Chapter 21 THE HUMAN TERRITORY

'I don't think I have heard that name before. So why is it sounding very familiar in my head?' Kaelen thought with a perplexed look on his face. "Is something wrong Kaelen?" Noticing the strange look on Kaelen's face, Morris quickly asked with a curious look on his face. Kaelen quickly tried to keep his calm when he heard what Morris asked him as he answered. "Nothing is wrong, am fine" "Well if you say so" Morris replied before he shifted his attention towards Professor Gareth who still stood in the front of the class. 'Let me just let this slide' Kaelen eventually thought decisively before he followed Morris and looked at Gareth. But he failed to notice that the scabbard where the blade of eternity is in is slightly trembling. "Now let's talk about the division of the human territory" Professor Gareth suddenly continued with a serious look on his face. "In the vast and diverse world of Aetheris, the human territory is divided into three distinct countries, each with its unique culture, governance, and relationship with magic. Among these, the Pace Setter Academy holds significant influence over one of the countries, shaping its policies and educational systems. The three countries are Valoria, Arcanis, and Eldoria in which we are in right now." "The country of Valoria is a vast kingdom of valor and heroism. It is a land of rolling plains, dense forests, and majestic mountains. The capital city, Valens, is a bustling metropolis known for its grand palaces and military academies." "The kingdom of Valoria is a monarchy ruled by a legendary hero called King Bale III. The kingdom values strength, honor, and bravery, with a strong emphasis on martial prowess and chivalry. While not as magically inclined as its neighbors, Valoria respects the power of magic and maintains a network of battle-mages who augment the kingdom's formidable military." "The country of Arcanis is characterized by its enchanted forests, sparkling lakes, and floating islands. The capital, Arcadia, is a city of towers and spires where magic flows freely." "Arcanis is governed by a council of powerful wizards known as the Arcane Conclave. The council makes decisions through a blend of democracy and magical insight." "The citizens of Arcanis have a deep affinity for magic, and nearly every aspect of life is influenced by it. Schools of magic are abundant, and magical festivals are a regular occurrence." "Arcanis is renowned for its advanced magical research and spellcraft. The country is home to some of the most skilled magicians and alchemists in Aetheris." 'Damn...' Kaelen thought in surprise as he attentively listened to everything professor Gareth has been saying. "As for the country we are currently in, Eldoria, it features a diverse landscape of fertile valleys, ancient ruins, and sprawling campuses. The capital city inwhich we are in, Eldara, is a hub of education and learning, dominated by the imposing structure of the Pace Setter Academy." "Eldoria is unique in that it is administratively controlled by the Pace Setter Academy. The Council of Magisters oversees the governance, ensuring that laws and policies align with the academy's principles." "Ok" Morris suddenly said before he dashed across the lecture hall moving towards the exit of the hall. "Hey, I didn't mean that!!" Shocked by Morris reaction, Kaelen exclaimed loudly as he chased Morris till he went out of the lecture hall. But as soon as he went out, he saw Morris standing a fair distance away from him. Not only him he saw though. But he also saw a group of students standing all around Morris as they faced a particular direction. 'What are they all looking at?' Curious by their actions, Kaelen thought as he went further and looked towards where the others are looking. 'Huh? Isn't that the girl I met at the changing room?' As soon as Kaelen looked towards the aforementioned area, he saw the girl who has had an encounter with in the changing room standing face to face with a boy on a sparring platform. The boy on the platform has an unassuming figure who blends into the background effortlessly. His appearance is ordinary, almost forgettable, with a slight build that suggests neither strength nor weakness. His brown hair is cut in a simple, practical style, and his eyes, a muted hazel, carry a distant, introspective look. What sets the boy apart, however, is his complete lack of aura. In a place where students' magical presence often radiates like a beacon, the boy's absence of aura is like a void, an emptiness that feels both peculiar and intriguing. This void is not malevolent; it simply is, as if the very essence of magic flows around him without touching him. His face, though youthful, holds a quiet resilience, marked by faint lines of concentration. His expression is often neutral, with a hint of pensiveness, as if he is perpetually lost in thought. Despite his lack of aura, the boy's demeanor is calm and composed, suggesting a depth of inner strength that does not rely on outward displays of power. Dressed in the standard Pace Setter Academy uniform, the boy wears it with a neatness that borders on meticulous. The black and blue colors of the uniform contrast against his pale skin, making him look even more ordinary. 'Why can't I feel any aura coming out of his body?' Kaelen thought in shock when he observed that he couldn't sense any form of aura around the boy. "Can we begin?" The boy suddenly said in a calm and serene voice while he stood motionlessly on the platform. "Yes" The girl replied as she instantly raised her vigilance to the max. "Ok, here I come" The boy said while he still stood motionlessly on the platform. But the girl didn't wast no time at all as she conjured a flurry of icy projectiles, her face a mask of concentration. The crowd watched in awe as the ice shot towards auraless boy with blinding speed. But the boy, seemingly unfazed, stood his ground. His lack of aura made him appear vulnerable, almost defenseless. Yet, there was an unsettling calmness in his eyes, a stark contrast to the girl's aggressive stance. In a matter of moments, the ice projectiles neared their target. The boy moved with a swiftness that defied his unassuming appearance. He dodged the attack with fluid precision, his movements almost a blur. Before the girl could react, Ethan closed the distance between them. With a swift, unexpected strike, the boy's palm connected with the girl's chest. The impact was precise and powerful, a technique honed through countless hours of practice. The girl's eyes widened in shock as she was propelled backwards, her feet leaving the ground. The force of the boy's strike sent her sailing off the platform, landing unceremoniously on the ground below. "What in the....." Kaelen muttered in disbelief when he witnessed what unfolded right in front of him.