Wintervale Skyship Station, Asuka Kingdom
It was four in the morning that the skyship in Wintervale station finally flew, heading towards Arcane Academy to welcome the new students. It would take exactly four hours to reach the Academy just in time for the new students welcoming event. (Pic)
Rain was roaming around, taking in all the details of the skyship as this was the first time he rode on one.
After Rain settled his baggage in his room, he roamed towards the open deck. He saw many students wearing the same uniform but different colors, forming their own cliques while some contented to stare at the sceneries.
It must be higher years.
Rain walked towards the railing and closed his eyes as he savored the cold air splashing on his face. The ship was moving slowly enough for the cold wind to glide through the skin gently.
Rain's eyes shot open when he felt that something bumped into him. He looked towards his left and saw a short man with light brown hair and a baby face, trying to balance himself.
"S-sorry! I didn't see that there's a protruding metal here."
The young boy squirmed in an apologetic tone as his eyes pried on that something that tripped him. Since it was still dark, it was tough to see your footing, so Rain just smiled and helped the boy steady himself.
"No worries."
The light brown hair young man smiled and extended his hand while his other hand scratched the back of his head, appearing shy. "T-thank you. My name is Ethan Hal."
"Rain Rizwalde."
Rain was about to shake Ethan's hand when the latter retracted his arm in a blurred motion.
"R-R-Rizwalde?!"
Ethan's eyes bulged as if he saw a ghost.
"Is something wrong with my name?" Rain asked with a soft laugh.
"N-no! I-it's just! It's an honor, sir!"
Ethan bowed and cupped Rain's hand with both hands, leaving Rain at a loss for words.
"It's an honor to meet the only son of swordmaster Rizwalde!" Ethan bellowed with excitement that garnered some eyes towards them.
Rain pulled his hand as he grabbed Ethan's shoulders to stop the man from bowing as his eyes darted left and right in an awkward, embarrassed manner. "There's no need for so much formality. Just treat me as a fellow student."
"R-right."
Ethan rubbed his nose in embarrassment at losing himself like that. But no one could blame him as the Rizwalde's family was indeed famous throughout the four Kingdoms for its prowess with the sword.
Ethan couldn't believe his luck. He knew about the almighty Raymont Rizwalde, though little information about his son.
But even so, Ethan was ecstatic at meeting the son of the famous Rizwalde that he kept staring at Rain with shining eyes, which made Rain at a loss on what to do.
"I got to say that this skyship is amazing. It's my first time riding one." Rain said, changing the topic to get out of the awkward unwarranted attention.
"Eh? Really? It's my fourth time riding a skyship."
Then Ethan roamed his gaze and whispered, "But this is the first time that I'm riding a skyship with only the students of Arcane Academy on it. And look at those fourth years guarding us. They're so badass."
Rain couldn't help but smile at Ethan's honest remark as he glanced towards where Ethan was pointing.
Rain noticed them beforehand. Some students in formal cerulean uniform signifying the fourth and final year in Arcane Academy with the sole goal of protecting the lower years. All of them have this aura of authority and control. Their faces calm with years of experience.
Rain, too, couldn't help but revere these seniors of theirs.
Besides the higher years protecting the ship, there were also Asuka Kingdom's soldiers guarding the vessel.
In this world, violence, thievery, and crime ran rampant throughout the day, and without any means of protecting yourself, you were easy prey amongst the wolves.
"Hey, why don't we stick together? I don't know anyone here . . . and having a Rizwalde with me, I can breathe more evenly," Ethan suggested as he fisted his fingers and looked all hopeful at Rain.
"Alright. Two is better than one anyway." Rain replied, and like that, he and Ethan continued their small talk until they reached the Academy.
----
Like the story? Add to library, vote and leave reviews.
You're awesome! ^^