The morning air was fresh, carrying with it the scent of dew and bread baking in distant ovens. Sunlight spilled gently over the rooftops as Rayan walked beside Lina, their steps measured and quiet. The city was already stirring to life, merchants setting up their stalls, children darting through the alleys, and guards changing shifts at the gates. But for Rayan, today felt different weighty, purposeful.
They stopped before a tall building with marble steps and a polished plaque that read Arkwyn Academy Registration Office. Its wide doors gleamed in the early light, welcoming hopeful youths who dreamed of wielding magic.
Lina paused at the bottom step, her fingers curling nervously against the hem of her dress. "Rayan… are you really sure about this?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.
Rayan didn't hesitate. He pressed the fee into the registrar's hands and signed the parchment with steady strokes. Then he turned to her, his gaze calm and resolute.
"You've supported me all this time," he said firmly. "And you're a mage, Lina. You deserve a proper education, not just scraps of knowledge picked up along the way. I want you to have a future too."
For a moment, Lina's eyes shimmered. She covered her lips with trembling fingers as though holding back tears. When the clerk handed her a stamped slip of parchment confirming her acceptance, she clutched it tightly, as if afraid it might vanish.
"I… I don't know what to say," she murmured. "Thank you, Rayan. I won't waste this chance."
He smiled faintly, brushing off the depth of her gratitude as though it were nothing. "Good. Because starting next week, you're officially a student of Arkwyn Academy."
Since mage courses demanded intensive study, Rayan also paid the dormitory fee. The coins weighed heavy in his pouch, but he knew it was necessary. Lina would need a place on campus, close to her classes, away from the distractions of the outer city.
When everything was settled, they stepped back onto the bustling street. The clamor of carriages and voices returned to Rayan's ears, but his mind was already on the next task.
"Come on," he said, his tone brisk but light. "I've got something I need to take care of."
The clang of steel greeted him the moment he pushed open the door to the weapon shop. Rows of polished blades lined the walls, catching the sunlight streaming in from tall windows. A faint smell of oiled leather and sharpened iron filled the air.
Rayan approached the displays, his fingers brushing over the hilts of various swords. Some were far too ornate gilded pommels, inlaid gems, blades made more for display than battle. Others were finely crafted but priced far beyond his reach.
He kept looking, patient and practical, until his hand found it a simple iron longsword. It wasn't flashy, nor did it gleam like the ceremonial blades on the higher shelves. But it was well balanced, sturdy, and sharp enough to cut through a monster's hide. More importantly, it fit his budget without leaving him penniless.
"This one," he told the shopkeeper, who nodded approvingly at his choice.
Next, Rayan turned to the racks of armor. His old set was worn to threads, patches of leather cracked and straps frayed. After some searching, he chose a new set of reinforced leather. It was light enough to move freely in yet tough enough to turn aside claws or stray blades.
The moment he strapped it on, he felt different not invincible, but prepared.
But Rayan wasn't done yet. There was one more thing he needed to buy.
He led Lina through the busy market lanes, finally stopping at a modest stall run by a magic vendor. The table was filled with charms, enchanted trinkets, and beginner tools. Rayan's eyes settled on a sturdy wand polished wood, smooth in design, with a silver tip that glowed faintly with mana conduction.
"This one," he said, pointing. After haggling briefly, he paid for it and turned to Lina.
He handed it over with a quiet smile. "I got this for you. It should help you during your classes."
Lina's eyes widened. She reached out as though holding something priceless. Her fingers traced the smooth grain of the wood, and her lips curved into the smallest, most genuine smile Rayan had ever seen on her.
"It's perfect," she whispered. "Truly perfect… Thank you, Rayan."
His chest warmed at her words, though he tried to play it off with his usual composure. "Don't thank me yet. Just promise you'll use it well. A tool's only as good as the mage who wields it."
"I will," she said firmly, her earlier shyness fading into determination.
Rayan nodded once, satisfied.
"Now," he said, sheathing his new sword and adjusting the straps of his armor, "we're both ready for what comes next."
And as they walked back through the city streets Lina holding her wand close to her heart and Rayan gripping the hilt of his sword they felt, for the first time, that the future might actually belong to them.