Ms. Gina wasted no time after that night. The very next morning, she came to my room carrying an old leather bag filled with unfamiliar symbols stitched in silver thread. The moment she stepped inside, the air in my room felt heavier, charged with something unseen. Even the curtains fluttered despite the windows being closed.

"Calista," she said firmly, placing the bag on my desk, "it's time to prepare you. We're leaving today."

My heart began to race. "Leaving?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. "Leaving where? You can't just say that and expect me not to panic."

She gave a small, knowing smile. "You're already panicking," she said gently. "But you'll understand soon. We're going to the Immortal World."

I swallowed hard. "The... Immortal World?"

"Its name is Aetherion," she replied.

The moment the word left her lips, something inside me stirred. My chest warmed, my heartbeat shifting into an unfamiliar rhythm, as if my body itself recognized the name. I pressed a hand over my heart, confused and unsettled.

"Why does it feel like I've heard that before?" I asked.

Ms. Gina's eyes darkened slightly. "Because your soul remembers things your mind does not."

She opened the leather bag and pulled out several items, old scrolls, crystal shards glowing faintly, and a dark cloak folded neatly at the bottom. "Aetherion exists parallel to the human world," she explained. "Hidden by ancient seals and protected by immortal guardians. Humans cannot enter unless invited, and even then, their minds would not survive the truth."

She handed me the cloak. The fabric felt impossibly light, yet warm, like it was alive. The moment I touched it, glowing symbols appeared and then vanished beneath my fingers.

"This will suppress your aura," she said. "Your power is awakening too fast. Others will sense you the moment we arrive."

"Others?" I echoed. "You mean... dangerous ones?"

"Yes," she answered honestly. "And curious ones. Both can be equally dangerous."

Before I could ask more, Ms. Gina raised her hand and traced a glowing symbol in the air. The rune pulsed, humming with energy, and the floor beneath us rippled like water. I felt dizzy as the world twisted, sound fading, colors bending inward.

"Don't fight it," Ms. Gina said firmly. "Trust me."

I barely had time to nod before the world collapsed into light.

When my feet touched solid ground again, I gasped.

Before me stood a massive castle made of white stone and crystal towers that reached into a sky painted with violet, gold, and deep blue. The structure floated slightly above the ground, as if gravity had no authority here. Golden bridges connected spires suspended in the air, and glowing runes pulsed along the walls like a heartbeat.

"Welcome to Aetherion," Ms. Gina said softly. "And to Aetherion Academy."

I couldn't move. "This... this looks like something out of a legend," I whispered.

"It is a legend," she replied. "Just not a myth."

As we walked forward, my shock only grew. Immortals filled the courtyards and floating platforms, students training, sparring, and studying. One boy summoned fire that curled around his arms without burning him. Nearby, a girl controlled the wind, lifting herself into the air with a flick of her wrist. Water formed sharp blades in another arena, while someone nearby bent shadows into living shapes.

Then there were powers I couldn't name....light folding space, time slowing briefly around certain individuals, energy crackling in colors I had never seen before.

"They're students?" I asked, overwhelmed.

"Yes," Ms. Gina said. "Every immortal must train. Power without discipline leads to chaos."

I felt small standing there, my hands trembling beneath the cloak. "What if I can't do any of this?" I asked quietly. "What if I don't belong here? What if I don't have any power that won't come out?"

Ms. Gina stopped and turned to face me, placing a steady hand on my shoulder. "Calista," she said softly, "you don't just belong here. Aetherion has been waiting for you."

"For me?" I repeated.

"Yes," she said. "Your power is ancient. Different. That's why the prophecy exists.... and why Sarina's name follows you."

The massive doors of the castle slowly opened on their own, releasing a wave of warm, unfamiliar energy that made my breath catch. Something deep inside me stirred, stretching, awakening.

As I stepped inside Aetherion Academy, fear and excitement collided within me. I didn't know what awaited me beyond those doors but one thing was clear.

This world wasn't just new to me. It was home and yet, it felt like a home I had abandoned long ago.

The moment my foot crossed the threshold, a sudden rush of memories I couldn't fully grasp flashed through my mind.....laughter echoing through stone halls, the sound of my own voice calling a name I couldn't remember, and the feeling of power flowing freely through my veins without fear or doubt. I staggered slightly, clutching the edge of my cloak.

