The Summoning Hall thrummed with nervous energy. Disciples surged toward the towering tablet of light, its surface shimmering with runes that rearranged themselves like living fireflies. Every name carved in arcane glow was a fate decided, a path set in stone.
"I hope we're in the same class…" Shaun muttered, his voice nearly lost in the cacophony of whispers and shuffling feet.
He and Natasha squeezed their way through the crowd, brushing past anxious murmurs and elated cries. The air felt heavy—charged with tension, dreams, and the faint crackle of lingering magic.
At last, they reached the front. The tablet blazed brighter up close, countless names swimming like constellations across its surface.
"Of course we will be, silly! Now let's see…" Natasha pressed forward, eyes darting across the glowing script.
Shaun leaned over her shoulder, squinting. "It's so bright! Do you see our names?"
"Hold on, hold on…" Natasha's brow furrowed as her finger traced down the endless streams of names. Then, her expression lit up like dawn breaking through the clouds.
"Aha! Here it is! Apprentice Batch Two—Shaun Thunderhawk and Natasha Ikazuchi!"
She spun toward him, her ponytail whipping behind her as she jumped in excitement. "Shaun, we're together!" Her eyes gleamed with relief and triumph, a radiant smile blooming across her face.
Shaun blinked, a weight lifting from his chest. "Huh? Oh—wow! That's… that's fantastic, Natasha! I'm so glad we're together." His smile softened, genuine and full of warmth.
"Apprentice Batch Two? That's my batch as well." Before Natasha could reply, a new voice slipped through the din—gentle, yet carrying an unmistakable presence.
Shaun and Natasha turned, their gazes locking onto the newcomer who had spoken.
**********
A tall boy with striking blue hair and a fair complexion stood before them, his eyes wide with astonishment. He wore a weathered light-blue long-sleeve vest over a gray gi with blue linings, a black sash tied neatly at his waist, padded wrappings, white baggy pants, and straw shoes. Realizing he was staring, the boy quickly averted his gaze, his cheeks tinged pink.
"Oh, my apologies for interrupting. I was just surprised we're in the same batch," he said softly, his voice warm and polite.
"No worries at all, brother! We were just chatting. It's nice to see a new face. So, you're new to the academy too?" Shaun offered him a friendly smile.
"Yes, I am," the boy replied, visibly relieved. Straightening, he offered a graceful bow.
"Please forgive my abruptness earlier. Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Sabastian Seaborne, from Mariana Town in the Southern Silver Heaven Region. It's an honour to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Sabastian! I'm Shaun Thunderhawk, and this is my childhood friend, Natasha Ikazuchi. We're both from Nuzzle Village, way out in the west," Shaun said, gesturing to Natasha.
"Pleasure to meet you, Sabastian," Natasha added with a polite but confident nod.
"Nuzzle Village... interesting," Sabastian murmured thoughtfully before curiosity lit his eyes.
"Shaun, Natasha… if you don't mind me asking, what were your scores on the Spiritual Entrance Test?"
Shaun scratched the back of his head, caught off guard. "Uh, sure. Natasha scored amazing — 650! And me… well, 405. Barely above the passing mark of 400."
"A 405...? Not quite what I expected. You can't possibly be him…" Sabastian muttered under his breath, disappointment flickering in his expression before realization struck. He quickly straightened, flustered.
"Oh, forgive me! I didn't mean that. My score wasn't much higher either — 430."
Trying to ease the tension, he asked gently, "So, what are your dreams? Why choose Silver Heaven Academy?"
"Dreams? Mine's simple — well, not really." Shaun grinned, rubbing his messy black hair. "I want to graduate as a top mage and then take down the Supreme Mages. I'm going to be the World's Strongest Magus."
"Shaun's dream is amazing!" Natasha chimed in, eyes shining. "As for me, I want to be a strong Thunder Magus like my father. And I want to stand by Shaun's side as his partner — we've always supported each other."
Sabastian's chest warmed at their sincerity, and he smiled. "Those are truly inspiring dreams. Hearing them fills me with joy. I'm glad destiny brought us together here."
"My dream is to become the Strongest Aqua Magus. My father wished for me to honour our ancestors by elevating our family's name — financially, politically, in every way. By succeeding here, I can make that happen." Lowering his gaze for a moment, Sabastian's tone grew more resolute.
