As Yoshirata, Eiko, and Taro stepped through the massive iron gates of the academy, a surge of wonder washed over them. The academy courtyard was unlike anything they had ever seen, a world filled with ancient magic that buzzed through the air like an unseen current. The sensation of power tingled against their skin, making the hairs on their arms stand up. It felt like the very ground beneath their feet was alive, humming with a rhythm only the magically attuned could sense.
The courtyard stretched out wide, paved with shimmering stones that glinted in the sunlight. Each stone was engraved with glowing runes that pulsed softly in hues of blue and green, as though they were breathing with the life force of the academy. In the center, a majestic marble fountain stood tall, its water cascading down in glistening streams that split into countless droplets, catching the sunlight and creating tiny rainbows. Around the fountain were statues of legendary wizards and mythical creatures, chiseled so finely that the scales on the dragons and feathers on the griffins seemed almost real. Their eyes, carved with such precision, seemed to follow the students as they passed, as if watching and judging the newcomers.
Eiko's eyes widened, her face lighting up in awe. "This place… it's even more incredible than I imagined," she whispered, her voice filled with pure wonder. "The air feels different here. It's like it's buzzing with magic."
Yoshirata took in a deep breath, trying to take it all in at once. The magical energy seemed to fill his lungs, making him feel more alive than ever before. He turned to Taro, who was looking around with a huge grin. "Can you believe we're actually here?"
Taro let out a low whistle, running a hand through his messy hair. "I thought the village elder was exaggerating about the academy," he admitted. "But this… this is beyond anything I could've imagined."
They moved deeper into the courtyard, the excitement building with each step. The grand entrance hall was a sight that made them pause in their tracks. Massive stone pillars lined the walls, carved with swirling patterns that seemed to tell ancient stories of battles fought long ago. The ceiling stretched up into the shadows, painted with a breathtaking mural of constellations and mystical creatures that seemed to twinkle with a life of their own. Enchanted crystal chandeliers hung above, casting a gentle, colorful glow that danced across the polished stone floor like tiny fairies.
A grand, spiral staircase dominated the center of the hall, its railings adorned with delicate silver vines that sparkled in the light. The walls were decorated with portraits of past headmasters and famous students, each painting so vivid it felt like the figures might step out at any moment. The eyes in the portraits followed the students with a stern, yet almost curious, gaze.
"This is incredible," Eiko breathed out, her gaze fixed on the mural above. The creatures painted there—phoenixes, leviathans, and celestial dragons—were depicted in such detail that they seemed ready to leap out of the ceiling. "These are all legendary creatures," she said, pointing. "I've only ever seen drawings of them in dusty old books."
"Legend has it the greatest beast tamer, Magnus, summoned these creatures to fight in the Great War," Eiko explained, her tone filled with admiration. "The mural was painted in his honor. They say the stars in the painting reflect the real night sky."
"You really did your homework, huh?" Yoshirata teased, giving Eiko a playful nudge.
Eiko blushed, glancing away with a small smile. "It's not like I was excited or anything," she muttered, though the sparkle in her eyes gave her away.
They continued down the hall, sunlight streaming in through tall, arched windows. The light created a mosaic of colors on the floor as it filtered through stained glass panels, each depicting a different scene from the academy's storied past. Outside, they could see the sprawling grounds: vast training fields, vibrant gardens brimming with exotic, magical plants, and a crystal-clear lake that glimmered like liquid silver in the sunlight.
"Look at that lake," Taro said, pressing his face close to the window. "It looks like it's made of molten silver. Do you think it's enchanted?"
"Everything here probably is," Yoshirata laughed. "This isn't just any school, after all."
The trio entered a large common area for new students, a cozy room filled with plush chairs and tables where students chatted excitedly or practiced small spells. Magical orbs floated gently overhead, casting a soft, soothing light that made the space feel warm and inviting. On one side of the room, a massive fireplace crackled with unusual blue and green flames, sending waves of heat that felt like a comforting embrace.
A tall figure in elegant robes stepped forward, clearing his throat. The room fell into a respectful silence as all eyes turned to him. He was an older man, his silver beard neatly trimmed, and his eyes sparkled with a deep, ancient wisdom.
"Welcome, new students," he began, his voice strong and welcoming. "I am Headmaster Silvermist. You have all been chosen to study at the prestigious Celestia Magic Acadmey. Here, you will learn to harness your inner power, to explore the mysteries of the arcane, and to shape the very fabric of reality."
A thrill shot through Yoshirata, goosebumps prickling his skin. This was the moment he had dreamed of: a chance to learn about his own strange powers and to live up to the legacy of his ancestors.
"You will be placed into different Houses based on your magical affinity," the headmaster continued. "These Houses will not only be your living quarters but your family. They will support you, challenge you, and push you to grow."
Eiko leaned closer to Yoshirata, her voice hushed with excitement. "I wonder which House we'll end up in," she whispered. "I hope we get to stay together."
Taro grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Doesn't matter where we go—we'll stick together and be the best, just like always."
The headmaster raised his hand, and several glowing orbs floated into view. They hovered in front of the students, each a different color, radiating a gentle light.
"These are your guides," the headmaster said. "They will lead you to your dormitories and show you around. Treat them well, for they carry the knowledge of the entire academy."
Yoshirata's guide was a soft golden orb. It hovered close to his hand, warm and inviting. "Hello there," he said, smiling. "I guess you'll be showing me around."
Eiko's orb was a bright, playful blue, bouncing happily around her. "It's adorable!" she exclaimed, reaching out as it danced away.
Taro's guide was a deep, fiery red. It zipped around him energetically, making him laugh. "This one's got some spunk. I like it," he said with a grin.
"Off you go, children," the headmaster called as he walked away. "Your guides will take you to the auditorium for your ability test. Some of you may already know your powers; others will discover them soon enough."
The orbs floated away, leading the students through the vast halls. Yoshirata followed, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation building inside him. This was the start of something incredible.
Eiko glanced at her friends, her smile wide. "We really made it," she said softly.
Yoshirata nodded, clenching his fist with a sense of purpose. "This is just the beginning," he said. "Together, we're going to become stronger than we ever imagined."
Taro threw his arms around his friends with a boisterous laugh. "Bring it on, Celestia Magic Academy!" he shouted. "We're ready for anything!"