Chapter 445: Celestial Academy
High above the mountains, there was a small garden situated on a flat plateau. Brightly colored flowers bloomed beautifully, filling the air with a soothing, delicate fragrance. In one corner of the garden, a small patch of greenery was neatly arranged, showing clear signs that someone tended to it with great care. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
At the edge of the garden, a small table with two chairs faced the cliffside, offering a breathtaking view of the vast landscape below. One chair remained empty, while in the other, a young woman sat quietly. Her bright white gown fluttered gently in the mountain breeze. With graceful movements, she lifted a teacup and took a slow sip, savoring the warmth spreading through her throat.
"Sister Nita is taking too long…" Elen murmured softly, her voice nearly swallowed by the wind. Her gaze fell downward, toward a grand structure towering in the distance.
Below the mountain peak, the Celestial Academy stood with an imposing presence, as if challenging the sky itself. Its architecture was a blend of ancient wisdom and modern elegance. The walls, made of bright brown magical stone, emitted a soft glow under the sunlight, giving the building a warm yet dignified aura. Towering pillars of mystical metal supported the main structure, adorned with ancient symbols that shimmered with mystical energy.
The academy's roof arched gracefully, adorned with luminous ornaments that created the illusion of a glowing aurora surrounding it. Crystal glass windows, engraved with patterns of stars and wind, cast a gentle golden light into the interior, making the place feel almost sacred. The garden paths were lined with naturally glowing stones that emitted a soft blue light at night, while towering trees with radiant leaves stood as ancient sentinels guarding the academy.
Elen took another sip of her tea, her gaze still fixed on the bustling students below.
"Five months… The academy has grown so fast," she murmured.
Establishing the academy was one of Lein's grand plans—a place meant to become the pinnacle of education in the Divine Sky Realm, a prestigious institution that could rival the highest academies across different worlds. And Elen, with her gentle nature and boundless patience, had been chosen to serve as the headmistress.
Celestial Academy—the name itself symbolized the ambition to reach beyond the sky's limits, to seek wisdom as high as the heavens, and to shine as brilliantly as the celestial expanse.
Now, with the Divine Sky Realm open to the outside world, the academy had attracted students from various races and regions. Not only humans from Earth but also beings from other realms, each bringing their own unique cultures and traditions. Even the instructors came from different worlds, enriching the academy with knowledge that transcended the boundaries of a single civilization.
As Elen continued to observe the students' activities below, a soft voice reached her from the side.
"Hey."
Nita stepped lightly along the flower-lined path. The fabric of her regal gown shimmered under the afternoon sun, its flowing material gracefully moving with her unhurried steps. Here, she had no need to hide her identity. This garden belonged to Elen, created with care, and only a select few were granted permission to enter.
As she reached the small table at the garden's edge, Nita saw Elen immediately rise to her feet, her face lighting up with joy. Without hesitation, the girl stepped forward and embraced her tightly.
"Sis…" Elen's voice was soft, filled with longing. She tightened her embrace even more, as if afraid her sister would disappear again. "Sister, how have you been? I haven't seen you in so long! Have you been busy? Do you have a lot of work? Are you eating well?" Like a floodgate bursting open, she bombarded Nita with question after question, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Nita chuckled softly, gently stroking Elen's head. "You…" she said with affectionate amusement. "We've only been apart for three days, and you're already missing me this much? What's wrong?" With a gentle touch, she released Elen from the hug and sat down in the empty chair.
Elen followed suit, immediately pouring tea into Nita's cup. The fragrant aroma of spices filled the air, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort.
"Well… ever since we all became leaders of the organization, we rarely see each other anymore…" her voice trailed off, her fingers tightening around her cup. "Sister Hana is always away, and Sister Laras…" Her words halted, as if she was holding something back.
Nita observed her for a moment before offering a small, reassuring smile. "Be patient… They won't be gone for long," she said confidently. "A year at most."
Elen's eyes widened in surprise, instinctively looking at Nita with hope. "Really?! Did Brother Lein tell you that?" she asked eagerly, seeking confirmation.
Nita shook her head casually, but her confident smile remained. "Not exactly, but I'm certain of it," she replied with quiet conviction. "Don't forget, I'm his sister. I know Lein better than anyone."
Hearing this, Elen beamed. "Yay! That's great! I'll get to see Brother Lein, Efan, and Sister Laras again!" she cheered excitedly. Her gaze returned to the view below the mountain, where the Celestial Academy stood in all its grandeur.
Nita followed her gaze. From this vantage point, they could see the lush green mountains stretching beyond the horizon, misty valleys bathed in soft golden light, and a winding river that shimmered like liquid silver under the setting sun.
The breathtaking scene stirred old memories within Nita, reminding her of the landscapes of Earth—before everything changed.
"Time flies, we've been in this realm for almost a year," Elen murmured suddenly, her voice softer, as if speaking to herself.
Nita nodded lightly. "Yes..." she replied briefly but meaningfully.
Their conversation continued, shifting from one topic to another. They reminisced about their time on Earth, chuckling as they recalled the silly incidents they had experienced.
However, the warmth of their conversation was suddenly interrupted when a buzzing sound echoed from a distance. A staff member descended from the sky, using a flying device attached to his feet. His movements were swift yet perfectly controlled. The seriousness in his gaze indicated that he brought important news.