In the abyss of darkness, where every step resonates in eerie silence, the distinction between walking and standing dissolves into obscurity. A relentless journey continues, directionless and shrouded in uncertainty. Then, a revelation disrupts the pervasive blackness—a crimson luminescence, not ordinary by any measure. Instead, it unveils itself as a colossal pair of eyes emanating an ominous red glow. The cadence of footsteps ceases, and focus sharpens on the enigmatic radiance.
"Rozer..." someone with a deep and resonant voice speaks.
"Rozenvandehemel..."
The one addressed cannot respond.
"Come closer... I will give you a clue... Come here..."
The sound of footsteps resumes.
"I will give you what you desire... come here..."
Tap... tap... tap...
"Rozer..."
"Rozer..."
"Rozer!"
The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow in Rozer's room. As he slowly woke up from his dream, Tania's concerned expression greeted him, standing at his bedside. The room was filled with a mix of anticipation and urgency. Sirvin, the loyal attendant, remained in the background, ready to assist.
"Mother?"
Rozer, still half-awake, found himself trying to orient in his surroundings, rubbing his eyes to shake off the remnants of his dream. Tania's voice, however, cut through the lingering haze, her tone stern and decisive.
"You finally woke up," says Tania, followed by Sirvin bowing respectfully to Rozer.
"Forgive my inability to wake you, Master Rozer," Sirvin says politely.
"What's going on, Mother?" Rozer asks.
With an irritated expression, Tania responds, "Rozer, it's not like in the forest where you can wake up late. From now on, you must wake up earlier for school," she scolds.
Looking out of the window, now brightly lit with birds chirping on tree branches, Rozer's memories quickly return. Directed by Tania, to wash his face and brushed his teeth in a small basin prepared by Sirvin on the table next to his bed.
Acknowledging the need to hasten, Rozer rose from his bed and moved towards a small basin prepared by Sirvin on the nearby table. The basin held fresh water, reflecting the sunlight. Tania, with a motherly instinct, guided him through the routine of washing his face, brushing his teeth, while Sirvin got clothes for Rozer . The familiar gestures carried a sense of urgency, emphasizing the shift from the casual pace of the forest to the structured routine of the academy. After that Rozer change his clothes, Tania helped him change into black formal pants and Sirvin helped him put on a black formal shirt.
"Even though it's already late, don't go anywhere other than the academy, okay?" Tania requests while helping Rozer put on his school robe.
"I understand, Mother," Rozer replies.
"How about I escort you to school, Master Rozer?" Sirvin offers politely.
"That's not necessary," Rozer answers.
Before Rozer embarks on his journey, Tania hands him a small bag of money, a tangible symbol of support. Both Sirvin and Tania express their wishes for him to be careful on the way, the concern evident in their words. Descending the wooden stairs that connect the different levels of the house, Rozer makes his way to the main door.
Lakei, the household servant, stands by the door, ready to open the door. When Rozer picked up the shoes on the shelf, Lakei voice follows him, a gentle greeting echoing through the hallway, "Good morning, Master Rozer." After putting both of his feet into the loafers, Rozer hurriedly ran out of the house.
Into the morning light, greeted by the bustling activities of the household. Lakei nodded, "Be careful on the way, Master Rozer." and Rozer proceeds towards the iron gate that marks the boundary of his home.
Rozer's reputation precedes him in the city, evident as he progresses on his journey. Halfway to his destination, he encounters several friendly greetings from people who recognize him. Approaching a bakery, the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air.
The owner of the bakery, a welcoming figure named Veirko, is arranging a special menu board outside. Spotting Rozer in the midst of the passersby, Veirko looks up and warmly calls out, "Rozer."
Rozer halts for a moment as he recognizes the owner of his favorite store, Veirko. A figure easily distinguishable, Veirko is a warmly friendly adult man. With short black hair and brown eyes, a distinctive black goatee adorns his face. Clad in servant attire, Veirko boasts an average height of about 180 cm.
"Why are you running? Did you oversleep?" Veirko inquires.
Rozer nods, "...nn..."
"Wait a moment; I'll get you something. You probably haven't eaten yet," Veirko says as he enters the shop. After a while, he emerges with a croissant and hands it to Rozer, saying, "Eat this. Don't get lethargic during the lessons later."
