The Last Aayu: Book 1 - Ashes

Chapter 3: The Academy

Under the bright yellow sun, they walked past numerous training grounds where hundreds of Acolytes advanced their skills. Most appeared older, in their late teens or early twenties. The red sands and shadowy cliffs leading to the towering black Pyramid, the heart of the Academy, bore ancient carvings and faded murals—a testament to the waning power of Utahis's people, the Utalans.

Utahis followed his teacher, Overseer Ushak, through the grand temple doors. Adorned with fluting spirals and Utalan murals, the doors opened to reveal elite Temple guards in red cloaks and dorsal-crested helms, bowing as they passed. Down a long corridor they went, emerging into a vast chamber dominated by a towering obelisk recounting the history of the Kaanate Order on its four decorated faces. Its sheer size and craftsmanship captivated Utahis, igniting his imagination.

"Here is your dorm and your peers," Ushak declared, leading Utahis to what would now be his new home. Utahis felt a mix of emotions as he entered the dormitory. Pride in his heritage warred with uncertainty about his new surroundings. He was acutely aware of the cold reception, the tension between races palpable in the air. As he settled between the Utalan beds, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment. He had hoped for camaraderie, but instead found division.

"Utahis was it?" the male Utalan, Kaiden, spoke up.

Utahis turned to face him, nodding in acknowledgment.

"Kaiden. House Ghurir," the Utalan introduced himself.

Utahis reciprocated by shaking Kaiden's hand before turning his attention to the female Utalan. However, she merely rolled her eyes and returned to her scroll without acknowledging him.

Dismissing the interaction, Utahis moved to take a seat on his bed. The accommodations provided no luxury for the acolytes in training; the blanket and sheets were coarse, and the mattress emitted an uncomfortable crumpling noise when sat upon. He noticed a papyrus wrap around the mattress, likely to protect it from any potential bloodstains, reflecting the Temple's strict maintenance of its property.

With deliberate care, Utahis began unpacking his robes and personal effects, neatly arranging them in the sparse drawers allotted to him. Each item placed was a small mark of his determination to settle into this new environment, despite the less than desirable conditions.

As he organized his belongings, Utahis couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation between the other Acolytes. The humans, Jurt and Niala, were whispering among themselves, occasionally casting wary glances towards the Utalans. Their behavior stirred a mix of curiosity and concern in Utahis. He wondered about the experiences that had shaped their attitudes and whether there was any hope of bridging the divide.

Zalish, seemingly eager to maintain the earlier connection, approached Utahis again. "So, what made you choose the Academy?" he asked, his large eyes reflecting genuine interest.

Utahis paused, considering his response. He could feel the eyes of the other Acolytes on him, waiting to gauge his answer. "It's a family tradition," he began, then added with a hint of vulnerability, "but also a personal choice. I want to prove myself worthy of my house's legacy."

This admission seemed to soften some of the tension in the room. Kaiden nodded approvingly, while the female Utalan, Leisan, finally looked up from her scroll, a flicker of interest in her eyes.

"And you, Zalish?" Utahis asked, genuinely curious about the Norukian's motivations.

As Zalish began to share his story, Utahis found himself drawn in by the Norukian's passion and determination. He realized that despite their different backgrounds, they all shared a common goal - to prove themselves and make their mark in the world.