As David and Luna began their journey to the Henwards Kingdom, the camera angle gradually shifted upwards, revealing an eagle soaring high above the dense forest. Its wings stretched wide against the vast sky as it glided effortlessly through the clouds. The eagle's sharp eyes gazed down upon the landscape below, capturing the movement of the two travelers on horseback. As the bird adjusted its path, the view transitioned seamlessly, shifting towards the distant Henwards Magic Academy.
The towering spires of the academy came into view, basking in the golden hue of the morning sun. The camera swooped down through the academy's grand gates, past the stone-paved courtyard filled with students dressed in robes of various colors, and finally into Class A, where Ruby, a 15-year-old student, stepped inside for the first time. She adjusted her academy uniform nervously, her eyes widening at the sight of nearly a hundred students gathered in the massive lecture hall. The rows of seats stretched out before her, each occupied by students from different noble families, powerful lineages, and kingdoms.
Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Ruby clutched her book close to her chest and carefully chose an empty seat. To her left sat a girl with a regal presence, her long golden hair flowing down her back—a stark contrast to her pristine white robes. Next to the blonde girl was another young woman, her deep crimson hair tied back in a neat ponytail, exuding confidence with an air of nobility. Before Ruby could adjust herself completely, the blonde girl turned towards her with a warm smile.
"Hi! My name is Alice," she introduced herself cheerfully.
The red-haired girl beside her nodded with a smirk. "And I'm Casca."
Ruby blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected to be approached so casually, especially not by the daughter of the Sword Kingdom's king and the heir of a powerful baron family. Gathering herself, she returned their greetings with a small smile. "Oh… hi! I'm Ruby."
Alice's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in slightly. "Ruby, right? We saw you arriving in the academy's carriage from the Ruins Kingdom. Are you from there?"
Ruby nodded hesitantly. "Yes. I just arrived yesterday."
Casca raised an eyebrow. "That's interesting. What type of magic do you use?"
Ruby hesitated for a moment before replying. "I'm… a dark mage."
A sudden silence filled the air between them. Alice and Casca exchanged wide-eyed glances before turning back to Ruby with expressions of disbelief.
"Wait, really?" Casca asked, her voice laced with both curiosity and astonishment.
Ruby nodded again, unsure of how to react to their surprise. "Yeah…?"
Casca leaned in, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Dark mages are incredibly rare! It's said to be one of the most difficult types of magic to master. Most people don't even attempt to learn it!"
Ruby shrugged. "My master is an archmage in dark magic. He taught me everything I know."
Alice's lips parted in amazement. "An archmage? That's incredible! I don't think I've ever met anyone who studied under one before."
Ruby chuckled nervously. "I guess I got lucky. What about you two? What kind of magic do you use?"
Alice straightened up with a proud smile. "I'm a light mage."
Casca grinned. "And I'm a fire mage."
Ruby's eyes widened. "Wow, that's amazing! Light magic is known for its divine properties, and fire magic is one of the most destructive elements in combat."
Alice giggled. "You really know your stuff. We're going to get along just fine."
As the three of them chatted, a sudden hush fell over the room. The classroom doors creaked open, and a tall man in a flowing robe stepped inside. His sharp gaze swept across the students, instantly commanding their attention.
"Good morning, students," he spoke in a deep, authoritative voice. "I am Professor Daniel, and I will be teaching you the fundamentals and history of magic."
Ruby straightened in her seat, her curiosity piqued. As the professor began his lecture, he delved into the intricate details of magical circles and how mathematics played a crucial role in spellcasting. Some students listened attentively, while others grew bored, whispering amongst themselves or dozing off.
Without warning, Professor Daniel snapped his fingers. A gust of wind swirled through the room, lifting the inattentive students into the air. Gasps filled the classroom as they flailed helplessly.
"Those who do not pay attention will remain floating for the rest of the lesson," he announced sternly.
The students quickly apologized, pleading to be let down. Ruby, Alice, and Casca exchanged amused glances as they continued to focus on the lecture.
As Ruby gazed out the window, her eyes caught sight of the same eagle from before, soaring through the skies. The perspective shifted once more, following the eagle as it glided over vast landscapes until it reached a dense forest. Below, two figures rode on horseback—David and Luna.
The night was beginning to fall, casting an orange glow over the horizon. The duo decided to rest near a riverbank, where the water glistened under the light of the rising moon.
David dismounted his horse and turned to Luna. "Set up the tent and start the campfire. I'll go catch some fish."
Luna nodded and got to work as David stepped into the river. Channeling his darkness magic, he manipulated the water, forcing fish to rise to the surface and into the bucket he had placed nearby. With his catch secured, he returned to the camp, skewered the fish, and set them over the fire, seasoning them with a blend of spices.
As they ate, the crackling flames cast flickering shadows around them. The distant howls of wolves echoed through the night, harmonizing with the rustling of leaves. Luna sighed, stretching her arms as she looked up at the full moon.
"Tomorrow, we'll reach Henwards Kingdom," she murmured.
David remained silent, staring into the fire, his mind weighed down by thoughts unspoken.
The eagle, now a mere silhouette against the moonlit sky, continued its flight, watching over them as they drifted into uneasy slumber, awaiting the trials that lay ahead.