Make sure to attend the entrance exam, remember, you have to take the entrance exam to be able to attend as a student here."

Eleanor accepted the key without a word and began ascending the stairs, Elina following behind.

The third floor was quieter than the others. The hall was carpeted in deep blue, with tall windows overlooking the distant lake. Their room sat at the far end, its door etched with layered glyphs that glowed briefly as Eleanor approached.

She placed the key into the slot, and the glyphs rotated in response, unlocking with a click.

The room inside was more like a small suite. A central chamber with a large enchanted window bathed the space in natural light.

Two beds sat a metre away from each other. One wall lines with wardrobes and in the corner,n a crystal orb sat quietly–pulsing with a faint light on the desk along with a bell charm next to it.

Elina stepped inside, breath catching in her throat.

"This is... incredible," she whispered.

Eleanor said nothing. She walked to the far bed, set her satchel down, and gazed out the window.

"You’ll sleep there," she said, nodding to the bed near the door.

Elina nodded quickly. "Of course. Thank you."

She began unpacking her things, trying to stay quiet.

After a moment, Eleanor spoke again.

"Don’t let the walls fool you," Eleanor spoke once more. "This place is filled with people who will use you. Especially those born into power."

Elina looked up. "You’ve been here before?"

"Not here," Eleanor replied, eyes distant. "But this is how most places are."

There was a knock at the door.

Both girls looked up. Eleanor moved first, hand drifting toward the hidden dagger thay Vergil had given her.

It was another student. Tall and wearing a crimson robe, with dark hair tied back and a smug expression.

"New arrivals?" she asked, looking them both over. His eyes lingered on Eleanor.

"Yes," she replied curtly.

Interesting. You’re in the east wing," she spoke with intrigue. "I suppose we’ll see you around."

She gave a half-bow, eyes still studying them before leaving.

Elina closed the door slowly. "Do you think she will be trouble?"

Eleanor didn’t answer at first.

Then, quietly, she said, "They’re all trouble. Just don’t show any weak points."