Victor briefly caught a glimpse of a Drakenar outpost—massive and molten, surrounded by reptilian sentries breathing smoke.
His face tightened as a current of rage bubbled up from within but he quickly calmed himself down.
The cabin filled with gasps and stunned silence.
"No way people live out here," Lena whispered.
"They don't," Kai replied softly. "Not for long."
The instructor's voice echoed again.
"Look around you. This is what the world really looks like. The cities are small islands of safety in a sea of chaos. This is why the Academy exists. This is why we fight."
Then, they crossed into the next portal.
For a heartbeat, it felt like falling.
Then a bright light appeared.
They broke through the other side, and the found themselves within a cramped tunnel with metallic walls.
However, this tunnelway seemed to be completely filled with water and yet it didn't slow the speed of the capsule one bit.
They moved through this tunnelway for about a minute before arriving in an open space filled with water and all sorts of underwater plant life as well as rocks.
At this point the capsule started to slow down as it approached a massive transparent dome beneath the ocean surface.
Victor's eyes widened.
It was as though they had arrived before what looked like an underwater city carved into a giant oceanic basin.
Glowing buildings lined curved walkways. Bioluminescent coral surrounded the dome's edges. A single tower rose in the center like a gleaming pinnacle, topped with a rotating beacon of blueish white light.
They were beneath the ocean—but it didn't feel claustrophobic.
It felt like entering a myth.
"Welcome to the Awakened Academy," the instructor said. "Your new life begins now."
The capsule docked smoothly, and the canopy lifted.
Victor stepped off the transit pod with his eyes widening as the full majesty of the Awakened Academy spread out before him.
Despite being located beneath the ocean, there wasn't a drop of water within the massive protective dome that enclosed the Academy grounds. The air was crisp, breathable, and cool—as if the place maintained a perfect climate.
Above them, the top of the dome was crafted to reflect an artificial sky. It had brilliant shades of blue and white, complete with drifting clouds and a glowing sun that mimicked daylight perfectly.
It was so realistic that for a moment Victor forgot he was hundreds of meters below the ocean surface.
The architecture inside the dome was breathtaking—a perfect fusion of futuristic design and natural integration.
Crystal and metallic alloy like structures soared into the air, curved bridges spanned between buildings, and translucent platforms floated in midair.
Senior students moved across them effortlessly. Some were walking and a few were flying using mana.
Streams of elemental energy flowed through the sky like rivers of light, and spells activated with casual ease as students practiced or demonstrated their power. The very air buzzed with the density of mana. Magic was thick here... almost tangible.
Victor and the others were guided by a team of instructors toward the heart of the Academy—a very tall structure at the very center of the dome. It was the tallest building in sight and it spiraled upward like a glowing lance, with rings that rotated slowly around its core.
At the top floor, Inside the tower was a vast auditorium, easily large enough to fit the thousands of newcomers arriving this year.
Victor followed the crowd inside and found a seat near the back as the space filled with whispers and excitement. Screens appeared along the walls, displaying calming visuals while soft music played in the background.
Then a hush fell over the crowd.
A tall woman floated onto the central stage with her cloak trailing behind her like a banner of stars. She had noble features with long dark auburn hair tied in a flowing braid, and violet robes lined with arcane symbols.
Her mana presence was overwhelming—radiating raw magical authority.
"Welcome," her voice was amplified without distortion.
Gasps followed. Several students whispered her name.
"That's her! That's Vice Chancellor Lysandra Ravaryn-Duskbane. The Arcane Witch of Solspire."
"She's a level 70 mage! I read about her mission in the Eastern Umbryx Zone."
Victor stared with an impressed. He probably didn't know her because she wasn't based in New Avalon City but there was no doubt that she had performed exploits.
Vice Chancellor Ravaryn gave a small smile.
"You are the largest group of students the Awakened Academy has ever welcomed. Over seven thousand new Awakened stand here today. A 75% increase from last year. That should tell you one thing clearly... the world is changing. And fast."
Her gaze swept across them all.
"This Academy exists for one purpose: to prepare you. You are not ordinary. You are humanity's first and last line of defense. Here, you will train, learn, grow, fight, and survive."
She began to pace slowly across the stage.
"The rules are simple. One: You will respect your instructors and fellow students. Two: Personal devices of any kind—phones, comm-links, game decks—are not allowed. This is not just about security. This is about focus. Commitment. Real power doesn't come from distraction."
Victor shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"Three: You are expected to attend your required lectures and complete all assigned training. There are general sessions where all Awakener classes attend together, and there are class-specific lectures. You will receive your individual schedules after registration."
She raised her hand, and several images appeared on the massive screen behind her.
"You will have access to the following: multi-tiered training centers, extensive libraries, simulated and live combat zones, level-up areas with regulated beast exposure, cross-class sparring halls, meditation chambers, and the Assembly Spire for special missions and public rankings."
"The Awakened Academy encourages competition... as it is one of the fastest ways to grow. You will earn rank. Status. Rewards. Power. But only if you strive."
There was a moment of silence before she nodded.
"Welcome again. Your journey starts now. Dismissed. Proceed to registration."