NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38 - Welcome to AIA
The plane landed on a secluded strip nestled between towering mountain peaks. Marcus and Val stood at the front with the pilot and crew, disembarking before any of the students. The walkway lowered with a pneumatic hiss, and they descended into the crisp mountain air of New Zealand.
Nick pressed his face against the window before standing, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The Southern Alps stretched in every direction—a panorama of jagged peaks wrapped in wisps of cloud. His enhanced perception caught subtle details invisible to normal human eyes: shimmering mana currents flowing through the rock formations, ancient Arcadian glyphs etched into what appeared to be natural features of the landscape.
Sophia's interface activated in his vision: [Host, initial scans detect significant Arcadian infrastructure integrated with the mountain's natural formation.]
It's even more incredible than Abuelo described, Nick thought, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him.
[The mountain itself appears to function as both fortress and resonance amplifier. Most impressive.]
As he rose from his seat, Nick caught Maggie's expression—wide-eyed wonder as she gazed out at the landscape. Jordan stood beside her, his usual stoic demeanor softened by genuine amazement.
"I can't believe we're actually here," Maggie whispered, adjusting her glasses. "After everything we've read about this place..."
"The structural integration is remarkable," Jordan observed, his voice containing unusual warmth. "The way they've merged Arcadian architecture with the natural mountain..."
Nick nodded, shouldering his bag, excitement building at the thought of exploring the school hidden within the mountain.
Together, they descended the walkway, stepping onto a landing pad carved directly from the mountainside. Several figures waited to greet them—men and women whose bearing instantly marked them as experienced dimensional defenders.
At the front of the welcoming party stood a tall woman with bright red hair cut in a bob that framed her face. Her posture commanded respect without effort, and when she clasped Marcus's forearm in greeting, Nick noticed faint mana circuits briefly illuminating beneath her skin.
After their handshake, Marcus gestured for the students to approach.
"This is Vice Principal Leticia Granhalein," he announced, raising his voice over the still-running jet engines. "She oversees student life here at the Academy."
They took turns shaking her hand. When Nick's turn came, he was struck by the paradoxical nature of her grip—firm yet soft, like steel wrapped in velvet. Power hummed beneath her skin, a subtle reminder of who and what she was.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Nicholas Valiant, Maggie Zhang, and Jordan Keyes," she said, her gaze lingering on each of them in turn, evaluating and measuring. "Jordan, I believe I know your previous supervisor McJacobs quite well."
Jordan straightened instinctively at the mention of his former boss. "It's an honor, Ma'am," he replied, newfound respect evident in his voice.
"You'll find that AIA differs significantly from conventional universities," Vice Principal Granhalein continued. "And even for you, Jordan, your training at APEX will seem elementary in many respects." Her expression grew solemn. "We push our students beyond their perceived limits because we understand what awaits when the Veil breaks. We've seen what lurks in the void and what will happen should those entities descend to Earth."
The gravity of her words settled over them, but instead of fear, Nick felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was why they were here—to prepare and to learn.
"We train our students hard. We push them to their limit. We ensure that each and every student graduating from this institution is prepared to protect humanity—or at least ready for what comes should the Veil fail." She gestured to a smartly dressed tall man with deep mahogany skin standing nearby. "Dr. Bojes will show you to your dormitories and acquaint you with key areas of the campus."
The man stepped forward, extending his hand to each of them in turn. "Welcome to AIA. I'll be your professor of Arcadian History and Mythos," he said, his accent hinting at East African origins. "I look forward to guiding your first steps here."
As they began walking toward what appeared to be a sheer rock face, Nick glanced back to see Vice Principal Granhalein and Marcus deep in conversation. Val, however, had vanished.
"Where did Val go?" Nick asked, scanning the landing area.
"Professor Valentina has likely gone ahead to prepare," Dr. Bojes explained. "She oversees combat training for advanced students, though I understand she'll be taking a special interest in your cohort."
Maggie's eyes lit up. "After everything she taught us in Colombia, I can't wait to see what a full Academy training regimen looks like."
"Her methods are... intensive," Dr. Bojes replied with a subtle smile. "But extraordinarily effective."
