Buildings whipped past as Jace picked up speed. With few people using vehicles nowadays—most preferring enchanted transit or magical means—there wasn't much that could threaten him. Especially not with his trained reflexes. The world had changed, and Jace had adapted.
It didn't take him long to arrive at the Academy. He had known it would be big, but seeing it in person was breathtaking. Impeccably groomed pathways and gardens stretched out toward each of the many buildings on the grounds, their spires glinting in the sunlight. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the faint, electric hum of magic. The largest of them all was the one he was looking for: the battle arena, where the welcome ceremony was being held.
Even though he was early, a large number of students were already approaching the arena. Jace took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. What if he wasn't ready for this? What if the Academy was too much for him? His thoughts were interrupted when an arm slung around his shoulders
"In your own head, Jace?" The familiar voice of his best friend, Ethan, broke through his worries. Ethan's grin was as wide as ever, his messy brown hair falling into his eyes as always. He looked as relaxed as if they were back in their hometown, not standing at the gates of the most prestigious magical institution in the world. His hoodie, worn and frayed at the edges, hung loosely over his lean frame, and his cargo pants were stuffed with who-knows-what—probably snacks or some odd trinket he'd picked up along the way.
"As if" Jace replied laughing, "just giving everyone a chance to get ahead since I'll be leading from today on" he joked laughing out loud, glad that Ethan broke the tension he was feeling.
"Yeah right" Ethan laughed while rubbing Jace's hair "I could practically see your knees shaking as I came up" letting go off his shoulder he started walking towards the battle arena, "hurry up already, I know you'll freak out if you aren't early"
Jace took the moment to appraise Ethan. Since this was the last day they'd be allowed to wear something other than their uniform, Ethan had gone all out with his casual attire. His hoodie and cargo pants were a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Academy, but that was Ethan—always comfortable in his own skin. The scar above his right eyebrow from a training accident had almost completely faded. At 19, he was a year older than Jace, but they'd entered the Academy at the same time. After all, it was about skill more than anything.