When the stagecoach reached the stone arch that served as the entrance, it gradually slowed until coming to a complete stop. The two passengers got off and headed toward the gaping entryway, which was completely devoid of any presence.

  — There is no guard? asked Elwyn, surprised by the ck of security in such an important pce.

  — For what reason would there be? This is an academy where powerful wielders of abilities and future adventurers or military personnel reside. If an intruder enters, he will face roaming public dangers and, if he is lucky, I will personally welcome him.

  “Very reassuring… except for the intruder then…”

  On the other side of the enclosure, the young boy had an unobstructed view of the majestic and imposing library, over one hundred and twenty meters tall and one hundred and thirty meters wide. It was divided into six blocks, each twenty meters high, and its width decreased by ten meters in total at its top, with a simir gap occurring at the base of the next block.Elwyn then noticed that this st gap served as an outdoor terrace. He could even see students sitting and reading books, while drinking some kind of beverage.

  Upon closely observing each of the blocks, he also noticed the presence of windows at four different heights, suggesting there were four floors per block.Also, when the sun’s rays struck the polished stone walls of the structure, they gave it a slightly golden appearance and imparted a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

  “Gigantic! What kind of view is there from up there?”

  He then noticed the presence of four towers, more than twenty-five meters high and ten meters wide, which framed the imposing structure at ground level. They are connected to it by stone bridges leading directly to the center of its first block.

  “What could these towers possibly be for?”

  The young boy then stepped onto the paved path of ft stones, which y right before him, and observed his immediate surroundings.

  The entire outdoor area was like a vast garden, with neatly trimmed grass and very ft ground. Here and there were small, precisely trimmed hedges framing flower beds of various shapes and colors. He also noticed the presence of students on stone benches lining the path leading to the Great Library, as well as nterns pced between each bench.

  “It must be nice to stroll around here at night.”

  The students he could already see were mainly human. There were also a few gnomes and halflings among them, but he could also observe small groups composed solely of elves or dwarves.

  “Cultural differences divide more than they unite… Too bad… but that’s just how it is.”

  The students on the benches completely ignored Elwyn’s presence until he passed right by them. Their eyes then showed a slight surprise when they saw his white armband, and then the color of his hair, on which their gaze lingered for a moment.

  This awkward situation for the students wasn’t really awkward for the young boy, but he still noticed the strangeness of their behavior and simply greeted them politely before calmly continuing on his way.

  Ezekiel, who had stayed back to observe Elwyn, quickly joined him after this scene.

  — Professor, what just happened here? asked Elwyn in a low voice.

  — Nothing too serious. Let’s just say it’s not common to see an individual from the Floating Crow Isnds.

  — Excuse me? Professor, what is this Crow story? asked the young boy, frozen in surprise for a split second.

  — You don’t even know that either… Exasperating. You’ll just have to inquire at the library sometime and fill in your endless ignorance, replied the professor as he continued on his way.

  “Great, another research to do… I suppose this comes from my father… Who were you?”

  Having no information to answer his questions, Elwyn immediately moved on and simply continued to observe what y ahead, before stopping at an intersection.

  Looking at the path leading east, the young boy spotted other stone benches with nterns and, at the end, a rge stone building of five floors, including the ground floor. It had more than thirty windows per floor.

  “What kind of building is that?”

  Ezekiel then noticed the direction of Elwyn’s gaze.

  — That is the boys’ dormitory and to the west is the girls’ dormitory. There is also a dormitory to the north, right behind the Great Library, for guests.

  — How many residents can there be in total?

  — The academy can accommodate approximately four hundred students and one hundred guests.

  — That makes for a lot of mouths to feed…, remarked the young boy.

  — Indeed. Come on, let’s continue. Ogme’s office is not far.

  Elwyn, a little disappointed to have to cut his tour short, nonetheless complied with the grumpy professor’s demand and they resumed their journey to the entrance of the library.

  When they finally faced the immense entryway, Elwyn simply pushed the imposing, yet very light, door and was instantly awed by the grandeur of the room.The entrance hall was a rge square room with a ceiling five meters high, giving a certain impression of space and freedom.

