Stepping into my room, a warm and happy feeling filled my chest. I couldn't believe it—this was my very own space at the Academy!
The nervousness washed over me. Maybe being an Adventurer wasn't that bad after all. I promised my family that I would always visit them if I became an Adventurer someday.
The room was just the right size—not too small, but not too big either. It felt cozy and safe, like a place where I could truly relax after a long day of training and adventures.
In the corner near the door stood a tall wooden wardrobe. Its doors were slightly open, inviting me to hang up my clothes and store my belongings. There, I already saw my Academy uniforms inside, neat and organized.
Beside the wardrobe was a pretty vanity table with a matching chair. On top of it sat a smooth round mirror that sparkled in the light. I could see my reflection in it—it almost felt magical.
I pictured myself sitting there each morning, brushing my hair, or writing letters home.
Near the bed was a small window, just the right height to peek out of.
And the best part?
I had my very own bathroom!
It was small but clean, with shiny white tiles and a soft towel already hanging on the rack. No waiting in line, no sharing—I could wash up anytime I wanted.
This room wasn't just a place to sleep. It was my room.
My little corner of the Academy.
In my bed, I saw something beside it. Lying carefully on the blanket was a white envelope sealed with a golden emblem.
My name, Klera Ward, was written on the front in fancy letters. I picked it up with trembling hands and gently opened it.
Inside was a letter written in beautiful handwriting:
Greetings, Klera Ward.
Welcome to the Divine Academy, founded by the Five Archangels! We're thrilled to have you join our academy of aspiring adventurers. You're about to begin a journey filled with exciting challenges, new friendships, and the chance to discover the true power that lies within you. Here, you'll learn skills, abilities, and magics that will help you grow stronger, braver, and wiser.
Whether you're studying elemental magic or divine magic, training with weapons or relics, or learning special abilities, remember—every great hero starts with a single step.
With pride and hope,
Headmistress Ophelia Chariot
I stared at the letter for a while, reading it again and again. I couldn't believe it was real. This was no dream—this was really happening!
Besides the letter, I noticed a few more things on the bed. There was a thick, heavy book with a dark cover. The title read: Student Guidelines. I opened it quickly and saw pages filled with rules, tips, maps of the Academy, and notes about daily routines. It looked important, like something I'd have to read carefully.
Next to the book was a small, shiny room key with a little tag that had my room number on it. I held it in my hand and smiled—it was mine. My own key to my own room.
This was the beginning of a brand new chapter in my life.
My Academy adventure had truly begun.
A sudden knock at the door snapped me out of my daydream.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone was calling from the other side.
"Klera, let's go explore the Academy!" a cheerful voice said. It sounded like Hebrew.
I quickly stood up, my heart picking up speed.
"Coming!" I called back, trying not to sound too nervous.
Then I grabbed my shiny room key from where I had left it earlier. It felt cool and solid in my hand.
The nervousness I felt about being an Adventurer washed off in this amazing Academy.
Taking one last look around my new room, I smiled. Everything was real—my uniform, the letter, the key, the room. I was really here.
I stepped outside into the hallway and carefully locked the door behind me. The key clicked in place.
With a deep breath.
I walked toward the voice, ready to explore the Academy and take my first steps into a world full of adventure, magic, and new beginnings.
---
We spent the morning walking through the Academy's long hallways and winding corridors. Everything felt so big and new. The walls were carved with white and gold colors and designs.
Eventually, we found ourselves inside the library. It was quiet and peaceful, with tall shelves that reached all the way to the ceiling.
Hebrew and I sat down at one of the reading tables and opened a thick book about magic for beginners. It had pictures of spells, instructions for casting, and notes about different types of magic.
Suddenly, Hebrew stood up and raised his hand, copying a spell he saw in the book.
Looks like we're enjoying this Academy.
"Haahhhh!" he shouted, trying to cast it just like the book said. He swung his arm wide—but didn't notice someone walking behind him.
