The Cold Heir

Imagine a world where only one academy exists. This isn't just any small corner of the earth but a sprawling human domain that covers millions of kilometers, housing billions of souls, and the population keeps ticking upward.

Now, with all these people and just one academy to go to when you hit 16, you can guess how tough that entrance exam must be. Every year, only 500 lucky—or rather, extremely skilled students make the cut. They're then split into 10 classes according to their exam performance, with the top 50 scoring students earning their spot in the prestigious Class A.

There are no exceptions. If you're human and you are or about to turn 16, you've got your chance to take the entrance exams, regardless of whether you're rich or dirt poor. Everyone gets to try.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon when Ved and his twin sister stood at the grand gates of the Flack estate, their bags packed and the family crest stitched onto their uniforms. The air was chilly, no trace of warmth or affection. 

Their father towered over them, loomed before them with his usual air of detached authority. Their mother stood beside him, her expression unreadable, as if she were merely witnessing a business transaction rather than the departure of her own children, not saying goodbye to her own kids.

There was no farewell, no encouragement, not even the slightest acknowledgment of the work they had both put into preparing for this moment. Only expectations and always expectations.

"I've arranged for transport," their father continued. "You will be taken directly to the Academy gates. Upon arrival, you will conduct yourselves with dignity. Do not bring shame to this family."

Ved's twin sister, standing to his right, remained silent. Her ice-blue eyes mirrored his own, a reflection of their shared bloodline, but not of any affection. She, too, had grown up under the weight of these expectations, and though she resented Ved for being named the heir, she understood the reality of their upbringing just as well as he did.

Ved gave a short nod. "Understood."

His sister responded with the same, her expression neutral, yet the flicker of resentment in her gaze never truly disappeared.

With a sharp turn, their father walked off without a word, leaving Ved and his sister standing in the vast, empty entrance of the estate. Their mother, who had said nothing throughout the entire exchange, followed after him, sparing them a single glance before disappearing into the depths of the house.

Ved let out a scoff. He hadn't expected much, but it was still laughable how little they cared about their kids, beyond what they could do for them.

Then Ralf, always the loyal butler, stepped forward, pointing towards the carriage waiting outside. "Young Master Ved, Young Lady Lyra, your ride is ready."

Without missing a beat, Ved straightened his uniform cuffs and marched towards the carriage, not sparing another look at the estate. His sister followed suit, taking her seat opposite him with that same unreadable look on her face.

As soon as the door shut, the carriage jolted into motion, the wheels rolling over the stone path as they departed from the Flack estate.

For the first time in years, Ved felt like he was leaving something trivial behind. The estate, his family, the oppressive air—it all melted away as they drove off.

Right in the middle of human territory, there's this place called Cawyo. It's a deep, skinny valley that its walls look like they've been sliced by a giant's knife through the toughest rock. This place isn't just another valley; it's a realm where gravity seems like a quaint suggestion rather than a law. But here's the crazy part: there's nothing on the ground, just a bunch of islands floating in the sky.

Cawyo is made up of numerous floating islands, each one a unique sector of the academy, floating like dreams in the vast blue. They're all linked by these cool, swaying bridges made from some mysterious stuff that nobody really knows about. They move with the wind but never break.

Instead of succumbing to gravity's pull, these islands defy it, don't fall, they just hang there in the clouds. When the sun comes out, they look like they're glowing, sitting on some kind of heavenly seat. 

Most of the time, you can't even see these islands because they're hidden by clouds and some kind of magic. You can't just walk in there either. But on the day of the entrance exam, the academy opens up special teleportation gates in all the big cities across the human domain. That's the only way to get to the island, only kids about to take the exam get to step onto these magical islands.

Getting to the teleportation gate in Lisistin city was quick, less than an hour, even with the busy city streets. The scenery changed as they moved away from their fancy noble home. The only way to reach the islands was through some kind of space magic through the gates since flying near the floating islands was prohibited.

The carriage came to a stop right in front of where the teleportation gate was supposed to be, and there was already a long line of teens waiting to take the teleportation gate to the entrance exam. Plus, there were guards and security people all over the place.

Inside the carriage, the quiet between Ved and his twin sister was thick, and neither seemed eager to speak first.

Finally, Ved leaned back into the plush seat with a smirk. "No last words for our loving parents?"

His sister's icy blue eyes met his, a sharpness in them that wasn't entirely hostile. "What would be the point?"

Ved chuckled. "You're right. They didn't even wish us a happy birthday."

Her eyes darkened for a moment but she hid it away just as fast.

"I suppose we'll have to make an impression at the Academy," he said, stretching out his arms. "Though, I don't think you'll have to worry too much. You've always been good at making people freeze in fear."

His sister scoffed, a rare hint of amusement in her tone. "And you've always been good at making people hate you."

Ved grinned. "That's the fun part."

She stayed silent, but she didn't look away either.