As they approached the seemingly solid rock face, Nick felt a subtle shift in the mana currents around them. What had appeared to be an impenetrable wall suddenly revealed itself as an illusion—a sophisticated concealment giving way to massive emerald-lit doors carved directly into the mountain.
The doors parted silently as they approached, revealing a corridor that stretched deep into the mountain's heart. Darkness enveloped them as the entrance sealed shut behind them, only to be quickly dispelled as ethereal green lights activated along the walls, responding to their presence.
"These passages," Dr. Bojes explained as they walked, "are lined with crystalline mana conductors harvested from dimensional convergence points. They respond to awakened individuals, providing illumination calibrated to your specific signatures."
Maggie ran her fingers just above the wall surface, not quite touching the glowing green crystals. "The mana pattern is fascinating," she said, her scientific curiosity overtaking her usual reserve.
After several minutes of winding through the corridor, they arrived at what appeared to be a dead end. Dr. Bojes placed his palm against a circular indentation in the wall, causing geometric patterns to illuminate beneath his hand. The stone wall parted smoothly, revealing a sleek transport pod suspended in an oblong tube.
"The main campus lies deeper within the mountain range," Dr. Bojes explained, gesturing for them to enter the pod. "This transport system follows the natural mana veins running through the Southern Alps."
The pod's interior was more spacious than its exterior suggested, with comfortable seating arranged to face a transparent viewing panel at the front. Once seated, Dr. Bojes pressed a sequence of glyphs on a control panel. The door sealed with a soft hiss, and the pod began to move—first slowly, then accelerating as it entered the main transport tube.
"The journey will take approximately eight minutes," Dr. Bojes said, settling into his seat. "I suggest you enjoy the view. It's quite spectacular."
For the first minute, they traveled through solid rock, the tube illuminated only by strips of soft azure light. Then, without warning, the tunnel suddenly opened onto a breathtaking vista, causing all three newcomers to press forward against the transparent viewing panel. The transport pod had emerged from the mountainside into an immense hidden valley, cradled between towering peaks that curved inward, creating the illusion of a domed sky.
Below them stretched a landscape that defied conventional architecture. The Academy sprawled across the valley floor and climbed up the surrounding mountains. Some structures were carved directly into the cliffs, others floated on impossible platforms anchored to nothing visible. Glass spires rose from central plazas, connected by bridges that phased in and out of materiality. Gardens and training grounds occupied terraced levels, with students visible as tiny figures practicing what could only be mana techniques, their movements trailing colored light in the air.
"Welcome to the true Arcadian Initiative Academy," Dr. Bojes announced, pride breaking through his voice. "One of the few places on Earth where the dimensional membrane is naturally thin enough to sustain advanced Arcadian technology without destabilizing the surrounding Veil."
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Maggie let out a low whistle. "It's like a hidden sect from one of those cultivation novels."
"Not far off," Dr. Bojes replied, his deep laugh resonating through the transport pod. "Many ancient texts describing 'heavenly realms' were inspired by glimpses of spaces like these, where reality operates... differently. That's why I find myself teaching Arcadian History & Mythos to skeptical first and second years every semester."
The transport continued its descent, gliding toward a massive mountain at the far end of the valley. Unlike the others, this peak had been hollowed out, its exterior dotted with hundreds of balconies, terraces, and windows that glowed with warm light against the stone.
"Grayspire Mountain," Dr. Bojes indicated. "Living quarters for students and some faculty. Your suite is located in the eastern section, where you'll have an excellent view of the sunrise—if you're ever awake that early."
The suite exceeded all expectations. Located on the seventeenth level of the hollowed mountain, it opened into a spacious common area with polished stone floors covered by plush rugs. A sunken living space featured comfortable seating around a circular fire pit that burned with blue flames requiring no visible fuel. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the breathtaking valley, now painted in the gold of late afternoon. A small kitchenette occupied one corner, while a circular platform in another—roughly twelve feet in diameter—was inscribed with intricate patterns that Nick recognized as a practice resonance circle.
"This can't be standard student housing," Maggie murmured, running her hand along the smooth stone countertop.
