The Incomplete Ethereal Blacksmith

The atmosphere fell silent instantly.

For most of the students, including Lucien, the urge to bow increased drastically. However, in the end, Lucien managed to endure, only breaking into a cold sweat.

"A unique way to make an impression," he muttered.

Lucien glanced around, observing the reactions of the new students. Some had already bowed and fallen to their knees, while others, like him, were merely sweating. The rest remained unaffected.

"At least it's effective," he continued murmuring.

Vulcan Draegor swept his gaze across the gathered students. A smile spread across his face, his very presence making the air feel heavier.

"He really went all out, releasing this much mana… I guess a Grandmaster has a habit of showing off." Lucien was no longer surprised; he knew someone who did the same thing to him.

An uninvited image of Aldric's goofy smile appeared in his mind.

Lucien sighed.

Then, Vulcan spread his arms.

"You have all stepped through these gates, leaving your old world behind. From this moment on, you are no longer ordinary children. You are the future of the Forge Sigil craft!"

The silence deepened.

Lucien could feel the weight in Vulcan's voice—it was not just a threat, but a reality.

"You come from different backgrounds," he continued. "Some of you hail from noble families that have passed down the Sigil Hammer for generations. Others may be mere children from small villages with a will of steel. But in Sanctum, your origins mean nothing. Only one thing determines your fate here."

Vulcan's eyes burned like embers as he raised his hand, and in an instant, a massive Sigil Hammer materialized from thin air.

DUUM!

He slammed the hammer onto the ground, sending waves of sigil energy rippling across the courtyard, startling some students.

"Your strength and ability to forge sigils!"

Lucien remained silent, but his heartbeat quickened slightly.

"If you want to survive here, hone your skills! If you want to be remembered, forge your sigils until they become legend!" Vulcan lowered his hammer. "And most importantly, never forget the spirit of a blacksmith!"

Some students appeared intimidated, while others grew more excited.

Meanwhile, Lucien simply absorbed every word.

Vulcan exhaled, then continued in a calmer tone.

"Now, before you begin your journey in Sanctum, there are a few things you must understand."

—

A woman with long red hair stepped onto the podium, replacing Vulcan.

She was Selene Varian, one of the academy's main instructors, a Master Blacksmith.

At a glance, Lucien noticed a resemblance between her and a key imperial figure—the current Queen. However, the similarity was only in their hair color. In terms of overall presence, the Queen was far more charismatic.

"You have heard the Headmaster's welcome… and felt his greeting," she said, her expression emotionless.

"I don't need to congratulate you on being selected as students of the academy." Her gaze swept over the students who were listening intently.

They knew this part was the most important.

They waited patiently for Selene to continue.

After a brief silence, Selene returned her focus to her notes.

"These are the rules you must remember as long as you hold the status of an academy student," she continued firmly.

"In Sanctum, ranking determines your status. Those with higher ranks have greater access to the academy's resources, including private training rooms and rare materials for Forge Sigil."

So far, the first rule was common knowledge, even to outsiders. There was little change in the students' expressions, though a few began whispering among themselves.

Selene's sharp gaze swept toward the murmuring students.

"Don't think you can rely on connections or family background here. Only skill matters."

"Currently, you are still at the Novice Blacksmith stage. I will assume that none of you have forged your first mystical weapon yet," she observed. "This will be covered later."

"The second rule—duels are permitted, but with certain restrictions."

Selene continued, "Official duels must receive approval from the Academy Council and must not cause fatal injuries. However, if you engage in personal conflicts outside of official duels, you alone will bear the consequences."

Her tone sharpened.

"Sanctum is not a place for those who only talk big. If you challenge someone, be prepared for the consequences."

Some students hesitated, while others seemed eager.

"The third rule—experiments with sigils are prohibited without supervision."

Selene's gaze became piercing as she looked at some students who seemed particularly excited.

"Forge Sigil is a dangerous craft. Carelessness in forging can result in sigil explosions, spirit destruction, or worse—loss of control."

"If anyone attempts an unauthorized experiment and causes damage… the academy's punishment will be severe."

Lucien reflexively clenched his fist. He knew all too well what happened when someone lost control…

Those words triggered dark memories. However, he quickly composed himself. There was nothing he could do about the past.

"The fourth rule—only students with permission may enter the Abyssal Labyrinth."

These words immediately caught the attention of many students.

Selene emphasized, "The Labyrinth is a place where spirits live and thrive. It is not only a source of sigil materials but also the most dangerous trial ground in the academy. You will have the opportunity to enter the Labyrinth in due time—when you reach a certain rank or receive approval from the Labyrinth Security Committee."

"Anyone who dares to enter the Labyrinth without permission," Selene paused, letting the tension build before continuing, "will be considered in violation of academy law and expelled."

The Labyrinth was one of the reasons Lucien agreed to join the academy. It was the most reasonable escape—he could vent his anger there, and no one would care. Though, this was only a fleeting thought, considering he didn't even have the skills to face spirits yet.

"The fifth rule—respect your instructors and seniors."

Selene stressed, "The educators in Sanctum are not just scholars; they are former warriors and legendary blacksmiths. Those who underestimate them, or challenge them without cause, will face unpleasant consequences."

Her tone made the atmosphere even colder.

Some students tensed, likely imagining how harsh the punishments could be. It was no secret that most of the kingdom's strongest blacksmiths were here as instructors or professors. Even Aldric, a Grandmaster, had chosen a lower position as an instructor rather than taking a high-ranking role like his fellow Grandmaster, Vulcan.

This revelation did not change Lucien's expression much. Everything had been laid out quite clearly. Aside from a few minor uncertainties, he found the rules to be lighter than he had expected.

"The final rule… those who commit severe violations will be expelled."

Selene's voice was absolute.

"Sanctum does not accept students who endanger the academy, its students, or themselves. If you break any of the major rules, do not expect mercy."

Lucien saw some students swallow hard.

Meanwhile, Selene closed her notes and concluded,

This was the rule that made students the most nervous. It was no secret that the academy had expelled an uncountable number of students.

Selene glanced over the new students who were listening attentively.

"Sanctum is not a place for the lazy or the weak. Life here is harsh, and only those ready to be tested will endure."

"And for that—" she paused, letting the tension build before continuing,

"—tomorrow morning, the ranking examination will take place."

"And before that, you will be guided by the Star Paper to your dormitories."

As she finished speaking, a flock of paper resembling doves—though marked with sigil patterns—took flight.

In the air, they scattered, each one seeking out a student.

Lucien, standing among the crowd, received one as well. A bird-shaped paper, adorned with sigil markings, landed in his palm.

"I will guide you to your dormitory." A soft voice resonated in his mind.

Lucien instinctively turned to find the source of the voice, only to realize it was a direct transmission into his thoughts. Some kind of telepathy.

"Who's speaking behind this?" he wondered silently.

Lucien examined the bird-shaped paper in his palm. A faint sigil glow pulsed across its surface, moving like a heartbeat.

He glanced around, observing the other students who had also received their papers. Some stared at them with curiosity, while others simply followed the instructions without much thought.

Lucien decided to ignore it and chose to follow the instructions from the star paper. In an instant, the sigil bird flapped its wings and soared into the air, heading toward one of the paths leading to the dormitory district.

Without a word, Lucien followed.