After lunch, Darian and the others decided to show Leo around campus, taking advantage of the free day. It was Aquael, the first day of the weekend, named for the day when water-based magic and relaxation were celebrated—a tradition that many students looked forward to after a busy week.
Sera led the group as they strolled across the sprawling academy grounds, pointing out landmarks. "That's the Arcane Library," she said, nodding toward a grand, towering building with walls inlaid with shimmering runes. "It's open almost all day on Aquael, and it's packed with spells, magical history, and guides for just about everything."
Next, Alaric gestured toward a courtyard full of lush plants and tiny streams running between the cobblestone paths. "The Elemental Garden," he explained. "It's a great place to practice elemental magic safely. They have designated areas for each type of element, so students can train without… you know, accidentally burning down the academy."
Leo's eyes widened, taking it all in. The academy had so much more than he had imagined. Even the air seemed to hum with magical energy, each building and path laced with protective enchantments.
Mira pointed to a tall, spiraling tower. "That's the Observatory Tower. It's amazing for stargazing and meditation, especially at night. Some students say they've even experienced visions up there."
By the time they reached the lake, Leo was feeling inspired. The water was clear, reflecting the sky like glass. Darian grinned, seeing Leo's expression. "This is Lake Seraphine. On Aquael, it's especially popular. Some students practice water magic here, and others just come to relax or swim.
Leo took a deep breath. He had a lot to learn, but being surrounded by others who shared his enthusiasm made it all the more exciting.
The water looked so calming, and Leo began to wonder if the wisps in the area might be stronger here, surrounded by the academy's ambient magic. Feeling an idea forming, he took a step back from the group.
"I want to try something," he said, his voice low with excitement.
Curious, Darian, Sera, Alaric, and Mira exchanged glances, then took a few steps back to give him space.
Leo closed his eyes, focusing inward, and called to the wisps, reaching out with his magic to draw them to him. He felt a faint, buzzing warmth in his chest, and within moments, he sensed a gathering energy. When he opened his eyes, he was surrounded by a cloud of wisps—fifteen in total, each one glowing a bright, pure blue and full of vitality. They floated around him, bobbing gently in the air, casting a soft light that danced across the lake's surface.
Leo stared in awe at the wisps. He'd never summoned more than twelve before. In the simulation, he had managed fifteen, but he hadn't been sure if that was a fluke. Now, standing by Lake Seraphine, he realized something had shifted. Maybe the academy's energy or even his own growing skill had allowed him to call forth this many.
The group stared at Leo in awe. Most students their age could manage to summon eight to eleven wisps at best, and that was considered impressive at this level. But to see someone not only younger, but three years younger, controlling fifteen wisps was something unheard of.
Darian shook his head, a look of amazement spreading across his face. "So this is why they assigned Mr. Brookfall as your mentor," he said, half in awe, half in admiration.
Leo smiled, a little shyly, realizing how unusual this must seem to them. "I guess so," he replied. "I still don't know everything I'm capable of. My dad taught me a lot before… well, before everything changed. But I think there's a lot I need to learn to control it."
Sera nodded thoughtfully. "You've already got so much natural talent. With Mr. Brookfall's guidance, who knows what you'll be able to do?"
Mira leaned in, eyes shining with excitement. "And we'll be here to watch it all. Imagine what you'll be capable of by the end of the term!"
Alaric gave Leo a respectful nod. "I think you're going to set a new standard around here. Just don't forget the little people," he joked, nudging Leo.
Leo laughed, his cheeks reddening. "Thanks, everyone. I don't know about setting standards, but… I'll do my best."
The group continued their tour, the excitement still buzzing around them as they walked, but Leo now felt a quiet confidence he hadn't felt before. For the first time, he felt truly accepted, as though he belonged in this world of magic and wonder.
As they continued the tour, Alaric lingered behind, his expression darkening as he watched Leo laughing and chatting with the others. How could someone so young be this strong? It's unfair, he thought, feeling jealousy stir within him. I've spent years learning everything about magic, honing every skill—and he just shows up and has it all. Alaric shot a side glance at Leo, a hint of anger in his eyes, though no one seemed to notice.
Up ahead, Darian gave Leo a friendly pat on the shoulder. "So, you're coming in a bit later this semester, but only by a few weeks. It shouldn't be too much to catch up on. I know you'll be busy tomorrow with your mentor, but when you're done, give me a call. I can help you go over anything you missed," he offered with a grin. "In a few weeks, there's an outing, and we usually go in five-man groups, so it's perfect timing that you joined!"
Leo's face lit up, genuinely happy to feel so welcomed. Despite his father's advice to be cautious and remember that not everyone could be trusted, he couldn't help but feel a warmth toward his new friends. So far, everyone he'd met seemed trustworthy.
As they strolled through the academy grounds, Leo felt a new sense of belonging—though, unknown to him, not everyone shared the same enthusiasm. Alaric walked silently at the back, his gaze heavy as he watched Leo.
After the tour, hours had passed, and as evening settled in, Alaric and Mira said their goodbyes to Leo, Darian, and Sera before heading to the dorms. As they walked, Alaric's thoughts seemed to weigh heavily on him, and he finally broke the silence.
"What do you think of Leo? With him being three years younger and already in our class?" he asked, his tone carrying a faint edge.
Mira glanced over, picking up on the tension in Alaric's voice. "He seems fine—very talented, but a good kid. Why? Did he do something to upset you?" she asked, her eyebrows knitting in concern.
Alaric shook his head, looking away. "No, he hasn't done anything. But don't you think it's a little… unfair that he just gets to join our level because he shows a bit of talent? I've put in so much work to be where I am. Why should he get special treatment?"
Mira looked at him thoughtfully, taken aback by his frustration. She had always known Alaric to be confident, one of the top students in their year—only Darian surpassed him, and Alaric could control twelve wisps, an impressive feat for their level. He excelled in hand-to-hand combat and was studying to become a void mage after completing the intermediate classes. Still, she sensed that this wasn't just about skill but pride.
"Look, Alaric," she said softly, "some people are just born with a stronger connection to the world. Nobody really knows why, but it's a gift—and a burden, too. It doesn't mean what we're doing isn't valuable. And don't forget, Leo didn't just show up here empty-handed. His father taught him everything he could for his age before sending him here. Maybe Leo's meant to be here, just like we are."
Alaric's expression softened slightly, though he still looked troubled. "Maybe. But it just feels like everything I've worked for is being overshadowed, like he's just… taking my place."
Mira placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're one of the best students here, Alaric. Nobody's taking your place. Just give him a chance. We might learn something from him, too."
Alaric sighed but nodded, the hint of anger in his eyes dimming. As they reached the dorms, Mira hoped her words would help him find peace in his own talents and stop seeing Leo as a threat.