Bump!
Hebrew's arm hit a young man right in the shoulder. The boy stumbled back with a loud groan.
"Ahhggh, watch it!" the young man snapped, frowning as he rubbed his arm.
Hebrew's eyes widened.
"I-I'm sorry!" he said quickly, bowing his head.
But the young man didn't say anything back. He just gave Hebrew a cold look, turned around, and walked away.
I looked at Hebrew, who sighed and shook his head.
"He's a noble," Hebrew said quietly. "From the Paisley family. They're one of the oldest and strongest families in the Pallet Kingdom."
I didn't know much about noble families yet, but I could tell Hebrew felt bad. I gently placed my hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay," I said with a small smile. "It was just an accident."
Hebrew nodded slowly.
Our conversation was suddenly interrupted by a staff member standing in the hallway outside the library.
"Students," he called in a loud but polite voice, "dinner will be served in the Grand Hall shortly. Please proceed there now."
Hebrew and I looked at each other, surprised.
"Is it dinner already?" I asked.
We stood up quickly and joined the other students, who were also leaving the library. The hallway was full of excited voices and footsteps as everyone made their way toward the Grand Hall. On the way, we passed the entrance of the Academy, where a circular clock stood proudly in the middle of the entrance.
It was six o'clock in the evening. I blinked in surprise—we had been exploring and reading for so long, we hadn't even noticed the time flying by.
When we arrived, I gasped.
The Grand Hall was amazing!
It was the biggest room I had ever seen. The ceiling stretched high above our heads, decorated with floating lights.
Long wooden tables ran across the entire hall. Each table was piled high with a wonderful feast—so much food that my stomach growled the moment I stepped in.
There were roasted meats, healthy vegetables cooked in magical ways, and golden-brown pastries that looked like they had just come out of the oven. Plates were stacked neatly, and shiny silver cups and forks sparkled under the glowing lights. Everything smelled so good that it made my mouth water.
At the front of the room was a special, raised table where the Headmistress sat. She looked calm and graceful, dressed in beautiful robes. Around her sat the tutors and staff, all smiling and talking softly among themselves as they prepared to begin the evening celebration.
Then the Headmistress stood up and raised her hand.
"Good evening, everyone!" the Headmistress said with a warm smile, her voice calm, clear, and full of kindness. The hall grew quiet as all the students turned to listen.
"Welcome to our very first Academy dinner!" she continued. "Today marks the beginning of a brand-new chapter in your lives. Each one of you has been chosen to be here at the Academy—to grow, to discover who you truly are, and to become the adventurers you were meant to be."
She looked over the tables with gentle eyes, her smile never fading.
"This feast before you is our way of saying welcome. Enjoy the delicious food, talk with your classmates, and take in the wonder of your new home. Friendships are just beginning to bloom, and great adventures are waiting for you."
Then her tone became a little more serious, but still kind.
"And don't forget—tomorrow morning we will hold the Class and Magic Identification Ceremony. This will help us discover your unique strengths, skills, and abilities, and place you into the Class that fit you best. So please, get a good night's rest and be on time. It will be an important step in your journey."
She smiled once more and raised her hands gently.
"Now, eat well, rest well, and most of all—enjoy this magical evening. Welcome to the Academy. Your adventure has already begun!"
The moment she finished speaking, a loud cheer rose from the students. Many were already seated and rubbing their hands in excitement. The food was just too tempting to wait any longer.
Hebrew and I found two empty seats together and sat down quickly. I picked up my fork, barely able to decide what to try first—there were too many delicious choices!
I filled my plate with tender meat, crispy vegetables, and a warm cheese-filled pastry that melted in my mouth with the first bite.
"Mmm!" I couldn't help but smile.
The food, the laughter of students all around us, and the sparkling magic in the air—it felt like a true celebration.
That night, surrounded by new faces, good food, and the beginning of something special, I felt like I truly belonged at the Divine Academy.