The light from the high arched windows of Kyrial Academy spilled onto polished stone floors, casting faint reflections that seemed to dance around Sebastian as he strode down the hall. He adjusted the strap of his worn leather satchel, filled with books on advanced magic and an assortment of study notes, his bright green eyes sharp with focus. Even in this bustling environment, where nobles and heirs to renowned families gathered, Sebastian's presence commanded respect—an unusual accomplishment for a commoner. His skill in spatial magic, a rare and complex branch of the arcane arts, had brought him far more attention than he'd ever expected. But that respect came at a cost; he was more guarded than most, even among his closest friends.
Waiting at the academy gates, he spotted Luna, her vibrant red eyes catching the afternoon light as she gave him an impatient wave. She leaned casually against the stone wall, her black hair spilling over her shoulder in loose waves. If Sebastian was known for his spatial prowess, Luna had built a reputation all her own with fire magic. Even in the academy, her raw talent was admired, though whispers followed her just as they did Sebastian. Being a commoner meant they had to work harder and smarter to earn their place, and few knew that better than them.
They met up every evening after their shifts at the nearby tavern where they worked late into the night, hauling dishes and scrubbing tables to make ends meet. Tonight was no different, but a sense of adventure simmered beneath the surface as they walked to work. Once they reached the back of the tavern, Sebastian leaned over the counter, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Luna, hear me out. I've got an idea."
"Oh, no," Luna replied immediately, a skeptical smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Last time you had an idea, we nearly ended up facing down that arcane beast outside the academy walls. So whatever it is, I'm saying no right now."
"Come on!" He nudged her with his shoulder. "Just think about it. We go to the ancient ruins, explore the deepest part, and see what we can learn about Abyssia's history. Imagine what we could discover—artifacts, hidden records, maybe even some magical insights."
Luna's eyebrows shot up. "You're not serious."
"Why wouldn't I be?" he replied, voice brimming with conviction. "Look, there's so much about our world we still don't know. Who knows what's hidden down there?"
She folded her arms, giving him a wary look. "Aside from the fact that those ruins are riddled with pits and have anti-magic zones? Yeah, sure, sounds like a walk in the park." Luna let out a soft sigh, though a spark of excitement flickered in her eyes despite herself.
"If you don't want to go, I'll just head there myself," Sebastian said, shrugging as if it were no big deal.
"Of course you'd say that." She rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small laugh. "Fine, fine, I'll go with you, but only because I know you'll get yourself killed if I don't."
A satisfied grin broke across his face. "I knew you couldn't resist."
Days passed, and finally, the academy's annual festival arrived—a time when classes were canceled, and the students could indulge in festivities. It was the perfect excuse. Sebastian and Luna packed lightly, slipping away from the academy's celebrations unnoticed. The road to the ruins was long, winding through fields and dense forests before finally opening up to rocky terrain. By the time they reached the towering stone archway that marked the entrance, the sun was dipping low, casting shadows that made the ruins appear even more ancient and mysterious.
Sebastian paused to take it all in, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Luna, however, looked at the ominous structure with an uneasy expression. "You know, something about this place just… doesn't feel right."
He patted her shoulder. "That's the spirit! Now, let's see what secrets these ruins have been hiding."
As they stepped inside, the air grew cooler, and the walls seemed to press in, carved with symbols and strange etchings. Each step they took echoed softly, and an eerie silence filled the space. Yet they pressed on, curiosity and determination guiding them forward.
Neither of them knew it yet, but this journey was no simple exploration. They were walking into the heart of a history written by forces far beyond their understanding, and their fate, whether they realized it or not, had already begun to unfold.
End of Chapter 1