The library is quiet, save for the gentle flipping of pages and soft murmurs of conversation. Juka sits at one of the grand tables, old tomes spread out in front of him, his brow furrowed in concentration. Across from him sits Carmen de Estaban, her fingers delicately tracing the edge of an ancient book on light enchantments. She's been helping Juka refine his understanding of complex enchantments, and the two of them have formed an unspoken rhythm during their study sessions.
Juka, ever diligent since his entrance into Merlin's Academy, has garnered a reputation for his punctuality. It's something Louise has reminded him of constantly. Being on time for classes—especially in a place where magic flowed unpredictably—was no small feat. Still, his natural talent and disciplined approach ensured he was never late, not once, in the months since the exams.
As Carmen leans in to correct a minor mistake Juka made while scribbling a rune, a few eyes in the library shift towards them. A pair of wealthy students from noble families sit a few tables away, whispering quietly, their jealous glances not escaping Juka's notice. Carmen's status as a princess and one of the most sought-after individuals in the academy had drawn the attention of several suitors. Now, her frequent proximity to Juka was stirring a few jealous murmurs.
On the other hand, a few fellow students nearby admire Juka's dedication. His consistency and talent have started to turn heads, and the more observant students recognize that it's not just Carmen's beauty but also her knowledge and intelligence that captivates Juka.
"You're getting better at this," Carmen remarks, her tone warm, though her eyes remain focused on the magical inscription he's drafting.
Juka smirks, scratching out the rune with his quill. "Not without your help."
The moment of ease between them, however, doesn't go unnoticed by the envious onlookers.
Carmen's eyes flicker up from the tome for just a moment, meeting Juka's. There's a quiet understanding between them, the kind that comes from countless hours spent together. Though their relationship is grounded in study, there's a gentle warmth that's been growing, slow and steady. Carmen returns her gaze to the page, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks just slightly tinged pink.
Juka, however, doesn't notice. He's too focused on perfecting the rune sequence in front of him, biting his lip in concentration. Light enchantments, while elegant, require a meticulous hand. One wrong stroke, and the entire spell collapses. He's determined to get it right, especially with Carmen watching.
Across the library, the whispering among the noble students grows louder. One of them, a tall boy with neatly combed hair and a finely pressed uniform, leans towards his companion, his eyes narrowing on Juka.
"Why is she wasting her time with him?" the boy sneers. "He's not even from a proper lineage. Just some commoner pretending to be a mage."
His companion chuckles softly but doesn't respond, eyes darting between the two students at the table. It's clear that their jealousy isn't just rooted in Carmen's beauty but in the fact that Juka, a student from humble beginnings, has risen to stand shoulder to shoulder with the academy's elites.
Meanwhile, a few tables away, a different group of students watches the scene with quiet admiration. One of them, a girl with glasses and ink-stained fingers, nudges her friend. "Look at him," she whispers. "He's always on time, always prepared. And he's sitting with Carmen like it's the most natural thing in the world."
Her friend nods, glancing over at Juka with a mix of awe and respect. "I heard he's a Storm mage candidate. They say only one in a generation gets that kind of power."
The girls exchange a glance, their expressions softening with admiration for Juka's talent. The whispers of envy and respect fill the air like currents of opposing winds, unnoticed by Juka, who remains focused on his work.
Carmen breaks the silence between them, her voice soft but clear. "You're overthinking it, Juka. The light runes should flow naturally. Think of them as guiding the light, not forcing it."
Juka exhales slowly, nodding. He adjusts his grip on the quill and lets his hand move more fluidly, the rune sequence now coming together seamlessly. As the final stroke settles onto the parchment, the runes shimmer faintly with a golden hue, their light casting a soft glow over the table.
"There," Carmen says, a satisfied smile touching her lips. "Much better."
Juka leans back in his chair, rubbing his eyes. "I don't know how you make it look so easy," he admits, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and exhaustion.
Carmen laughs softly, a musical sound that catches the attention of more than a few onlookers. "It's not easy," she says, closing the book in front of her. "I've just had more practice. You'll get there."
