Chapter 50: The Lone Outcast and His Loyal Wolf
As Alex and the other students followed Teacher Emilia into the Elemental Excellence Academy’s grand hall, the clamoring chatter about credits came to an abrupt halt. Silence washed over the group as they stepped inside—stunned, motionless.
Above them, the high vaulted ceiling opened into what looked like a living sky.
Real clouds drifted lazily overhead, parting to reveal majestic fire dragons soaring through the air, their wings outstretched as they breathed flames in wide arcs. Fire phoenixes glided gracefully, trailing blazing patterns of gold and crimson. A radiant white phoenix danced around a cloud, while an ice phoenix followed behind, scattering snowflakes in her wake. A lion with shimmering feathers stood on a drifting cloud, roaring soundlessly, its presence regal and immense. Slithering through the sky, a feathered serpent with blood-red plumes weaved between the clouds, its eyes gleaming with ancient power.
But Alex’s eyes were drawn elsewhere.
In a far corner of the sky, half-hidden in shadow, a colossal black dragon lay coiled. Its deep purple eyes shimmered with intelligence, calmly watching the students below.
Then—for the briefest moment—its gaze met Alex’s.
Something stirred. A flash of recognition.
And just as quickly, it was gone. The dragon’s expression returned to stillness, as though nothing had passed between them at all.
Alex fell into confusion, scratching his head. Was it just an illusion?
A nearby boy explained to his companion, "Do you know these were made by the Great Four Sages? These are called Guardians of the EE Academy."
Emilia waited on the side to give students time to see the grand hall. After a little bit, she clapped her hands.