Salena tugged lightly on Edrin’s sleeve as they walked through the market.

  “Brother, I want this hair pin. It's so pretty.”

  Edrin stopped and followed her gaze.

  On a small stall many simple accessories were being displayed, and among them was a pink hair pin with a shape of flower.

  The seller noticed them, his eyes lit up.

  "Ah, the young lady has excellent taste!" He leaned forward with a practiced smile. "That particular piece is very popular among beautiful young ladies such as yourself.”

  Edrin rolled his eyes but pulled out his coin purse without argument.

  "How much?"

  The transaction was quick.

  Selena held the hairpin delicately, admiring the flower-shaped design. "It's perfect.”

  But right then, he remembered something.

  Edrin turned around and noticed others. They had been following them all this time, only watching, but not really taking part in the fun.

  “Ah…” Edrin scratched his head. “I almost forgot about you all.”

  He smiled and said casually,

  “If any of you want something, just say it. It’s on me.”

  The group exchanged glances.

  Silence.

  "No... um, it's fine," someone muttered.

  "We're okay," another said quietly.

  Edrin waved his hand. "Come on. We're from the same town, going to the same academy. Don't be shy.”

  Still, no one moved.

  Even though they were young, their pride held them back.

  Walking a little behind with the soldiers, Calum quietly watched the scene.

  Edrin was playing the generous young master. The children wanted to accept but couldn't bring themselves to take charity from a noble.

  Silence.

  Edrin, seeing that no one was willing, he glanced at one of the soldiers beside him.

  The soldier immediately understood.

  He raised his voice, feigning shock. "Why are you all refusing Young Master Edrin's kindness? Do you not understand how rare such an offer is?"

  The group stiffened but remained silent.

  The soldier's eyes swept over them, then landed on John. whose head was down.

  An idea formed.

  "John." The soldier's voice sharpened. "Yes, you. Didn't you ask me earlier where you could buy a weapon?”

  John froze. His face turned red and he lowered his head even more.

  The soldier turned smoothly to Edrin.

  “Young Master, how about giving John a decent weapon? After that, the others might accept your kindness too.”

  Edrin’s eyes lit up.“Mmm, that’s a good idea.”

  He placed a hand on John’s shoulder.

  “Come on, John and all of you, follow me.”

  Not knowing what to say, John nodded and quietly followed. The group trailed behind, and within minutes they entered an armory.

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  The shopkeeper rushed forward the moment he saw them.

  "Ah! Young masters, welcome! My shop has the finest weapons in this town. Please, tell me what you need."

  Edrin gestured toward John. "Show him something suitable."

  "Yes, yes, of course!”

  The shopkeeper studied John's build carefully before disappearing into the back. He soon returned with several weapons—short swords, spears, and a few others.

  John stared at them. Even without knowing much about weapons, he could tell they were expensive.

  First, the shopkeeper handed him a short sword.“Take an attacking stance.”

  John obeyed, his face burning red.

  However, the shopkeeper shook his head.

  “No, not good.”

  He then handed John a spear. John again stood in a stance. This time, the shopkeeper nodded in satisfaction.” Much better.”

  He turned to Edrin. "This one suits him well. Once he becomes a mage and learns to channel mana through the weapon, it will serve him excellently.”

  “Edrin smiled.

  “You really know your craft.” and paid without hesitation.

  "Alright." Edrin clapped his hands. "Anyone else? It's getting late. Quickly, quickly.”

  Now that John has accepted.

  The ice finally broke. One by one the others opened up and began choosing their weapons.

  After that they all thanked Edrin as their eyes filled with genuine gratitude.

  Afterwards, the group then returned to the inn.

  Night time.

  In one room, John lay awake on his bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about today's event. When suddenly the boy on another bed talked.“When I become a strong mage,” the boy said quietly, “I’ll repay Young Master Edrin for today.”

  A pause.

  Then the boy turned his head toward John.

  "But don't you think Young Master Calum is a bit... too much? He didn't even talk to us. Do you think he's like those nobles?" He lowered his voice. "Bad nobles... my father told me about them."

  John's eyes widened.

  “Shhh.” He sat up slightly, whispering urgently. "Did your father not also tell you what happens if someone hears you talking like that?”

  The boy frowned. "Yes... yes, I know. But still... It feels like Young Master Calum doesn't like us."

  John was silent for a moment.

  Then he sighed. "Maybe you're right. But it doesn't matter." He turned onto his side. "Let's sleep. Tomorrow's an important day."

  The room fell into deep silence.

  By the following morning, everyone gathered outside the inn. Both carriages were waiting outside the inn. One by one, the children climbed inside their carriage.

  Calum took his usual seat in the white carriage. Facing him, Edrin and Salena sat with each other and with a short command from the officer, the carriages beginning its steady roll towards the academy.

  No one talked much this time. All were silent, and nervous.

  As they moved, the town slowly disappeared behind them.