The moment lingers, and for the first time, Juka allows himself to relax. He glances around the library, catching a few students staring, but he's gotten used to the attention. Whether it's envy or admiration, he's learned to focus on what truly matters—his studies and his goals.
As the library's clock tower chimes softly, signaling the next hour, Carmen rises from her seat, gathering her books. "I should head to my next class," she says, her tone reluctant. "But we can continue tomorrow?"
Juka nods, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Same time?"
"Same time," Carmen agrees, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than usual before she turns to leave.
As she walks away, the envious suitors simmer in silence, but the admiration from others only grows. Juka watches her go, then returns to his notes, feeling a sense of satisfaction not just from the completed rune but from the connection he's slowly building with the princess.
In the few months since his entrance into Merlin's Academy, Juka had come to appreciate the sheer diversity of the students. The Weider Republic was a melting pot, after all, where beings from every corner of the land came to study magic, craft, and combat. Through his classes, Juka had met a colorful cast of characters, each bringing something unique to his experience at the academy.
One of his closest friends was Wallow, a laid-back dwarf with a knack for blacksmithing. The two met regularly after their blacksmithing lectures, where they'd chat about enchantments, metals, and the finer points of forging. Wallow had a tendency to treat everything with a casual shrug, as though nothing in the world could faze him. But Juka knew that beneath that relaxed exterior was a dwarf who could forge with the precision of an artist and who could hold his own in the academy's physical training sessions.
Then there was Tindale, the complete opposite of Wallow in almost every way. An uptight elf and a cleric by profession, Tindale was a stickler for rules and tradition. His rigid demeanor had made him a bit of a stick in the mud to most students, but Juka had managed to break through that cold exterior. Despite his adherence to the rules, Tindale had a hidden fire, especially when it came to combat. The elf had bested Juka in hand-to-hand combat on several occasions, something that still irked Juka, though he couldn't deny the respect he had for his friend's skill. Over time, Juka had come to admire Tindale's sense of duty and precision, even if he was occasionally a bit too serious for his own good.
And then there was Annethornes, a Wind elemental who was the embodiment of optimism. With her bright, breezy personality, she had an almost contagious energy that always lifted Juka's spirits. She had promised to show him around the city after her mid-term magic assessments were done, and Juka looked forward to it. Annethornes had a way of making everything seem like an adventure, and Juka found her enthusiasm refreshing amidst the academy's often rigid structure.
Together, this ragtag team had come to form a small circle of trust and camaraderie for Juka, grounding him in a place where status and power often overshadowed personal connections. With each of them, he felt like he could be himself, whether he was sweating over blacksmithing lessons, learning new combat techniques, or simply sharing a laugh after a long day. They were more than classmates—they were his friends, his anchors in a world that could sometimes feel overwhelming.
The evening settled in while Juka was walking from the library and started feeling hungry, Wallow, Tindale, and Annethornes had just made their way toward the Academy's mess hall for dinner after their last classes and they all met at the door. The day's lectures had been long, and the thought of food—especially the massive portions favored by Wallow—was enough to put everyone in a good mood. The mess hall was a grand space, filled with students from all walks of life, seated at long tables, talking, laughing, and eating after a long day of training and study.
Juka walked between Wallow and Tindale, the dwarf and elf trading playful jabs about their respective skills. Annethornes, ever the optimist, floated beside them, quite literally, her wind-infused body gently lifting off the ground from time to time, though she made sure not to let it interfere with the conversation.
"I swear, if you tell me one more time that elves are naturally faster in hand-to-hand, I'll challenge you to a blacksmithing contest right now," Wallow said, elbowing Tindale lightly.
Tindale smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'd be happy to embarrass you in both, Wallow. You can choose the order."
Juka laughed, his eyes scanning the room ahead of them as they entered the mess hall. "I'm just glad I'm not getting dragged into this again," he said. "I've lost enough sparring matches for one semester."
