The sun cast a warm glow over Silvervale as Alfred made his way toward the grand gates of the Soldier Academy. The imposing structure loomed ahead, its spires reaching toward the sky like fingers grasping at clouds. A crowd of new recruits gathered outside, buzzing with anticipation and chatter.
Alfred adjusted the strap of his bag, glancing around at the excited faces. "Well, here goes nothing," he muttered to himself.
(Maybe this is where I'll finally fit in. A fresh start.)
Unbeknownst to him, a blond-haired boy was sprinting down the cobblestone path behind him, weaving through the throngs of people with determination etched on his face.
"Wait! Please, wait!" the boy shouted, his voice carrying over the din of the crowd.
Alfred turned around just as the boy skidded to a halt in front of him, panting heavily. "Are you... Alfred Nightshade?" the boy asked between breaths.
Alfred blinked in surprise. "Um, I'm Alfred. But the last name is just Alfred, actually."
Elias's eyes sparkled with admiration. "My name is Elias! I've been searching everywhere for you!"
(He seems friendly. Is he... trying to talk to me?) Alfred thought, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Luna hovered invisibly nearby, her eyes alight with mischief. (Oh, this is perfect! Let's see how tangled this web can get.)
"I wanted to ask you something very important," Elias continued, his expression earnest. "Please, would you consider taking me as your disciple?"
Alfred's eyes widened. "Disciple? You mean... like a friend?"
Elias nodded vigorously. "Yes! I want to learn everything you have to teach!"
(He wants to be my friend and learn from me? This is amazing!) Alfred felt a surge of happiness. "I'd be happy to have you... uh, as a friend."
Elias beamed. "Thank you! I promise I won't disappoint you!"
(He accepted! I'm going to be the apprentice of the last Nightshade!)
Luna giggled softly, her wings fluttering with delight. (They have no idea they're on completely different pages. This is too good to interrupt.)
As they walked toward the academy gates together, other recruits began to take notice. Whispered conversations spread through the crowd.
"Is that Alfred Nightshade?"
"Who's that kid with him? Maybe he's recruiting followers!"
Alfred noticed the stares but tried to ignore them. "So, Elias, are you joining the academy too?"
Elias nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I figured being here would make it easier to learn from you."
(I can't believe my luck! Training alongside my new master!)
Alfred smiled. "That's great! It'll be nice to have someone I know around."
(Having a friend here will make everything easier.)
They reached the grand doors of the academy, where a stern-looking instructor was checking the admission letters of each recruit. As Alfred and Elias approached, the instructor's eyes narrowed.
"Names?" he asked curtly.
"Alfred," he replied, handing over his letter of recommendation.
The instructor's eyebrows shot up as he read the letter. "A personal recommendation from the guild? Impressive."
Elias stepped forward eagerly. "I'm Elias! I'm here to enroll."
The instructor glanced at him briefly before returning his gaze to Alfred. "Very well. Welcome to the Soldier Academy. Follow the path to the main hall for orientation."
As they moved past the gates, the murmurings of the crowd followed them.
"He didn't even attend the basic training, and he's already got a guild recommendation?"
"That other kid must be someone important too."
Luna floated above them, her laughter like the tinkling of bells. (They're causing quite the stir. This is even better than I'd hoped.)
Inside the academy walls, the courtyard bustled with activity. Recruits were sparring, others were practicing archery, and some were engrossed in studying spellbooks.
Elias turned to Alfred, his eyes wide with excitement. "Isn't this incredible? I can't wait to start learning!"
Alfred nodded, taking in the surroundings. "Yeah, it's really something."
(I hope I can keep up with everyone. I've never done any of this before.)
Elias smiled confidently. "With your guidance, I know we'll excel here!"
Alfred looked at him, a bit puzzled. "My guidance?"
Elias laughed. "Of course! As your disciple, I'll follow your lead."
(He's so humble, pretending not to acknowledge his own skills. Truly the mark of a great master!)
Alfred scratched the back of his head. "Well, I'll do my best."