  And ahead—

  The outline of the academy finally came into view.

  At first, it was just faint shapes on the horizon. But as they neared, the silhouettes sharpened into great towers. Massive stone buildings. Walls engraved with glowing patterns.

  The children leaned forward, pressing closer to the windows.

  “…Is that?” someone whispered.

  “It’s… so big,” Mimi murmured.

  As they reached the gates, the carriages finally came to halt, and everyone climbed out, grabbing their luggage.

  The officer stepped forward and announced that this was where his duty ended. From this point onward, they had to enter the academy on their own.

  Before leaving he offered them a few last pieces of advice– to study hard, follow the rules, and never bring shame to their family.

  The Warden family soldiers also stepped forward. They bowed respectfully to their young masters and reminded them that they were not allowed to enter the academy grounds. With that final word, they said their goodbyes.

  Edrin gave a small, solemn nod.

  After that, the soldiers departed, taking the white carriage with them.

  The group was left alone in front of the gate.

  After a short while, a man approached them.He held a piece of paper, glancing at it as he spoke.

  “Edrin Warden.”

  “Salena Warden.”

  “Calum Warden.”

  “Roy Martin.”

  “Lola Romi.”

  “John Glard.”

  “Mimi Raymond.”

  “… …”

  He looked up from the list.

  “Are these thirteen students present?”

  Edrin stepped forward like he was the leader.

  “Yes, mister. I am Edrin Warden. May I ask who we are speaking to?”

  The man's expression remained neutral

  “I am Professor Gilbert. Follow me. The first-year ceremony will begin soon.”

  Saying that, he turned towards the gates and surprisingly the academy gates slowly opened on their own. Professor Gilbert entered first leading the way and the group followed him inside.

  Along the way, he started explaining several rules, without looking back.

  "Listen carefully. I will not repeat myself."

  His voice was flat. Emotionless.

  "You are not allowed to harm other students. You may not leave or enter the academy freely—permission is required. Servants are not permitted inside the grounds."

  He paused briefly.

  "Every four months, examinations will be held. Only those scoring above fifty percent may remain. Failure results in immediate expulsion."

  The children listened seriously.

  The rules were strict. But they understood—this discipline was meant to shape them.

  Before long, they arrived at a large garden. Many other children were already waiting there—standing with their luggage, chatting quietly with others.

  Edrin opened his mouth, wanting to ask the professor what they were supposed to do next—but by the time he turned around, Professor Gilbert was already gone.

  “…He’s gone,” Edrin muttered.

  With no other choice, they stood there with the others and waited. More groups continued to arrive. After the last group finally arrived at the garden.

  Then—

  “Huh… what the—?”

  Murmurs spread instantly.

  All around them, the luggage that had been piled near the students vanished without a sound.

  Before anyone could react—

  A shadow passed overhead. And all eyes looked upward in unison.

  An old man came flying in the air.

  Everyone gasped in surprise. This was the first time in their lives they had ever seen a human flying in the sky.

  The old man landed lightly in front of them.

  "I am Marty Junior, Headmaster of Arindale Academy."

  His voice carried easily across the garden.

  "First, I welcome you all and I know many of you have traveled a long distance, so I will keep this short."

  His sharp eyes swept across the students.

  "The rules must be followed. Second, starting tomorrow, your classes will officially begin."

  A few students exhaled in relief.

  "Your luggage has already been placed in your respective rooms."

  More murmurs.

  "Now, something very important that many of you may not know." He paused.

  "In this academy, we have five houses and each of you will be assigned to one."

  The headmaster raised his hand slightly.

  In the next moment, slips of paper appeared in every student's hand.

  "Whoa—!"Again all of them were surprised.

  And their eyes shone with excitement. To them, this alone felt like a miracle.

  Calum opened his slip calmly.

  “Phoenix”

  For a brief moment, his gaze lifted on its own.

  In the distance stood five massive towers, tall and imposing. And one of them bore the statue of a giant red bird, wings spread wide.

  And below it, carved in bold letters, was the word Phoenix.

  The other four towers also stood proudly as well.

  Unicorn.

  Mermaid.

  Centaur.

  Griffin.

  Edrin, standing beside him, leaned closer.

  “Which house did you get?”

  “Phoenix,” Calum replied simply.

  Edrin’s eyes widened slightly.

  “Oh? I got Griffin. And Salena—” he glanced toward her, “—Mermaid.”

  The headmaster spoke again, pulling everyone’s attention back.

  “I believe you now know which house you belong to. So hurry up.”

  Right then his expression hardened.

  “And one last warning. Do not leave the academy on your own. You may have traveled a long distance under the protection of soldiers, but here.” His eyes narrowed, “ you are on your own.”

  He gestured faintly

  toward the trees visible just beyond the academy walls.

  His voice dropped.

  “The Dark Forest, you may have heard rumors about it….. those rumors are true, if you don't want to die a painful death. Be careful.”

  A chill ran down the spines of all the children.