Rosaria's lively streets buzzed with energy as Ash, Elena, Sword, and Empress strolled through the bustling markets. The warm afternoon sun cast a golden glow on the marble streets, and the scent of exotic spices, fresh flowers, and baked goods filled the air. The city was alive with merchants shouting their wares, noblewomen browsing in ornate clothing, and adventurers haggling over enchanted weapons and rare materials.
Ash glanced at Elena, her eyes scanning the stalls eagerly. "Looks like you're enjoying yourself," he said with a smile.
"Of course!" Elena replied, her voice light and full of excitement. "Rosaria has everything. We might as well take a break after the exams."
Sword, hovering beside Ash, added with a chuckle, "I can't argue with that. Though I'm keeping an eye on the food stalls—those pastries look magical, and I mean that literally."
"Don't get too distracted," Empress teased, floating near Elena. Her regal presence exuded calm but carried a playful glint in her eyes. "We still need to stay sharp. This city is busy, but you never know what can happen."
They continued down the street, pausing to admire a shop displaying enchanted jewelry and alchemical potions. While Elena examined a delicate necklace embedded with a glowing gem, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A crowd of people surged forward, shouting and pointing.
"What's going on?" Ash asked, immediately on alert.
"Looks like someone's in trouble," Sword said, his voice sharpening.
Elena handed the necklace back to the shopkeeper and moved towards the crowd, her eyes scanning for the source of the disturbance. A figure darted through the throngs of people—a thief, clutching a pouch of gold coins as he pushed his way through, knocking over a few pedestrians in his escape.
"Thief!" someone shouted from behind.
Without hesitation, Ash and Elena sprang into action, their training and reflexes kicking in. Ash's [Eyes of the God of Creation] flared to life, allowing him to track the thief's movements with precision. Every step the thief took left behind a faint trail of magical residue, guiding Ash like a beacon through the chaotic streets.
Elena was already ahead, her agility and speed unmatched as she weaved through the crowd with Empress by her side. She spotted the thief slipping into a narrow alley and sprinted after him.
"Cut him off from the other side!" she shouted to Ash, her voice carrying over the din of the market.
Ash nodded, quickly adjusting his path and taking a side street that led around to the alley. He knew Elena's plan—they'd trap the thief between them. Sword, floating beside him, hummed with excitement.
"I love a good chase," Sword remarked. "Let's show them what we're made of."
Elena's heart raced as she pursued the thief down the narrow alley. She could hear his labored breathing and the frantic clatter of his boots on the cobblestones. Just as she closed the gap, the thief glanced back and spotted her, his eyes widening in fear. He skidded to a halt, turning sharply into a side alley.
"Not so fast," Elena muttered under her breath.
With a graceful leap, she cleared a stack of crates and cut through the alley. Empress, hovering beside her, projected a thin barrier to block the thief's path, forcing him to stumble and change direction. Just as he was about to make another turn, Ash appeared from the opposite side, Sword raised and glowing with energy.
The thief froze, realizing he was trapped.
"Nowhere to run," Ash said calmly, his eyes locking onto the thief's pouch of stolen gold. "Hand it over."
For a moment, the thief's eyes darted between Ash and Elena, calculating his chances of escape. Then, with a frustrated growl, he dropped the pouch and raised his hands in surrender.
Before they could approach, a new voice cut through the tension.
"Well, well, if it isn't the famous Ash and Elena, catching thieves like it's second nature."
Elena turned toward the source of the voice, her eyes widening in surprise. Standing at the entrance of the alley, hands on her hips and a confident smirk on her face, was Iris Fatebreaker. Her short silver hair glistened in the sunlight, and her piercing blue eyes gleamed with amusement. Dressed in the sleek armor of a knight-in-training, Iris looked every bit the formidable warrior Elena remembered from the Royal Knight School exam.
"Iris!" Elena exclaimed, stepping forward. "What are you doing here?"
"Same as you, apparently—shopping." Iris gestured towards the thief with a casual wave. "Though I wasn't expecting a bit of action in the middle of a quiet afternoon."
Ash, who had been studying Iris with curiosity, stepped forward and introduced himself. "You must be a friend of Elena's. I'm Ash."