  The light coming from the high windows was subdued, creating a hushed atmosphere conducive to reading, and the characteristic scent of old books and parchments filled the entire room.

  To the left and right of the entrance are two spiral stone staircases leading to the first floor of the Great Library.

  In the center of the room, facing the entrance, there was a massive solid wood reception desk, where several academy students were responsible for managing the return of borrowed books. And just behind it were numerous rows of shelves den with books, manuscripts, and parchments of all kinds, carefully arranged.

  To the right of the entrance hall, three finely carved wooden doors were closed and bore, through inid metal engravings, “faculty room”, “infirmary” and “storage room”. These important rooms within the academy occupied one third of the space.

  Finally, to the left of the entrance hall, Elwyn noticed another closed door, also taking up another third of the space, with two more metal engravings, “Nalinaya’s Office” and “Office of the Deity of Knowledge and Understanding, Ogme”.

  “Who is Nalinaya?”

  — What are you still doing in the middle of the path? Go to Ogme’s office so we can finish with this story, grumbled Ezekiel.

  Indeed, in order to admire the entire room, the young boy had remained frozen at the entrance, blocking the way. So, not wanting to further aggravate the already sour professor, Elwyn hurried to join the door leading to the Deity’s office.

  Knock Knock Knock

  No answer.

  With an apologetic look, Elwyn turned to Ezekiel, who sighed in exasperation, before taking matters into his own hands and opening the door, which was not locked.

  The two men entered a spacious office where a rge wooden desk occupied the center of the room. Two sofas faced each other with a coffee table between them. The walls were lined with shelves and cabinets containing various books and documents, and the room was illuminated by a soft light coming from a rge window facing west. The office chair was positioned with its back to the window, offering a panoramic view of the room.

  While scrutinizing the room, Elwyn spotted a closed door at the center of the wall, just to the right of the entrance.

  Ezekiel then stepped toward this door and knocked three times.

  Knock Knock Knock

  — Come in, replied Deity Ogme.

  Elwyn approached the door and Ezekiel opened it, then grabbed the young boy and ushered him in, before immediately closing the door behind him.

  Elwyn then found himself in the office of Deity Ogme and could only remain dumbfounded by its grandeur.

  The rge solid wood desk adorned with intricate golden motifs was situated at the center of the room, with various writing instruments and supports carefully arranged on its surface. Of course, the office chair on which the Deity sat was just as imposing as the desk it accompanied. Made of dark solid wood, it was carved with complex golden motifs that seemed to shine under the light. The seat was comfortable, well-cushioned, and covered with a purple fabric embroidered with golden threads, reminiscent of the room’s décor.

  To the right of the desk, a rge table was completely covered with piles of books and documents, awaiting to be read and examined by the Deity. The dark wooden shelves, filled with ancient books and carefully arranged parchments, stretched along the entire height of the walls. At the back of the room, an immense stained gss window depicted the symbol of Agnos, illuminating the room with its myriad colors. Finally, a rge wooden coffee table was pced in front of the sofas, upon which teapots and cups were ready to be served.

  The young boy silently advanced toward the Deity, who appeared to be engaged with a young woman facing him, her hands firmly resting on the desk.

  The tter suddenly turned toward Elwyn, who was taken aback by her appearance.

  “Mother-Ophélia was right, a sylph!”

  The young woman was tall, elegant, and had a slender, graceful figure. Her long blue-gray hair moved as if it were constantly caressed by a gentle breeze, yet it never fell into her field of vision. Her eyes were clear and luminous, reminiscent of a sunny sky, and her skin was a translucent light blue, with slight silvery reflections. She wore a light blue chiffon dress and a delicate cape floated behind her. At her feet, high-quality brown leather boots reached her knees.

  Sylphs are a race not native to Ilnolia and are quite rare to observe. They mostly live in the desert, where their elemental air powers enable them to withstand the heat of that hostile territory. They are also known as half-air elementals, for they were forged on a human basis and received a fragment of the Source of Air, granting them a portion of its power.

  Upon seeing the young boy, the sylph was far more surprised than he was, and her body froze, as if she had just been doused with icy water in the back.

