Finally, after waiting for a while, I could see the squad from afar, one by one.
The first one I saw was Evin, who was on time, followed by Van, then Larkin, and the last one, Vino.
"So now that we're all here, let's share information. Did anyone find out anything about Loin Arunder?" Evin asked.
Vino responded in a disappointed voice:I searched everywhere for a sign with Loin Arunder written on it, but didn't find anything! We must have been hearing wrong rumors… Or maybe he's already dead. Who knows?
"No, he isn't dead," Larkin said with a confident tone. "I'm sure of my information."
"Alright, let's stop arguing. I got closer to them. I actually found out where Loin Arunder lives, so just follow me, y'all."
"Wait, for real?" Evin looked at me, shocked.Well, you should have spoken earlier… But good job. Go on, lead the way, Ario.
I nodded and headed to where the old man from the shop had pointed. After walking for a while, I finally saw the house he described. We were standing in front of it: an old but huge house, with no signs.Hmm… this house looks expensive… but also old… and huge… Is this magic master rich or something?
Evin stepped a little back from the door."So here we are. Who wants to knock?"
"I will," Larkin said, stepping closer to the door and knocking.
After knocking for a while and waiting patiently, a window high up in the house opened.
A very old face appeared.
"What do you want, kids?" the old man asked in a harsh, uninterested tone.
"Ehm… sorry for interrupting you, sir, but we came here because we heard a lot about the famous magic tea—"
The old man immediately closed the window, not letting Larkin finish his sentence.
"HAH!! That old..." Vino yelled. "WE DIDN'T COME ALL THIS WAY FOR YOU TO SHUT YOUR WINDOW AT US LIKE THAT!!!"
Evin stepped closer to Vino and calmed him down."Hey Vino, that's not how you speak to elders! Be kind from now on, understood?"
Vino nodded like an obedient kid being scolded by his mother.
"Let's just leave," Van suggested.
"No! Let's wait. I didn't just hear about him teaching magic; I also heard he's very kind. Let's just wait." Larkin sat down on the ground next to the door.
We all followed Larkin and sat down next to the green door.
Just seconds later, a few drops of water fell on our heads. We looked up—and then it started raining heavily, soaking us all.
Evin stood up, trying to cover her head with her backpack."HEY GUYS! Let's at least get into a nearby motel or something!"
No one moved. We just sat there, letting the rain soak us.
"HMPF… alright," Evin muttered, sitting back down.
The rain continued heavily, and with no roof to protect us, we shivered. The wind grew stronger, making us freeze. Vino sneezed and shivered beside us.
Hours passed. By night, the rain had stopped, but it had only grown colder. Just as we were about to leave, the green door slowly opened. Warm air from the house touched our faces.
The old man appeared."Ahh… kids these days. Come in, y'all," he said, letting us enter.
Just as we were all disappointed, the light of hope shone on us all.
Relieved, we removed our wet jackets and boots, leaving them on the shelf near the door.
The teacher—Loin—turned and went deeper into his house. We waited patiently until he returned with five towels.
"Here, kids," he said, handing us large towels to dry ourselves.
"Follow me."
We followed him upstairs into a huge room with three sofas, which looked like a living room. We sat on the middle, larger sofa like obedient children, silent.
He left again, only to return later carrying a plate with five cups. The smell of warm milk hit our noses.
He handed us the cups and sat on the other couch.
"Listen, kids. I only let you in because… because… I don't even know why," he admitted, blushing slightly. "Just stay here for today. Leave tomorrow. And no—I am not going to teach any of you magic."
So he knows we're here to learn magic…
Larkin placed his cup on the table."Please, master, teach us. We came a long way to learn from you."
Loin remained quiet for a while as we drank our milk. Then he finally spoke.
Fine. I will teach you magic—but only because I can see the flame of determination in your eyes, kids.
"YESSS! FINALLY!" Vino shouted.
And that's how our first meeting with the great magic teacher Loin Arunder went: full of disappointment, hope, shame, and finally, happiness.
With that, a whole new chapter of our lives began:
THE WAY TO LEARNING MAGIC.