1 Year Later...
As soon as I entered the massive gates to the entrance of the city I was struck with awe, everything about it was extraordinary, from the massive trees towering overhead, their leafs reflecting the sunlight into hundreds of different colors. To the creatures skittering around in their midst and most importantly the mages training within. After traveling for two months on the main road the Academy of Illyria would finally reveal itself to us. A massive red brick path stretches all the way to the huge oak double doors, with a golden dome roof looming in the distance.
"This is what we have been waiting for Ariel. This is what we worked so hard to get to." I clenched my hands together. Ariel looked over at me with a genuine smile plastered upon her lips, she glanced over and gave a tiny thumbs up, it was honestly cute watching her act like this.
The sheer scope of the academy campus was incredible, I could imagine seeing the tall tower on the outskirts of town as you journeyed and it seemed daunting. As soon as I crossed over the threshold into Illyria something different began filling my chest, not dread or apprehension but excitement and determination. I wanted to become better than the other kids. My mind was focused on this one singular notion.
I glanced out at the scene before me as we walked through the gates, beyond a cobbled path cutting across grass. I turned my gaze on a forest nearby and stared at the green trees towering above, but somehow my focus landed on a clearing surrounded by hills. For reasons I couldn't quite understand it intrigued me and drew me toward it. Something compelled me to see what was beyond the bushes lining the path. Ariel and I were greeted by Reagan to be led into the academy. "I have been anticipating your arrival young students, please come inside so we may begin. Ego wishes to see your growth." Ariel grabbed hold of my forearm and led me inside. The lobby was fairly standard, wooden floors polished so much so that we could see our reflections on them. Walls made completely out of marble tiles, a fancy looking fireplace crackled away, and windows in every corner to let the sunlight in. Several staircases were scattered randomly about leading into higher areas or rooms. And various pictures and artwork adorned the walls, ranging from paintings of the countryside, portraits and statues. Everything was gorgeous. It almost appeared a museum rather than an academic establishment.
Reagan, dressed in his long dark robe walked down the marble stairs slowly. Once he reached the bottom he waved over at the group of us and escorted us into the room next door.
A large fire blazed brightly inside of an open fireplace and three chairs sat directly across from where the fire burns. Between the chairs are four pieces of parchment, presumably to sign each new student into the school. Above each parchment laid a single sheet of paper, written upon the parchment were a set of rules followed by names of people and the date.
Ariel and my signature are already written across the papers, each one containing information such as their full name, birth date, sex and parent's names. Ariel's handwriting seems almost perfect and clear while my handwriting was messier, likely from a combination of rushing and my excitement.
Reagan picked the pen up and examined it carefully, frowning. "How curious." He turned to face me, holding the instrument loosely in his hand, and looked up at the sky as if pondering his next words carefully.
"Have you read our rules?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Good. Well, it's about time you meet your future instructor." He scratched his forehead with a finger then handed the quill over to me. After signing the paper, a faint image appeared within the air just a few feet above it. It was Ego, it seemed that he was going to be our teacher for the next four years. He began speaking towards me.
"It's been quite some time, you two have both grown a significant amount since the last time I saw you. Welcome to Illyria Academy, it is an honor to teach the both of you. Now if you follow Headmaster Reagan he will lead you to my classroom where you can meet the other 10 students in my class." He explained slowly, a hint of humor in his words. He's always the kind of person to enjoy teaching students because he believes knowledge is more important than power. But apparently he believes otherwise, judging by his willingness to instruct Ariel and me on these important matters.
After following the headmaster around several buildings, we arrived at a spacious classroom. Along its perimeter were six massive desks filled with books, pens and several vials filled with different liquids. Above the desks hung a crystal chandelier which gave off a soothing blue glow. Three rows of desks were spaced evenly from left to right, each seat consisting of a flat wooden surface with an attached leg, designed specifically for resting elbows or heads upon. Directly facing the three rows of seats was a large blackboard where a single sentence written in chalk, "Class, welcome." was scribbled neatly.
A group of ten young men and women, wearing similar looking clothing were mingling amongst each other. They wore similar clothing consisting of a purple shirt under a white collared button-up jacket, and a blue skirt, coupled with a dark-colored bow tie and greyish pants. All of them were standing with their arms folded.
Headmaster Reagan closed the door, turning his back toward the group. "May I introduce you to your fellow classmates. Everyone please give a warm welcome to Miss. Ariel and Mister. Cyrus, these are the lucky individuals who get to spend the next 4 years studying at Illyria Academy with both of you. Everyone please meet your new classmates, go on."
The majority of them stood quietly waiting for me to introduce myself, but a few bravely stepped forward. A beautiful girl wearing glasses with short brown hair and hazel eyes approached first and held out her hand toward me. "Nice to meet you, my name is Emerson Windstrider!" Her eyes twinkled, she seemed cheerful.
I looked over at a child that was giving me a piercing glare, I couldn't help but ask his name. "What's your name?"
A young man stood up slowly and made his way toward me. He had a scar going down his left eye with deep chestnut brown colored hair His skin was fair but it was covered by freckles dotting his cheeks, and his eyes were a striking shade of blue, which contrasted his white clothing. His face was also round with two cheekbones jutting out from his thin jawline.
"My name is Thorne Ironheart," Thorne replied. His voice was deep but held hints of a very childish nature, as if his thoughts were racing ahead of themselves.
Then came a girl who didn't speak at all but rather used hand signals to convey her message. "What is this?" The girl then lifted her head and revealed a pair of beautiful black orbs surrounded by silver pupils that glowed brightly when looking up at us. She tilted her head and gave a very hearty and friendly laugh which reminded me of an angel laughing, I found that truly fascinating. The other seven students stared curiously at the two of us.
"I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Cyrus Moreno and I can't use magic!" I smiled slightly awkwardly and waved at all of them, giving an embarrassed smile. Azriel suggested that I keep my abilities hidden for the safety of the students, it'e better if they're just wondering why I'm even here than being afraid of me.
Everyone began laughing lightly except one kid.
Ariel pushed past everyone and introduced herself, "Nice to meet all of you my name is Ariel Chaufort!" Ariel confidently yelled out her name with an arrogant grin.
"Why the hell are you in this class if you can't use any magic, Cyrus Moreno?" Said a voice behind us, who spoke with a harsh tone.
The voice belonged to the same boy who stared daggers at me earlier. As I turn, he smirks mockingly. "Maybe the headmaster has finally gotten bored and started making up bullshit?" I narrowed my eyes dangerously as I heard Thorne chuckle quietly.
"You know Thorne Ironheart..."
"That's enough, I chose Cyrus to be in this class personally, him and Ariel have the most potential out of anyone in this class. I don't want any insults directed towards these two." Everyone nodded silently and took their seats quickly.