"Calista," Ms. Gina said quickly, steadying me. "The Academy is reacting to you."

"Reacting?" I whispered. "How is that even possible?"

She glanced at the towering pillars and glowing sigils above us. "Aetherion is alive in its own way," she explained. "It recognizes ancient energy. It recognizes you. They are welcoming you."

As we walked deeper into the academy, I became painfully aware of the stares. Conversations hushed. Training slowed. Some students turned fully toward us, their eyes narrowing with curiosity, amusement, inspiration, and something else I couldn't name recognition. I could feel their powers brushing against mine, testing, probing, like unseen fingers.

"Keep your focus," Ms. Gina murmured. "Do not respond to them yet. You are still new so they don't know you. But once they found out who you are, they will definetely love you."

A group of students passed by, their uniforms marked with different crests. One of them, a girl with silver eyes glowing faintly, stopped and stared at me. "That aura..." she whispered to her companion. "It feels... old and strong."

My heart pounded. "They can feel me," I said under my breath.

"Yes," Ms. Gina replied calmly. "And that is why your training must begin immediately."

She led me into a vast circular hall at the center of the academy. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, constellations moving slowly above as if the sky itself had been trapped indoors. In the middle of the room stood a crystal platform, pulsing softly.

"This is the Initiation Hall," Ms. Gina said. "Where immortals first learn what they truly are."

I stared at the platform, dread and anticipation twisting inside me. "And what happens if I fail?"

Ms. Gina met my gaze, her expression unwavering. "You won't," she said. "Because this time, Calista... you won't face it alone."

"I'll drop you off at the registrar so you can settle everything you need to fix. I'll be leaving now, Calista... I still have something to finish in the mortal world."

Before I could even respond, Ms. Gina suddenly vanished. I had no idea where the registrar was in this place, until a guard finally spoke.

"Please follow me, Ms. Vespera."

I didn't ask any questions, assuming he was taking me to the registrar anyway. We walked through a massive hallway lined with elegant doors on both sides. He led me to the left side of the door, then left me standing there alone.

I breathe and close my eyes for a second and knock on the door.

"Come in!"

I entered and I looked around and saw nothing but paintings, creatures I couldn't even identify. My eyes eventually landed on the name engraved on the registrar's door.

'Freeda Wales'

"Good morning, Ms. Vespera," she said coldly. "I have been expecting you for a very very long time. It's good to finally see you. This is your schedule."

She handed me a paper, which I immediately looked at.

"The days, time, and corresponding professors are all indicated there." She then gave me another small piece of paper. "This contains your dormitory number, key, and you are assigned to the Alpha Class."

"Alpha... what?"

"Alpha Class, Calista. No more questions. Now go to the west wing, to the admission hall, for your ID picture. And don't forget to secure your secondary name."

She was so rude, acting like she owned the entire place huh! I wanted to ask more questions, but she was already dismissing me, so I just walked out and headed toward the west wing.

How was I even supposed to know where that was? I was new here, hello! and she wouldn't even let me ask!? As if I already knew my way around Aetherion.

I kept walking until I finally reached the west wing mentioned by the registrar. When I found the admission hall, my heart sank, there was a very long line. Around forty students were waiting. Bruuuh! It would probably take an hour, and I hated waiting.

"Ms. Vespera! Come over here and take your ID picture."

I was startled when a man suddenly called out to me. He looked about my age, tall, with an impressive build. Without hesitation, I walked toward him. Who was I to refuse when the line was that long??That's a priviledge.

"What a bitch."

I heard a woman mutter those words as I walked past.

Did she really just call me a bitch?

I stopped and faced her.

"Pardon?" I asked.

She only rolled her eyes and stayed silent, so I turned away and entered the admission hall where the man had gone.

"Have a seat. I just fixed the printer, and we're ready to snap." I looked at his ID and saw that he is also belong to the Alpha Class like me.

"And oh.... by the way, you're in the Alpha Class.... huh?! We should hang out sometime. Wanna come join us on dinner?"

I looked at him, confused. How did he know I was in the Alpha Class? I hadn't even told him which section I belonged to or I haven't give him my section and paper.

