A sharp gust of wind howled through the void as Lucian stepped into the swirling rift. The universe bent around him, folding and twisting until he emerged onto a solid surface. A gust of cold air brushed against his face as he found himself atop a towering structure, the wind rustling the dark cloak draped over his shoulders.
The city sprawled before him, a grand spectacle of towering spires, floating platforms, and streets illuminated by crystalline lamps. Ethereal light pulsed through the veins of the city, forming intricate arcane patterns that connected the buildings in a web of raw magical energy. The air thrummed with power—magic was not merely a tool here; it was the foundation of society itself.
Velmora, the City of Arcane Nobility, stood as a beacon of mystical prowess. From the highest aristocratic manors to the lowest slums, magic dictated the hierarchy. Yet Lucian's gaze was drawn toward the massive structure beyond the city's limits—a grand mansion encircled by towering walls, pulsing with a concentration of mana unlike anything else in the region. A single name glowed in enchanted lettering above its entrance:
Arcadia Grand Academy of Mysticism.
Lucian narrowed his eyes. "So, this world revolves around magic... and from the sheer density of energy in that academy, it's clear that the strongest mages gather there."
His sharp gaze swept over the streets below, where sorcerers and nobles alike moved with an air of superiority. Some floated through the air, while others manipulated elements with casual flicks of their fingers. Magic was woven into everyday life—used for transportation, commerce, and even entertainment.
Yet, Lucian wasn't here for admiration. He needed information.
As he descended into the bustling streets of Velmora, he remained cautious. Though he had concealed his overwhelming presence, experienced mages could still sense him if he was reckless. He walked with deliberate steps, his keen eyes scanning for an opportunity.
At a small tavern, a man sat at an outdoor table, engrossed in a newspaper. The headline caught Lucian's attention:
"The Head of the Rutherford Family Found Dead—Slain in the Forsaken Maw. Is This the End of the Rutherfords?"
Lucian's lips curled into a smirk. A noble house in decline... He extended his hand subtly, weaving an invisible thread of magic into the man's mind. The nobleman's fingers slackened, and the newspaper drifted towards Lucian's grasp. He absorbed the details quickly.
The Rutherford family, once a prominent household, had suffered a devastating blow. Their patriarch, Edmund Rutherford, had ventured into The Forsaken Maw—a legendary forest where monstrous horrors roamed—and never returned. With his death, the family's standing teetered on the edge of ruin. Their rivals were already circling, eager to carve up what remained of their influence.
Lucian's eyes gleamed with opportunity. "Perfect. A noble name is all I need to enter that academy." With his divine ability to alter his appearance at will, he could seamlessly blend into any role required. A mere shift in features, a subtle refinement of his aura, and he could become the perfect heir to the Rutherford name.
The Rutherford Estate
The Rutherford manor, though grand, bore the signs of decline. Once-polished marble was now dulled with time, and the banners that hung from the halls carried a quiet desperation. Servants moved with anxious urgency, fearful of what the future held.
Inside the dimly lit chamber, Magnus Rutherford, the eldest son, sat with a grim expression. His younger brother, Cedric Rutherford, stood beside him, restless. The death of their father had left them vulnerable, and already, whispers of their downfall spread through noble circles.
A knock echoed through the hall, breaking the heavy silence.
A servant entered, his face pale. "My lord, there is a guest… He claims to offer a way to restore the family's honor."
Magnus exchanged a glance with Cedric before nodding. "Send him in."
The doors swung open, and Lucian stepped inside, his presence filling the room with an air of quiet authority. His piercing gaze swept over the two brothers. He did not bow, did not grovel—he simply stood as though he belonged there.
"I have a proposition," Lucian began, his voice calm yet firm. "Your family stands on the brink of collapse. Your father's death in The Forsaken Maw has left you vulnerable, and soon, the vultures will descend."
Magnus stiffened. "And what do you propose?"
Lucian stepped closer, locking eyes with him. "Adopt me into the Rutherford family. Give me your name, and in return, I will ensure that the name Rutherford is spoken with reverence once more."
Cedric scoffed. "And what makes you think you can accomplish that?"
Lucian's lips curled into a faint smile. "Because I will enter Arcadia Grand Academy, and I will rise to the top. When I do, the Rutherfords will no longer be the remnants of a fallen house—they will be a name that commands fear and respect."
A tense silence filled the room.
Magnus studied Lucian carefully, weighing his words. There was something about this man—an aura of certainty, of power barely restrained. He was not a mere commoner seeking to elevate himself. He was something more.
Finally, Magnus exhaled. "If you can truly bring honor back to our name… then so be it. From this day forth, you are Lucian Rutherford."
Lucian smirked. Just as planned.
The Academy Gates
Dawn broke over Velmora as Lucian stood before the massive iron gates of Arcadia Grand Academy of Mysticism. Towering spires stretched into the sky, each radiating immense magical energy. The very air shimmered with arcane power, and the sheer pressure would have been enough to suffocate an ordinary mage.
But Lucian was far from ordinary.
The grand gates loomed before him, inscribed with runes that pulsed with sentient energy. They were designed to keep the unworthy out. A line of nobles and prodigies stood, waiting to enter, their robes adorned with sigils of ancient houses. All of them sought greatness.
Lucian took a step forward, the Rutherford insignia now pinned to his chest.
The moment he did, the runes on the gate flickered—as if the academy itself had taken notice of his arrival. A deep hum resonated through the air.
Lucian tilted his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips.
"The first step to reclaiming what's mine begins here."
And with that, he crossed the threshold, into the heart of the arcane world.