The train to the academy came to a slow stop in front of us, its massive wheels rolling along the tracks with a deep rumble, as if narrating an ancient and mysterious tale.
"This train seems alive!" exclaimed the Rabbit of Light, eyes wide with excitement. "So amazing!"
Lily turned to me with a smile. "Yes, thanks to Princess Aika, we managed to defeat the Fenrir! And it's thanks to you that we've been able to enter the Magic Academy."
Just as I was about to respond to Lily, the train suddenly emitted a melodious sound:
"Dear students! I am Joshua, the headmaster of the Magic Academy. It's a pleasure to meet you all at this special moment. In the journey ahead, we will explore the mysteries of magic together and pursue the light of knowledge. Please cherish this journey, as it will be an unforgettable experience in your life."
With Joshua's words, the lights inside the carriage gradually brightened, revealing a world completely different from the outside.
Inside the carriage, a tapestry of diversity unfolded as passengers from every corner of the world mingled. Their clothing and mannerisms showcased a kaleidoscope of cultural heritage. Some adorned themselves in opulent garments reminiscent of ancient royalty, while others embraced futuristic fashion, radiating an air of avant-garde elegance. Amidst lively chatter, anticipation and enthusiasm permeated the atmosphere as they looked forward to embarking on their new journey at the academy.
"Princess Aika," whispered the Rabbit of Light, nibbling on my ear, "look, that boy in Hanfu is so handsome!"
Lily looked around the corridor, greeting everyone in different languages: "Peace! Quid agis?"
Chiara and Adelina, on the other hand, watched the scenery outside silently, silently praying.
Alessio quietly sipped his milk tea on the side. "Being with a bunch of girls is really tiring."
The Rabbit of Light gave Alessio's ear a playful nip. "Hehe, don't forget I'm a boy too."
Lily scooped up the Rabbit of Light. "Please be quiet."
At that moment, the train's engine started. The scenery outside rushed by rapidly, as if time was stretched here, and space was distorted. "Please fasten your seat belts, stow away your tray tables, the train is about to enter the imaginary space."
The train entered a fantastical space, akin to a dreamland.
The wind went toward the south, and turned about unto the north; it whirled about continually, and the wind returned again according to his circuits. The living waters overflowed, and souls ascended to heaven.
In an instant, the carriage floated on the tracks, transforming into a colossal sea lion!
"Wow! The Southern Land, A magical kingdom!" Lily exclaimed, pointing to the beautiful scenery outside. "Look! What a beautiful place!"
At that moment, the carriage played music with exotic rhythms:
The Southern Land is so beautiful~
Horses and sheep run freely here~
Dreams and reality intertwine here~
As the train accelerated, the boundary between reality and magic became blurred and mysterious. Soon after, the train submerged into a magnificent underwater world. A group of underwater elves floated in from outside the window, their figures graceful, their wings shimmering with crystal light, holding exquisite trays filled with delectable delicacies. The carriage (or rather, the sea lion's body) turned transparent, allowing water from the outside to enter.
"Dear students!" came the headmaster's voice again. "Please enjoy this sumptuous lunch! Speak freely!"
At that moment, a series of large round tables emerged, seats moving to form circles for each group.
"Hello, everyone from Group Twenty-One!" exclaimed a water elf. "I am your group's sprite, Moe~ Let's do a roll call!"
"Group Twenty-One has a total of twelve beings, including Princess Aika, Knight Lily, Guardian Adelina, the Rabbit of Light, Yuehua, Alice, the Black Knight Alessio, Little Sea Lion Orafi, Princess Aika's horse, Knight Lily's horse, Guardian Adelina's horse, and me!" It turned out that Guardian Chiara had been assigned to Group Twenty-Four.
"Please introduce the food in front of you! Each dish represents the dreams of your souls~" Moe winked at me.
"I... I'm a number one honeydew melon, a big silly melon!" I mimicked a tender and childish voice, eliciting laughter from everyone.
"I, my main dish is okra lotus soup! Lily said!" She looked at me innocently.
"I have a delicious seafood pizza to share with everyone~" Adelina told us.
"A Caesar salad! Wow, there's carrots!" the Rabbit of Light spoke.
"Hello, I'm Lin Yuehua," the boy in the Hanfu said, "and this is a seafood carp soup. Enjoy."
Alice stood up and bowed. "I really don't know if I'm dreaming. Oh, I mean, this must be roasted mushrooms, which probably won't make us grow or shrink anymore."
Alessio, with his rough voice, said, "Seafood platter. Emm."
Little Sea Lion Orafi woke up from his nap. It turned out that in front of Orafi was a big steamed bun. Princess Aika's horse, Knight Lily's horse, Guardian Adelina's horse was each in front of catnip grass, wheat, and corn.
A sumptuous lunch began. Dreamy and the elves played a cheerful symphony together, breaking the tranquillity of the ocean with a joyful melody. The notes from Dreamy flowed with the movement of the seawater, awakening the creatures deep in the ocean. Schools of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and coral reefs came alive under the music's call.
"I hope the sea remains blue forever," I whispered softly, drawing a heart on the window, filled with blessings and beautiful wishes for the ocean.
"Ahead is the Magic Academy we've been eagerly awaiting!" With the end of lunch accompanied by a cheerful melody, the train travelled from the depths of the sea to the land, and the outlines of the land gradually appeared before our eyes.
Princess Aika's Little theatre:
Fenrir: "Hmm? No, this time it's the Fenrir's Little theatre!"
In the previous book, Princess Aika used her magic device to attract lightning to herself, defeating the Fenrir, and then fainted. At this time, the Rabbit of Light's healing magic took effect, and Princess Aika luckily survived. The Fenrir also received treatment from the Rabbit. Although it couldn't move, its soul still remained.
On the silent grassland, moonlight shone on the Fenrir, casting a fierce yet lonely figure. It lay quietly there, feeling indescribable emotions surging in its heart.
Lily and the Rabbit of Light stood silently on the side, gazing at the once terrifying Fenrir. Under the moonlight, a hint of softness appeared in the Fenrir's eyes, along with regret and confusion about the past.
Alessio walked up slowly, with a deep and warm gaze, handing his horse's reins to the Fenrir. His voice was low but comforting: "Wolves of the grassland, the grassland is their mother. This is yours; you are free now."
The Fenrir lifted its head, looking into Alessio's eyes, sensing the sincerity and kindness from this brave warrior. Its heart began to tremble, the once fierce demeanour gradually replaced by tenderness, and the past anger and hatred dissolved by genuine affection.
A young wolf quietly approached, seemingly a symbol of new life for the Fenrir. Alessio transferred the reins to this young wolf. At this moment, the Fenrir's gaze softened gradually, as it crouched before Princess Aika. In this silent grassland, a transformation and awakening of the heart were quietly taking place. The Fenrir began to understand that it could choose a path vastly different from its past.
Under the moonlight, the totem of the Fenrir gradually condensed into a clear and melodious march. In this silent night, everything on the grassland bathed in the moonlight, as if witnessing a fresh new beginning.