The journey to Aurelia took three quiet days. The group moved slowly, letting Lyra recover her strength while the weight of the dungeon slowly lifted from their shoulders. The scorched plains gradually gave way to rolling hills, then to wide, well-maintained roads lined with softly glowing mana-lamps. By the time the pale stone walls of Aurelia rose on the horizon, the oppressive atmosphere felt like a fading nightmare.

They arrived in the afternoon. The city stood unlike any they had seen before — pale stone roads stretching wide beneath the sun, banners fluttering from high towers, mana-lamps humming softly even in daylight. It didn’t loom. It welcomed, confident in its own permanence.

Lyra slowed the moment they passed through the gates, silver eyes wide with quiet wonder.

“So many people…” she murmured.

Cale instinctively stepped closer, posture alert. Seren hovered just behind them, fingers curled tightly around Lyra’s sleeve, overwhelmed by the noise and sheer density of life.

Hikari didn’t slow at all. She walked like someone returning home after a short errand.

“…Yep. Still Aurelia,” she sighed.

“You don’t look surprised,” Lyra said.

“I was summoned here once. Left for a few days. Came back. That’s it.”

The inn Ciela chose was tucked just off a quieter avenue — close enough to feel the city’s pulse, far enough to escape its roar. Warm lanternlight spilled through the windows, carrying the scent of fresh bread and stew.

The moment they stepped inside, tension visibly drained from the group.

Lyra climbed onto the nearest chair, legs swinging. “It smells really good!”

“That’s because you’ve been running on adrenaline and crumbs,” Stasia said, dropping into the seat beside her. “If the food’s bad, I’m biting someone.”

“Please don’t,” Seren said quickly.

Avi hovered lazily above the floor, wings flickering. “You say that every time.”

“And I’m always right,” Stasia grinned.

Once everyone was settled with food on the way, Ciela turned to the table, her expression calm but serious.

“Before we rest, there’s something I should clarify.”

The table quieted.

“I’m actually Ciela Dianthe Blume,” she said simply. “Duchess of Aurelia.”

For a heartbeat, silence.

Stasia leaned back slowly. “…Wait. That Blume?”

Chronos’s eyes opened fully. “That explains the guards at the gate.”

Avi blinked. “You could’ve led with that.”

Hikari exhaled through her nose. “Figures.”

Cale stared, wide-eyed. “A-A duchess…?”

Seren’s voice came out tiny. “Aunt Ciela…?”

Ciela smiled faintly. “I don’t advertise it. It wasn’t relevant until now.”

Lyra, however, beamed. “So Mama’s really important!”

Ciela laughed softly and ruffled her hair. “Only when necessary.”

Early the next morning, after a proper night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, the group made their way to the palace.

Lyra fidgeted with the hem of her cloak as they walked the wide stone streets, her small hand tightly holding Ciela’s.

“Mama… I feel nervous,” she admitted quietly. “What if the king doesn’t like us?”

Ciela gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “He already knows why we’re here. You’ve earned this, Lyra. All of you have.”

The palace rose like a monument carved from sunlight — white stone, gold-trimmed arches, banners rippling high above marble steps. Guards bowed respectfully as Ciela approached. No questions were asked.

Inside a sunlit chamber, King Reinard awaited them. Silver threaded his dark hair, and a warm, familiar smile spread across his face the moment he saw Ciela.

“Oh come on, Ciela,” he said with a light chuckle, waving a hand. “No need to be so formal. You’re acting as if we weren’t close friends.”

Ciela’s shoulders relaxed, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Old habits, Reinard. Especially when I’m bringing guests.”

His gaze shifted across the children — lingering for a moment on Lyra, Cale, and Seren.

“And these must be the ones you spoke of.”

Ciela rested a hand on Lyra’s shoulder. “Yes. I want three children enrolled at Valhala. They’ve earned it.”

The king studied them carefully: Lyra’s quiet confidence, Cale’s rigid determination, Seren’s gentle resolve.

After a thoughtful pause, he gave a small, amused nod.

“…Very well. Valhala could use a little disruption.”

Valhala Academy

The academy grounds sprawled across layered terraces of training fields, towers, and stone halls that seemed grown into the land itself. The air hummed with overlapping mana signatures. Students milled about the enrollment plaza, chatting and sizing each other up.

Lyra stared openly. “Woah…”

Cale straightened his back. Seren clutched Lyra’s sleeve tighter.

They noticed a few others immediately.

A silver-haired boy leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, his gaze cold and calculating — Nox Veridion.

Nearby, a loud girl with wind curling playfully around her steps laughed brightly, her voice carrying across the plaza — Mirielle Solvayne.

A quiet, dark-haired figure lingered at the edge, observing everything in silence — Vexa Renn.

And a noble girl whose impossibly long, living hair shifted and floated gently behind her like liquid silk — Lunette Halcyra.

Enrollment began.

One by one, students stepped forward and placed their hands on the glowing crystal. Light flared. Levels appeared.

When Lyra stepped up, the crystal pulsed brightly.

Level: 5

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Cale followed with a respectable result. Seren’s was modest but steady.

Then a small fairy girl approached, trembling slightly. Aurelline Yfelyra Mistglade — though she seemed to prefer Auri.

Her tiny hand touched the crystal.

It glowed once.

Then flickered.

Level: 4

Level: 4

The registrar frowned. Whispers spread.

Auri’s breath hitched, her small wings fluttering nervously.

Why—why is it showing twice?

Her heart hammered.

I messed up. I messed up—

A calm, lightly amused voice spoke inside her head.

Relax. Don’t faint. That’d only make it worse.

Auri froze.

And no, you’re not hearing things.

She stared at the crystal, hands shaking, while the entire plaza watched.

The numbers refused to fade.

(You’ll get the explanation next chapter. Promise — it’s more fun that way.)