"Iris Fatebreaker," she replied, offering him a firm handshake. "We trained together during the Royal Knight School exam. Elena saved my hide more than once."
"Please, you exaggerate," Elena said with a laugh. "You were just as skilled. We made a great team."
Iris grinned and glanced at the thief, who was now being apprehended by a group of city guards. "Seems like you haven't lost your touch, though. Quick thinking, cutting him off like that."
"It was all teamwork," Ash said. "Couldn't have done it without Elena."
Sword, who had been floating near Ash, chimed in with a playful tone, "And let's not forget about us soul weapons. We're part of the team too."
Empress, her regal demeanor intact, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, though I'm certain Elena would have handled it with or without my help."
Iris raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the dynamic between the soul weapons and their wielders. "You two make quite the pair. So, what brings you all to Rosaria today?"
"We just finished the exams," Elena explained. "Figured we'd celebrate by exploring the city a bit. How about you?"
"Same here," Iris replied, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword. "I finished my practical test at the Royal Knight School earlier this morning. Thought I'd reward myself with a little shopping—until I saw the commotion, of course."
The conversation flowed easily as the group made their way back to the main street, the thief incident now behind them. The market resumed its bustling rhythm, and the vibrant colors and sounds of Rosaria enveloped them once again.
Wandering through the marketplace together, Ash found himself drawn to Iris's straightforward confidence and sharp wit. She spoke with the ease of someone who had seen her fair share of challenges but carried none of the arrogance that often accompanied it. Elena and Iris chatted effortlessly, reminiscing about their time at the Royal Knight School exam and sharing stories of the grueling trials they had faced.
"I still remember that final test," Iris said, laughing. "You thought I was done for when those golems surrounded me, didn't you?"
Elena shook her head, smiling. "I didn't think you were done—I knew you had it in you to pull through. But yes, it did look pretty bad for a second there."
"You and Empress came in clutch, though," Iris replied, glancing at the elegant weapon floating beside Elena. "I've never seen a soul weapon move with such precision. You two are in perfect sync."
"It's not always perfect," Elena admitted, though a hint of pride colored her tone. "But we're getting there."
Ash listened quietly, absorbing the camaraderie between the two women. He found himself admiring how easily Elena connected with others, how naturally she fostered bonds of friendship. Sword hovered near Ash, offering the occasional comment on the items they passed by in the marketplace.
"See that staff?" Sword said, pointing to a stall selling enchanted weapons. "It's a beauty, but I think you're better off sticking with me."
Ash chuckled. "I wouldn't trade you for anything."
Iris caught the exchange and raised an eyebrow. "You two talk like old friends. How long have you had your soul weapon?"
Ash hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain the connection he had with Sword. "It's… a bit of a long story. Let's just say Sword and I are still figuring things out, but we work well together."
Sword hummed in agreement. "We're a team, through and through."
The sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over Rosaria's streets, the group found themselves seated at a cozy outdoor café near the central square. The soft murmur of conversation from nearby tables and the gentle clinking of cups created a peaceful atmosphere.
"I didn't think I'd run into you today, but I'm glad I did," Iris said, taking a sip of her drink. "It's nice to meet more people outside the Academy. I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of each other in the future."
Elena nodded in agreement. "I'm sure of it. Maybe we can spar again sometime. It's always fun training with you."
Ash smiled, feeling a sense of ease as he sat back, watching the world go by. The day had been full of surprises—both in the exam and in the encounter with Iris. But now, as they sat together, the future felt full of possibility.
"I'd like that," Iris said, raising her glass. "To new friends—and to whatever adventures come next."
The group raised their glasses in a shared toast.
*****
The evening was approaching, the golden hues of the setting sun bathed Rosaria in a warm glow. The market had quieted, and the streets were now less crowded as students and residents alike made their way back to their respective homes and dormitories. Ash, Elena, Iris, and their soul weapons found themselves at a crossroads in front of a grand stone fountain, its water shimmering under the fading light.
"This is where we part for now," Iris said, her silver hair catching the last rays of the sun as she turned to Elena. "You and I are heading to the Royal Knight's dorms, right?"