Dr. Bojes shook his head. "It isn't. Your team has been assigned to Second-Year Dorm Spire A due to your... unique circumstances. Director Eidolon was quite specific about your accommodations."
Three doors branched off from the main area, each bearing a simple nameplate that illuminated as they approached.
"Your individual quarters," Dr. Bojes explained. "Designed to attune to your specific mana signatures and training needs. I suggest you take a moment to settle in before we continue our orientation." He glanced at his watch. "I'll give you fifteen minutes."
Nick's room blended functionality and comfort perfectly. A bed with crisp linens sat beneath a window framing the valley view. A desk with an interface panel occupied one wall, while a closet and private bathroom completed the space. Just as in the entry facility, the walls shimmered slightly when he was alone, ancient script ghosting across their surfaces.
He set down his bag and took a deep breath, centering himself in this new reality. After hesitating for a moment, he placed his palm against the wall nearest his bed. As before, the surface pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, acknowledging his presence.
"Sophia," he whispered. "Full scan of living quarters, please."
[Scanning. Multiple layers detected. Standard dormitory configuration overlaid with Omega-class enhancement protocols. Room will adapt to mana signature and neural patterns in approximately 72 hours.]
Nick nodded. "Any surveillance?"
[Standard security monitoring in common areas only. Private quarters shielded by privacy protocols. Exception: System will alert faculty to medical emergencies or catastrophic mana fluctuations.]
Better than he'd expected. At least they could speak freely in their rooms.
Fifteen minutes later, they reconvened with Dr. Bojes in the common area. Each had taken a moment to freshen up and get their bearings, with Nick noting the Academy uniforms hanging in his closet—charcoal gray with subtle blue accents that seemed to shimmer even while motionless. They'd wear those soon enough, but for now, they remained in their travel clothes.
"Ready to continue?" Dr. Bojes asked, checking his watch. "There's much to see, and I imagine you're eager to learn your way around before the full student body arrives tomorrow. You're among the few students already here preparing for the term. You'll have a day to acclimate before the chaos begins."
Dr. Bojes led them through the winding corridors of Grayspire, pointing out landmarks to help them navigate the complex layout. "Most students get lost their first week," he admitted with a chuckle. "The layout occasionally... shifts. Nothing dramatic, but a hallway that went left yesterday might go right today. Your system should be able to help you keep up with the shifting rotations."
Their first stop was the lower classman cafeteria—a vast space carved directly from the mountain's heart, with towering ceilings supported by crystal pillars that glowed with soft light. Long tables of polished stone stretched across the floor, while food stations around the perimeter offered an array of cuisines from around the world.
"The Academy houses students from over seventy countries," Dr. Bojes explained. "The culinary staff ensures everyone finds something familiar alongside opportunities to expand their palates." He gestured to a glowing panel near the entrance. "Your meal plans are already loaded into the System. Simply place your palm here to register your presence at mealtimes."
Next came the library—a space that drew an audible gasp from Maggie. Multiple levels of bookshelves spiraled upward into a domed ceiling painted with a moving mural of constellations. Transparent walkways connected the different sections, while study alcoves were tucked into the walls, some occupied by students already deep in their research.
"The pride of the Academy," Dr. Bojes said softly. "Over three million physical volumes, and access to the most comprehensive digital archive of Arcadian knowledge on Earth."
At a central terminal, Dr. Bojes guided them through connecting their personal Systems to the library's database. The process was seamless, their interfaces immediately expanding with new menu options and access permissions.
Nick noticed something unusual as Sophia integrated with the library system.
[Administrative override detected. Enhanced access granted: Research Tier 3. Origin: Headmaster authorization.]
Sophia absorbed the new permissions silently, making no comment about this special treatment. Nick didn't question it either—they had far too much reading to catch up on, and enhanced access would only help their mission.
"I'd recommend beginning with the primer texts for your courses," Dr. Bojes suggested, seemingly unaware of the special access they'd just received. "First-year fundamentals will be essential, even though you're entering as second years."
Their tour concluded with visits to the classrooms where they'd spend most of their time in the coming weeks. Dr. Bojes walked them through their shared semester schedule.
