Morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy, casting shimmering patterns along the path leading to Galsonmejer Academy of Radiant Exemplars. Ihatra hurried along the trail, filled with anxiety about wild beasts and the revelations from the previous night. The fresh morning air carried the distinctive scent of the tropical forest, contrasting sharply with the unease gnawing at his heart.
He took a deep breath. The forest stretching out before him seemed both intimidating and mysterious. Towering trees, dense underbrush, and the dark shadows dancing among the leaves made him feel as if he were in another world.
"What am I supposed to do now?" he murmured to himself, fear creeping into his thoughts. But he knew this was the first test he had to face to prove that he was no longer the Ihatra of old—the weak, cowardly, and unreliable Ihatra.
"Alright, I have to be brave," he declared firmly, trying to bolster his courage. He picked up his fallen suitcase and stepped into the forest. Each step felt heavy, but he was determined not to give up.
As Ihatra ventured deeper, he began to notice that this forest was unlike any other. There was something strange and magical about this place, ready to pounce at any moment. Unfamiliar sounds echoed from all directions, and occasionally, he caught glimpses of unusual lights among the trees.
"I must stay focused," he thought, patting his cheeks. "This must be part of the test to measure my seriousness." He continued walking, searching for clues or signs that could help him find the academy.
He passed by ancient, towering trees that seemed to whisper secrets of ages past. This place, hidden from ordinary eyes except at certain times, held more than just rumors of demonic students or astral creature prisons. It concealed secrets that could change his entire existence.
Ihatra's mind drifted back to his family's revelations the previous night. It could explain many things, but it also left him with more questions than answers. What did it all mean for him? A boy who had always felt alien in his own body.
A rustling sound in the bushes snapped him out of his thoughts. Ihatra stopped, his heart pounding, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. But there was nothing but the wind and the gently swaying leaves. Yet, the feeling of being watched remained, sending a chill down his spine.
"Ihatra," a voice called from behind. He turned to see Casugraha emerging from the bushes with a reassuring smile.
Ihatra shook his head, the weight of uncertainty gripping him. My brother would never smile at me like that, he thought, trying to stay focused. But rather than succumbing to loneliness, he decided to speak, "There are still so many things I don't understand. About our family, about this academy..."
Casugraha placed a thoughtful hand on his shoulder. "Ihatra, what's important now is how you navigate this path. Galsonmejer Academy is not just a school—it's a place of learning and power. You have the potential to surpass even our ancestors."
Even though he knew the figure before him wasn't his real brother, those words resonated deeply within him. They stirred a mixture of determination and apprehension. Could he truly embrace his destiny and become more than just a boy who was bullied and hid behind books and daydreams?
Before he could respond, Casugraha's body dissolved like a sand sculpture swept away by the tide, and another figure appeared before him. Varsha, his eldest sibling, approached with determined steps. Her face was filled with concern and resolve, reflecting the true burden of their magical heritage.
"Ihatra," she called out with a steady but urgent voice, "there's something you need to know before fully entering Galsonmejer Academy of Radiant Exemplars. This school holds secrets that can grant anyone immense power, but it can also be a trap. You must be cautious because not everyone within those walls has good intentions towards you."
Ihatra swallowed hard, the reality of his situation sinking in. His siblings, each bearing their own responsibilities and wisdom, stood before him like pillars in the storm of uncertainty engulfing his soul.
This time, Varsha disappeared in the same manner as Casugraha. He felt grateful for the light motivation his siblings had somehow provided. Once again, he walked alone, as he had always done in his life. Despite the suffering and despair, he never gave up.
After a few minutes, he began to sense that he was no longer alone. The eerie feeling persisted, making his skin prickle. From behind the bushes, a small rabbit with golden fur emerged. He was sure this creature wasn't from the real world. The rabbit's eyes glowed softly, beckoning him to follow.
"I wonder if this is also part of the test?" he mused. Without thinking further, Ihatra decided to follow the rabbit. The creature hopped nimbly, leading him deeper into the forest.
After a while, the rabbit stopped in front of a massive banyan tree with a strange mark on its trunk. Ihatra approached and touched the mark. Suddenly, he felt a strong vibration and was enveloped in a bright light.
"What is happening?" he asked in a panic, struggling to see his surroundings as he fought to control himself.
When the light dimmed, and he could see again, Ihatra found himself standing before a beautiful lake. Its clear waters reflected the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. In the middle of the lake was a small island with another glowing banyan tree.
An irresistible urge compelled him to reach the island. "I feel like I have to get there," he thought. Without hesitation, he stepped into the water, which felt warm and comforting against his skin. Each step sank him deeper into the lake, but his resolve remained unshaken. He knew this was part of the test he had to pass to become a new version of himself.
As he waded through the water, it eventually reached his chest. At that moment, Ihatra saw something moving beneath the surface. Shhh... shhh... shhh... the sound of gentle waves echoed in the once-quiet lake. Amidst it all, a massive shadow approached him swiftly. Ihatra's heart raced as he realized it was a water dragon, large and fearsome.
"What should I do?" he panicked, trying to swim. The dragon drew closer, its mouth full of teeth as sharp as swords. All his survival instincts vanished, leaving him feeling utterly helpless.
"Without weapons or magic, how can I overcome this??!!!"