The journey proved challenging for William. Aethel’s primitive past was a dangerous place.

The roads were unsafe, and Jinra, by concealing his aura, ensured that beasts would attack them. Find adventures on empire

“This is part of your training,” he said, observing William as he battled all manner of creatures.

“Die, beast!” William roared, slashing his steel sword through a three-headed boar.

[Level Up]

[Level Up]

[Level Up]

That message flashed before William’s eyes repeatedly throughout his journey. He constantly battled beasts, gaining incredible amounts of experience.

Jinra only intervened when William faced insurmountable odds, otherwise leaving him to fight independently.

With each passing day, William felt his body grow stronger and his movements sharper. They traveled by horse, stopping only to fight creatures that crossed their path.

At night, they camped. William used this time to read and practice spells from his academy manuals, but exhaustion from the day’s battles often overcame him, preventing him from studying for long.

Thus, a month passed.

After a month of travel with Jinra, they finally reached a familiar landmark: Snowpeak Mount.

Unlike in present-day Aethel, there was no city here. It was just a mountain, with a few cabins and a stone building under construction at its peak.

“That’s the academy you’ll be attending,” Jinra said, pointing to the summit. “It will take us a few days to climb, but we’re close.”

The academy looked different from the one William knew, but he could see the foundational structure was the same.

As they prepared to continue their climb, a young man passed by. He wore fine robes, his long hair framing a face adorned with round glasses. He had the distinct air of a scholar.

“Are you two heading to the magic academy?” the man inquired.

Jinra nodded. “Yes, we are. Why?”

The man smiled. “I’m heading there as well. In fact, I’m one of the professors. Would you like a ride? I have a flying mount that will make the journey much faster.”

“What about our horses?” Jinra asked, though he was clearly interested in the offer. Reaching the academy quickly was appealing, as scaling the mountain with its precarious infrastructure would be arduous. There was no clear path, no shelter from the harsh weather, and no place to rest during the climb.

“Don’t worry,” the man assured him. “I can use my magic to lift them as well. So, what do you say?”

Jinra accepted, especially since William was eager to fly. The professor cast two spells: one to lull the horses to sleep, and another to levitate them.

The flying mount turned out to be a winged lizard, a creature unlike anything William had ever seen.

They climbed onto the lizard’s back, which had ample space, and soared towards the academy. The horses floated beside them, enveloped in a protective blue barrier generated by the professor’s magic.

“So, are you bringing your son or grandson to join the academy?” the professor asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity as he glanced between the weathered old man and the young boy at his side.

Jinra, his beard as white as the snow-capped peaks surrounding them, chuckled. “Indeed. I am Jinra, and this is William.” He paused, a hint of amusement in his voice. “And you are?”

“Oh, forgive my rudiness!” The professor extended a hand, his grip surprisingly strong. “Professor Lincoln. Welcome to Snowpeak Magic Academy.”

William, despite his youthful appearance, was already attuned to the subtle currents of magical energy. He could sense that Lincoln was a powerful mage, perhaps even stronger than Professor James.

‘Could he beat Professor James in a fight?’ The thought flickered through his mind.

“We have around 80 students currently enrolled,” Lincoln said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. “We’re glad you’ve chosen to join us, William. It’s tough to live in this harsh weather, but you’ll get used to it.”

“80 students?” William echoed, surprised. He was used to academies teeming with hundreds, even thousands of aspiring mages.

Lincoln nodded, understanding the boy’s surprise. “It’s a modest number, I admit. We’re a relatively new academy, and our location isn’t exactly…favorable.” He gestured towards the towering, snow-laden mountains that encircled them. “Most acolytes prefer to learn magic in the academies near the beaches. There’s one on a tropical island that’s quite famous.”

William understood. Snowpeak Magic Academy wasn’t renowned. It lacked the allure of sun-drenched beaches and bustling cities.

“Is this place safe?” William asked, his young brow furrowed with concern. The imposing mountains and the starkness of the landscape seemed to whisper of hidden dangers.

Professor Lincoln puffed out his chest, a touch of defiance in his voice. “Of course! We have a sturdy wall surrounding the academy grounds,” he said, gesturing towards the stone barrier that snaked through the snowdrifts. “We’re even reinforcing it and exploring ways to add magical defenses in the future. Rest assured, the main building and the dormitories are perfectly secure. You won’t be disappointed.”

William, however, couldn’t help but compare this Snowpeak Academy to the one he knew. That academy boasted an infamous entry exam, a grueling trial that only the most talented could overcome. This Snowpeak Academy seemed…desperate. As if they’d accept anyone just to fill their classrooms.

He observed the landscape as they ascended the mountain, his eyes taking in the unfamiliar sights. The main building, perched atop the peak, bore a striking resemblance to the one he remembered. But the surrounding walls were smaller, less imposing. And where were the shimmering barriers, the intricate magical formations that should have enveloped the academy in a protective embrace?

The silence was unsettling. The bustling city that usually thrived near the academy was absent, replaced by an eerie stillness. With only 80 students scattered across this vast expanse, the place felt desolate, almost haunted.

“Here we are,” Professor Lincoln announced, his voice breaking the silence. “You’re welcome to stay in the dormitory for a few days before returning, Jinra. Just to help William settle in.”

“I’ll show you to your rooms for the night,” Lincoln continued, “and then we can have a tour tomorrow.”

William knew the layout of the academy like the back of his hand. What could a tour possibly offer? Still, a flicker of curiosity lingered. Perhaps this Snowpeak Academy held surprises he hadn’t anticipated.

Professor Lincoln led them towards the dormitory. It occupied the same location as William recalled, but the building itself was a pale imitation of its counterpart. Smaller, older, almost dilapidated.

“All the rooms are the same,” Lincoln said with a dismissive wave, “so you don’t even need to choose.”

William’s heart sank. No choices. No options. Just like this entire academy, it seemed – a faded echo of the grandeur he knew.

The night passed surprisingly well for William. The unfamiliar bed and the chilling mountain air did little to disturb his sleep. He awoke feeling refreshed, a flicker of anticipation rising within him as he remembered the promised tour.

Stepping out of the dormitory, he was met with a barrage of curious stares. The other students, scattered across the courtyard, seemed to pause in their activities, their eyes drawn to the newcomer.

William realized that in an academy this small, every new arrival would be an event. News must have traveled fast. He was a stranger in a tight-knit community, an outsider stepping into their world.

Instead of Professor Lincoln, a tall, imposing figure awaited them. The headmaster. His muscular frame and the jagged scar that bisected his right eye spoke of battles fought and hardships endured.

“You’re the new student?” the headmaster boomed, his voice resonating with authority. “Follow me.”

No pleasantries. No welcoming smiles. Just a curt command that echoed the starkness of the academy itself. William, despite his initial reservations, found himself intrigued. This Snowpeak Academy, with its rough edges and its air of mystery, was slowly drawing him in.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep