Chains of Glory

There was once an anointed nobody, blessed by the Sun itself—embodying the idiom “from rags to riches.”

This man, honored and glorified by all, was Aurelion. Savior. Healer. Knight. Hero. King. To the people of Solarys, he was more than mortal—he was divine. In his prime, with but a flick of his hand, he could turn tides, break armies, and yet with the same strength, raise a kingdom from barren stone. Thus rose the Kingdom of Solarys, a realm whose very name speaks of power, might, and pride to nobles and commoners alike.

Yet for all his glory, Aurelion would not take the crown. He claimed no throne, no title, no mortal legacy. Instead, he appointed rulers—men and women of influence, sorcery, and raw talent—to govern in his stead, before vanishing from the kingdom he had built.

Rumors whispered that Aurelion sought something of immeasurable worth, a secret no soul could name. Whatever the truth, his absence reshaped Solarys. The appointed King and Queen, hailed as chosen by the God of Sun, filled the thrones. Under their reign, the noble seats were granted not by blood alone, but by brilliance, magic, and ambition. And so began the age of heirs, trials, and the endless search for the one who would inherit Aurelion’s light.

Time turned to years, and years into centuries. The Kingdom of Solarys endured—still radiant, yet marred by shadows of pride and discord that gnawed at the unity Aurelion once forged.

It was as a flower: once in full bloom, rooted in glory, now fading, its petals withering beneath the weight of time. Yet from that decay rose a remedy, a seed planted in the soil of the past.

In the heart of the Golden Peaks—the same mountains where Aurelion once lived in poverty before he bore the sun’s anointing—there was raised a monument to renewal: the Academy of Aurelion. Born as bandage to a wilting flower, it became the cradle of heirs, the forge of knights, the haven of magisters. The place where destiny itself would be tested.

Rays of legacy shone down the school grounds as it welcomed another blessed day for all students, for it was the first day of school for all freshmen nobles and scholars. The academy gates opened with pride as it welcomed people with potentials that needed guidance. It was bustling with carriages and smooth hum of magical transports. Almost no one ever goes to the academy on foot, for here, nobles and people from renowned families can get an exclusive experience to learn in this academy as they were the ones deemed closest to the Sun God.

A certain carriage, opened by the noble heir’s footman, emerged a young man with values and pride—everyone does. All students carry their family’s legacy and name to bring glory, honor and become their family’s pride. The footman offered his master the sword to execute the declaration—a declaration of the knight’s journey about to start—according to his family’s customs. Radiant, apple-green eyes glinted as he swung the sword with pride before he raised the sword above his shoulder laterally. The engravement of the family crest on the blade near the handle, glinted the fellow students’ eyes. Other nobles and scholars eyed the familiar custom, whispers of acknowledgement and admiration filled the air.

“A Flinchester? Is he a freshman?”

“Apparently, their family served the city—no, the whole kingdom for years!”

“No wonder his presence speaks pride!”

The footman bid him goodbye with a bow as the young master proceeded heading to the academy with the sword. Whispers and murmurs graced his way, maintaining the posture that bears the years of pride of his family, when suddenly, a fellow young man went up to him. “Hi! Good day we’re having, don’t you think?”

The young Flinchester raised his brow in peculiarity of the gentleman. The other young fellow was a bit taller and leaner than him, a brunet with twilight purple gaze. “May I help you?” The young Flinchester asked. “Oh, I apologize for my abrupt presence. First things first—Greetings, Mister Flinchester. Wen Walrus, at your service. Your family has been a great help in security especially in our esteemed household.” The young Walrus introduced himself, offering a hand to exchange gesture with the other, “I am glad to start my year in the same batch as your esteemed presence.”

The young Flinchester took his hand to return the gesture with an elegant smile, yet restrained, his posture never betraying the pressure of his family reputation. “It is always an honor serving people of Solarys. The name is Claude Flinchester, from the esteemed military powerhouse Flinchester. It was a pleasure meeting you, Wen Walrus of the Walrus House.” Wen was glad to be already in good terms with a powerful family and he plans to keep it that way. “Can I be your company for today? I opt to be good friends with you even after we graduate, if Mister Flinchester wouldn’t mind.”

The bit made Claude amused. “Friends do not start calling each other with their surnames, don’t they?” Wen was caught off guard but welcomed the opportunity. “You’re right, a friend to the person, not to the ‘whole’ family, yes. In that case, you may call me Wen!”

“Likewise, you may call me Claude as well.”

The two nobles made their way to the Crownspire—the tallest tower within the academy where holy ceremonies, and the Headmaster’s office and quarters can be found, located at the very eastern part of the academy. On their way, the two exchanged information and Wen couldn’t help but admire the fellow he just befriended. Other students seemed to make an encounter with his esteemed presence to get on the Flinchester’s good side. He was not one to speak for he also had the same goal, yet personally, he wanted to befriend someone in the family whom his family owed greatly and admired for quite some time now.

“I do wish to have my quarters near yours. It would be easier for us to see each other often.” Wen started, crossing his arms as he thought of the possibilities that they can do to bond and have a great time. “If we have the same rank, the possibility of crossing each other’s paths wouldn’t be just coincidence.” Claude replied, trying to ease the other fellow’s worries. “Claude must be at least an Elite right?”

“Given that I am in line to be a leader of a military faction under my family’s name, I am an Elite. How about you?”

“Great! I, too, ranked Elite! Our quarters can’t be that far then.” Wen happily said, assured that they are both in the same wing on the Quarter Solarii—the largest building in the academy, housing the students’ quarters. On the other hand, Claude was silently wondering about Wen’s quickness to seek closure.

After a long travel to Crownspire, they were met with a large crowd. “Woah, sophomores and junior students are all assembled here. Look over there,” Wen pointed to a vast park with kiosks every after a few meters. Center of Glory—the academy’s students’ center where socialization and debates took place. The whole place was filled with vibrancy that day, the entrance arch was adorned with banners and sigils of swordsmanship and sorcery. Stalls were set up to engage the freshmen’s eyes on what their upperclassmen can offer in their division. There were trinkets, goblets, pendants, wands, and armory display in the broad daylight, catching the freshmen’s interest left and right. The place of socialization and open debate turned into a whole festival, celebrating new beginnings and journey.

“It seems like everyone’s attention is drawn to that place. Should we also take a look?” Claude asked Wen out in interest. Wen enthusiastically accepted the invite. The two ventured the place, Wen moved in interest and curiosity while Claude, even though he was the one who invited Wen, he was as if he came to escort or accompany him. With his brooding back that spoke pride and might of his family, he looked like his guard is always up if anything happens, but Wen’s enthusiasm broke the ice cold of a demeanor Claude had. Anyone who sees them would immediately think they are really good friends.

It wasn’t long until the tallest tower in the academy near the Center of Glory gave a thunderous bell toll and emitted a gold, beacon light, piercing the heavens. Everyone was stunned, their jaws dropping at the sight of a never-ending light that gave warmth in each heart, wondering what that meant. Their question was answered when a junior spoke. “All freshmen may now proceed inside the Crownspire. The Headmaster is waiting for all of you.” The speaker was in his last year in the academy his posture spoke years of experience and learnings in the academy. Claude heard their upperclassman and he seemed to stand out from the rest of the juniors. His gold locks flows in the wind’s direction and his gentle, jewel-like, red gaze caught the freshmen’s attention. The junior didn’t come from an esteemed house of a noble as they couldn’t find a single trace of a family crest. Claude didn’t know him yet but the man’s demeanor spoke volumes. The said junior was walking towards the Crownspire himself and as if natural, the freshmen were following after him as if he was an esteemed leader. “Is he a tour guide?” Wen wondered, and Claude shook his head. “He doesn’t seem to be one. A student leader, perhaps.”

Claude and Wen followed the crowd to the Crownspire. The tower doors were engraved with gold, indicating the sacredness and identity of the building—for higher ranked and valuable people such as the Headmaster. Claude examined the tower’s interior as they pass through the dark hall yet illuminated by floating golden lamps that led to the auditorium. The interior hall walls were decorated with golden streaks along the marble-white pillars of the archs. Banners of blue and gold with a silhouette of a person in the middle, graced the sides—indicating the person of influence renowned. Another pair of doors ahead opened to welcome students from different families, reputations and potentials—the auditorium rivaled the halls in extravagance. It was purely charged with Holy magic, the greatest magic to exist in the Kingdom of Solarys.

Claude and Wen followed the others up the raked-seating arrangement of the chairs and sat beside each other. As the freshmen found their seats, Claude focused on the interior of the grandiose auditorium, with the giant banner of blue in front of them, plastered a silhouette of a sun. It was a habit taught by his older brother—familiarization. In any case of abduction, to rely on senses and being observant is the most essential habit to have. Claude can definitely feel the sacredness of the place as he gazed upon the free roaming spirits, like the auditorium is their home. He has heard of the spirit summoners yet their population is few, and the Headmaster is one of them.

“I noticed we haven’t spoke ever since we passed through the halls.” Wen said with amusement hinting his tone. “Worry not, I am also occupied tracing every hint of gold.” Claude smiled in reassurance. “If you don’t mind, I have been meaning to ask this ever since our first minute together...” The raven turned to his companion and paused for the young Walrus to confirm his request for inquiry. “Oh, of course, Claude! I’d be happy to respond.”

“I’ll be frank. Do you need something from me? Is there any personal reason of this sudden friendship?”

The question made Wen taken by surprise. He thought about it and there was nothing aside from pure admiration to his family. Wen flushed red, as he felt embarrassed embarrassment creep under Claude’s suspecting gaze. He replied, “There is none aside from my admiration and deepest respect to your family. I have always wanted to be part of your family’s military squadron. I have searched information about your family—contributions, years of service, awards, and even line of generation. I knew about a Flinchester who is about my age. I came to this academy to improve myself—to prove I might be worthy of the family I have always admired. The gesture you made at the entrance… carrying the family crest I am so familiar with, I… I couldn’t let the chance pass to meet you, to at least form a connection.”

Wen fidgets with his fingers. “I apologize if this acquaintance unsettles you, I do understand though. With your family’s background of grooming knights, you are taught to be cautious, but—please understand that I mean no harm.”

Claude’s suspicions were cleared and Wen seemed to be telling the truth but they cannot be friends if one doubts the other. The raven smiled as he looked at the seats being almost completely filled. “Honesty is an important trait of the knight, both in his service and heart.” Claude’s statement made Wen turn to him in astonishment but he received a smile from the young Flinchester. “I apologize if the question cramped you in a tight spot.” This time, it was Claude who offered him his hand. “I would… like to start over. Hi, I’m Claude. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

The young Walrus blinked his purple eyes in astonishment before breaking into small fits of laughter. Claude was left hanging, his ears turned red in embarrassment. “I-If Mister Walrus intends to decline my friendship, then..”

“N-no, no! I mean, I just didn’t expect you would have to redo greetings, but in the most informal way.” Wen waved his hand in offense and to contain his laughter. “F-Friends tend to be informal, don’t they…?” Claude’s ears remained red as he turn his gaze away from the young Walrus. “Claude, you spoke as if you’ve never had friends before.” Wen grinned, teasing the young Flinchester. The lack of response was enough for Wen to understand his situation. He immediately anchored the conversation down to the point, “Well then, Claude, my name is Wen. It is also a pleasure to meet you.” The brunet smiled while Claude didn’t notice stress in his last word because he was too focused hiding his face away.

Before Claude can even start another conversation after he was put on an embarrassing spot, a sudden burst of holy magic scattered around the auditorium and there stood the Headmaster, welcomed by the spirits in enthusiasm. The Headmaster was said to be living pass centuries yet his young features remained. He opened his arms as if a command and the spirits scattered to greet the freshmen inside the auditorium. Claude and Wen were surprised of the small ball of light’s way of greeting—bumping into their foreheads, yet it didn’t hurt. Wen touched his forehead in wonder and Claude hums in speculation, “I believe that was their way of giving us blessing…?” “You think so? I thought they were just playing around.” Wen replied as he gazed at the other spirits doing the same thing to the other freshmen.

The room was filled with awes and laughter as the small spirits were doing amusing tricks for the freshmen to welcome them with gladness and inclusivity. When the spirits retreated, the Headmaster raised his voice in elegance and might. “Esteemed new students, new faces, new souls, new potentials, and glimpses of future—Welcome to the Academy of Aurelion. Here within the walls that protected the future—of the legacy Aurelion left behind, we do not only pass general knowledge, but character. We shape students qualified to bring peace and deliver future for the whole Kingdom of Solarys for many years, and we opt to continue to do so.” The Headmaster bowed humbly, “I am your Headmaster, the overseer, the leader, and the representative—Philip Umbreon, at your service.” Rain of applause filled the entire auditorium at the headmaster’s humble character.

Once again, he lifted his head and opened his arms in delight and appreciation, “Thus, I welcome all of you, regardless of family crests, reputations, contributions and impact in the Kingdom—for here, all stands equal. One does not undermine the other’s potential, for their strength is only theirs.” The Headmaster gestured behind the curtains, “With that, I would like all of you to meet the academy’s esteemed student, with power and strength only he possesses—a symbol of Aurelion’s promise to return… may not be in flesh, but his presence. I present, Justin Sawyer, the Bearer of Aurelion’s Mark.”

Apple-green eyes laid upon the familiar figure—golden locks, as if the spirits blessed his entire being, bounced in each step he took. Ruby-like gaze raised to meet the freshmen’s. A smile topped it all off, he spoke in his formally deep voice, “Good morning to each and every one of you. Welcome to the academy of the future, I am Justin Sawyer, I do not come from an esteemed house or even belonged in one. I was accepted here, for I, bear the mark of Aurelion.” To confirm suspicions, Justin rolled the sleeve of his uniform coat, presenting the intricate, glowing symbol. A sun-shaped sigil glowing in radiance under the auditorium’s light.

“As the Headmaster stated, one does not undermine the other’s potential, for their strength is theirs alone. No matter which house you came, it does not define one’s strength, but character. Personal traits over skill. Strength without honor is tyranny. Knowledge without virtue is folly.” Justin took steps, his voice remained steady, resonant and commanding—giving his every word a highlight of value and importance. His voice spoke weight and impact that caught the student’s attention, “As someone bearing Aurelion’s mark, Aurelion was not just the Sun God of strength and power. He was the symbol of tomorrow—the promise that we will always rise to see the sun again. Here in the Academy, we carry that promise. The future of Solarys rests in us… rests in you. The bell has tolled. It’s time to begin. Welcome to the Academy of Aurelion.” The golden bearer received a warm yet loud applause as he steps down from the spotlight.

“He carried himself well.” Wen commented as he applaud the speaker. “He speaks of experience. He carried the symbol of Aurelion—to be the chosen one is to live accordingly to what destiny had filled you in.” Claude couldn’t help but relate to Justin. Once destiny is decided, there’s no way out of it. Wen opened his mouth to question him further but the young Flinchester’s tone… covered his friend with heavy wall of tension, shutting him out.

The rest of the welcoming ceremony in the Crownspire was about the student conduct codes and provisions for a safe and peaceful school year. The freshmen exited the tower with enthusiasm to start their year anew. Being filled with powerful messages thrived them to be better assets to the Kingdom of Solarys, yet the two had other plans. They decided to head straight to Quarter Solarii.

Approaching the building, Claude and Wen took their time to bond over smallest things about themselves. It started from a simple question and hooking related topics. Unbeknown to Wen, Claude was grateful of his character to create conversations he can relate with. Due to the environment of House Flinchester, the concept of ‘friends’ is almost out of the dictionary. Justin’s words really hit Claude, here in the Academy, may be the place of new beginnings.

“Ah, have you brought your syllabus?” Wen initiated another conversation. “Oh, I must’ve left it in one of my luggage.” Claude replied as they walked through the quarter halls looking for their rooms in the next section of the building where Elites and Exemplar ranked students occupy themselves in private. Upon their arrival after following the directory above, there were also nobles who had the same plans as them. Their piercing gazes hit them when both of them arrived, that was how famous and influential the Flinchesters were.

“Your ‘ritual’ at the entrance brought eyes upon you. Various gazes with different intentions.” Wen leaned to whisper his thoughts on their current situation.

Claude could only hum in amusement at his companion’s speculations, “I will be cautious.” The young Flinchester proceeded to walk through the gazes that held different intentions, or worst—scheming gazes for his or his family’s downfall. It wasn’t an uncommon issue for such an influential and powerful family. Therefore, a solid character was needed for the Flinchesters, not for image—but survival.

Reaching his room number, Claude opened his room and the door softly creaked open. The interior of the quarter was decent enough and still fitting for his status. Pure-white sheets covered the beddings and pillows, and blood red curtains were tied by the windowsills to let the room be graced by the blessed rays of the sun. There were luggage ready to be unpacked, lots of them. “Come in, Wen.”

Wen let himself in and look around the almost empty but clean room. “I reckon you also took the swordsmanship course?” Claude asked as he looked for his syllabus in his luggage. “Absolutely,” The young Walrus made himself feel at home after closing the door behind him, he sat on Claude’s bed. “I did say I will improve here and show your family I am worth to be accepted in a squadron belonging to the Flinchesters.” A willful smile graced Wen’s face, from ear to ear. Upon finding his syllabus, he sat beside Wen and showed him his schedules and subjects, “I also took the same course. Though, it’s not that unexpected.”

“Oh, would you look at that. Aren’t I lucky to be in the same batch and—the same class as you!” Wen excitedly looked at Claude’s syllabus. “Is... it really something to be happy about?” Claude asked in confusion towards Wen’s excitement. When Wen gave him a look that probably say ‘are you kidding?’, he was met with Claude’s innocent face—reminding him of what the Flinchester household is like. Anchoring the conversation back, he replied, “Of course! We can have tons of fun being in the same class! It’s fun that way.”

The raven nodded, conveying understanding of the norms of the outside world aside from his household.

Just like the sun rays gracing the room—upon emptiness yet brimming with unspoken weight—light and warmth still managed to seep through Claude’s life.