"That's a great dream, Sabastian! I'm sure you'll achieve it. We'll support you every step of the way!" Shaun said, patting him on the shoulder. Natasha gave him an encouraging smile.
"Thank you, both of you. That truly means a lot," Sabastian replied warmly.
Just then, a woman in an elegant robe stepped before the glowing tablet. Adjusting her glasses, her voice rang out clearly:
"Attention, disciples! Those who have confirmed their names and batches, proceed to the summoning hall. The welcome ceremony begins in thirty minutes. Those who haven't, verify at once."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as disciples rushed either to the tablet or towards the hall.
"Guess that's our cue," Sabastian said with a playful smile. "We've confirmed our names, so shall we?"
"Yeah, let's go," Shaun nodded.
"Agreed. I've heard the welcome ceremony is quite the spectacle," Natasha added with a grin as she adjusted her yellow warrior hanfu.
With a collective nod, the trio began walking toward the summoning hall, their voices weaving into the lively hum of the academy.
**********
As Shaun, Natasha, and Sabastian stepped into the Summoning Hall, their eyes widened in awe at the sheer vastness of the corridor. The air buzzed with excitement, filled with murmurs and whispers that echoed off the high walls.
In the heart of the grand chamber, four massive blocks of polished wooden chairs were arranged with flawless precision — two blocks for the newcomers and two for the senior disciples. Each block held one hundred seats, a perfect grid of ten by ten, their symmetry reflecting the academy's disciplined spirit.
The walls were lined with countless blue flags, each stitched with the proud emblem of the academy. At the front, a striking red curtain banner cascaded down, bearing the same emblem with exquisite embroidery: the letters S and H, locked within a grand silver shield, crossed by two gleaming silver swords.
Before the banner stood a spacious stage, its floor draped in blue and red fabric. A long table stretched across it, covered with a regal scarlet cloth, and flanked by rows of tall chairs reserved for the academy's esteemed teachers — and the legendary Grand Master himself.
Behind the table, the backdrop gleamed in blue silk, upon which the single word WELCOME shone in bold golden letters, greeting every disciple who entered with warmth and solemnity.
Shaun's breath caught as he gazed around, his chest tightening. This is it. The place where legends are born… He swallowed hard, fighting back the nervous flutter in his stomach.
Beside him, Natasha's lips curled into a confident smile, her eyes shining like a child's on festival day. "Incredible! Look at this, Shaun… it's everything I imagined and more!" she whispered, her excitement brimming over.
Sabastian, meanwhile, straightened his posture, his blue eyes flickering with both awe and determination. "So this… is where our paths will be tested," he murmured softly, more to himself than to them, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
**********
"Wow, this place is even bigger than I imagined!" Shaun said, his wide eyes darting across the massive summoning hall as disciples jostled noisily for seats.
"I told you it would be impressive. We should grab some before they're all taken," Natasha replied, slipping her hand around his arm to guide him through the crowd.
"Natasha's right. Finding a good spot is key for orientation," Sabastian agreed, following close behind.
Amidst the chaos, Natasha and Sabastian secured three seats in the centre of the newcomer block. Natasha claimed the seat on Shaun's left while Sabastian settled on his right. Their gazes wandered over the sea of faces and nervous chatter.
"We got the perfect seats, Shaun!" Natasha beamed, giving his hand a quick squeeze.
"Indeed. A prime position for observing the ceremonies," Sabastian said, his voice calm yet tinged with anticipation. Around them, the newcomers filled the air with a melody of excitement and nerves.
"So, Shaun, tell me more about Nuzzle Village. What's it like growing up there?" Sabastian leaned in with genuine curiosity, a warm smile tugging at his lips.
"Oh, it's… quiet, mostly. Lots of open fields, not many people. I spent most of my time reading old scrolls about magus history," Shaun replied, his voice softening as he thought of home.
He began sharing tales of Nuzzle Village, capturing Sabastian's full attention — until sharp whispers from the row behind them made his ears perk up.
"My spiritual score was 700! Can you believe it?"
"Bah, that's nothing! Mine was 900! But forget scores—have you heard of him? The disciple who shattered the Spirit Stone?"