Rozer accepts it with his right hand and expresses gratitude, "Thank you," while reaching into his pants pocket to take out some money.
Veirko shakes his head and extends his finger toward Rozer, "No need to pay, just think of it as a gift from me for entering the academy," he says with a smile.
After thanking Veirko, Rozer continues his journey to the academy, savoring the croissant along the way.
***
Three teachers arrive at the entrance of the underground labyrinth after receiving reports of an incident caused by a group of students. They can't believe what they see – a pile of burnt goblin corpses scattered in front of the entrance.
"This is unbelievable!" exclaims a male teacher with short red hair.
"Why are there so many goblins here?" says a long-haired black-haired male teacher.
"Who did this?" asks a red-haired female teacher.
"According to Edele's report: Espen, Karel, Ven from the wizard discipline, and Geeraard from the knight discipline," answers a short-haired black-haired female teacher wearing glasses.
They enter the labyrinth and are even more shocked to see more goblin corpses inside.
"This?!" shouts the red-haired male teacher.
"They were hit by lightning, fire, and sword slashes. It must be their doing again. Amazing." comments the long-haired black-haired male teacher.
"No, this is Rozer's doing... All by himself." declares the short-haired black-haired female teacher.
"Alone, you say? He truly is remarkable." says the red-haired male teacher.
"As expected of the child of a great wizard." adds the long-haired black-haired male teacher.
***
Ding-dong-ding-dong.
The bell rings throughout the academy, and all the teachers head to their respective classes without bringing any textbooks.
Opening the door to class 4-C, Edele stands in front of the door and says to the students who are already seated and ready for the lesson, "All students, please gather at the assembly hall. The queen of the Bajalekat kingdom will Giving a speech welcoming new students, attended by all students from all academies. Do you understand?"
"I understand, Miss Edele," the entire class responds in unison.
Edele then departs from the classroom, followed by all the students standing up and exiting.
"Where's Rozer?" Waify inquires of Poetica.
"How would I know?" Poetica replies.
"Is he okay?" Cyka asks with a worried expression.
"He was fine yesterday, I guess." Poetica replies with a hesitant and concerned look.
***
Near the entrance to the west gate of the academy, two guards stand on each side. Rozer contemplates how he wasn't there yesterday, ignores them, and enters the academy.
On his way, Rozer observes many students emerging from classes, walking through hallways and corridors toward the academy's largest building. He runs past them.
Upon reaching class 4-C, Rozer notices his classmates also exiting the classroom.
"Rozer, you're late," says a female student before passing by Rozer.
"Yeah, we're heading to the assembly hall now," says a male student while passing Rozer.
"Let's go there," says a female student while passing Rozer.
Cyka, Poetica, and Waify come up to Rozer with worried expressions.
"There he is. You almost made it late," Poetica remarks.
Waify runs up to Rozer, "Rozer!" she exclaims, then holds Rozer's right hand, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine; I just woke up late," Rozer replies.
Cyka and Waify breathe a sigh of relief after hearing Rozer, "Thank goodness," they say.
Poetica also approaches Rozer and gently punches his stomach, "Oh geez, just woke up late," says Poetica, dropping her head onto Rozer's chest, "You worried me." she adds.
Rozer smiles and strokes Poetica's head, "Forgive me, Poetica, Waify. Yesterday, I was too reckless," Rozer says, recalling Tania's advice to apologize to his friends about yesterday's incident.
Waify shakes her head, "No, I was also wrong for supporting you yesterday." she says.
Poetica pushes Rozer's body with a reddened face and says, "You have to apologize to all the seniors too." she insists.
"I understand, but are you okay? Your face turns red," says Rozer, placing his left hand on Poetica's forehead.
This time, Poetica hits Rozer so hard in the stomach that he wants to vomit the croissant again, "I'm fine!" she shouts.
"Let's go to the assembly hall before it's too late," Cyka suggests.
"Oh, right. Let's go," Poetica invited, pulling Rozer's left hand.
Rozer felt odd as his right hand was held by Waify, and his left hand was held by Poetica. They walked towards the assembly hall, with Poetica leading the way. They followed students from other classes from behind.
Walking behind Waify, Cyka doesn't understand why they could become so close in just one day, and she smiles happily at their achievements, also because she could have a male friend who makes her feel comfortable when being around him.