Elena nodded, adjusting her sword belt. "Yeah, it's been a long day. I'm ready to get some rest before classes start tomorrow."
Iris grinned, "I'll make sure you're well-rested. But knowing you, you're probably more excited than tired."
Empress, who floated beside Elena, added, "She won't admit it, but she's definitely excited for the first day."
Elena chuckled, not denying it. "We'll see."
Ash, standing a little aside, smiled at the bond forming between the two knights. Sword floated quietly beside him, but Ash could sense his partner's amusement.
"You two will probably be sparring as soon as you hit the training fields," Ash said.
Iris gave a light shrug, "Only if Elena can keep up." She winked at Elena, and they both shared a laugh.
"Don't underestimate me," Elena shot back playfully.
"Well," Ash began, glancing at the towering silhouette of the Royal Magician School in the distance, "I guess it's time for Sword and me to head back to our dorm. We've got our own first day to get ready for."
"Good luck with your classes tomorrow," Elena said, her expression softening. "And don't forget to practice your swordsmanship whenever you can."
Ash smiled at her concern. "I won't. We'll catch up later."
Sword hummed, hovering near Ash's shoulder. "We'll be in good hands. Class A-1, here we come."
With that, Ash and Sword turned and began walking toward the Royal Magician's dorms, the tall towers of the academy looming in the distance. Elena and Iris watched them go before heading toward the Royal Knight's dormitories together, their laughter fading into the quiet night.
*****
The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Royal Magician's dormitory, casting warm rays across the room where Ash lay in bed. He stirred as the light crept up to his face, and with a groggy sigh, he pushed himself up, rubbing his eyes. Today was the first day of classes at the Royal Magician School, and despite the peacefulness of the dorm, Ash could feel a twinge of nervous excitement bubbling within him.
Sword floated near the window, watching the rising sun with an almost contemplative air. "You ready for the big day?"
Ash swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretching before standing. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Sword's glow brightened slightly. "You've got this. With those eyes of yours, you'll be learning faster than anyone in that class."
"Let's hope so," Ash said, his thoughts drifting to what the first day would bring. He'd passed the entrance exams without much trouble, thanks to his [Eyes of the God of Creation], but now came the real challenge—keeping up with the best and brightest students in the entire Empire.
After quickly washing up and dressing in the school's crisp white uniform, Ash grabbed his satchel and slung it over his shoulder. He glanced at Sword, who was already floating by the door, ready to go.
"Let's not keep Class A-1 waiting," Sword said with a playful tone.
Ash smiled, feeling a bit more confident as they left the dormitory and made their way toward the Royal Magician School.
The Royal Magician Academy's main building loomed ahead, its towering spires reaching into the clear blue sky. The courtyard was filled with students, many wearing the same uniform as Ash, though some bore different colors indicating their classes or specialties. Ash followed the steady stream of students into the grand hall, where the names of the classes were posted on a large magical board that glowed softly in the morning light.
"There we are," Ash muttered, spotting his name listed under Class A-1 along with Sword's. Sword hummed approvingly beside him.
"Top class, just as expected," Sword said with pride. "Let's make a good impression."
They made their way to the assigned classroom, a large, circular chamber with high ceilings and ornate pillars that hummed with magical energy. Students were already gathering inside, taking their seats around the perimeter of the room. In the center stood a raised platform, where Ash assumed the instructors would demonstrate their lessons.
Ash found a seat near the center, where he could easily observe the room and the other students. Sword floated by his side, keeping quiet but alert.
The air buzzed with excitement as students murmured among themselves, some casting curious glances at Ash and Sword. They had clearly heard about the pair who had aced the entrance exams.
Just as the room grew quiet, a tall, imposing figure entered the room. The instructor, a middle-aged mage with sharp features and a flowing dark robe, strode to the center of the platform. His presence commanded immediate attention.
"Welcome, students," he said, his voice resonating throughout the chamber. "I am Magister Aeron, your primary instructor for Class A-1. You are here because you have shown exceptional talent and potential, but make no mistake—what lies ahead will challenge you in ways you've never imagined."
The students sat up straighter, the weight of Magister Aeron's words sinking in.
