A reverent silence filled the auditorium after the headmistress's opening words. Ethel Arannis stood firm at the podium, her figure radiating unquestionable authority. Her piercing gaze scanned the sea of students as though she could see through each of them.
"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, one that will not be without challenges or sacrifices. Here, at Ethelia Magic Academy, you will be given the opportunity to surpass your limits and discover the true extent of your potential."
She paused, allowing her words to settle over the crowd.
"The academy is not just a place to learn magic or refine martial skills," Ethel continued, her tone firm but inspiring. "It is a place where you will discover who you truly are. Here, you will find allies… and rivals. You will face trials that will test not only your strength but also your character."
Luther couldn't take his eyes off her. There was something about her voice that resonated deep within him. Beside him, Elise seemed equally captivated, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"However, let me make one thing clear from the start," Ethel said, her tone growing more serious. "Not all of you will reach the end of this journey. Some will falter, unable to bear the pressure. Others will realize that their ambitions are not enough to face what lies ahead. And that is okay. Not everyone is destined for greatness."
A restless murmur rippled through the auditorium at those words, but Ethel raised a hand, and silence fell immediately.
"For those who persevere, for those who face adversity with determination and courage, the rewards will be unparalleled. Here, we will forge the future leaders of the kingdom, the guardians of our people, and the innovators who will push our magic to new frontiers. The question is: which of you has what it takes to be among them?"
A shiver ran down Luther's spine at her words. Determination ignited within him. He could feel the same energy in the air, shared by many of the students around him.
The headmistress took a step back, extending both hands. A glowing magic circle appeared beneath her feet, projecting a three-dimensional map of the academy that floated in the air for all to see.
"This is Ethelia Magic Academy. Here are your classrooms, your dormitories, your training grounds. This will be your home and your battlefield. Make the most of every opportunity presented to you. From today, your lives will never be the same."
The map vanished, and the magic circle beneath her feet dissolved with a soft glow. Ethel Arannis inclined her head slightly, her gaze sweeping across the crowd once more.
"Welcome, students."
The auditorium erupted into applause and cheers. Students stood, some with expressions of excitement, others with newfound determination. Luther joined in the applause, his heart pounding. He knew he was about to embark on something far greater than he had ever imagined.
As the headmistress left the stage, Darius approached the group, a satisfied smile on his face.
"I hope you were paying attention. Now, follow me—there's something you need to see."
Elise and Luther, along with the rest of the group, followed Darius through the academy's illuminated corridors until they arrived at the expansive main courtyard. As they crossed the threshold, a breathtaking scene unfolded before their eyes, leaving the group speechless.
The courtyard was a vast, vibrant space surrounded by towering buildings adorned with intricate magical carvings that glowed faintly under the sunlight. Students from all walks of life chatted, practiced magic, or simply enjoyed the atmosphere. But what truly caught the group's attention were the students themselves. Among them were humanoid creatures with animalistic traits: elongated ears, horns, skin in exotic colors, and tails swaying gracefully as they moved.
Luther blinked, unable to hide his amazement. Beside him, Elise observed the students with a mix of fascination and curiosity, as if she were witnessing something out of a legend.
"Is… is that a person with horns?" one of the students murmured, pointing at a tall figure with blue skin and curled horns protruding from their forehead.
"And that girl has cat ears!" another exclaimed, pointing at a passing student, who briefly glanced their way before continuing on.
Hearing their comments, Darius stopped and turned to them, a wide grin on his face.
"Ah, that's right—it's probably your first time seeing other races, isn't it?" he said, laughing lightly at their astonished expressions.
"Other races?" Elise asked, still looking around.
Darius nodded, crossing his arms as he explained. "Yes, Ethelia Magic Academy doesn't discriminate between races or species. Here, you'll find not just humans but also members of other races. This is one of the few places in the entire kingdom where they can truly coexist in peace… at least, in theory."
Luther crossed his arms, still processing the information as he observed a group of elves chatting near a floating magical fountain at the center of the courtyard. Their elegant postures and pointed ears made them stand out, but what caught his attention most was their calm and confident demeanor.
"In theory?" Luther asked, raising an eyebrow, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Darius smirked with a hint of irony and continued. "Well, not all races get along. There are ancient rivalries, lingering prejudices, and… oversized egos. The academy does its best to maintain harmony, but when you put so many strong personalities in one place, things can get… interesting."
Luther nodded slowly, watching as a draconian—an imposing figure with gleaming scales and a muscular tail—practiced martial movements in the outdoor training field while a group of students watched from a safe distance.
"Impressive…" Elise whispered, awestruck as a group of beastfolk—humanoids with animal features—passed nearby. One of them, with a lion-like mane, glanced at them briefly before continuing on.
"Don't let appearances intimidate you," Darius advised, resuming his explanation. "Each race has its strengths, but also its weaknesses. Here, you'll learn to work together… or compete against one another. It's up to you."
As they walked through the courtyard, some more experienced students stopped to observe the group of newcomers. Some watched with genuine interest, while others looked on with disdain, making it clear they were unimpressed. Noticing this, Elise leaned closer to Luther and whispered:
"They're staring. Do you think they're sizing us up?"
Luther shrugged, his eyes fixed on a pair of demonic-looking students who seemed to be whispering to each other while glancing in their direction. "Let them stare. If they want trouble, I'll give it to them."
Elise rolled her eyes, though a small smile curved her lips. "Always so friendly, aren't you?"