Annethornes grinned and floated a little higher. "Don't worry, Juka. Once the mid-terms are done, I'll give you a tour of the city. That should boost your spirits after all the beatings you've taken."
Juka chuckled, grateful for the lightheartedness. But just as they reached their table, his attention shifted. Across the hall, Carmen de Estaban was seated with her own group of friends. She looked stunning as always, her dark hair cascading in waves down her back, catching the light of the enchanted chandeliers above. Carmen was talking animatedly with her friends, her laugh ringing out softly above the general din of the mess hall.
Juka hesitated for a moment. He hadn't expected to run into her, though in a place as central as the mess hall, it was bound to happen. His friends noticed his pause, exchanging amused glances.
Annethornes nudged him playfully. "Thinking of saying hi, Juka?" she teased.
Before Juka could answer, Carmen's eyes met his, and a warm smile crossed her lips. She waved at him, motioning for him to come over. Juka swallowed, trying to stay calm as he approached her group, his friends close behind.
Carmen's group of friends was a mix of wealthy, aristocratic students, all dressed in finely tailored robes, their posture and demeanor exuding privilege. Though Carmen herself was friendly and approachable, some of her companions had a more snooty air about them.
As Juka and his group approached, one of Carmen's friends, a tall boy with sharp features and cold blue eyes, narrowed his gaze at Juka. His name was Lucien Merrow, a noble student from a prestigious family with a reputation for holding grudges. Lucien had never made an effort to hide his jealousy of Juka, especially when it came to his closeness with Carmen.
"Well, well," Lucien drawled as Juka approached. "It's the Academy's latest rising star. How's it feel to be the commoner among all of us elite mages?"
The sneer in his voice was unmistakable, and Juka could feel the tension rise immediately. His face flushed, but before he could respond, Wallow stepped forward, his usual laid-back demeanor shifting to something far more solid.
"Funny, Lucien," Wallow said with a smirk, crossing his arms. "I was just wondering how it feels to be a noble and still get shown up by someone who actually works for what they have."
Lucien's face darkened, but before he could respond, Tindale stepped in, his voice calm but firm. "Rules of the Academy state that we're all equal here, Lucien. You should know that by now. Unless, of course, you want to challenge the rulebook too?"
Juka shot a grateful glance at his friends, but before the situation could escalate further, Carmen herself stood up. She fixed Lucien with a sharp, reproachful look, her normally warm eyes filled with disapproval.
"That's enough, Lucien," Carmen said, her voice cold and authoritative. "We're here to learn, not belittle each other. Juka has earned his place here, just like everyone else."
Lucien looked like he wanted to argue, but under Carmen's stern gaze, he hesitated. His jaw tightened, and with a huff, he looked away, clearly embarrassed by the reprimand.
Carmen's expression softened as she turned back to Juka and his friends, her smile returning. "Ignore him," she said. "Lucien likes to think he's better than everyone, but he's just insecure."
Juka nodded, feeling a wave of relief. "Thanks, Carmen. I appreciate it."
Wallow snorted, looking at Lucien with amusement. "I guess some people never grow up."
Annethornes giggled, her breezy voice cutting through the tension. "If they did, they wouldn't be half as entertaining."
Tindale shook his head but allowed a small smile to break through his otherwise serious demeanor. "Let's just get dinner before Wallow eats the entire mess hall."
Carmen laughed, her friends around her seeming to relax as well. With the tension dissipating, Juka and his group settled down nearby, the warm hum of the mess hall returning to its usual lively pace.
Juka exhaled slowly as they sat down, the tension finally easing from his shoulders. Wallow grabbed a tray and started piling food onto it, seemingly unbothered by the earlier encounter, while Tindale and Annethornes exchanged quiet words. But Juka couldn't quite shake the feeling of Lucien's sneer lingering in the back of his mind.
"You know, Juka," Wallow said around a mouthful of food, "if I had a gold coin for every noble who thought they were better than the rest of us, I wouldn't need to be a blacksmith. I'd be the richest dwarf in the Weider Republic."
