Arthur woke up a little before dawn, feeling excited. He reviewed the items he had chosen to bring for the journey, making sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
He headed to the meeting point and saw the horses near the arena where, years ago, his class battles had taken place.
— Are you excited, Arthur? I don't know why, but I have a strange feeling — said Mia.
— Relax, everything will be fine. This professor gives me confidence. I believe it's going to work out and we'll learn a lot. Let's join the others, I think almost everyone's here — said Arthur.
— HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING? READY FOR THE JOURNEY? EACH OF YOU WILL RECEIVE A SYMBOL, AND THAT SYMBOL MATCHES ONE ON A HORSE. THAT HORSE WILL BE YOUR COMPANION FOR THIS TRIP. TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT — said Alexius.
All the students mounted their respective horses and prepared to leave. Arthur and Kidero were on horses positioned on either side of the professor.
— LET'S GO! — shouted Alexius.
They crossed part of the vast campus of the Magic Academy, a place where every stone, tower, and corridor seemed to pulse with ancient secrets. Though they were always immersed in studies, they had never truly taken the time to appreciate the beauty of the academy's vast grounds.
Archways adorned with glowing runes guided the path to pavilions filled with rare artifacts: swords that whispered tales of forgotten wars, orbs that captured fragments of dreams, and books whose pages turned on their own, revealing long-lost spells that humanity could no longer decipher.
Fountains of pure magic sprang from crystal-carved pedestals, scattering colorful sparks through the air and infusing the environment with constant energy. It was there that the art of mastering magic merged with the science of artifacts, forming masters capable of channeling power through unique relics — each with its own soul and will.
As they advanced, the path narrowed until it led them to the academy's main gates, which hadn't been opened in years, only during special events. Two massive metal doors, engraved with arcane symbols, shimmered under the daylight.
Currents of energy ran through the inscriptions, as if silently testing those who passed.
With a deep, resonant sound, the gates began to open, revealing beyond them the organized landscape of the district that stretched across the kingdom: wide stone streets, distant markets, and towers rising like elegant sentinels.
The air from outside carried scents of spices, the distant murmur of conversations, and the echo of hurried footsteps — a subtle contrast to the calm and focus that reigned within the academy. Since the students lived inside the academy, they were a bit surprised by what they saw once the gates opened.
Outside the academy's domain, the group advanced along the stone path leading toward the kingdom's outer walls. The sun, filtered through scattered clouds, cast reflections over the fields and surrounding buildings: small houses with sloped roofs, well-kept gardens, and carts loaded with goods.
In the distance stood the imposing structure of the kingdom's main gates, flanked by vigilant guards. Their gray armor, marked by subtle scratches, reflected the light like polished blades, while their spears remained firm — extensions of their own bodies. The metallic sound of footsteps echoed through the entrance courtyard, blending with the murmurs of voices circulating the area.
The horses' pace slowed as they approached the kingdom's main gate. The structure loomed like a silent giant: massive wooden doors reinforced with black iron bands and studded with rivets that looked indestructible. In front of it shimmered the kingdom's protective barrier — a translucent surface that rippled gently, like liquid glass, separating the interior from the lands beyond.
— Stop here — ordered Alexius.
His firm voice cut through the sound of hooves. He dismounted swiftly and, with determined steps, approached the soldier leading the guard.
After a brief exchange of words, the deep sound of heavy mechanisms echoed through the air. Slowly, the gates began to open, and at the same moment, an oval-shaped tear formed in the magical barrier — as if the energy itself reshaped to allow passage.
The hollow sound of hooves echoed as they crossed the threshold. The group followed Alexius's steady steps, passing through the shimmering tear in the magical barrier. As they passed, the radiant energy enveloped them for a moment — like a cold touch on the skin — before dissipating behind them. Soon, the massive wooden gate closed again with a deep thud, and the barrier, like water returning to its stream, reformed until no trace of the opening remained.
Alexius gently pulled the reins of his horse and turned to the students with a serious look.
— From now on, we must be extremely careful and alert — he said, his voice heavy.
— Because from this moment on… we're on our own.