(I guess he's counting on me as a friend. I'll try not to let him down.)
Luna landed lightly on a nearby branch, watching the two with amusement. (This misunderstanding is blossoming beautifully. I wonder how long it'll take before they realize they're talking past each other.)
An older student approached them, his uniform adorned with badges indicating his rank. "You two must be new. I'm Robert, a senior trainee here. Need any help finding your way?"
Alfred smiled politely. "That would be great, thank you."
Elias bowed slightly. "Yes, thank you!"
Robert eyed Alfred curiously. "I've heard some interesting things about you. A personal guild recommendation is quite rare."
Alfred shifted uncomfortably. "Oh, that. It was kind of unexpected."
Elias grinned. "Nothing less for someone like him!"
Robert raised an eyebrow. "Someone like him?"
Elias nodded knowingly. "Yes, Alfred is quite accomplished."
(I probably shouldn't reveal his true identity. He must have his reasons for keeping it quiet.)
Alfred looked between them, confused. "I'm really not that—"
Robert chuckled. "Modest, aren't you? Well, follow me. Orientation is about to start."
As they walked, Luna fluttered close to Alfred's ear. "Looks like you're already making a name for yourself."
Alfred whispered back. "I don't know how. I haven't done anything yet."
(Why does everyone keep giving me so much credit?)
Luna smiled slyly. "Sometimes presence alone speaks volumes."
(Especially when everyone thinks you're a legendary figure reborn.)
They entered the grand hall, where rows of seats faced a raised platform. Recruits filled the room, chatting excitedly.
Elias leaned over to Alfred. "I can't wait to begin our training."
Alfred nodded. "Yeah, it should be interesting."
(Maybe here I'll finally learn more about this world and how to fit in.)
An authoritative voice echoed through the hall as an instructor took the stage. "Welcome, new recruits, to the Soldier Academy of Silvervale! Here, you will be tested, trained, and transformed into the finest warriors and mages of Eldoria."
The room fell silent, the weight of the moment settling in.
Elias glanced at Alfred, his eyes shining. "With you here, I know this will be an unforgettable experience."
Alfred offered a small smile. "Let's do our best."
(Having a friend by my side makes this less daunting.)
Luna watched from a high rafter, her legs swinging playfully. (Oh, Alfred. Surrounded by admirers and still utterly clueless. This is better than any dream I could conjure.)
As the orientation continued, the instructors outlined the rigorous training ahead. Physical conditioning, magical studies, combat techniques—all designed to push them to their limits.
"Your journey will not be easy," the instructor warned. "But for those who persevere, greatness awaits."
Alfred took a deep breath. (I can do this. It's a chance to start anew.)
Elias clenched his fists in determination. (I'll prove myself worthy of being his disciple. Together, we'll achieve greatness.)
Luna reclined against a beam, a satisfied smile on her face. (Let the adventures continue. With misunderstandings aplenty, there's never a dull moment.)
As the orientation concluded, the recruits were dismissed to settle into their quarters. Alfred and Elias made their way to the dormitories, the chatter of excited students filling the air.
"Which room are you in?" Elias asked, checking his assignment slip.
Alfred looked at his own slip. "Room 7B."
Elias's face lit up. "No way! Me too!"
(Fate really is on my side!)
Alfred laughed lightly. "Looks like we're roommates."
(This is great! My first friend, and we're rooming together.)
They entered their room, a modest space with two beds and a view overlooking the academy grounds.
Elias dropped his bag on the bed. "I can already tell this is going to be the start of something amazing."
Alfred nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I have a good feeling about this."
(Maybe things are finally falling into place.)
Luna peeked in through the window, her eyes twinkling. (Settled in and still none the wiser. This is going to be so much fun to watch.)
As night fell over Silvervale, the academy lights shimmered like stars fallen to earth. The journey was just beginning, and for Alfred and Elias, the path ahead was filled with promise, friendship, and a tangled web of misunderstandings that only fate—or a mischievous fairy—could weave.