The days leading up to the academy's expedition announcement had been buzzing with anticipation. The students were eager, talking in hushed excitement about the chance to explore the newly discovered ruin, an opportunity that promised prestige and valuable experience. For most, it was a rare and coveted chance to venture into one of the fabled ancient tombs left behind by a civilization lost in the cataclysmic war centuries ago. But as the academy revealed more details, the excitement was quickly tempered by a set of new conditions: only members of an official academy club could join the expedition, and which club would be chosen would be determined through a competition.
Seraphine, Elena, Lysandra, Caelan, Dorian, and Aldric gathered in the common room of their dormitory after hearing the announcement. The air was thick with both excitement and concern as they discussed their next steps.
"This complicates things," Dorian said, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed. "We're not part of any club."
"And most of the existing clubs don't align with our interests," Seraphine added, her brow furrowed in frustration. "I'm not interested in joining some etiquette society or a political debate group."
Caelan, who had been pacing the room, stopped and turned to face the others. "But we need to participate in this expedition," he said firmly. "There's no way we can let this opportunity slip by."
Aldric nodded in agreement. "If we don't find a club soon, we'll be left out, and this is exactly the kind of experience we came here for."
Elena, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "But we don't fit into any of the current clubs. We don't have a natural place in any of them."
The room fell silent for a moment as they each mulled over the problem. Then, Lysandra, who had been unusually quiet, leaned forward, her eyes bright with an idea. "Why don't we create our own club?"
The others turned to her in surprise.
"Create our own club?" Caelan repeated, intrigued.
Lysandra nodded. "Think about it. We don't have to force ourselves to fit into something that doesn't suit us. We can form a club around something we're all genuinely interested in, something that ties together our strengths." She glanced at the group. "Ancient civilizations, for instance. That's a topic we've all shown interest in at some point. I've been researching artifacts and ancient technologies. Seraphine, you've shown a natural curiosity about the old ways of combat. And Elena, you've been fascinated by the history and legends we've been learning about."
"And Aldric's studies in martial arts and knightly traditions could easily fit into that," Dorian added, catching on. "Caelan and I have a vested interest in the political and historical implications of ancient civilizations as future rulers."
Lysandra smiled. "Exactly. We have a solid foundation for a club. And I could offer my workshop as our clubroom space."
The others looked at each other, excitement bubbling beneath the surface. It made sense. This wasn't just a workaround for the expedition; it was a chance to build something of their own, something that reflected their shared interests.
"But starting a club isn't easy," Aldric pointed out. "We'd need an advisor, and at least six professors to approve it."
"True," Dorian agreed. "But the professors are familiar with us by now. If we approach the right ones, we might be able to convince them to sign on."
Caelan, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "We'll need to put in the effort, but I think this is our best shot. If we create a club focused on ancient civilizations, we can approach the professors whose subjects are closely aligned with that field. They'll likely be more interested in supporting us."
Seraphine stood up; her eyes gleaming with determination. "Then let's do it. We'll form our own club, win the competition, and secure our place in the expedition."
The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity. The group worked together, brainstorming ideas for their club and drafting a proposal to present to the academy. Lysandra's workshop, tucked away in one of the quieter sections of the academy, became their headquarters. It was a modest space, filled with shelves of old books, half-completed artifacts, and research tools that looked like they had seen better days. But it was quiet, private, and the perfect place to meet without interruption.
"We'll call it the 'Society for the Study of Ancient Civilizations and Artifacts,'" Dorian suggested, scribbling down the name on their club application form.
"Bit of a mouthful," Aldric commented with a grin, "but it fits."
Lysandra nodded in agreement. "It'll signal exactly what we're about. Now, the real challenge begins—convincing the professors to back us."
The first professor they approached was Professor Elowen, a well-respected scholar in the field of history and ancient lore. Seraphine and Elena took the lead in presenting their case, knowing that Elowen would appreciate their shared enthusiasm for the subject.
"Ancient civilizations are key to understanding where we come from," Seraphine explained as they sat in her office. "We've all seen how remnants of the old world shape the politics, traditions, and military strategies of today. But there's so much more we can learn from those who came before us, especially with new ruins being discovered."
