The Ninth Realm Book by Michael Chatfield

Avegaaren Academy. Where heroes compete, legends are born and the heart of the Imperium's might. Erik and Rugrat's abilities will be pushed to the limit, honing their skills and allowing them to grow in new ways, ways they might not have thought of before. They stand to gain more than simple strength, and more power. Here they might learn the purpose of the realms, how it was formed, why it was formed and the three races that weaved their fates together against the darkness.