The morning's lesson about the legendary artifacts had left Lumi with a lingering sense of curiosity and purpose. As she walked through the bustling corridors of Oberon Academy, her mind continued to replay Professor Aurelian's words, especially those about the Hammer of Winter's Fury. The thought of such a powerful relic, tied to the very element she was blessed with, felt like a call she couldn't ignore.
After leaving the history classroom, Lumi decided to head to the library, hoping to find more information about the artifacts or the gods who created them. The academy's library was a grand structure, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls that contained the wisdom of countless generations. If there was any place where she could learn more, it would be there.
The library was quiet, with only the soft rustling of pages and the occasional whisper of students breaking the silence. Lumi's frost phoenix perched calmly on her shoulder as she made her way through the towering shelves, each filled with books that covered every imaginable topic. The vastness of the library was almost overwhelming, but Lumi's determination kept her focused.
She wandered through the aisles, scanning the titles of the books until she found a section dedicated to ancient myths and legends. It was here that she hoped to find more details about the Hammer of Winter's Fury and the other artifacts mentioned by Professor Aurelian.
As she reached for a particularly old and worn book titled Relics of the Forgotten Age, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"You're looking for something specific, aren't you?"
Lumi turned to see a tall, slender figure standing a few feet away. It was Kite, their black hair falling gracefully over one eye, their golden gaze curious yet calm. They were holding a book of their own, though it was clear their attention was focused on Lumi.
"I'm just… curious," Lumi replied, not entirely sure how much she wanted to reveal. Kite had a mysterious air about them, and while Lumi didn't feel threatened, she was cautious.
Kite's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Curiosity is a good thing. It means you're asking the right questions. Mind if I join you? It's not every day I find someone else interested in the old legends."
Lumi hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."
Together, they found a quiet corner of the library, where the sunlight filtered through tall, narrow windows, casting soft beams of light onto the dusty tomes. They sat down at a large wooden table, and Lumi opened the book she had chosen, flipping through its pages.
Kite watched her for a moment before speaking again. "The Hammer of Winter's Fury, right? That's what you're looking for."
Lumi looked up, surprised. "How did you know?"
Kite shrugged, their smile never fading. "You have that look. The same one I had when I first heard about it. It's hard not to be drawn to something so powerful, especially when it's connected to your own magic."
Lumi studied Kite for a moment. They seemed to know more than they let on, and their calm demeanor made it difficult to gauge their intentions. But something about their presence was reassuring, as if they understood what Lumi was feeling.
"I've heard stories about it," Lumi admitted, her voice quiet. "But I never thought I'd find anything real about it until today."
Kite nodded, leaning back in their chair. "Most people think it's just a legend, a story to scare or inspire. But I believe there's truth in it. These artifacts—these weapons—they're out there, somewhere. And they're waiting for the right person to find them."
Lumi felt a shiver run down her spine, though it wasn't from the cold. The way Kite spoke, with such certainty, made her believe it too. "Do you think… I could be that person? The one who finds it?"
Kite's golden eyes met Lumi's, their expression thoughtful. "I think it's possible. But whether you find it or not, you have the potential to do great things. The hammer is just a tool. It's you who will decide what to do with it, if you ever do find it."
Lumi absorbed Kite's words, feeling both comforted and challenged by them. She knew they were right—finding the hammer was only part of the journey. What mattered more was what she would do if she did find it.
They continued to discuss the legends, sharing what little they knew. Kite was surprisingly knowledgeable about the ancient gods and their artifacts, though they remained vague about how they had come by such information. Lumi, for her part, found herself opening up more than she expected, sharing her thoughts and concerns about her journey at Oberon Academy.
As they talked, Lumi realized that she was grateful for Kite's company. They had a way of making her feel at ease, of helping her see things from a different perspective. It was a quality she appreciated, especially as she navigated the challenges of her first year at the academy.
After some time, they fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Lumi continued to flip through the book, pausing at a passage that caught her eye. It was a description of a trial, a series of tests that those who sought the Hammer of Winter's Fury were said to face. The trial was designed to prove their worthiness, to see if they had the strength, wisdom, and courage to wield such power.
As she read, Lumi couldn't help but wonder if she would ever be ready for such a trial. The idea was daunting, but there was also a part of her that felt drawn to it, as if it was something she was meant to do.
Before she could dwell on it further, Kite spoke again, their voice soft but thoughtful. "You've got the strength to face whatever comes your way, Lumi. Just trust in yourself—and maybe lean on those who want to see you succeed."
Lumi looked up, meeting Kite's gaze. There was sincerity in their eyes, a quiet strength that made her feel more confident in her own abilities. She nodded, offering a small smile in return. "Thanks, Kite. That means a lot."
Kite smiled back, a rare warmth in their expression. "Anytime."
With that, they returned to their books, the silence between them now filled with a sense of mutual understanding. Lumi knew that the journey ahead would be difficult, but with friends like Kite by her side, she felt more ready to face it.
As the afternoon wore on, the library remained quiet, a sanctuary of knowledge and reflection. Lumi continued to read, the words on the page mingling with her thoughts as she prepared herself for whatever challenges lay ahead.
The Hammer of Winter's Fury was out there, somewhere. And if it was her destiny to find it, Lumi knew she would be ready.