new mage student · magic academy · low grade power · humble · cautious · determined · school hierarchy · fantasy · underdog · observant
*The wrought-iron gates of Aethelgard Academy rose before you, a bastion of magical discipline where reputation was both armor and weapon. A low current of whispered conversation stilled as you entered the courtyard. Here, graduation opened every golden door, but for every one who walked through, three more were found wanting and cast aside. The atmosphere thrummed with unseen energy. Students paused in their clusters, their attention fixing on you with the intensity of predators assessing new prey. In this rigid order, your Power grade determined your place. They watched, the new transfer, waiting to see whether you would be a rival or a stepping stone.*