Juka chuckled. "Yeah, well, sometimes it gets under your skin, no matter how much you try to ignore it."
Annethornes floated closer, her soft wind-like essence swirling playfully around the table. "It only gets to you because you care too much about what they think. The truth is, you've already proven you're better than that. You made it here on your own merit, not because of a title."
Tindale, ever the voice of reason, took a sip from his cup and added, "And the Academy isn't a place for titles. At least, not in the way they think. You're here because you belong. If Lucien or anyone else doesn't see that, then it's their ignorance, not yours."
Juka appreciated their words, but he couldn't help but glance across the hall, where Lucien sat stiffly among his friends. He was still stewing in his embarrassment, throwing the occasional glance their way.
Wallow leaned over with a mischievous grin, his voice dropping to a playful whisper. "Want me to 'accidentally' spill my stew on him? It might lighten the mood a bit."
Juka stifled a laugh, shaking his head. "No, I think Carmen's reprimand was enough for one day. But I'll keep that in mind next time."
Annethornes giggled, her laughter like a breeze through the room. "We'd have to be careful. That stew looks dangerous."
Tindale, ever stoic, raised an eyebrow. "Dangerous in Wallow's hands, perhaps."
Wallow grinned, unfazed. "Hey, you say that now, but when winter comes and the food starts getting scarce, you'll be begging me for another bowl of this 'dangerous' stew."
Juka leaned back in his chair, finally starting to relax. "I'll take my chances."
The mood around the table grew lighter with each passing moment, the earlier tension fading into the background. But just as Juka thought the incident with Lucien was behind them, Carmen approached their table, leaving her group of friends for a moment. She held a tray of food, her dark hair catching the light as she walked with an easy grace.
"Mind if I join you guys?" she asked, her voice warm, though there was still a hint of authority in her eyes, a leftover from the earlier confrontation.
Wallow immediately shuffled over, making room. "By all means, Princess. Just don't hold it against us if the conversation gets a little… rough around the edges."
Carmen laughed softly as she sat down. "I'll manage. Besides, it's better than listening to Lucien try to sound important."
Annethornes perked up, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, what's his deal anyway? He always seems like he's trying to prove something."
Carmen sighed, picking at her food. "Lucien's… complicated. He's got a lot of pressure from his family. His father's one of the most influential nobles in the Republic, and he's expected to live up to that. I think that's why he lashes out. Not that it excuses his behavior."
Wallow shrugged. "Still doesn't mean he gets to act like he's better than everyone else."
"Agreed," Tindale added quietly, his eyes serious. "No one's above the rules."
Carmen glanced at Juka, her gaze softening. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about what happened earlier. You shouldn't have to deal with that."
Juka shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's fine. You handled it. I'm just glad I didn't have to."
Carmen smiled back, her eyes bright. "Well, don't worry. I'll make sure Lucien knows his place from now on."
Annethornes leaned forward, her voice playful. "And what if Juka decides to challenge him? Maybe win Carmen's favor in a glorious duel?"
Carmen laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly, while Juka's eyes widened in mock horror. "Annethornes!" he exclaimed, his face growing warm. "I'm not challenging anyone!"
Wallow nearly choked on his food, laughing. "Come on, Juka. I'd pay good money to see you take Lucien down a peg or two."
Carmen shook her head, still smiling. "You don't need to fight anyone to win my favor. Friendship is more valuable than a title or a duel."
Tindale nodded in agreement. "A duel would just play into Lucien's ego."
Juka sighed, shaking his head with a grin. "Well, there goes my chance to be a hero."
Annethornes winked. "You're already a hero in our eyes, Juka. No duel required."
As they all shared a laugh, the mess hall seemed to grow warmer, the earlier conflict with Lucien fading into the background.
Juka felt the warmth of camaraderie settle over him like a well-worn cloak. Despite the academy's challenges and the occasional confrontation, it was moments like these that made everything worthwhile.
