The Phoevel region lies at the eastern edge of the Horus Mountain range, a land known for its fertile fields and thriving agriculture. Governed by House Phoevel, whose head holds the title of Marquis, this region serves as the frontier against one of the largest Spawn territories on the continent.
The people of Phoevel, well-versed in sorcery, a necessity given the ever-present threat looming beyond their borders. This proficiency stems from the region's capital, Solus, a city named after one of the high gods who govern the sun. Solus is home to the largest sorcery academy in the nation, a prestigious institution dedicated to training future protectors of the realm.
At the age of twelve, children from all backgrounds are granted the opportunity to enroll in the Academy of Sorcery, a place where social status proves no effect.
For five years, they undergo rigorous training, refining their abilities and preparing for the responsibilities that await them. Upon graduating at seventeen, the most promising students are recruited by the Defense Force to serve in the army. The rest become reservists, ready to take up arms when duty calls.
Among these students is Dawn Phoevel, the fifteen-year-old fifth-born of House Phoevel's seven children. Now in her third year at the academy, Dawn is known for her relentless determination and tireless work ethic. However, despite her efforts, she struggles to keep pace with her peers, earning a reputation as the slowest to progress among her gifted siblings.
The third year marks the day in which year three students will venture to the edge of the Horus Mountains where they shall explore the Spawn territory to fight with weaker spawns. Their aim is to gain experience. This five-day expedition is a yearly event to test the students of years three to five, where they would be rated on how they respond to threats.
For those who aimed to work in the defense force, it served as a very important day, where they could gather enough points to climb the ranking.
For Dawn, the same sentiment exists.
For years that have passed, her older siblings were among the top five in the overall rankings, at Twenty-sixth place among the third years and one hundred and seventy-third of the overall rankings, she was still far from that goal.
"Ignis consumat omnia!"
At the flick of his wand, a small wooden figurine ignited, engulfed in vibrant orange flames. The fire crackled, consuming the wood bit by bit until it crumbled into ashes.
"Sorcery is a means to connect with the spirits. The stronger the connection, the greater the effects you can manifest," the young man explained, his voice steady and authoritative. "Keep that in mind. Class dismissed."
The speaker was Louvan Phoevel, a man in the prime of his youth. At twenty years old, he was five years older than his sister, Dawn. Despite his age, he had already established himself as a prodigy, both in sorcery and in the political sphere.
As students gathered their belongings and filtered out of the classroom, Louvan's sharp gaze caught sight of Dawn still seated at her desk. Her friends had already left without her.
"Dawn, aren't you going to lunch?" he asked, stepping closer.
"Brother, I need to review sorcery theory," she replied without looking up.
It wasn't unusual for her to stay behind, even during lunch breaks. Dawn carried a burden of expectations. Expectations she had placed upon herself.
Her older siblings, each exceptional in their own right, had already made names for themselves outside of their noble lineage. Their eldest brother, in particular, had even secured a betrothal to the third princess of the kingdom.
Compared to them, she felt she had to work twice as hard just to keep up.
Louvan sighed but then gave her a small smile. "I'll help you review."
"Really?" Her face lit up, eyes gleaming with excitement. A wide, genuine smile spread across her face, an expression rarely seen.
The young girl was loved.
"Then…!"
The two enjoyed a time in each other's company.