The representative from every academy already walked onto the stage with a scroll on their hands. Eric were the one who announced the results for Gloomwatch Academy. The list were long and they waited patiently as this was a milestone for each one of them. Suddenly, Thorne name were called. Thorne were admitted to Gloomwatch Academy. Thorne jumped happily after hearing his name being called. He went forward to receive the invitation letter.
" Congratulations Thorne for the admission. I thought that you would go for the Hunter's Haven Academy but nobody would expect that you would choose to be a knight," said Auron happily.
" I want to wear those shiny armour and charge into the battlefield. Those stories about hero that charge valiantly through the battlefield with shining armour really awaken my passion to be a knight," replied Thorne. Auron would always told the twins interesting stories. Sometimes about a valiant hero who charged through the battlefield alone, other time about grand magus who destroys a mountain with a single spell and a great archer that able to shoot down enemy from the other side of the mountain. These are all the stories they told them if Auron was so lazy to play with them.
As time passed, Hunter's Haven Academy concluded their announcements, leaving only Swamp Enclave Academy to reveal their admission list. The timid Thyra's name had already been called, and she hugged her parents tightly, tears streaming down her face.
"What an emotional girl," mused Auron as he watched. The list of admitted students for Swamp Enclave Academy seemed to stretch endlessly, and his name had yet to be mentioned.
"Lastly, Auron. Please come forward and collect your admission letter," the mage's voice echoed. Auron was the final name called, drawing the eyes of the crowd.
After receiving his admission letter, Auron rejoined his family, and together they headed home. There was a week left until they were to register at the academy, and preparations began in earnest.
A week later, Sarah was busy helping Auron pack his luggage, ensuring he had everything he needed for his new adventure. Alex, on the other hand, was doing a last-minute tune-up on Auron's bow, meticulously servicing the weapon with care. He handed Auron two sets of daggers, his voice serious. "You'll need these for protection. Don't take them lightly."
Suddenly, the sound of horses neighing filled the air, and a silhouette of a carriage appeared in the distance. The coachman, an older man with grizzled features, held the reins as the carriage rumbled closer.
"Your transport has arrived," Alex announced, stepping out of the workshop just in time to meet the carriage.
"Old Tim, you're still doing this business?" Alex teased with a smile. "I thought you'd retired years ago."
The coachman, Old Tim, gave him a sharp look. "Retired? Who said I retired, kid? You think just because you're grown now, you can mouth off to me, huh? I remember when you were a scrawny little thing, always behaving in front of me. Now look at you, thinking you're some big shot. I'll be telling Old Chris about this, and he'll give you a proper spanking," he said with a laugh, clearly enjoying the banter.
The children in the carriage chuckled at Alex's expense, while he flushed with embarrassment. "Old Tim, I was only joking. No need to embarrass me," Alex muttered, trying to recover his dignity.
Sarah, enjoying the scene, chimed in with a grin. "That's what you get for disrespecting your elders."
"Hahaha! Lil Sarah is still the sensible one," Old Tim laughed heartily.
"Auron," Alex said, turning back to his son, "this is Old Tim. He's been doing this since even before I was a teenager. He knows these lands like the back of his hand. Listen to him during the trip, and make sure to follow his instructions. Trust me, you don't want to get on his bad side. He's good friends with the head instructor at Gloomwatch Academy, and if you misbehave, you'll have more than just a scolding to worry about."
Auron nodded and turned to Old Tim, bowing respectfully. "Hello, Old Tim. It's nice to meet you. Thank you for escorting me to the academy."
Old Tim raised an eyebrow and then pointed a gnarled finger at Alex. "Look at this boy, so polite. Puts you to shame, Alex." The group shared another laugh, while Alex stood there, reddened but with a resigned smile.
Just then, Ray, Thorne, and Thyra arrived, their own farewells finished. "Old Tim, good to see you. Thanks for taking care of them. I owe you a drink at the tavern," Ray said, clapping the old coachman on the shoulder.
Thorne and Thyra greeted Old Tim with polite bows as well, clearly grateful for his presence. Their father had already told them that Old Tim was a veteran hunter, one of the most experienced in the Gloom Wood Vale region. His presence alone gave them confidence that their journey would be much safer.
After heartfelt goodbyes to their parents, Auron, Thorne, and Thyra climbed into the carriage. As the horses neighed and the wheels began to turn, they set off towards Swamp Enclave Academy, their new home for the foreseeable future.
The journey would take three days, passing through the dense and mysterious Gloom Wood Forest. Though Old Tim's presence made them feel secure, they all knew the road ahead was unpredictable, and even the most seasoned veteran couldn't guarantee complete safety in these magical lands.
Auron were introducing himself to the others. From this conversation, he get to know John, Raymond and Jack from the nearby town. Only Alice came from the same town as him. The boys will leave for the Gloomwatch Academy with Thorne while only Alice will be attending Swamp Enclave Academy with him and Thyra.
As night fell, the group set about making camp. Auron, along with Thorne and Thyra, took charge of setting up the tents, their hands moving quickly and confidently as they put into practice what their parents had taught them. The others, not quite as experienced, watched in fascination and tried to help where they could.
Alice, who has red hair and white skin,intrigued by Auron's ease with the task, asked, "Where did you learn all this?"
Auron smiled, adjusting the final rope on the tent. "My parents made sure we were prepared. They taught us a lot about surviving in the wilderness before we left for the academy."
John, standing nearby with his muscular arms crossed, grinned. "I thought we'd be learning this stuff at the academy. Looks like we've got a head start, thanks to you three."
Raymond, with his green hair was struggling to light the campfire, finally managed to get a small flame going. Jack, a chubby guy sitting on a nearby log and clearly tired, let out a heavy sigh of relief. "I didn't think this trip would be so much work."
Auron chuckled. "It's good practice for what's to come. Survival skills are important for outdoor training at the academy."
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the fire crackled to life, casting a warm glow across the campsite. They all gathered around the fire, the warmth and light offering some comfort against the encroaching darkness. The sky turned deep orange, then indigo, as stars began to twinkle above them as they felt hungry