"First, you'll all take Dimensional Ethics and Veil Theory with Headmaster Kestrel himself," he explained as they entered a tiered lecture hall with a massive three-dimensional projection system dominating its center. "It's unusual for him to teach second-years, but given the current Veil instabilities, he insisted on taking a more active role in basic education."
Next came a sprawling outdoor arena surrounded by transparent barriers. "Resonance Combat and Survival with Professor Rhyst," Dr. Bojes continued. "Fair warning—she's a former military operative with little patience for hesitation or excuses. You'll leave her class exhausted, often bruised, but significantly more capable."
They visited a high-tech laboratory filled with interface terminals and strange devices that hummed with barely contained energy. "System Interface and Core Synchronization with Professor Kuro. Behind his cold exterior is... well, an equally cold interior," he said with a chuckle. "But don't let that put you off—he's the foremost expert on System integration on the planet. You don't want to sleep through that class."
Dr. Bojes smiled as they entered a warm, circular chamber with walls lined with artifacts and historical displays. "My own class—Arcadian History and Mythos. Most students call me Dr. B, since my last name proves challenging for many English speakers. We'll explore not just the recorded history of interdimensional contact, but also work with memory-shard interpretations to understand the Aurilian legacy."
Nick maintained a carefully neutral expression at the mention of Aurilia, though his pulse quickened. Did they know about his connection to that lost empire?
Their final stop was a cavernous simulation room where holographic environments could be generated for team exercises. "Tactical Operations and Team Resonance with Captain Yun," Dr. Bojes explained. "She joined us from field operations last year. Brilliant strategist with a knack for pushing teams beyond their perceived limitations."
As they completed the tour, returning to the central atrium of Grayspire, Dr. Bojes regarded them thoughtfully. "Questions before I leave you to settle in?"
"When do classes officially begin?" Jordan asked.
"Monday. That's two days from now. Tomorrow is for orientation and system setup for your incoming second year class. As transfers, you're exempt from the basic orientations, but I recommend attending the welcome address in the Great Hall at 1900 hours. Headmaster Kestrel typically provides insights into the year's focus."
After Dr. Bojes departed, the three friends stood in silence for a moment, absorbing the reality of their situation.
"So let me get this straight," Maggie said, adjusting her glasses with a familiar, dry smirk. "We're moving into a secret mountain academy built by veilwalkers with special dimensional powers, the Veil's barely holding together, and we're supposed to just... take notes and blend in with the other second years?" She glanced down the corridor, then back at the group, her grin turning feral. "Yeah, I can do that."
Jordan's eyebrow arched skeptically. "That's the idea. Blend in, which means no hacking the security grid on day one."
Maggie's fingers were already twitching in that telltale pattern, as if typing on an invisible keyboard. She caught Jordan watching and rolled her eyes. "I was going to wait until tomorrow night, thank you very much."
"Of course you were," Jordan replied, the corner of his mouth twitching with what might have been the ghost of a smile.
Nick laughed, the sound echoing slightly in the corridor. The weight of the day seemed to lift from his shoulders, if only for a moment. He clapped Jordan on the back. "Come on, we're college students again, right? Let's go raid the cafeteria. I'm starving, and I want to see if dimensional defenders eat better than regular freshmen."
That night, after reviewing the course materials and developing a preliminary strategy for their first few days, Nick lay in his increasingly responsive room. The walls pulsed with a gentle blue glow that matched his breathing, the ancient script etching deeper into the surfaces with each passing hour.
When sleep finally claimed him, Sophia activated.
[Subdermal Arcadian Sync Detected. Mapping Academy ley lines for Host's future use.]
The three-dimensional map projected across his mind again, now more detailed than before. The Academy's structure appeared in ghostly blue lines, but threading through it—like the circulatory system of some vast organism—were channels of glowing energy. Mana conduits flowed through the very foundations of the building.
Nick studied the map carefully, noting key junctions and power centers. Most intriguing was a sealed stairwell beneath their very dorm tower, its energy pulse subtly misaligned with the rest of the structure. The map labeled it simply: [Restricted: Concordance Chamber Access]
As he focused on this mysterious location, Sophia's voice cut through his thoughts with unusual clarity.
[Host, you are not ready to tackle that chamber yet.]