"It's eight o'clock…I should get back to Xavien's place." he thought to himself before picking up his belongings and leaving the training area. He walked along the streets, seeing the lampposts on each corner lit brightly with a small flame. The streets were a lot less crowded during these times, so it was easier for him to walk around comfortably. Knowing the way back to Xavien's, he took his time to take in the scenery as there were certain aspects of the city life that he enjoyed. Especially the serene night time walks around the streets.
He continued walking until he had finally reached the building where Xavien resided. It was a smaller housing unit, consisting of 4 rooms and one big area, consisting of a kitchen, a bathroom and storage, though it seemed he shared the area with some pretty sketchy people from Dante's eyes. Before getting ready to open the door, he was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Dante! You're finally here!"
He turned to see Terra running in his direction from the distance, she was carrying an item that seemed to gleam brightly with each step she took. He didn't know what it was, but his curiosity was piqued when she finally arrived in front of him. She let out a few breaths before finally catching her own. It was safe to assume that she ran from wherever she came from to reach him. He tilted his head curiously before speaking.
"What's up Terra? Did you run all the way here?"
"Well, yeah! I almost forgot to give you this before tomorrow…"
She slowly handed over the small item she held in her hand, revealing itself to be a red gem, crafted and placed nicely into a golden locket. He peered at the gem before realizing what it was.
"Is this an actual affinity stone!?"
"SHHHHH!!!"
"Shushing."
Terra looked around before crouching slightly in Dante's direction. Bringing him closer to talk so they wouldn't be heard.
"It's not actually an affinity stone…it's a fake."
"It's not? Why would I need it then…?"
"You need it to blend in with the others more…wouldn't it draw attention if someone like you was able to cast anything without one? You've gotta remember this is a mage academy…!"
"That…makes sense…"
"Exactly. Now, when you arrive tomorrow…make sure you're wearing it on your belt buckle, so you don't stand out too much…and try to keep your sword in wand mode."
"Why only wand mode…?"
"You'll see why. Just trust me and do as I say please."
"Ay-ay captain."
"What is that phrase even?"
The two then rose up as she let out a deep sigh, looking back to see the academy in sight. Her face held a small smile before turning back to Dante.
"Are you excited? You finally get to go to school with us!"
"Yeah! Thanks to Mr. Grant's help with the paperwork and sorting out the money stuff…"
"He was a big help through this all…but you've got only yourself to thank."
"What do you mean?"
She walked over to the building's wall and leaned back against it, looking up to the sky as the moon slowly rose into the sky. Filled with small and airy clouds illuminated by its shine. Dante followed and leaned awkwardly next to her as passerbys continued walking by the two. She placed her hands in her cloak's pockets as a small breeze passed by.
"You put yourself in this position to reach your goals right? What would you say are your goals in your time here in Auradelle…?"
"My goals huh…?"
He looked to the sky, the same as her. Seeing the moon and thinking about what Rita told him before he left. Speaking on not only what he could do in the kingdom, but what he could also find there through the people.