Chapter 9: Dawn
The world turned white for a moment.
After the blinding flash of the teleportation portal faded, Kaelen and the rest of the selected students found themselves standing in the heart of the Frahein Empire a place known across the continents as the mightiest bastion of human civilization.
Before them stood a massive, awe-inspiring castle that stretched toward the sky, so tall that its spires disappeared into the clouds.
Gleaming marble walls adorned with golden etchings of beasts and warriors reflected the sunlight, and large banners representing every kingdom and noble house flapped majestically in the wind.
This was the Imperial Castle of Frahein, the heart of the empire.
They were led across a long ceremonial bridge into a grand hall, its ceilings high enough to contain a mountain.
Rows of pillars carved with ancient battle scenes lined the sides, and at the far end, seated on thrones or standing with regal presence, were rulers, high-ranking officials, and nobles from all corners of the continent.
Kings with crowns, queens with flowing robes, lords bearing enchanted weapons, each one emanating a presence so powerful that the room itself seemed to bend around them.
As the students entered, they were immediately struck by the oppressive pressure that filled the hall.
Their legs trembled, not from fear, but from the sheer weight of power that these rulers carried. The air was thick with authority.
Kaelen felt it press against his chest, like a hand gripping his heart. Around him, a few younger students struggled to stay upright.