The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the academy courtyard as Lucan walked, his thoughts focused on the fifth map piece. This fragment was more challenging to obtain than the others, not because of its location, but because of its current owner—a mysterious transfer student named Elias. Elias had arrived at the academy only recently, and rumors quickly spread about his connections to an ancient guardian spirit, a being of immense power that had protected his family for generations.
Lucan knew he had to tread carefully. The map piece was essential to his quest, but Elias was no ordinary student. He carried himself with a calm confidence, his sharp, dark eyes revealing little but perceiving much.
