Chapter 52: Draktharion City
"Darwin, the castle is in your hands. Don’t make any move until my return."
Outside the castle gates, Seraphina stood with Lucien and Cupcake as the elders and servants gathered to see them off. Today was the day they would leave for the Aethel Academy enrollment.
And there was absolutely no way Seraphina would allow Lucien to go alone. With his looks, his charm, his very presence, how could she risk him catching the eye of some beauty at the academy? The thought alone made her grip tighten around Cupcake.
"Yes, Young Miss," Darwin replied with a deep bow.
Even though Lucien knew the truth, that Seraphina was the true head of this castle, the Empress in hiding, he kept silent. The elders were still maintaining the facade of her being simply the young miss, concealing her identity to protect her, while Seraphina also kept it hidden for personal reasons.
What she didn’t know was that Lucien already knew. The system had told him everything.
Behind them, a grand carriage waited, its polished black wood gleaming under the morning sun, silver filigree tracing elegant patterns along its frame.
But it wasn’t horses that drew it. Instead, two Emberwing Cranes stood harnessed to the front, their feathers shimmering like molten gold and crimson, faint trails of ember curling from their wingtips with each breath. They shifted their weight gracefully, their keen eyes gleaming with intelligence, ready to take to the skies at a moment’s command.
The carriage itself was built for flight, its sleek frame lighter than it appeared, with reinforced runners designed to glide upon the winds. Its curtains were drawn, hinting at the luxurious interior within, while Ignis sat poised, reins in hand, awaiting Seraphina’s command to depart.
Kelvin was beside him. They were the two that would be following them, serving as their protectors.
Cupcake squirmed in Seraphina’s arms, its golden-orange scales catching the morning light as it let out an excited chirp.
Lucien glanced at the carriage, then at Seraphina, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Ready?"
Seraphina’s eyes softened as she looked at him, her obsessive gaze momentarily replaced by something warmer. "As long as I’m with you."
They entered the carriage. The space inside was far larger than it appeared from outside, with a plush bed tucked against one side and a small, well-stocked kitchen nestled in the corner. The interior was draped in rich fabrics of deep crimson and gold, soft cushions scattered across the seats, and a warm glow emanated from a small crystal lantern suspended from the ceiling.
Ignis snapped the reins. The Emberwing Cranes spread their massive wings and flapped once, then twice, lifting the carriage smoothly into the air.
The elders and servants watched from below, their figures growing smaller as the carriage rose higher, slowly disappearing from sight.
Inside the carriage, Lucien gazed out at the passing clouds, his mind wandering. They weren’t heading straight to the Aethel Academy. No one except the students and teachers knew its true location, it was a secluded place, hidden from the world, known only to a select few.
Because of this, in each continent of Aethelgard, enrollers gathered at designated locations proposed by the academy itself. That was where they were heading now.
"What are you thinking of?" Seraphina’s question disrupted his thoughts.
He smiled and replied, "Nothing much, just wondering what Aethel Academy has in store for me."
Seraphina moved closer, resting on his chest, Cupcake curled up on one side, having already fallen asleep.
"Don’t worry, I’m always here for you," Seraphina smiled softly.
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Aethel Academy, the number one academy of Aethelgard. Legends of its prestige had spread across the continent like wildfire, whispered in every corner of the world.
Countless influential Originators had walked its halls and graduated from its esteemed grounds, including leaders of the major races who now shaped the fate of nations.
It was an academy open to all races, a rare beacon of unity in a divided world. Enrollment opened only once every three years, and you had only one chance, just one, to secure your place within its sacred grounds.
Failure meant waiting another three years. But by then, you would have aged past the limit.
Despite this brutal system, the number of Originators vying for enrollment grew with each passing cycle, the age range strictly between fourteen and eighteen years. Each year, thousands upon thousands of hopefuls gathered, their dreams burning bright, their ambitions sharp as blades.
Only a fraction would succeed.
The journey continued. With the speed of the Emberwing Cranes, the distance was shortened. No blockage appeared on the way, as the aura of Ignis and Kelvin scared off all who had ill intent. All they could do, including Volkoid, was watch as they flew past.
And they reached their destination.
Draktharion City.
The largest city in the Dragon Continent. This was where the enrollment for the Dragon Continent of the Aethel Academy was taking place.
The city sprawled across the vast plains of the Dragon Continent, its walls of darkened stone stretching beyond the horizon like a mountain range carved by giants.
The city was immense, its districts sprawling across hundreds of miles, each section a world of its own, some bustling with commerce, others dedicated to cultivation and combat.
Towers of obsidian and crimson stone pierced the sky, their peaks disappearing into the clouds, while massive bridges of bone-white stone connected the city’s many levels, creating a labyrinth of pathways that seemed to defy gravity itself.
The city was bustling with crowds entering and leaving. Numerous carriages were arriving from all directions, Lucien’s own among the few that commanded attention.
Lucien’s eyes glowed as his gaze pierced through the carriage, looking at the city that resembled a sleeping gigantic dragon. He had read tales about it, claiming it came from the Ancient era, standing tall as it never fell.
His lips curled up into a smile.
This was where the tales of Lucien Veyrion were going to begin. His name would soon resound through the continent.
A/N: Sorry for the slow week. My schedule was tight, which meant I could only publish one Chapter instead of the usual two. To make it up, I’ve decided to increase the bonus Chapters for gifts. I think this should be more feasible and rewarding for everyone.
· For every 50 Golden Tickets, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every 100 Power Stones, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every gift worth 1,000 coins, a bonus Chapter is rewarded.
· For every Dragon, four bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Magic Castle, nine bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Spacecraft, twelve bonus Chapters are rewarded.
· For every Golden Gachapon, fifteen bonus Chapters are rewarded.
This event is only effective for this new week, from 27th July 2026 to 2nd August 2026.
Enjoy your read and continue to support this author. Your support is my greatest motivation.