"This class," he continued, "will push you to your limits. Magic is not a tool for the weak-minded. It requires focus, discipline, and an unyielding will to master. If you think you have what it takes, then prove it. You will be tested, and failure is not an option."
Ash listened intently, his heart beating a little faster. He could feel Sword's silent presence beside him, steady and reassuring.
"Let's see how you handle your first challenge," Aeron said, his eyes scanning the room. "Each of you will demonstrate the extent of your magical abilities in front of the class. This will help us gauge your level and place you into specialized groups for training."
A murmur of excitement and anxiety rippled through the room. Ash's thoughts raced. He knew he had the advantage of his [Eyes of the God of Creation], but using them here in front of everyone would be risky.
The first student stepped forward and began to showcase their magic—a basic but impressive fire spell—Ash took a deep breath, preparing himself for his turn.
"I know you're thinking about how to play this," Sword whispered. "But don't overthink it. Just be yourself."
Ash nodded, watching as the students ahead of him demonstrated their abilities one by one. Some summoned elemental magic, others conjured shields or illusions. Each display was met with careful scrutiny from Magister Aeron.
Finally, it was Ash's turn.
With Sword at his side, he stepped up to the center of the platform. The room fell silent, all eyes on him.
Magister Aeron raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the young man standing before him. "Ash… the one who excelled in the entrance exams. Let's see if you can live up to your reputation."
Ash took a deep breath, his [Eyes of the God of Creation] flaring to life. He glanced around the room, his vision honing in on the magical auras surrounding his classmates, the walls, even the very air. Every element of magic in the room became clear to him, its structure and flow visible as patterns of energy.
He could see the way the previous students had shaped their spells, the subtle differences in how they controlled their mana. It was all laid out before him like a puzzle waiting to be solved.
With a calm, steady hand, Ash raised his arm, gathering mana into his palm. He visualized the spell he had studied, drawing from the patterns he had observed. The energy coalesced into a shimmering orb of light, which pulsed with radiant magic.
The room was silent as Ash manipulated the orb, shifting its shape and color effortlessly. He guided it through a series of complex movements, bending and twisting the magic with precision and grace. Finally, he released the spell, allowing the orb to dissolve into a shower of sparkling light that gently cascaded to the ground.
Magister Aeron nodded, a flicker of approval in his sharp eyes. "Impressive. You've got a strong grasp of magical theory and application. Well done."
Ash stepped down, his heart pounding but a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over him. He returned to his seat, where Sword hovered proudly beside him.
"Not bad," Sword said with a hint of amusement. "You made that look easy."
Ash smiled, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. "Thanks. Let's hope it only gets easier from here."
After the demonstrations were over, Magister Aeron dismissed the students, instructing them to return the next day for their first full day of training. As Ash gathered his things, he noticed several students glancing his way, clearly impressed by his performance.
He and Sword exited the classroom, and a few students approached him. A tall boy with striking black hair and a confident stride was the first to speak. "That was some impressive magic you pulled off back there. Name's Kael. I'm guessing you're the Ash everyone's been whispering about."
Ash shook Kael's hand, noting the firm grip and the slight spark of competitive energy in his eyes. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Kael."
Beside Kael stood a girl with short auburn hair and piercing green eyes. She studied Ash with a keen gaze before speaking. "I'm Lira. That display you did… it wasn't just magic, was it? There was something more."
Ash could feel Sword's presence close by, though his soul weapon remained silent for now. He wasn't about to reveal the full extent of his abilities so easily, especially not on the first day. "Just some mana manipulation," Ash replied smoothly. "It's all about control."
Lira didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press further. "Well, whatever it was, it caught Aeron's attention. That's not easy to do."
Kael laughed. "I'm just glad I'm not the only one in this class who wants to push the limits. There's a lot of talent here, but you seem different. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're capable of."
Ash smiled, appreciating the straightforwardness of the exchange. "Same here. It'll be interesting to see where we all end up."
While they continued talking, other students began to filter out of the room, some casting curious glances toward the small gathering. The atmosphere was one of cautious camaraderie, each student aware that the road ahead would be challenging, but also filled with opportunities to grow.
Before long, the group began to break apart, students heading off to their respective dorms or the dining halls. Kael gave Ash a final nod before leaving with Lira, who glanced back one last time before disappearing around the corner.