"Of course! They say his power was unimaginable. The stone can measure up to twenty thousand soul power, and it shattered like nothing!"
"Apparently, the shockwaves shook the entire hall! They call him the monster. No one knows who he was. His soul power nearly knocked everyone over!"
"Shattered the stone? A monster? Mystery disciple? Hey… did you guys hear that? Who are they talking about?" Shaun stiffened, turning to Natasha and Sabastian, his eyes wide.
"Yes, Shaun. It's been the talk of the academy," Natasha said, her tone serious as she squeezed his hand. "Everyone's whispering about a disciple with power unlike anything seen in decades."
"In fact," Sabastian added, his pale eyes studying Shaun carefully, "it was all anyone talked about after the test. His identity is still a mystery… though I'm surprised you didn't hear of it yourself."
Shaun's cheeks reddened. "Oh, right. I, um… fainted during my test. Woke up in the infirmary, with Natasha scolding the healers." He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Someone had to make sure they weren't completely useless," Natasha replied, lifting her chin proudly.
Sabastian blinked, realization flickering in his gaze as the pieces clicked together. His expression softened, though the curiosity lingered in his eyes.
"Fainted, huh? Interesting… Well, that explains it. You can't possibly be the one they call 'the monster'—not with a score of just four hundred and five."
"Hmm? Did you say something, Sabastian?" Shaun asked, frowning.
"Oh, no, not at all," Sabastian replied quickly with a reassuring smile. "I was just thinking about that harvest festival you mentioned. Tell me more about it… and about Nuzzle Village."
**********
As the disciples shifted in their seats, their soft murmurs created a gentle wave against the hall's vast silence. Then, movement rippled across the stage as a group of teachers entered. Instantly, the disciples rose to their feet in unison, a tide of respect sweeping through the gathering.
The teachers ascended the raised platform, taking their designated places to oversee the day's crucial events.
From among the rows of disciples, a striking young boy stepped forward. His hair was as white as freshly fallen snow, his eyes the startling blue of a clear sky. He wore a crisp white vest over a blue gii with white linings, padding secured by a black sash. Loose white pants and sturdy black shoes completed his attire.
Draped across his shoulders was a flowing white haori, embroidered with the character for discipline, fluttering lightly as he moved. Rectangular glasses framed his sharp gaze, lending him an air of scholarly elegance. With quiet confidence, the boy walked to the very front of the stage. His presence alone commanded silence.
A crystalline orb, shimmering with soft light, descended before him — the sound-amplifying crystal. It hovered patiently, waiting for his words. The boy inhaled deeply, then began:
"Good morning, everyone! Welcome to Silver Heaven Academy. My name is Akshay Himaira, and I serve as President of the Disciplinary Knights. On behalf of our esteemed Lady Grand Master, our dedicated teachers, and the tireless staff of this academy, I extend a warm welcome to our returning disciples — and an especially heartfelt welcome to our newcomers." His voice carried smoothly to every corner of the vast chamber.
"Each of you has arrived with dreams. Dreams of honing your magic, of becoming strong Magi, of shaping the future of our world. You all carry the potential for greatness. As President of the Disciplinary Knights, my request is simple: uphold the discipline that makes this academy exceptional. Together, let us elevate the reputation of Silver Heaven Academy — and of our entire Silver Heaven Region — across the world." He lifted a hand, eyes shining with conviction.
"Let our strength be known everywhere! I wish you all a thrilling, fulfilling year ahead. Now, without further ado, it is my honour to invite our Grand Master, Lady Maya Flamefox, to the stage."
He bowed deeply. Applause thundered through the hall as he stepped back. The stage lights dimmed slightly. Silence fell once more, anticipation heavy in the air.
From the teachers' row, a striking woman with flowing black hair rose. She wore a sleeveless black warrior hanfu with a white haori draped across her shoulders, her steps sharpened by knee-high black heels. Her slim yet curvaceous form commanded attention, but it was her piercing gaze — sharp and unyielding — that silenced the disciples like prey before a lioness.
She approached the sound crystal, her every movement deliberate, graceful, yet filled with power. The hall erupted in applause as she stepped into the spotlight. Raising her chin slightly, she began to speak in a firm, resonant voice:
"Good morning, disciples. Welcome to Silver Heaven Academy. My name is Maya Flamefox, and I hold the title of Grand Master of this institution," Her words were simple, but the weight behind them pressed into every heart.
