Jace the Elemental

While walking to his class location, Jace noticed a few other students wearing the same fully black uniform. At first, he thought it might be a coincidence, but as he continued, he realized they all seemed to be heading in the same direction. His suspicion grew with every step, and by the time he reached the meeting place, it was confirmed—everyone here was in full black..

The meeting place was a wide, open courtyard surrounded by tall stone walls. Banners bearing the Academy's crest fluttered in the breeze, and the air was filled with the faint hum of magical energy. Jace scanned the crowd, taking in the sea of black, when a familiar face caught his eye.

Ethan sauntered up with his usual cheeky grin, holding his arms out dramatically. "Don't we just look fancy," he said, striking a mock pose.

Jace couldn't help but laugh. "Speak for yourself. I've always looked this good."

Ethan chuckled, clapping Jace on the shoulder. "Seriously though, what's the deal with the all-black club? You think we're special, or did they just run out of colors?"

Jace shrugged, glancing around at the other students. "No idea, but I'm guessing we're about to find out." As he spoke, he noticed a figure approaching the front of the courtyard. The chatter died down almost instantly, replaced by an expectant silence.

"Settle down, class." The teacher's voice cut through the air like a dagger, sharp and commanding. Every head turned to face him. He was an imposing figure, dressed in a fine black suit with a high collar and silver embroidery that formed intricate patterns along the cuffs. His white hair was slicked back, revealing sharp features and black eyes that seemed to carry the weight of decades. Clean white gloves and an ornate walking cane completed the look, the cane's tip tapping softly against the floor as he walked.

You could hear a pin drop. Even the birds seemed to go silent. Jace felt a shiver run down his spine as the teacher's gaze swept across the room, like he was inspecting his prey. This man had a presence that did more than demand respect—it gave you the feeling that he deserved it. Jace couldn't help but wonder what kind of person could command such attention without saying a word.

"Greetings, students," the man said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying an unmistakable air of authority. "My name is Lord Severian Dusk." He gave the slightest of bows, the movement precise and elegant, as if every gesture he made was calculated. "I will be your teacher for the duration of your stay at this Academy.". 

"Wait," a student's voice rang out. "As in Lord Severian, the war hero?" The question caused a wave of murmurs to ripple through the crowd.

Lord Severian's expression darkened, and for a moment, his black eyes seemed to cloud with something unreadable. "War is nothing to be celebrated," he said, his voice tinged with sadness. "While I am your teacher, you shall refer to me as such and nothing more." With a snap of his fingers, a mass of wood and vines began to grow behind him, twisting and intertwining until they formed a large, ornate chair. The air filled with the earthy scent of fresh timber and the faint crackle of magic.

"Allow me to explain some of the things you are undoubtedly wondering about," he said, seating himself in the wooden chair. "Firstly, your uniforms. There are one thousand students per year at this Academy, split into twenty ranks of fifty." As he spoke, glowing purple writing began to form in the air behind him, each word materializing as if written by an invisible hand. "Your uniform's colors show what rank you are, following this format."

The writing listed the ranks in vivid detail

Black - Rank 1

Black with Purple accents - Rank 2

Purple with Black accents - Rank 3

Purple with Blue accents - Rank 4

Blue with Purple accents - Rank 5

Blue with Teal accents - Rank 6

Teal with Blue accents - Rank 7

Teal with Green accents - Rank 8

Green with Teal accents - Rank 9

Green with Yellow accents - Rank 10

Yellow with Green accents - Rank 11

Yellow with Orange accents - Rank 12

Orange with Yellow accents - Rank 13

Orange with Red accents - Rank 14

Red with Orange accents - Rank 15

Red with Gray accents - Rank 16

Gray with Red accents - Rank 17

Gray with White accents - Rank 18

White with Gray accents - Rank 19

White accents - Rank 20

The class exploded into noise, the realization sinking in—they were Rank 1, the best of the year based on the entrance exam results. Cheers, gasps, and murmurs filled the courtyard as students processed the news. Some clapped each other on the back, while others exchanged competitive glances, already sizing up their peers.

Jace looked down at his uniform, the stark black fabric now carrying a new weight of meaning. Pride flowed through him, warm and undeniable. He had known he'd done well during the entrance exams, but he hadn't expected this. Rank 1. The top of the class. It was a validation of all the hard work he'd put in, but it also came with a quiet pressure. Staying at the top wouldn't be easy.

Ethan leaned over, his voice low but brimming with excitement. "Looks like we're at the top of the food chain."

Jace met his friend's grin with one of his own, determination sparking in his chest. "Let's make sure we stay there," he said, holding out his fist. Ethan bumped it without hesitation.