The Shadow and The Scale

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the city of Celestara, the capital of Elarion, as the institute's great bell chimed through the brisk air. The Academy of Elemental Advancement—one of the finest in the kingdom—stood proudly at the city's heart, its tall glass towers shimmering with a faint magical glow. The atmosphere around the institute was always buzzing with energy, not just from the powers of its young learners, but also from the excitement of new discoveries, friendships, and challenges.

Among the students weaving through the grand entrance was Prince Zayn. He wore the royal insignia with ease, though his steps were light, his smile warm. He greeted every student and teacher alike with kindness, making it difficult for anyone to remember that he was adopted. Zayn's cheerful demeanor was magnetic; people gravitated toward him. But behind those playful eyes lay a mind sharp as a dagger. Zayn was always watching, always calculating—and always remembering.

In the classroom, Zayn excelled not through magic—since his ability had yet to awaken—but through intellect. The subjects at the academy went beyond magical training. Modern sciences thrived alongside elemental studies. There were classes in mathematics, physics, biology, history, ethics, and even technology. Elarion embraced both tradition and advancement, and its children were molded accordingly.

Zayn's favorite class was Applied Technology. Despite lacking magical abilities, he could piece together mechanical models, design problem-solving devices, and often surprised even the professors with his insights. He once rebuilt a damaged learning orb using nothing but spare wires and crystals from discarded equipment.

During one lecture, the professor introduced a challenging topic—quantum flow and energy dispersal in elemental beings. While most of the class blinked in confusion, Zayn's hand shot up. "Is it possible that the elemental flow could be interrupted not by external force, but by internal dissonance—like emotional trauma?" he asked, his tone casual but thoughtful. The professor paused, surprised. "That's... an advanced theory. Very few even consider it at your level. Well done, Your Highness."

He grinned and scribbled notes, pretending not to notice the admiring glances from some of his peers.

Despite his intelligence, Zayn never bragged. He helped others without hesitation—whether it was explaining formulas or repairing broken spell casters. One of his classmates, a shy boy who struggled with spell theory, whispered once, "Thanks, Prince Zayn. You're always helping everyone... even though you don't have magic."

Zayn chuckled. "That just means I have to use my brain a little more. Don't worry, you'll get it soon. And when you do, teach me your tricks."

During lunch breaks, he sat among peers rather than isolating himself. He laughed easily, shared his meals, and was always the first to jump into school festivals, drama skits, or debate teams. But no one ever quite knew what he was truly thinking. There was something deeper in his gaze, like a storm behind calm waters.

One day, Crown Prince Ahmad visited the institute to check on the progress of students. When presented with a case of theft among students, no one could uncover the culprit. Zayn stood quietly by his brother's side and leaned in. "Notice the burn pattern on the table, brother? It's too clean—made by lightning, not fire. Only two in this class have that element. One of them is absent today."

Ahmad blinked, then gave subtle orders. Within hours, the case was solved.

"You should have been a royal investigator," Ahmad teased. Zayn only smiled.

The instructors adored him. The students respected him. And yet, Prince Zayn never let it inflate his pride. His days were filled with learning, helping others, quietly observing, and thinking far ahead—about how he could one day serve Elarion in the best way possible.

Though his ability remained dormant, no one doubted that Prince Zayn already possessed something greater: a powerful mind, a loyal heart, and a soul that could see what others missed.

And within the walls of the Academy, he was already a legend in the making—though most didn't even realize it yet.