Elena nodded, adding, "We believe that by forming this club, we can bring together students from different disciplines to explore these ancient sites, study their technologies, and perhaps even recover knowledge that could benefit the modern world."
Professor Elowen listened thoughtfully, then smiled. "I see potential in your idea. I'll give you, my support." She signed the application without hesitation.
With their first approval secured, the group moved on to the other professors. Some were more challenging to convince than others, but with persistence and well-crafted arguments, they managed to secure five more signatures over the course of several days.
Professor Rylan, the instructor in swordsmanship and military tactics, was particularly supportive after hearing about Aldric and Seraphine's interest in how ancient combat techniques could influence modern training methods. He had been impressed by their performances in the sparring sessions and saw value in their club's mission.
The most difficult professor to convince, however, was the last one on their list: Elder Selwyn Malkorin.
Elder Selwyn Malkorin was a figure shrouded in mystery. He was one of the oldest professors at the academy, and rumors swirled about his vast knowledge of the pre-war world and the ancient tombs that dotted the landscape. Some students even whispered that he had been to places that no one else had dared to explore, and that he possessed knowledge of ancient magics long thought lost to time.
Malkorin was known for being difficult to approach. He was aloof, often spending days in isolation, emerging only for certain lectures or when summoned by the academy's higher-ups for critical matters.
The group hesitated before making their way to his quarters. The tall, ivy-covered stone tower where Malkorin resided stood at the edge of the academy grounds, separated from the rest of the campus by a long, winding path through a grove of ancient trees. As they approached, the air grew cooler, the wind whispering through the leaves.
"Do you really think he'll agree to be our advisor?" Elena asked quietly as they climbed the steps to the tower's entrance.
"We don't have much of a choice," Caelan said. "We need six approvals, and no other professor has the expertise we're looking for."
Lysandra, who had been silent for most of the journey, spoke up. "If anyone understands the importance of studying ancient civilizations, it's Elder Malkorin. He might be hard to convince, but it's worth a try."
The wooden door of the tower creaked as they pushed it open. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of old parchment and herbs. Shelves of ancient books lined the walls, and strange artifacts sat on every available surface, some of them glowing faintly with unknown power.
At the center of the room, seated behind a large desk cluttered with scrolls and relics, was Elder Selwyn Malkorin. His appearance was as eccentric as his reputation suggested. His long raven-black hair was tied back in a loose knot, and his pale, sharp features gave him an ethereal quality. His robes, dark and intricately embroidered with symbols that none of them recognized, hung loosely around him, giving him the air of a scholar from a bygone age.
Without looking up, he spoke. "I assume you're here for something important, considering the intrusion."
Dorian, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Elder Malkorin, we've come to request your guidance. We're in the process of forming a new club, one focused on the study of ancient civilizations and artifacts. We believe that your expertise and knowledge would be invaluable to us, and we humbly ask for your approval and, if you're willing, your mentorship."
Malkorin finally looked up, his piercing silver eyes studying the group. He didn't speak for several long moments, his gaze flicking between each of them as if weighing their worth.
"Ancient civilizations," he murmured, leaning back in his chair. "And what makes you think you are worthy of such knowledge? Many have sought to uncover the secrets of the old world, but few truly understand the dangers that come with that pursuit."
Seraphine stepped forward, her voice steady. "We're not seeking knowledge for power or personal gain. We want to understand the past so that we can protect the future. The ancient world was destroyed by greed, but we believe we can learn from their mistakes."
Malkorin's lips curled into a small, enigmatic smile. "Bold words."
There was a heavy pause before Malkorin reached for a quill, dipped it in ink, and signed the form. "Very well. I'll be your advisor. But heed my warning—what you seek is not without cost."
With his signature, the group had all they needed. Their club was officially formed, and they now had Elder Selwyn Malkorin as their guide. The journey ahead was certain to be challenging, but with their newfound club and a team of like-minded individuals, they were ready to face whatever lay in the ancient ruins.