"Nearly two centuries ago, this academy was established as a beacon of hope by the Elemental Gods. Born from the ashes of Ragnarok, its purpose has always been clear — to cultivate and train the next generation of magi, ensuring such devastation will never again consume our world." Her gaze swept across the hall.
"This academy is more than walls. It is heritage — a living memory of those who gave their lives in Ragnarok. They fought not for glory, but for the dawn of a new era. Now, it is your responsibility, as disciples of Silver Heaven Academy, to carry that torch forward." The hall was silent, every disciple hanging on her words.
"For centuries, this sanctuary flourished under the eyes of the Gods. When they departed, rulers and dynasties preserved its legacy. Empires have risen and crumbled, but this academy remains, unmoved, like a mountain against the tides of history. Today, it is safeguarded by the wisdom and might of the Three Supreme Mages." She paused briefly, her sharp eyes softening just a fraction.
"I once stood where you stand — young, filled with dreams. You all possess potential. But potential requires guidance and discipline. That is why we are here. Alongside me, countless teachers dedicate themselves to shaping your paths."
"Respect your parents. Obey your teachers. And most importantly — believe in yourselves and your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. For those who dare believe can etch their names into history," Her voice rose, sharp as fire.
"I wish you all a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead," She lowered her hand.
Thunderous applause shook the summoning hall. Lady Maya bowed briefly, then turned and returned to her seat, her presence lingering even as she departed. Akshay stepped forward once more.
"Thank you, Lady Maya, for your inspiring words. Disciples, please proceed to your designated classrooms in an orderly fashion. After your introductions, you will be free to explore the academy grounds. That concludes the Welcome Ceremony."
"Knights, assist with the formations," He gestured to the rows of disciple.
The sash-bearing disciples of the Disciplinary Knights stepped forward, their stern expressions enforcing order as they guided disciples towards the exits.
"Hey, Shaun, Natasha," Sabastian leaned toward them with a smile. "We should stick together. No point getting separated."
"Yeah, let's go," Shaun and Natasha said, standing with determination.
The three joined the stream of disciples, hearts pounding with anticipation as they moved toward their first true step into academy life.
**********
The welcome ceremony concluded, and grand doors of summoning hall swung open, releasing a tide of young disciples in two neatly arranged lines. Their hopeful faces ascended the grand staircase toward the chamber of knowledge and potential.
The eagle-eyed Disciplinary Knights maintained strict order, ensuring not a single step faltered from the prescribed path. Apprentice Batch 2, Shaun's new classroom on the first floor—a spacious chamber bathed in soft light from tall windows—awaited its eager occupants.
Shaun and his friends followed the flow, entering alongside the crowd. A sea of unfamiliar faces greeted them, each carrying its own anticipation and nervousness. The room hummed with the chatter of introductions and hushed excitement.
Swept up in the moment, Natasha and Sabastian raced ahead. Natasha claimed the third seat in the third row, exhaling in relief, while Sabastian settled into the second seat just in front of her.
"Shaun, over here!" Natasha called, her face lighting up as she waved him over.
Shaun moved toward her—but suddenly halted. His steps froze mid-stride. There, in the second seat of the front row, sat a lone figure. A wave of astonishment washed over him, his eyes widening with recognition.
Is that…? It's her… It's really her… and she's actually here.
She was the same beautiful girl from the courtyard, the one who stood beneath the cherry blossoms with the sorrow in her eyes. His breath hitched; an unspoken connection flickered across the crowded room. Shaun's heart pounded as he took a cautious step forward. A spark of resolve stirred within him.
I… I should talk to her. Now's my chance.
"The teachers are coming!" The sudden announcement snapped through the air. A disciple burst into the classroom, and the room erupted into frenzy as everyone scrambled for seats.
"Aw, man… maybe later then. Next time, for sure," Shaun muttered, forcing himself back toward Natasha.
Sliding into his seat beside her, he tried to focus on the moment, but the image of the girl lingered in his thoughts—her presence like an unanswered question in his heart. And deep down, Shaun felt a strange certainty:
This won't be the last time our paths cross.
**********