Magus Supremacy

"I honestly can't believe that worked." Thalos mumbled beneath his breath as both he and Grey walked behind the man tasked with leading them to the main academy building.

Yes, the administrators' building was different from the main academy's building, which housed the dormitories, canteens, and most of the student facilities.

But regardless, both structures were part of the same vast complex, sharing the same location and guarded perimeter.

The duo had just been dismissed from Gunther's office. Before they left, Gunther had called for someone to escort them, but not before handing each of them something curious. Grey still held his item tightly, turning it over in his palm with suspicion and unease.

They were currently walking through a massive courtyard, its stone path lined with tall, ancient trees and benches where students lounged about. The chatter of young warriors echoed faintly in the air.

"I can't believe he believed us that easily." Grey muttered, his brows furrowed as he studied the yellow-colored band in his hand.

"You're a fool if you think he believed us." Thalos retorted calmly, twirling the blue band given to him around his finger. "He didn't believe us. He simply decided to play along, and it was obvious from the look in his eyes."

Grey's lips pressed into a thin line as he thought back to how they had received the bands.

---

"Anyway. With the power vested in me, I hereby welcome you both—Grey and Pink into the academy." Gunther declared with a smile. His deep voice carried authority, but his eyes remained sharp and probing.

"Thank you." The duo said in unison.

Gunther leaned back in his chair, opened a drawer, and retrieved two bands—one yellow, the other blue. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the yellow one to Grey and the blue one to Thalos. Both caught them with ease but stared at the objects in confusion.

"That is your identity in the academy." Gunther explained. His gaze lingered on Grey. "I can sense it—your Ki has grown. You are now a stage two warrior. That, coupled with your assessment results, is what earned you the yellow band.

"As for you, Pink, I cannot sense any Ki energy within you. You did not take part in the assessment whatsoever. That is why I am giving you the blue band. The truth is, I am only accepting you into this academy because of Grey."

The words hung heavily in the air. Thalos showed little reaction, his human face calm, while Grey gave a small nod, accepting the explanation.

"What exactly are the bands used for?" Grey asked as he lifted the yellow strip into the light.

"They are your privileges and your standing." Gunther replied firmly. "The blue band marks a student as weak, someone beneath the academy's general standard."

Grey instinctively glanced at Thalos, but the gargoyle-turned-human didn't look insulted. Instead, he simply turned the band over in his hands, almost amused.

"While the yellow band," Gunther continued, "marks you as above average. You and your two friends fall into this category. Then we have the red band—the highest.

That band signifies a student of exceptional talent, overwhelming strength, and remarkable potential. Only a handful wear it, but they are the ones everyone else looks up to."

Grey's eyes narrowed slightly. "Wait, so there's no way to advance to the next band?"

"Of course it's possible." Gunther leaned forward, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "But it depends entirely on you, your instructor, and your achievements.

Advancement is rare, but it is encouraged. The academy thrives on growth, and those who rise through effort are respected even more."

Grey finally relaxed, letting out a sigh of relief.

'And I'm one hundred percent certain that the direct descendants are in the red band category.' Grey thought grimly, his fist clenching tightly around the yellow strip in his hand. His knuckles whitened, and for a brief moment, his determination flared like fire in his chest.

"You will be sharing a room with your two friends, Grey. When they found out that it was three per room, they refused to be placed with anybody else.

Their reasoning was that they knew you would be back, and I guess they were right." Gunther smiled, causing Grey to raise an eyebrow.

'Finral, Ray… Wait a moment! I know Ray would definitely say something like this, but Finral? I highly doubt it.' Grey shook his head in disbelief.

"You will both be told the full details and mechanics of the academy by the academy itself. All I have to say for now is—good luck. I know almost all the Cromwells, but I don't know who you are, Grey.

For you to be able to use their technique means you must have some sort of connection to them. The academy is not an easy place, nor a bed of roses. You will encounter trials that will test your resolve, your strength, and your determination.

"These will not be simple trials either. They will be things that can shake this entire continent to its core. We are at war, and at any given moment, someone may die.

But I know, being part of the Cromwells, you will survive. I cannot say the same about Pink." Gunther chuckled, his eyes sliding toward Thalos.

"Huh? Are you already counting me out?" Thalos asked with a small frown, tilting his head.

"I mean, you did get the blue band though." Gunther replied with another low chuckle, before calling for the man who would escort them.

---

Sigh.

'I wonder what Gunther meant by saying we are at war. What is this continent facing? An army? A force greater than humans? And more importantly, can I even be of any help? What role am I supposed to play in all of this?' Grey's mind raced, his steps slowing for a moment. His eyes widened suddenly, and then a smile spread across his face.

'The academy! That's it. Thalos' former master was the founder of this academy. If he really was from my continent, then surely there must be something recorded about him here.

Something hidden, something that might help me unlock my potential. I had tasted it once, back when I fought Thalos. I know it is real, and I know it is strong. I need to find a way to unlock both my powers and my memories as soon as possible.'

Grey placed a hand over his chest, fingers clenching tightly as if to squeeze the determination deeper into his heart.

"We are here." The man leading them finally announced, halting before a colossal structure.

Aetherian Academy's main stronghold came into view—an awe-inspiring monument that dominated the mountain plateau.

The building rose like a fortress carved by titans, its blackstone walls veined with glowing blue runes that pulsed slowly, like a great sleeping heart.

Dozens of arched windows dotted the exterior, their frames reinforced with steel and guarded by shimmering wards. Some of the wards were active and glowed faintly, others flickered as if damaged, and a few remained cracked from battles long past.

Massive twin doors loomed ahead, each over twenty feet tall. Their surface bore intricate engravings of legendary battles—armies clashing, heroes standing tall, students becoming warriors.

At the very center was a crest: a sword thrust through a serpent coiled within a ring of flame. Beneath it lay the academy's motto, barely legible after centuries of wear: Strength Above All.

Around the base of the structure, stone statues of warriors and alumni stood watch. Some were chipped, others broken, but their lifelike gazes remained sharp, as if silently judging newcomers.

Above it all, crowning the tallest spire, rested the great Bell of Judgment—said to toll only in times of war or academy-wide trials.

The air itself felt heavy, not with smoke or fog, but with sheer expectation. This was no mere school. It was a crucible where the weak were burned away and the strong were forged.

"Welcome to Aetherian Academy!" the escort announced, his voice echoing across the courtyard as the duo stood frozen in awe at the sight before them.