  — T-T-Tristian? she asked in her soft, crystalline, stuttering voice.

  This question surprised Elwyn somewhat, who did not expect to be mistaken for his father, but he replied with his usual calm and politeness.

  — I’m sorry, madam, but you must be mistaking me for my te father. My name is Elwyn, pleased to make your acquaintance.

  The sylph’s eyes then began to moisten slightly, her complexion grew even paler, and her body started trembling.

  Deity Ogme, still seated in his chair, observed the scene and decided to intervene before things got complicated.

  — Nalinaya, take a break, you need it. Elwyn, come here. I need to speak with you.

  The young boy nodded and approached the desk, before stopping in front of the Deity. At the same moment, Nalinaya suddenly left the room like a gust of wind, leaving the two Entities alone together.

  — I’m sorry that things are turning out this way for you.

  — It’s alright. But, can you expin a bit what’s going on?

  — Of course. The sylph you just saw is named Nalinaya and she is my Guardian.

  — Guardian… like my father was?

  — Exactly, her role is to assist me in managing the academy and the library.

  — Alright… but if she is your Guardian, why was she never by your side when you came to the vilge?

  — Because I expected that kind of reaction from her upon seeing you, and it is faster, easier, and more discreet to travel from the Ethereal Pne.

  — I see… What was her retionship with my father?

  All I know of him is that Professor Ezekiel confronted him when he was passing through here and that he was very discreet.

  — I’m sorry, but it’s not for me to answer that.

  — I understand, sorry for asking.

  — It’s nothing. Anyway, let’s move on. How was your first journey? asked the Deity while searching for a piece of parchment and something to write with.

  — I encountered no trouble on the road, but I must admit that taking a stagecoach for the entire journey was not the way I dreamed of traveling.

  — I see. You are more a person of the field than of the office, and that is unlikely to change over time, replied the Deity after finally finding what he was looking for and drafting a short message.

  Seeing that the Deity was busy, Elwyn took the opportunity to ask him a question, hoping for a complete answer due to his distraction.

  — Professor, can you tell me who the Crows native to the floating isnds of the same name are? It was Professor Ezekiel who told me that I have origins from that pce.

  The Deity finished writing his message before answering the curious young boy.

  — They are individuals with crow-wing blue hair like yours, but less brilliant. Not much is known about them, as they have isoted themselves from the world and do not appreciate nosy foreigners. They also do not like to talk about themselves, even with the Deities. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you more.

  The Deity then pced a finger on his piece of parchment and a purple mist completely enveloped it, before it took the shape of a small bird, which flew out of the room after shifting pnes.

  The young boy was initially surprised by this trick of the Deity before resuming the conversation.

  — Is it really so rare to see one? I’ve noticed that some students were looking at me strangely.

  — Generally, they leave their floating isnds to find a companion who will become one of their own and also keep their secrets. Since you are still a child, it is indeed very surprising.

  — Why do they have so many secrets?

  — Who knows. There are things I know nothing about regarding the world and things I am not permitted to recount, just like you. Many Entities possess knowledge of the world that they cannot share with individuals outside their Domain.

  — I completely understand.

  — In that case, let’s talk instead about what will happen to you over the next four years.

  — Alright, that’s why I am here.

  The Deity rose from his seat and calmly made his way toward the window at the back of his office, and the young boy followed shortly after.

  — Elwyn, what do you know about the special css?

  — I only know that they are students who are ahead in the academy’s curriculum and that they may not attend csses in subjects they have already mastered. Professor Ezekiel also stated that there was something extra, but that it was up to you to tell me.

  — I see that Ezekiel and you talked a lot during the little time you spent together… What I must tell you is that the students of this css are special, in a way that is not very beneficial for them.

  — What do you mean by that?

  — Extraordinary people often end up being isoted, or they isote themselves from others. Apart from your sister, you have not had contact with other children; it’s a form of isotion.

  — I understand what you are saying, but I don’t see where you are going with this. It is not easy to do things that do not interest us when there are plenty of other things that are more interesting or simply vital. I remind you that you locked my memory regarding my nature and my powers and that it has only been a year since I have finally been able to be myself. I can finally discover what I am capable of after all this time.

