As the secret passage of Grimswald came to an end, the mouths of the new-year students fell open in awe. Before their eyes stretched the Everlight Market, a spiral of light and color, built in layered terraces that climbed upward around a central glowing spire.
The spire—called the Everflame Crystal—burned with silver-golden fire, never dimming, casting warmth across the market as though it were eternally celebrating a festival.
The main gate opened into a broad cobblestone avenue that split into three spiraling paths, each one leading to a different district of the market. The paths wound upward in circles, forming terraces of shops stacked like a giant amphitheater. From above, the entire market resembled a radiant spiral galaxy woven from stalls, lanterns, and shimmering magic.
Floating bridges of glowing stone arched between the terraces, allowing students and merchants alike to cross freely from level to level.
At the very heart of the market, beneath the Everflame Crystal, stood the Chrono-Fountain—a marble wonder whose waters flowed upward instead of down. The fountain's enchanted spray formed shifting images of magical history, replaying legends of the realm in liquid light.
Gathering around the fountain, the students fell into groups. Professor Maeron stepped forward, raising his voice above the hum of the market. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze shifted—Professor Seraphina Duskbane had joined them. Though surprised, he said nothing, and continued.
"Well, old students already know today's procedure. So, new students, listen carefully. It is now eleven o'clock. From here, you may move freely and purchase whatever you require. You have five hours for your visit. At four o'clock sharp, everyone must return to this fountain so we may depart for Grimswald. Any student who breaks this rule will face detention, and their house will lose points. Head Boy and Head Girl, ensure this is carried out. Now, you may all—"
"Wait a moment," came a calm but commanding voice from behind.
The students turned as Professor Duskbane stepped to the front, her expression unreadable. Standing beside Maeron, she spoke in a firm, measured tone.
"Due to certain… reasons, your visit time is being shortened. Instead of four o'clock, you will return here at three o'clock sharp."
A ripple of disappointment and whispers spread through the crowd. Students muttered unhappily at the lost hour of freedom, but their voices quickly died when Professor Duskbane raised her hand.
"Silence."
The single word cut through the air like steel.
Professor Seraphina Duskbane was not only famed as the strongest witch of the century, a master of elemental magic, but also feared for her unyielding strictness. She showed no favoritism—whether a student was from her own house or not, discipline was absolute. Even the bravest students feared her far more than Headmaster Aurelius Dreymark.
With the market buzzing faintly in the distance, she closed her eyes and began to whisper a low chant. Raising both hands, she summoned a sphere of blue light that pulsed between her palms. Her eyes glowed with the same ethereal blue, and then, with a graceful motion, she released the magic outward.
In an instant, a small watch-like device appeared on the right wrist of every Grimswald student. Gasps of astonishment broke through the crowd, and hushed whispers followed—not of disappointment this time, but of awe and excitement.
"Silence, students!" Professor Maeron barked again, his voice firm. "If you waste your time gossiping instead of listening to Professor Duskbane, you'll only lose precious minutes. Remember, your time has already begun." He glanced at her, clearly expecting acknowledgment, but she ignored him and turned her gaze upon the students.
"This device," she said, lifting her own wrist to show the watch gleaming there, "is for your safety. If you encounter any danger, press the red button on the side. It will alert us instantly, and we will track your location." She gestured toward her and Maeron's wrists, where identical devices gleamed.
Her eyes swept over the group like a hawk.
"Now—you may leave."
Lily tugged on Eirene's sleeve."I'm going with Marcus to purchase my things. Come with us," she said brightly.
Eirene glanced toward Kalen, then shook her head with a small smile."You go first. I need to stop by the bank—I'll catch up later."
Marcus's eyes flicked toward Kalen, his tone carrying a hint of mockery."And you? Are you going with her too?"
"As expected," Kalen nodded. "Yes. I also have business at the bank, so I'll go with Eirene."
With that, Lily and Marcus turned left, disappearing into the swirl of the market crowd, while Kalen and Eirene moved to the right, following the map in their hands. Robin trailed after them quietly.
The second shop on the right was a grand, iron-wrought building marked with silver runes: The Evervault Bank—the vault where the savings of witches and wizards from all three clans were kept safe.
At the gate, they were greeted by a short man in a red cap and black cloak. His eyes twinkled behind round spectacles as he bowed slightly."Good afternoon, students. How may I help you?" he asked politely.
Kalen and Eirene handed him their bank cards."We'd like to check the balance on these cards and make a withdrawal," Kalen said.
The wizard—Mr. Fox—took the cards. The moment his eyes fell on them, recognition flickered across his face.
Eirene's card was pitch black. His breath caught. Only four such cards existed.The first was held by Headmaster Aurelius Dreymark of Grimswald.The second belonged to the King of the Drakoria Clan.The third had once been in the possession of the King of the Calestra Clan—before King Theron had him slain.And the fourth… issued nine years ago. No one had ever known who its true owner was—until now.
Mr. Fox's gaze lingered briefly on Eirene, understanding at once that the girl before him came from a background of immense power. Yet he said nothing, masking his surprise with professional composure.
He then examined the second card. This one shimmered in silver-grey—the second-highest tier, held by many royal families. He returned both cards respectfully to their owners.
His eyes then shifted toward Robin, as though silently asking what business he had here.
Catching the look, Robin quickly raised his hands."Oh, I'm not here for the bank. Just following my friends," he explained.
Mr. Fox gave a short nod."Very well. Please wait outside." Then, turning back to Kalen and Eirene, he gestured toward the polished doors."Inside, you'll find Ms. Rozy. She will guide you further."
With that, he stepped aside, allowing them entry into the mysterious depths of the Evervault Bank.