Transmigrated into another world with the strongest core

Chapter 3: The Magic Academy

The road into Eldoria widened as the forest thinned, revealing stone paths worn smooth by centuries of passage. Lucas slowed his pace, his gaze lifting as the city emerged before him. Pale stone towers rose high into the silver-tinted sky, their surfaces etched with runes that glowed faintly, steady and deliberate, as though bound to the city itself.

The streets were alive with movement. Men and women in robes marked with sigils passed by with quiet purpose, while others carried staffs or tomes that hovered at their sides. Carriages moved through the avenues, guided by enchantments rather than beasts, and vendors lined the roads, their stalls filled with objects that shimmered with restrained magic.

Lucas took in every detail, committing the sights to memory. Nothing about Eldoria resembled the world he had known. The air felt different here, heavy with power and intent, as if magic were not merely practiced but woven into daily life.

As they progressed deeper into the city, the structures grew taller and more refined. The noise of the marketplace faded, replaced by a solemn quiet that settled over a broad stone plaza. At its far end stood the gates of Eldoria Academy.

They were immense. White stone carved with ancient symbols written in a language Lucas did not recognize, yet for some reason, he could grasp their meaning. Beyond them rose the academy itself, its towers elegant and imposing, built to endure both time and ambition. It looked ancient, yet breathtaking.

Lucas stopped for a moment, a strange weight settling in his chest. This was a place of learning, of power, of destiny. It was where Lucas had belonged.

Now, somehow, it was where he would begin.

He drew a steady breath and followed the others forward, stepping toward the gates of a future he did not yet understand.

“Now let’s go to the professor’s office, Lucas,” Elara said seriously. “Gerald, wait for me and Iris. You two should head to your dorms. Freshmen don’t have lectures until next week.”

This was new. Is the professor strict? Lucas wondered. Do they have a bad history together?

“Sure,” he said. “Let’s go. Iris, I’ll see you later.”

“Miss Elara,” Gerald said hesitantly, worry etched on his face. “You don’t want me to come with you? You know he can be difficult.”

“There’s no need,” Elara replied calmly. “I’ll be fine. Besides, Lucas is with me.”

That did little to ease Lucas’s concern. Whatever kind of teacher this was, Elara’s relationship with him clearly was not a pleasant one.

As they made their way toward the office, Lucas noticed people glancing at Elara with admiration, while others cast sharp, unfriendly looks in his direction. Some even seemed openly hostile.

What kind of reputation did Lucas have here? he wondered. Was it as bad as mine was back home?

Elara, on the other hand, was clearly cherished. Her white hair and graceful presence made her stand out, almost regal. She looked like someone straight out of a legend.

Is she royalty? Lucas thought. And if so… what does that make me? Are we nobles? Or just ordinary people?

The questions flooded his mind.

He felt a gentle touch on his hand. Elara leaned closer and spoke quietly. “When we get inside, don’t mention your dizziness or head pain, okay?”

“Okay,” he replied.

They entered a long hallway at the rear of the academy’s main building. At the end of it stood a large office. Inside was a spacious room with shelves of books lining the walls and a wide desk positioned at the far end.

Behind it sat a man with white hair, much like Elara’s. He wore thin spectacles and was writing with a quill, completely absorbed in his work.

This place really is old, Lucas thought.

“So, Elara and Lucas,” the man said without looking up, a sly smile forming on his face. “How was your little expedition?”

“It went well,” Elara replied evenly. “We eliminated three two-star Grimlings and one three-star.”

“Impressive,” he said, finally looking up. “As expected from my dear Elara. At this rate, you may surpass me soon.”

His gaze shifted to Lucas, sharp and assessing. “And you, Lucas. Have you managed to use any Adept-tier magic yet?”

Lucas felt his throat tighten. The man’s presence was overwhelming.

“I. I haven’t yet, sir,” he answered nervously.

The man sighed, disappointment clear on his face. “I see. Still, it has only been your first week at the tier. Gain more combat experience, and learn from my younger sister here. She is a prodigy, after all.”

Younger sister? Lucas blinked. So he’s Elara’s older brother?

It made sense when he looked closely, yet the tension between them was unmistakable.

“That’s enough, Professor Cassian,” Elara said, irritation creeping into her voice. “Lucas will master his new tier soon. And please stop calling me a prodigy.”

“Hm,” Cassian replied. “You always get defensive when Lucas is involved. You’ve been like that since you were children.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “You’re dismissed. You have classes soon. Go prepare.”

They left the office, and Lucas felt more confused than ever. Apparently, he and Elara were childhood friends, and the intimidating professor was her older brother, someone she clearly did not get along with.

I need answers, Lucas thought. But I can’t just ask outright.

“I’m sorry about my brother,” Elara said as they walked. “He’s always been hard on you. I think he wants the best for you, even if he doesn’t show it well. But let’s head to class. We have a magic application next, and I don’t want to be late.”

“It’s okay,” Lucas replied with a small smile. “He’s right. I need to learn magic. I can’t keep relying on you.”

She looked relieved. “Good. After classes, we’ll practice again.”

Lucas nodded.

What are classes like? Do I have friends here? Am I good at magic at all?

Too many questions crowded his mind.

For now, all he could do was move forward and wait for the answers to reveal themselves.