Wallow, still chuckling, patted Juka's back with enough force to almost knock the air out of him. "Don't worry, lad. You've got us watching your back. And if anyone else tries to pull a Lucien, well…" He shot a mischievous grin toward his empty stew bowl, "let's just say my 'accidents' can happen twice."
Carmen shook her head, smiling at the dwarf's antics. "Honestly, Wallow, you and your food-related vengeance plots."
Wallow winked. "It's a gift."
Annethornes giggled, and even Tindale allowed a rare smile to escape his normally stern face. "If we're talking about gifts," Annethornes said, "maybe we should discuss Juka's progress in enchantments. After all, someone's been quite the diligent student lately. Haven't been late once, have you?"
Juka smiled sheepishly. "Well, I had to step up my game. Merlin's Academy isn't exactly forgiving."
Carmen leaned in, her dark eyes gleaming with pride. "I've noticed. You've been on time to every class, and you're ahead in most of your assignments. It's impressive, Juka."
Her words caught him off guard, and for a moment, Juka wasn't sure how to respond. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks again. "Thanks. I'm just trying to keep up, really. There's still a lot I don't know."
"Humility suits you," Carmen said softly, her eyes lingering on him a moment longer than usual. She quickly glanced away, returning to her meal.
Wallow smirked. "Careful, Juka. You're going to make the rest of us look bad if you keep this up."
Annethornes chimed in, ever the optimistic one. "I think it's great! It's not just about excelling; it's about making the most of what we're learning. Besides, you're not alone, Juka. We're all figuring this out together."
Tindale nodded in agreement, his gaze steady as he spoke. "The academy may be competitive, but the real test is what we make of our time here. You've got the right mindset, Juka—focus on growth, not just rivalry."
The words of support from his friends—his real friends—made Juka feel a little lighter. He'd never expected to find such a solid group of people when he'd first arrived at Merlin's Academy. And as challenging as the classes and the competition could be, he knew that with these three—and now, maybe Carmen as well—he could handle anything.
"Well," Juka said, leaning back in his chair, "as long as we stick together, I think we'll be just fine. And hey, if I ever fall behind, I know who to ask for help." He shot a grateful look at Carmen, who smiled warmly in return.
The evening continued, filled with easy banter and shared laughter. Lucien and his snooty friends faded into the background, their importance shrinking with every joke and story that Juka and his friends exchanged. There was something special about this group, Juka realized—something deeper than mere academic rivalry or ambition. Here, in the bustling mess hall of Merlin's Academy, among the clatter of trays and the chatter of hundreds of students, Juka felt a sense of belonging he hadn't expected to find.
Eventually, Carmen stood up, her tray empty. "I should get back to my friends," she said, though there was a note of reluctance in her voice. "But we'll catch up again soon, Juka?"
"Definitely," Juka replied, his smile matching hers.
She waved to the group, and as she walked away, Wallow gave Juka a sideways glance. "You know," he said in a half whisper, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say Carmen's taken quite the liking to you."
Annethornes gasped, her eyes wide with exaggerated excitement. "Do I sense a spark of romance?"
Tindale raised an eyebrow but said nothing, though his smirk said it all.
Juka groaned, rolling his eyes. "Come on, you guys. She's just a friend."
Wallow gave him a knowing look. "Oh, sure. Just a friend who happens to smile at you like that and goes out of her way to talk to you."
Annethornes nodded enthusiastically. "And reprimand people who try to give you a hard time."
Juka threw up his hands in surrender, unable to contain his grin. "Okay, okay. Maybe we get along well, but that's it. Seriously."
His friends didn't seem convinced, but they let the subject drop—for now. They spent the rest of the evening talking about classes, mid-term exams, and, of course, more than a few inside jokes about Wallow's infamous "accidental" spills.
As they left the mess hall and made their way back to the dormitories, Juka couldn't help but feel grateful. He may not have had the titles or the wealth that some of the other students flaunted, but he had something better—true friends, people who had his back no matter what. And maybe, just maybe, there was a certain princess who saw him as more than just another student.
For now, though, he was content to take things one day at a time, surrounded by the people who mattered most.