As King Valtor arrived at Rex's home, he was taken aback by the sight of a mere five-year-old demonstrating magic without any incantations. The king’s astonishment was evident as he turned to Rex’s father, Augustus, and demanded, “Augustus, what is this?”

Augustus, seemingly unfazed, responded, “What’s the matter?”

Valtor’s eyes widened. “Did you know your son can wield magic without any incantation? That’s unheard of!”

Augustus remained composed. “I’m aware that Rex has a unique ability. It’s not surprising; he is my son, after all. But let’s not make a fuss about it.”

The conversation soon shifted to Rex’s potential enrolment in the Astral Forge Thundershade Academy. Augustus was adamant. “He’s too young. Doesn’t the academy admit students starting at age six?”

King Valtor countered with a smile. “I understand your concerns, but I will ensure Rex can join the academy without any issues, just as I did for another promising student.”

“What student?” Augustus inquired.

“A girl I encountered in the countryside,” Valtor explained. “She practiced swordplay with her eyes closed and was incredibly skilled for her age. I arranged for her to join the academy, and I intend to do the same for Rex.”

After a prolonged argument, Augustus’s wife, Seraphina, intervened and persuaded him to agree to the king’s proposal. Thus, Rex stood before the imposing gates of the Astral Forge Thundershade Academy, their ancient metal glistening in the morning sun. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of fear and excitement as hundreds of students lined up for the entrance exam—an ordeal that would shape their future.

Despite blending in with the crowd, Rex exuded an almost tangible aura of mystery. As he approached the massive stone archway, he felt the weight of countless eyes upon him. The academy, a fortress of power and knowledge, loomed before him. He understood that passing the exam was merely the first step; a path filled with danger, rivalries, and extraordinary challenges lay ahead.

The gates creaked open, and Rex took a deep breath, stepping into the shadow of the academy with unyielding resolve. Unseen by most, he was ready to face whatever awaited him.

Inside, the students gathered in the grand main hall, its towering pillars and ornate designs evoking awe. The room buzzed with nervous anticipation as they awaited the introduction. Suddenly, a tall man with striking white hair and dazzling blue eyes stepped forward. His mere presence commanded silence.

“I welcome you all to the Astral Forge Thundershade Academy,” he began in a stern, almost menacing tone. “Here, you will learn... cooking.”

A stunned silence enveloped the hall. Rex blinked, trying to process the seemingly absurd announcement. Students exchanged bewildered glances, some already contemplating escape.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the man’s stern expression transformed into a mischievous grin. “Just kidding!” he boomed, his voice echoing through the hall. “You’ll be learning magic, battling monsters, and, well, occasionally surviving pop quizzes. But don’t forget to crack open a book now and then.”

Laughter erupted, easing the tension. Rex shook his head, thinking, *If his jokes are this wild, the lessons must be something else.

The man’s grin widened. “You’ll gain skills that could elevate you to the highest positions in the kingdom—or even save it.”

Rex’s amusement faded, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. *Great, another place obsessed with climbing the social ladder. I came here to forge my own path, not to play politics.

At that moment, a striking woman with black hair and a captivating presence entered. Her entrance was nothing short of dramatic; all eyes turned to her in awe. Rex, curious, wondered about her identity. Without hesitation, she struck the white-haired man and scolded, “Enough with the jokes, you old maiden!”

The students watched in shock as the woman and the man exchanged playful banter. Amid the commotion, Rex sensed a peculiar presence approaching the main hall. The doors swung open, and the room fell silent as the two bickering teachers stopped and welcomed the newcomer with reverence.

“The headmaster of the academy has arrived!” they announced with pride and honour.

Rex’s curiosity piqued, he eagerly awaited to see who this revered figure was, sensing that the true journey was about to begin.