"You're wondering how I knew?" he said, grinning. "Well... let's just say I can read other people's minds. So you guys better learn how to control it."

Dang. He could read minds? How cool. I was still wondering whether this was all real or if I was just dreaming.

"Here. Take a seat and smile."

I sat in front of the camera and smiled, though it annoyed me that I wasn't wearing any makeup. I was used to being in full glam.

"What is your secondary name?"

'Sarina ... ... sarina. .. ..... .. .sarina'

"SARINA..."

Why did I use that name?? Where did it come from?? Dang!

"Okay! All done! This is your ID. Wear it at all times so everyone knows which class you belong to. You can head to the dormitory now and arrange your things."

I took the ID from him, the surface still warm from the printer. My name stared back at me in bold letters, Calista Vespera.... with Alpha Class stamped beneath it like a warning rather than a title.

"Dormitory's at the north end," he added casually. "You can't miss it. The Alpha crest is carved above the doors. Abby and Aoife are there. They are really nice."

"Thanks," I said, clipping the ID to my collar.

As I stepped back into the hallway, the noise of the admission hall faded, replaced by an unsettling quiet. The air here felt different, thicker, heavier, as if the walls themselves were watching me. Students passed by, some whispering, others openly staring at the mark on my ID. A few nodded in recognition. A few were shock. Most looked... wary.

So this is what Alpha Class means, I thought.

The walk to the dormitory felt longer than it should have been. The architecture shifted the farther I went, arches grew taller, the lighting dimmer, and strange symbols were etched into the stone floor. When I finally reached the north end, the doors towered over me, carved with a sigil I didn't recognize but somehow felt familiar.

[ALPHA'S DORMITORY]

I hesitated before knock and pushing them open.

Inside, the dormitory was nothing like I expected. The ceiling stretched impossibly high, glowing softly as if lit by starlight itself. Floating orbs illuminated the halls, and staircases curved upward without visible support. It was beautiful, unnerving, but beautiful. It was like a whole mansion house not a dormitory.

"New Alpha?"

I turned to see a girl leaning against the railing, her silver eyes scanning me from head to toe. She smiled at me and walked.

"Sarina Vespera... from the Alpha.... class?" I said and it was like I'm asking them if I said it right.

Her brow lifted in interest. "Ah. That Calista."

"Your room's on the third door, in front of Atticus room, be careful to him, he is a living dragon," she continued. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. By the way.... Alpha Class always attracts attention. Especially when someone new arrives without any training."

Without waiting for a response, she walked away, leaving her words hanging heavily in the air.

I tightened my grip on my bag and walked to my room, my heartbeat echoing in my ears. Every step felt like I was crossing an invisible line, one I couldn't turn back from.

Ms. Gina's words echoed in my mind.

'This world is no longer just watching you, Calista. It's waiting for you.'

And for the first time since arriving in Aetherion, I realized something chilling. Whatever Alpha Class truly was... I had been placed here for a reason.

When I entered the room, it was quiet and warm. A soft light came through the window and touched the bed and the floor. The curtains moved slowly as the air passed by. Everything inside the room felt calm, like it was waiting for me to rest.

I placed my things beside the bed and sat down for a moment. My thoughts drifted to Ms. Gina. I wondered what she was doing now. To me, she had been a real mother ever since my own mother left us when I was only four months old. Ms. Gina once told me that my mother was deeply buried in debt. As I grew up, it was Ms. Gina who paid everything for us, though I never understood why those debts even existed.

As I thought about those things, I didn't realize that tears were already falling from my eyes.

Knock. Knock.

I quickly wiped my face and fixed myself before opening the door.

"Hi!!! I'm Aoife! And you must be-" She paused, clearly trying to remember my name. Maybe she had heard it before and simply forgot.

"Sarina. I'm Sarina."

"Ouhh yeah! Nice to meet you, Sarina! Come join us for lunch at the cafeteria!"

She didn't wait for my response and immediately pulled my hand, dragging me outside. I glanced back at my room and saw my things still unpacked. I was starting to feel hungry, so I didn't bother refusing.

There was no one else in the dorm but the two of us. Where was everyone? And where was the person Abby mentioned, the one staying across from my room? Atticus, was it? Was he really a dragon? The kind that breathes fire? Did powers like that really exist here?

