"Wake up, Leonardo..."
Leonardo tightened his arms even more, a gesture that could significantly ease the pain caused by brain hypoxia. The suffocating sensation was truly unbearable, and Leonardo yearned for it to end soon.
Curling up, he intended to have a good sleep. Strangely, that voice didn't fade; instead, it grew louder, and he felt someone tugging at him.
"Leonardo, wake up!"
Leonardo's eyes snapped open. The empty, deathly scene vanished in an instant, replaced by a series of unfamiliar faces.
These individuals were clad in something akin to wizard robes, intently staring at him. The white - haired old man, looking every bit like a teacher, sneered at him incessantly.
Where am I? Didn't I drown?
Before Leonardo could ruminate, the old man donning a pointed hat on the podium spoke up.
"It seems His Excellency Leonardo is brimming with confidence for the trial, to the extent that he dares to doze off during this vital survival class..."
"Then, let His Excellency Leonardo answer this question: 'How should one respond when spell - casting is interrupted?' Surely, with His Excellency Leonardo's acumen, he'll offer a flawless answer."
Gazing into the old man's frigid eyes, Leonardo inwardly groaned. As expected, he was ejected from the classroom and made to stand in punishment.
The cold corridor walls swiftly cooled Leonardo down. He quickly sorted through the memories of this body.
He had transmigrated. This world was fascinating, a medieval - style realm filled with magic and battle - qi. He was currently in a place called Whiterun City, under the rule of the Rhine Duchy.
The original owner of this body, also named Leonardo, hailed from the de Lucas family, the eldest son in the household, and was presently studying at the Tarnath Magic Academy.
In Leonardo's mind, memories of his family were scarce. He knew the family wasn't particularly kind to him. The most vivid recollections were his father's impassive visage and his step - mother's repeated private insults and taunts.
"Tomorrow is the academy trial. For those who succeed, there's no need for elaboration. But for those who fail... I advise you to plan ahead. Finally, may the elemental forces continue to favor you. Class dismissed."
Scarcely had the words left his mouth when the old man with the pointed hat spun around and strode out of the classroom. As he passed Leonardo, he didn't even spare him a glance.
Only after the old man's departure did the rustling of students packing up and the scraping of chairs resound in the classroom.
Before long, the boys and girls exited the classroom in groups.
Leonardo, loath to be the butt of jokes, naturally wasn't about to stand there docilely. He joined the flow of students, ready to leave.
What intrigued him most in his mind were the memories of spell - casting. Leonardo was eager to verify their authenticity, so at this moment, he was hell - bent on finding a place where he could cast spells.
Just as Leonardo was discerning the direction, about to hurry away, a voice so soft it could melt bones wafted from behind.
"Leonardo, wait for me!"
Leonardo turned around, puzzled. What came into view was a beautiful red - haired girl with emerald eyes.
Her petite face, no larger than a palm, boasted jewel - like emerald eyes. Her slightly curled red hair resembled a blazing inferno from her running.
Thanks to the memory fragments, Leonardo recalled her name.
"Sophia."
A childhood playmate.
They had been extremely close in their youth. Sophia had even once declared her intention to marry the original owner.
However, as they grew older, their relationship had grown distant. Perhaps it was due to their different social statuses or the broadening of their horizons.
Leonardo greeted her in the tone of the original owner.
Sophia smiled and sidled up to Leonardo. They walked shoulder - to - shoulder, very close.
Leonardo, feeling awkward, shifted a bit. In his memories, their relationship hadn't seemed this intimate, prompting Leonardo to wonder about Sophia's motives for stopping him.
But to avoid revealing the replacement of the original owner, Leonardo refrained from being overly proactive. He remained silent, adopting a wait - and - see approach.
After walking together for a while, Sophia suddenly queried, "Leonardo, what are your plans for the apprentice trial?"
Unable to admit that he didn't even understand spell - casting yet, Leonardo could only reply vaguely, "Take it one step at a time."
Sophia cutely tilted her head, not pressing further.
After a moment of silence, Sophia abruptly brought up their families.
"Time flies so fast. We're almost at graduation. Leonardo, do you still remember what your parents look like? I can scarcely recall their exact features. I only remember that my father's a merchant, always out socializing..."
Facing the girl's sudden melancholy, Leonardo grunted non - committally.
"What about you? Although you're low - key, I know you're from the de Lucas family." With that, Sophia playfully winked.
Leonardo thought to himself, "Finally, she give herself away." But his countenance remained unchanged. After a moment of reflection, he calmly stated, "There's nothing to tell."
Sophia's eyes twitched slightly, yet she quickly regained her composure.
She glanced at a passing couple and mused aloud, "Magic is truly miraculous. It enables commoners and nobles to share the same classroom. I never dared dream of this before, yet here it is."
The red - haired beauty paused, then continued, "I once fancied that I was no different from you all. But later, I realized how wrong I was."
Sophia stole a glance at the silent Leonardo, forced a smile, and went on, "My talent isn't remarkable, so my family has no intention of financing my studies further. They want me to get married, but I'm loath to give up so easily."
"And you, Leonardo. Despite your low - profile demeanor, I know you're bound to pass the trial, right?"
Sophia's words stirred memories deep within Leonardo. The original owner indeed had reason for confidence. Half a month prior, the original owner had received an inheritance from his mother. Among the items were an official - grade staff, three official - grade magic scrolls, along with several magic materials and magic crystals.
Although Leonardo didn't even understand spell - casting yet, he was aware of the significance of possessing these items at the apprentice stage.
"Leonardo, do you recall the first spell you learned?" Sophia inquired softly.
Leonardo delved into his memories. The first spell the original owner had learned was Mage Hand, one of the Ten Useless Spells. Given the family's resources, the original owner could have made a better choice. But due to curiosity about the difference between left - and right - girlfriends（hands） and Mage Hand, so...
Before Leonardo could respond, Sophia continued, "The first spell I learned was Light.
The reason I chose this spell was rather absurd. I had always envied your ability to study in a well - lit environment, so I opted for this spell, also known as one of the Ten Useless Spells."
After a pause, Sophia carried on.
"I still vividly recall the scene of my first spell - casting. When the light orb detached from my fingertips and hovered in mid - air, I was so elated that I jumped for joy...
That was one of the few truly happy moments in my life.
But this beautiful memory is on the verge of shattering...
Leonardo, if possible, I implore you to lend me a hand. I'm not so greedy as to ask you to sponsor me with magic items. I merely wish to team up with you.
You needn't worry about me being a burden. I'm unlike those noble ladies. I'm acutely aware of my situation, so I deliberately chose the path of an auxiliary mage. I may not be able to deal powerful blows, but I can ably support you... Can we rekindle the closeness of our childhood?"
Having said this, Sophia took a step forward.
The shadows cast on the ground melded together, forming a dense, impenetrable darkness.