The morning of the expedition had finally arrived, and Leo was up at dawn, making sure he had everything packed and ready. After double-checking his supplies, he headed down to the dining hall, where he spotted Darian and Alaric already sitting with their food.
"Good morning! Are you both ready for our expedition?" Leo asked, taking a seat beside them.
Alaric glanced up, looking confident. "Absolutely. I've packed everything we might need. Even brought a few extra supplies, just in case."
Darian grinned, his excitement clear. "Same here. Got everything ready last night. Can't believe we're finally heading out!"
They chatted for a bit, their spirits high but nerves simmering underneath. Just then, Sera and Mira arrived, joining them at the table. Though both girls looked prepared, there was a hint of worry in their eyes. The reality of spending a week out in the wild was starting to sink in.
Leo gave them a reassuring smile. "We've trained hard for this. We're going to do great."
Sera nodded, taking a deep breath. "I know. It's just...it'll be different, you know? But we'll handle it together."
Mira managed a small smile, glancing around at the group. "Exactly. We have each other, and we've come a long way. I'm ready."
They ate together, savoring what would be their last proper meal for a week, sharing quiet laughs and supportive words. When the bell rang, signaling the start of the day, Leo got up and looked around at his friends.
"I'll see you all soon. I need to check in with Mr. Brookfall. You guys head to class and wait for the announcement."
The group exchanged nods, and Leo left, making his way to Mr. Brookfall's office, feeling both eager and anxious for the mission ahead.
Leo entered Mr. Brookfall's office, pushing open the heavy door with a creak. The air inside felt thick with magic, humming faintly around the shelves lined with ancient tomes and peculiar artifacts. Mr. Brookfall sat at his desk, deep in thought, though he looked up with a slight smile as Leo entered.
"Ah, Leo," he greeted warmly, then leaned back in his chair. "Today's a big day—the start of your first expedition. How are you feeling about it?"
"A bit nervous," Leo admitted, shifting his weight. "But also excited. I feel like everything I've learned is finally going to matter out there." He took a breath, steadying himself. "And, about the wisp... other than the time I summoned it in class, it hasn't returned. But I'll definitely keep you updated if it does."
Mr. Brookfall nodded, looking reassured. "Good to hear, Leo. That wisp may be a guiding force for you, but keeping it in check will take focus. And I know you're up for the challenge." He paused, considering something, then turned around and reached behind his desk. When he turned back to face Leo, he held a long, dark object in his hands, which he placed on the desk with a careful touch.
It was a sword.
Leo's eyes widened as he looked down at it. The blade was sheathed, but the hilt alone was striking—crafted from dark steel wrapped in intricate patterns, with a single rune etched near the base that glowed faintly in the dim light.
"Why are you giving me a sword?" Leo asked, a bit bewildered.
Mr. Brookfall's expression softened, but there was a gravity in his gaze that Leo hadn't seen before. "This sword is a parting gift," he began, folding his hands in front of him. "It's enchanted, and it carries protections that even the best spells can't replicate. I know your magic is strong, Leo, but sometimes, there will be situations where your spells might not be enough. This is for those moments."
Leo carefully reached out, letting his fingers brush the hilt. The sword felt almost alive beneath his touch, vibrating with a faint energy, as though sensing his presence. It was strange, almost like it was inviting him to wield it, urging him to connect.
"I'll trust your instincts with it," Mr. Brookfall continued. "I know you know how to use one. You've shown natural skill with weaponry before, and if the situation calls for it, you'll know when to draw it."
Leo nodded, feeling the weight of Mr. Brookfall's words. "Thank you. I'll take care of it. And I'll make sure to only use it if I absolutely have to."
Mr. Brookfall's stern expression softened into a proud smile. "That's all I can ask, Leo. Now," he said, rising from his chair and clasping his hands behind his back, "the morning bell will ring soon, and all students are to gather in the front garden for the expedition briefing. Your group will be waiting for you there."
Leo felt a mix of anticipation and gratitude as he took the sword, strapping it carefully to his side. The weight of it on his hip was unfamiliar but comforting, a reminder of the responsibility he now carried.
Mr. Brookfall placed a hand on Leo's shoulder, giving him one last look. "Trust in yourself, Leo. Remember, you're more prepared than you know. Face what's out there with courage, and you'll be all right."
With a final nod, Leo turned, glancing back at his mentor as he stepped out of the office. The halls were filled with the quiet buzz of students readying themselves, their excitement and nerves palpable.
As Leo joined his friends in the front garden, he noticed the other groups gathering, each with a mix of excitement and anxiety. The air buzzed with the anticipation of the adventure that lay ahead. Ms. Raven, their head instructor, stepped forward and raised her hands for silence. Her voice, calm but firm, carried easily across the garden.
"Dear students," she began, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Today marks the beginning of a true test of your skills, endurance, and teamwork. This expedition will show you what it's really like to be an adventurer in the wild. Remember, out there, you'll face unpredictable challenges. Nature doesn't play favorites, and everything around you is both resource and obstacle. You'll need to adapt, to think, and above all, to survive."
Leo exchanged glances with his friends, feeling the weight of her words settle over them. A week in the wilderness, relying on their training and each other—it was both thrilling and daunting.
"This test," Ms. Raven continued, "will last one full week. Everything you've been studying, all the techniques and knowledge you've gained, will be put to the test. You'll need to draw on everything you've learned to get through this."
Ms. Raven paused, letting her words sink in before continuing, "Each group will be sent out individually to a random area. Every team will be far enough apart to minimize the chance of running into each other. This isn't a competition; there are no extra points for interfering with others. In fact," she said, her gaze sharp, "any attempt to hinder another team will lead to immediate disqualification."
Leo nodded, understanding the seriousness of her message. This test wasn't just about showcasing their magical abilities; it was about proving they could be responsible, resilient adventurers who respected others.
"Throughout this week, you'll be tasked with gathering materials, defending yourselves, and maintaining your resources. Your success will depend not only on individual skill but also on how well you work as a team. Trust each other, support each other, and remember the strategies you've learned here."
She looked over the students, her expression softer now. "You all have trained hard for this. Go out there and make us proud."
One by one, each group was called up, their names echoing across the garden as they received their final supplies and a magical device to alert the academy if there was an emergency. Finally, it was Leo's group's turn. They exchanged determined nods, feeling a strong sense of camaraderie as they stepped forward.
With a final nod from Ms. Raven and a pulse of magic that signaled their teleportation spell, Leo felt a surge of energy sweep over him. A flash of light enveloped them, and in the blink of an eye, they found themselves standing in the middle of a dense forest, surrounded by the wild sounds of nature.
The adventure had begun.