Ash walked through the quiet corridors of the Royal Magician School, Sword floating alongside him, still glowing with an energy that matched Ash's mood. The day had been long, and though it had started with excitement, now the weight of the day's events began to settle on his shoulders.
"You handled that well," Sword said, breaking the silence. "But I don't think you should've used your eyes there."
Ash nodded. "I figured it was best to keep things subtle for now. But that was reckless, for sure."
"That Lira girl… she saw something, though," Sword added, his tone thoughtful. "She's sharp. You'll need to watch her."
Ash agreed. Lira's keen observation had been a little unnerving, but at the same time, it was refreshing to meet someone who wasn't easily fooled by surface appearances. He'd have to keep an eye on her as well.
They made their way back to the dorm, and Ash's thoughts drifted to the future. The first day had gone well, but the real challenges were just beginning. He could feel the weight of the expectations surrounding him—both from his peers and from himself.
Back at the dormitory, the evening had settled in, and the building was quiet except for the occasional murmur of students chatting in the common areas. Ash pushed open the door to his room and stepped inside, feeling a sense of comfort in the familiar surroundings. Sword floated beside him, his glow dimming slightly as they entered.
Ash dropped his satchel by the desk and sat on the edge of the bed, his mind still racing. Tomorrow would bring more classes, more opportunities to learn, but also more chances for others to notice his abilities. He knew he had to be cautious about when and how he used his [Eyes of the God of Creation].
"You're thinking too much," Sword said softly, hovering near the window. "You're already ahead. Just take it one step at a time."
Ash smiled at the advice. "You're right. No point in worrying about everything at once."
The night passed quietly, the sounds of the city outside lulling Ash into a state of calm. As he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, he let his thoughts drift, allowing himself a moment of peace before the next day's challenges arrived.
The following morning, Ash awoke to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains. The day had arrived—his first full day as a student in Class A-1. The initial excitement had faded, replaced by a quiet determination to prove himself, not just to others but to himself as well.
He dressed quickly, feeling the crispness of his uniform against his skin, and grabbed his satchel. Sword, already floating by the door, seemed as eager as ever.
The academy buzzed with energy as Ash made his way to the lecture halls. Students crowded the corridors, their conversations filled with excitement and curiosity about the upcoming classes. Ash navigated through the throng with ease, his thoughts focused on the challenges ahead.
When he arrived at the classroom, several students were already there, chatting among themselves or reviewing notes. Kael and Lira stood near the back, deep in conversation, though Lira glanced up and gave Ash a brief nod as he entered.
Ash took his seat, Sword hovering silently beside him as the class filled in. The air was thick with anticipation, everyone waiting for the arrival of their next instructor.
Moments later, the door swung open, and a tall woman with long, silver hair entered the room. She wore the dark robes of a senior mage, and her presence commanded immediate attention. Her eyes scanned the room with a sharp, calculating gaze.
"I am Magister Morgana," she said, her voice low but powerful. "Today, we will be diving into the fundamentals of advanced magical theory. You may have passed the entrance exams, but that does not mean you are ready for the trials ahead."
Ash sat up straighter, feeling the weight of her words. Magister Morgana was clearly not one to be trifled with.
"We will begin with the basics," she continued, her voice taking on a more instructional tone. "Mana control, spell weaving, and the study of ancient arcane texts. These are the building blocks upon which your future as a mage will be built."
As the lecture began, Ash found himself absorbed in the material. The complexity of the magic they were studying was staggering, but with his [Eyes of the God of Creation], he could see the intricate patterns of mana that others could only theorize about. He quickly realized that this advantage would allow him to excel, but he also knew that he needed to pace himself, not drawing too much attention just yet.
Sword hovered nearby, watching the proceedings with interest. "This is just the beginning," he murmured, his voice low. "You've got a long road ahead, but you're more than ready."
Ash nodded silently, his gaze focused on Magister Morgana's lecture. He knew that the challenges would only grow more difficult from here, but with his abilities and the support of Sword, he felt ready to face whatever came his way.
And so, the first day of class in the prestigious A-1 continued, the future full of promise—and danger.