As the battle competition for class placement at the academy concluded, Azrael extended an invitation to both his childhood friends to join him living together in the manor.
Having secured a place in the elite class, he thought it would make his new academic journey more enjoyable if they lived together.
"Luna, Theo, since I've been placed in the elite class. How about you two come live with me there in the manor?" Azrael asked.
Theo, however, shook his head and declined the offer. He believed in earning everything through his own hard work. "Thanks, Akki, but I need to do this on my own. I want to earn my place and live in the manor because I deserve it, through my own efforts, not because it was handed to me." He patted Azrael's shoulder reassuringly. "But I'll join you there when I've truly earned it, I promise."
Azrael nodded, appreciating Theo's unwavering determination. His friend had always been the type to fight for what he wanted and achieve it through his own hard work.
"I see," Azrael acknowledged, fully aware of Theo's strong-willed nature. "Then make sure you become stronger. If not, I'll kick your ass."
Theo chuckled, his smile radiating determination. "You can count on me."
Then, Azrael turned to Luna, he asked with a hint of hope, "And what about you, Luna? Are you going to reject me too, like Theo? I'll get pretty lonely in that big manor all by myself."
Luna hesitated for a moment, her thoughts drifting back to the competition and her defeat, her gaze darting between Azrael and Theo.
Eventually, she sighed and nodded, "Okay, Akki."
Azrael could sense Luna's lingering feelings of disappointment from her recent defeat.
"Are you still thinking about the loss, and you feel like you don't deserve this too?" he asked, his voice filled with understanding.
Having known her since childhood, he could sense her doubts.
Luna responded with a subtle, sorrowful nod, her gaze fixated on the floor as if trying to conceal her doubts.
Reaching out, Azrael tenderly patted her head. "Don't worry, Luna. You had incredible potential, and you'll definitely get stronger. Next time you step into the arena, I have no doubt you'll win. You just need to train diligently and believe in yourself. I believe in you."
Theo chimed in, a supportive smile on his face. "Absolutely, Luna. We believe in you. Next time, you'll come out on top."
Luna felt a renewed sense of hope and determination wash over her, the weight of her earlier doubts gradually lifting.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
With Azrael and Theo by her side, she knew that she had the support and encouragement she needed to face the challenges that lay ahead.
With their decision made, Azrael led them back to their previous dormitory. "Let's go back to the dorm and pack our stuff," he suggested.
"Let's go," Theo agreed.
They made their way back to the dormitory to collect their belongings.
Theo was making arrangements to move into the flat, assigned to him for his placement in the extraordinary class.
"I'll go first, bye. See you two tomorrow." Theo bid farewell to his childhood friends.
Meanwhile, Azrael and Luna arranged a meeting with the academy staff to finalize the necessary paperwork for Luna's transition to living with Azrael in the manor.
After signing all the documents, Azrael and Luna began their journey to the manor. They were guided by one of the academy staff members who knew the estate well.
As they entered the grand estate, they couldn't help but be awestruck by its grandeur.
Although the manor was small, it was a sight to behold, especially for orphans like Azrael and Luna who had spent their lives in an old and worn-out house. The opportunity to live in such a place had never crossed their minds.
The manor stood proudly, its presence imposing yet inviting, nestled amidst lush gardens and a meticulously maintained landscape. Its architectural design exuded an air of luxury and elegance, and its size was undeniably impressive to them.
As they stepped into the manor, the academy staff took a moment to proudly explain its layout.
"Welcome to the manor," the staff began, a hint of pride in his voice. "It's a luxurious residence where elite students like you will reside. Here, you'll find various facilities and features to make your stay comfortable and productive, including five spacious bedrooms. Additionally, there's a garden, a dedicated training area, a working office, a small library, a storage room, and a well-equipped kitchen at the back."
The manor's interior was a spectacle of luxuries. The floors were adorned with polished marble that gleamed under the soft, warm lighting, and exquisite paintings graced the walls.
The manor boasted five expansive bedrooms, each exuding its own unique charm. Azrael's room occupied a central location within the mansion, offering a commanding view of the surrounding estate. Luna's room was conveniently situated next to Azrael's, ensuring her comfort and proximity to her childhood friend.
As Azrael and Luna continued their tour of the manor, the staff members the functions of each room.
