The days at the Royal Thalassos Elite Academy passed quickly for Aris. He was gradually getting accustomed to the challenging lessons, rigorous physical training, and long discussions about strategy and diplomacy. However, the thing he looked forward to the most each day was the time spent in the library, where he often met Lysandra. Though quiet, she had a sharp mind and deep knowledge of magic, especially regarding water manipulation.
Their initially silent encounters gradually turned into warm conversations. Aris always found a way to make Lysandra smile, whether with small jokes or by sharing stories from his childhood. Meanwhile, Lysandra began to open up, sharing her interests in ancient art and books about the mythology of the Goddess Aqua.
"You know, Aris," Lysandra said one day, "I've always felt there's something special about you. The way you talk, the way you act… it's like you're destined for something great."
Aris chuckled softly, trying to mask his awkwardness. "I'm just an ordinary student, Lysandra. Just like you."
"No," Lysandra shook her head. "You're different. You have a strength, not just physically, but also in your heart. That's something rare."
Aris paused for a moment, contemplating Lysandra's words. "If that's the case, I hope that strength can help me protect the people who matter to me, including you."
Hearing this, Lysandra's face turned red, but she simply gave a small smile and resumed reading her book.
As time passed, their bond grew stronger. Aris and Lysandra often trained together in the academy's backyard. Lysandra taught Aris advanced magical techniques she had learned from her books, while Aris helped Lysandra improve her physical skills by teaching her basic combat techniques.
"You need to be firmer with that sword," Aris said one day during training. "Hold it with both hands and feel its weight. Don't let the sword control you. You must control it."
Lysandra tried to follow Aris's instructions, but the sword still felt heavy in her hands. "I think I'm more suited to magic," she said with a laugh.
"And you're incredible at it," Aris replied with a smile. "But there's no harm in learning a little self-defense. Who knows, it might come in handy someday."
Outside of training and studying, they also shared their dreams and worries. Lysandra talked about her lonely past, while Aris shared the burden of expectations he felt as the heir of Arch Duke Cean's family. In these conversations, they found an indescribable comfort, as if their presence completed the missing pieces in each other's lives.
One night, as Aris and Lysandra were walking back to their dormitory after a study session in the library, they noticed a mysterious shadow in the small forest near the academy. The shadow moved quickly, almost imperceptibly, but enough to make them stop.
"What was that?" Lysandra whispered nervously.
"I don't know," Aris replied, reaching for the small sword he always carried. "Stay behind me."
Aris moved forward slowly, his eyes keenly observing every dark corner among the trees. Only the sound of the wind and rustling leaves accompanied them. The shadow appeared again, darting swiftly between the trees before disappearing into the darkness.
However, as the shadow passed, Aris noticed something that caught his attention. Hanging from the shadow's sword was a small object that reflected the moonlight. It appeared to be a metal trinket adorned with intricate carvings, resembling an ancient symbol of a noble family. Aris tried to recall the heraldry lessons he had studied, but the symbol was unfamiliar to him.
"Aris, what did you see?" Lysandra asked, still standing behind him.
"There was something on the sword. A trinket with a strange symbol," Aris replied as he sheathed his sword. "But it seems like they didn't mean to attack. They just… passed by."
Lysandra let out a relieved sigh. "If that's the case, maybe we should head back to the dormitory. It's getting late, and I don't want to get into trouble with the academy guards."
Aris nodded. "You're right. But I'll remember that symbol. I feel like it's not a coincidence."
The two continued their journey to the dormitory, but Aris's thoughts remained fixated on the mysterious shadow. A sense of curiosity stirred within him, as if that brief encounter was the beginning of something greater.
The next day, Aris told Lysandra about the incident in the library. Together, they tried to uncover the meaning of the symbol in history and heraldry books, but their efforts were in vain. Lysandra, with her equally insatiable curiosity, promised to help him investigate further.
Over time, that night's incident became one of the little secrets that bonded them even closer. Aris and Lysandra began spending even more time together, whether in the library, the training room, or the small garden behind the academy. They became an inseparable team, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Their relationship was not only marked by the warmth of friendship but also by a deep sense of trust. To their friends, Aris and Lysandra were an inseparable duo: Aris with his bravery and agility, and Lysandra with her extraordinary intelligence.