  — I do not wish, and neither would your parents have wished, for you to be alone. I know that keeping you in the dark about your parents, your powers, and your share of Entity has given you many burdens. I would just like you to progress slowly. The academy is also there for making acquaintances and forging friendships.

  — I see. Father Volden gave me the same advice before I left, “Do not confuse speed with haste,” he told me.

  The Deity then turned to the young boy with a surprised expression, which quickly faded.

  — Oh! I see that he has clearly understood your problem. In that case, take your time. Here, you will develop your powers and knowledge with competent people. I therefore recommend that you use your advantage to help those in need.

  Even without this discussion with the Deity, Elwyn had already made his decision, thanks to Volden.

  — Alright, I am willing to do so. However, how can I make friends, knowing that I will have to divulge almost nothing about myself?

  The Deity then turned back to the young boy and waited a moment before answering.

  — I have already made arrangements and in three… two… one…

  Someone suddenly knocked on the door.

  Knock Knock

  — Come in, replied the Deity.

  The door opened, allowing a young boy in an academy uniform to enter. He walked with determined steps, exuding great confidence. About three years older than Elwyn, he was also taller and had a more imposing build. His face, with more masculine features, was characterized by a square shape and thick eyebrows. His blood-red hair was short and appeared disheveled. His silver eyes were hard, revealing a certain maturity.

  Upon seeing this stranger, Elwyn’s gaze turned to surprise when he noticed his silver eyes, just like his own.

  “A Nephilim!”

  Their gazes suddenly met, and the newly arrived Nephilim furrowed his brows.

  — What do you want from me, little crow? Have you never seen another living being from the heavens? he asked aggressively.

  Elwyn then turned to the Deity.

  — Elwyn, I present to you Loyd. He will be your partner for the next four years, replied the Deity, before drawing the young boy’s attention to the chain around his neck.

  Elwyn then slightly furrowed his brows, before removing his chain, on which his concealment ring was attached, and pcing it on the desk, then sliding it to about twenty centimeters away from him. Once that was done, he turned to Loyd and locked his silver gaze with his.

  — Pleased to meet you, Loyd. My name is Elwyn, son of Akeso, the Deity of Life. And you?

  Upon seeing the young boy’s crow-like eyes, Loyd was just as surprised as Elwyn had been moments before, not to mention his birth connection with the Deity of Life. His shocked gaze then turned toward the Deity.

  — Deity Ogme, what is this all about? Since when does the Deity of Life have a son? And what exactly do you want me to do with him?

  The Deity gently rubbed his eyes before answering the aggressive-toned Nephilim.

  — Loyd, you and he share the same objective. I therefore ask you to train him as best as you can. Of course, Professor Ezekiel will also be willing to help you. And regarding his existence, know that he was born three months before the disappearance of the Deity of Life and the death of his father at the same time.

  Loyd’s gaze then gave the impression that he had just taken a harsh blow and turned once again toward Elwyn, whose expression was strangely serene and calm.

  — My name is Loyd, son of Asagar, the Deity of War, he replied, with a sorrowful look in his eyes and in his voice.

  Elwyn then extended his hand so that they could greet each other properly, and Loyd accepted the greeting.

  — Good, since I see that things are going well between you, I think you should tour the academy and the library. Since Elwyn has just arrived, he does not yet know the premises.

  The two Nephilims nodded in agreement to the Deity’s request and, before leaving, Elwyn took back his chain and put it around his neck.

  — Ah yes, I almost forgot.

  The Deity suddenly approached Loyd and pced his right hand on the top of his head.

  — Loyd, the fact that Elwyn is a Nephilim and that he belongs to the Domain of Life is a secret. It is so that he can be at peace once outside, so mind your tongue.

  The young boy was initially surprised by the Deity’s approach, but did nothing to free himself and simply accepted the request without a word.

  — Very well, you may disperse. I wish you a pleasant stay within the academy and the library. Avoid trouble and creating any for me.

  And the two boys were finally able to leave the Deity’s office and together join the entrance hall of the Great Library.