"The library," he began, "it's like a treasure trove of knowledge, but keep in mind, it's not as extensive as the academy's arcane library. Still, you'll find a good collection of books and magical texts here. It's the perfect place for research and deepening your understanding of magic."
Move to the training area, the staff member explains, "The training area. It's equipped with state-of-the-art magical constructs specially designed to help students enhance their magical skills and abilities. It's where you'll be able to hone your skill and abilities."
Azrael was curious about the next room they approached. "What's the purpose of this storage room?" he asked.
The staff member explained with a smile, "The storage room is incredibly versatile. It can house your equipment and belongings, and here's even better part: it's linked to your Academy bracelet, making access to your stored items incredibly convenient. You can retrieve or store your items directly from your bracelets."
"I see." Azrael nodded, appreciating the versatility of the manor.
As they strolled towards the garden, Azrael took in the serene atmosphere. "This garden looks amazing. What's it used for?"
With a peaceful smile, the staff member answered, "The garden is a tranquil and scenic space, perfect for meditation, relaxation, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. It's a place to find serenity amidst your busy academic life."
Luna couldn't contain her amazement and awe as she took in the grandeur of the manor. "This place is so big and luxurious," she remarked, her eyes filled with wonder.
The staff member smiled at her enthusiasm. "Indeed, young lady. In fact, the National Magicia Academy has one of the top three best dormitories among all the academies in the country."
Azrael and Luna listened attentively, their amazement growing with each description.
The academy staff concluded the tour with a warm smile and one last intriguing detail. "And there's one more remarkable feature of this manor. Its mana intensity is exceptionally high, making it an ideal place for intensive training and magical studies."
Inside Azrael's mind, Jing Qiang chimed in, sharing his thoughts on the manor's mana-rich environment. "This place possesses a unique enhancement of mana, which can significantly accelerate the refinement of your mana purity. It's truly an exceptional location for your training and growth."
'I see.' Azrael couldn't help but agree; the manor held more promise than mere luxury—it was a place where they could advance together, and he was determined to make the most of it.
"That's all the information I have for you. Please, make yourselves at home, and if you need anything, don't hesitate to contact the academy staff," said the staff member before taking his leave.
Azrael still found himself in awe at the manor's beauty. "It's truly wonderful, isn't it?" he remarked to Luna.
Luna nodded, her eyes filled with wonder. "It's more than I ever imagined, Akki."
"Shall we begin unpacking our belongings?" Azrael suggested to Luna. She nodded in agreement, and together, they made their way into their respective rooms, each carrying their belongings.
Azrael finished unpacking his belongings in his new room at the luxurious manor.
Every moment spent arranging his things emphasized the stark contrast between this luxurious space and the small, old house he had called home not too long ago. The extravagance of his new surroundings still felt surreal to him.
With his room now organized to his satisfaction, Azrael decided to pay Luna a friendly visit.
He approached her door and gave a gentle knock. Luna's cheerful voice invited him inside. Luna was still in the process of unpacking her things. Her room was in a state of disarray, her belongings scattered across the space.
Azrael smiled and stepped in, helping Luna with her belongings. Together, they unpacked her things and arranged them neatly in her new room.
"Akki, it's crazy. I can't believe we're living in such a place now," Luna remarked, a mix of amazement and joy in her voice.
Azrael nodded in agreement as he hung a few dresses on hangers. "I know what you mean. I never imagined we would live in a place like this. It's quite the upgrade."
"I guess life has its surprises," he said, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "But it's not just about the place. It's about what we do with the opportunities we're given."
Luna beamed, her eyes reflecting determination. "You're right, Akki. We'll make the most of this chance and work hard to become even better."
Laughter filled the room as they shared their thoughts and memories. The soft, warm light from the crystal chandelier above cast a serene ambiance that enveloped them, adding to the enchantment of the moment.
With Luna's belongings now neatly arranged, they sat down together on her bed, a sense of accomplishment in the air. Their laughter continued as they recalled the twists and turns of their life, grateful for the unexpected path that had brought them here.
As they continued to chat, Azrael and Luna realized that their life had taken an unexpected turn. They had come a long way from their modest beginnings and were now living in a place they had once only dared to imagine.
The future held even more promise, and they were determined to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.