Chapter 9: Chapter Eight: Knowledge

No one knows the true origin of the Convergence Academy.

Some tell that it arose from nowhere, generated by the intertwined thoughts of history's greatest wizards. Others whisper darker legends: that it was erected by a forgotten entity, suspended between time and what exists beyond it.

But one thing is certain: the Academy dominates the world like a slumbering titan.

It is as tall as a mountain and as wide as ten castles placed side by side. Its towers soar to pierce the clouds, and the gateway-an archway cast between living gold and enchanted stone-opens only to those who have been chosen.

Inside, more than two thousand rooms intertwine like arteries in a living organism.

Endless libraries guard forgotten texts; immense classrooms cater to every kind of lecture. There are training rooms where time runs more slowly, arenas suspended above glowing craters, and elemental gardens where fire, air, water and stone coexist in an unnatural balance.

It is said that in the remotest depths of the Academy are sealed powers that should not be awakened.

And that every student, from the first step beyond the portal, is watched by unseen eyes as old as the world itself.

Professor Marn Eltovian stood just in front of the portal, ready for the initiation speech.

“Welcome to the Convergence Academy,” he exclaimed in a thundering voice.

“Many of you have distinguished yourselves during the rehearsals. But from today ... there will be more than just tests. Discipline. Pain. They will be the pillars on which your education will be based.

From this moment, you are no longer children.

You are...Protectors.”

A chill ran through the crowd. Mark also felt his heart quicken.

As the professor led them inside, he continued:

“The classes are ordered from Z to A. The closer a letter is to A, the greater the students' potential.

Each letter has three sections: Alpha, Beta and Omega.”

“We hope to end up together,” whispered Mark, in an anxious tone.

“I hope so too,” Aaron replied with a smile.

The professor coughed for attention.

“The names I will now read will be part of Class A - Alpha:

- Aaron Evray

- Mark Dereth

- Leo Varn

- Liam Nomu

- Nayra Ranger

- Vanessa Auren

- ...”

“We did it!” exclaimed Mark, elated.

“Absurd, we're even deskmates!” retorted Aaron, laughing.

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After ten minutes spent hearing names and classes, the professor resumed:

“The courses are divided into three categories:

- Fundamental Courses - mandatory for everyone.

- Advanced Courses - for those who have developed Magical or Physical Perception.

- Extraordinary Courses - optional, available only after the first semester, to hone one's mastery.”

“Wow, that's a lot,” Aaron commented.

Mark's eyes shone with a blinding light.

“You think so? I want to follow them all.”

“You're completely out of it! I'm afraid your desire to study will rub off on me,” Aaron laughed.

“Every course is taken in an academic uniform,” the professor continued.

“It is magical: it adapts to any need and requires no washing or maintenance.”

“When will we receive it?” asked a voice in the crowd.

“It is already in your rooms.”

Then he continued:

“The Academy has four arenas, two of which are outdoors.

Each arena has four training platforms and will provide you with any weapon or armor required.

There are over two thousand classrooms, distributed among fifty main halls, each with a central portal.

Each dormitory houses three students. After 10 p.m., it is forbidden to go out or make noise.”

He then continued with calling the students.

“The following students will be assigned to Room Two, Dormitory Two:

- Aaron Evray

- Mark Dereth

- Leo Varn.”

“We're even rooming together!” said Aaron, elated.

“Great!” added Mark. “I wonder who Leo is?” asked Aaron.

A voice broke through the crowd.

“It's me. Leo Varn, nice to meet you.”

A tall, thin guy with square glasses approached. He seemed reserved, but Mark sensed something different.

His hands like Mark's were full of scars, and although he hid it under wide clothes he had a well-defined, strong body.

“I've seen you before!” said Aaron, pointing at him. “You were in the second round! You didn't lose a single duel either.”

Leo nodded, blushing slightly.

On the way to the dormitory, the three continued to talk.

“Are you a wizard or do you use the pattern?” asked Mark.

“I am a magician. I have magical perception and a couple of intermediate-grade magical skills.”

“So do I, but on the physical side,” said Aaron.

“You have ... uniqueness?”

Leo hesitated for a moment, then answered:

“Yes. It's called the Architect of Infinity.

It allows me to increase the computational power of my brain to the point of predicting, even if only for a few seconds, the future.

But it consumes too much energy, so I can't use it often.”

Mark and Aaron exchanged a glance.

Then, together, they exploded:

“That's so cool!”

they walked down long corridors decorated with floating tapestries and lights that seemed to breathe with the walls themselves. Each step echoed like an echo in a place outside of time.

When they reached the front of their room, a large ancient oak door stood before them. The grain seemed to move faintly, as if it held the dreams of generations of students. The hinges, creaking with a deep sound, opened revealing the interior.

The room was simple, but full of charm.

A large window on the opposite side let in the golden light of sunset, overlooking one of the many gardens.

To the right of the doorway was a sturdy, three-tiered bunk bed. To the left were three ready-made wooden desks, each with a small luminous seal on the edge.

Near the window, a smaller door led to a private bathroom, where enchanted mirrors reflected the mood of those who looked in.

It was not a royal suite, but for the three boys-it was perfect.

A refuge, a starting point.

They spent the afternoon packing, laughing, joking and getting to know each other.

There was a natural chemistry between them, something neither fate nor chance could explain.

And as the sky above the Academy turned deep blue, their voices continued to blend in the darkness, as if the outside world had ceased to exist.