In the Academy, specifically in the dormitory reserved for noble girls...
"Princess, I have brought the information about the boy who was following us, as you requested," the servant said, handing a file to Princess Abigail.
Abigail opened the file and read through its contents. It was information on Eizan, obtained from the city government. "So... the boy who was following us yesterday is named Eizan," Abigail murmured as she continued to read.
Turning the page...
"This boy seems unremarkable... but why did I feel something special when I saw him yesterday? There was something in his eyes," Abigail thought to herself.
Closing the file, she stood up and walked towards the window. "Find out where he is. I want to meet him personally. Eizan... it could be interesting to befriend him," she said.
The servant bowed to Abigail and vanished in a swirl of black smoke, leaving her alone in her room...
Back at Eva's residence...
"So that's the story... That boy seems to have a kind of magic that makes him untouchable in combat," Bairon explained, recounting his recent encounter.
His story surprised everyone in the room. After all, Bairon was one of the most esteemed students at Axeris Academy, a third-year student. If Eizan and Sophia succeeded in entering the Academy, Bairon would be their senior.
"Eizan, if you ever meet him, I would love to see you fight him. Two individuals with such potential clashing would be quite a spectacle at the Academy," Bairon said, wiping his mouth after finishing his spaghetti.
"Hmmm... That does sound interesting, but there's someone I need to defeat first," I said, my thoughts focused on the person who had attacked me so ruthlessly that night. I still couldn't forget.
"There are many talented students at the Academy. For example, a boy named Ikarius just moved up to the second year. He comes from the noble Silva family, known for producing talented offspring in every generation," Bairon continued. His words made me clench my fists, shattering the fork I was holding.
"That boy, upon entering the Academy, managed to defeat a friend of mine who had reached Rank A. However, during the fight, my friend lost his right hand," Bairon recalled the incident from a year ago.
Axeris Academy was lauded as the pinnacle of education for privileged and talented students. There were other academies scattered across the country, but none could compare to Axeris. Graduates from Axeris were guaranteed prosperous futures, often becoming royal guards, instructors, or military leaders. Some chose more humble paths, focusing on research within mage guilds. Axeris students were considered the elite, even among nobles.
The Academy also hosted an annual tournament. During this event, the entire nation, including kings and queens, would come to watch. Victorious students, especially those from different races like the Elves, would receive honors and titles from their countries.
Hearing Bairon's story left his family in shock. Their eldest, known as the family's protector, had yet to show his full potential at Axeris. Alex covered his mouth in disbelief, Eva sat in contemplative silence, and Sophia quietly finished her pie.
With determination, I stood up and declared, "One day, I will avenge your friend's lost hand, Bairon." My eyes burned with resolve.
Bairon smiled, almost dismissively. "That sounds impossible. I've seen Ikarius's strength firsthand. You're not there yet."
Eva sighed, "There are so many wonders in this world."
"How about we get some fresh air outside?" Eva suggested, standing up and leading us out.
We followed her...
Eldoria was a magnificent city. I couldn't help but marvel at the sights as we walked down the main street. There were magic shops, armories, spellbook stores, and even beast shops! Everything a mage could desire. Well-dressed adults and children filled the streets, and luxurious carriages passed by. Some buildings were several stories high, making the city seem much larger and denser than Taeyang.
I also saw children a few years older than me wearing matching uniforms, some black, others gray and red. I could only assume they were Axeris Academy students by their haughty demeanor.
Eventually, we reached Axeris's fashion district. Here, I learned that shopping with women was more exhausting than training alone. Even thinking about my training regimen made me sweat.
I was used as a mannequin for each girl's style preferences. Eva wanted to dress Sophia simply, while Alex tried to transform me into some sort of prince. Bairon just laughed at our plight.
"You need to look good because you're my best friend," Alex declared, hands on her hips.
I ended up with ten different outfits, half chosen by Bairon and half by Alex. I tried to protest, but Alex chided us, saying, "Think of it as an investment. Besides, I've always wanted a princess," with a wink.
We continued shopping after loading our bags into the carriage. I was eager to visit the armory. I wanted a decent sword to resume my training. My skills had dulled after such a long break. But the girls had other plans, dragging me to jewelry and gem stores. I resigned myself to visiting the armory another day.
Finally, we returned home, physically and mentally drained. Alex's father, Jeff, arrived shortly after.
"How was your day? Did you shop enough?" he laughed.
"I never thought shopping could be so exhausting," Alex groaned.
Jeff and Eva sat across from us, Jeff chuckling. "HAHA! I heard you were at the mercy of a group of women today, Eizan," Bairon teased.
I nodded weakly while Eva grinned at Sophia's pout. "Your little miracle isn't as great as I thought," she said, making Alex and Bairon giggle.
"I admit, a woman's stamina is unmatched when shopping," I grumbled.
Jeff and Alex laughed harder, nodding in agreement.
The doorbell rang, followed by a few knocks, catching everyone's attention.
"Ah! It seems she's here!" Jeff said excitedly.
Everyone's expressions showed that Jeff was the only one who knew what was happening.
Jeff returned, leading an elderly woman into the dining room.
"Alex, Eizan, Sophia, I know you've been eager to go to school, but I couldn't help it. Everyone, meet Emilia Albrendo! She's the Director of Axeris Academy."
Noticing my slight annoyance, Jeff quickly added, "Don't worry, I didn't bring her here to make you start school immediately. I just wanted her to meet you."
The Director gave me a smile that I couldn't decipher and extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Eizan."