I noticed Aoife letting out a small laugh, so I asked her if she was okay.

"Sarina... Atticus is already in the cafeteria, waiting for us. And... nope, he's not a real dragon like what you're imagining, breathing fire and all. He's just... uhh, let's say strict, cold, and scary."

"H-huh?" I stuttered. How did she know? Could she read my mind too?

"Yes, Calista-" She suddenly stopped, then smiled awkwardly. "I mean, Sarina. I think we need to give you some lessons about Aetherion and the ability of each student here for you to be aware." She stopped in front of the cafeteria doors. "For now, shut your mind. The dragon might hear your voice in your head. Let's go."

I followed her immediately and forced myself not to think of anything. I didn't want them reading my thoughts again.

When we entered, we went straight to a table that looked different from the others. The chairs were more elegant, and the space was wider. While other tables could only seat four people, this one was clearly meant for more.

"Hey, hey! Yve, that's my seat! Get the hell out of my seat!" Aoife snapped.

Yve glared at her and raised an eyebrow, as if saying, Who are you to tell me what to do?

I felt awkward because I didn't know any of them. Aoife and Abby were the only ones familiar to me, and Abby already looked unapproachable.

"Whatever you say, arf arf," Yve replied mockingly before standing up and changing seats.

I sat where Aoife told me to sit, too shy to say anything.

"You dimwit, it's not arf arf!" Aoife shouted.

Yve ignored her and turned to me instead. "You're Sarina, right? Dang, I knew it! I told you, Abby, the new student is an Alpha."

"Whatever," Abby replied coldly, reading a book while eating.

Yve stopped talking and sat beside me. "Hmm... where's the second boss?" Aoife asked while whispering, but before she could say anything else, a plate of food was suddenly placed on the table in front of us.

"I can hear you."

The voice was low and calm, yet it sent a chill down my spine.

I slowly lifted my head.

He was tall, much taller than everyone else at the table. His presence alone felt heavy, like the air itself had shifted the moment he arrived. He look at me.

"You are the one I call earlier in the Admission Hall right?" he asked flatly.

Aoife grinned. "Yep, that's Sarina. Sarina, that's Dio. And Dio, she is also an Alpha."

His gaze fell on me. I felt my chest tighten, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

"...Alpha... oh yeah I remember now," he muttered. I swallowed hard and nodded.

"Where is Atticus?"

"He's gonna be here in any minute. Just finishing some things in the Admission Hall. Maybe five minutes," Abby said and continue to read her book.

"Your ability is kinda cool, Abby. I hope I can have that too."

Abby did not pay attention to what Yve said. She just continued reading her book. I could not tell what kind of book it was, or why she was reading in the middle of eating.

"I'm reviewing for the upcoming quiz after lunch, Sarina. I heard your mind. It's too loud," she said.

I was shocked by what she said. It looked like all Alphas could read thoughts. I wondered how they stopped others from reading their own minds.

"Uhm... can I ask if-"

"You fucking bitch!"

We turned our heads toward where the voice came from. I saw the same girl who had also called me a bitch earlier. I saw her eyes turn blue, and her body suddenly changed. It looked like she was surrounded by wind mixed with water, spinning around her body.

"I'm not the one who did that, Eulisse! It's your fault! You're a bitch!" she shouted. Her body had crawling veins that looked like tree roots, and it was scary to look at.

I looked at the people at our table, but they had no reaction. It was like they were just watching a simple show while eating.

"That's from the B Class. As always, they're on a fight," Abby said. I frowned at what Abby said. "B Class?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Beta Class. Next after Alpha. The Betas are always fighting each other just for a deity gift and ranking," Yve said.

"Deity gift?" I asked again.

"Yeah. Monthly, we have a fight or sparring in the Arena with digital creatures for ranking then if you win, you gonna have a gift from a deity. Just like Yve. He belonged to Beta before, but because of the ranking system, he became Alpha. And it is also based on your ability," Dio said.

I understood Dio's explanation a little, but our attention returned to the two Betas who were fighting. I noticed they were about to attack each other, and I could feel the power of both of them in my body. Until...a loud voice echoed in the whole cafeteria.

"ENOUGH!"