The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of Arkwyn Academy, casting a golden glow across the stone courtyard. Birds chirped in the gardens below, and the distant clatter of students' footsteps echoed against the high walls. Lina clutched her small bundle of belongings, her heart thumping in a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today marked her first day at the academy the place where she would begin her journey to becoming a mage.
The dormitory stood at the northern wing of the academy, a tall, ivy-covered building with carved wooden doors and narrow windows lined with flowering vines. Lina paused at the entrance, taking a deep breath. The smell of polished wood, fresh linen, and the faint trace of magic in the air greeted her, making her chest swell with a strange sense of awe.
A young woman with short auburn hair and bright green eyes appeared as if from nowhere. She wore the academy uniform neatly, a long blue robe trimmed with silver embroidery. "You must be new," she said with a friendly smile. "I'm Tessa. Let me guess first year?"
Lina nodded, feeling her nerves settle slightly. "I'm Lina"
Tessa's eyes widened slightly, a curious glint appearing. "Lina? That's a nice name. I'm glad we'll be roommates." She waved at Lina. "Come on, I'll show you to your room."
The two girls climbed the wide staircase together, the walls lined with paintings of famous mages, their eyes seeming to follow every step. Lina's fingers brushed against the carved banisters nervously as she followed Tessa.
Finally, they reached a small hallway lined with doors. Tessa opened one with a flourish. "Here we are! This will be our room. Not the biggest, but cozy enough for two. I already staked my claim on the window side, so you can have the bed near the door."
Inside, the room was modest but comfortable. Two narrow beds were neatly made, a wooden desk sat under the window, and a small wardrobe stood in the corner. The scent of lavender lingered faintly in the air. Lina set down her bundle, her fingers brushing over the smooth wood of the desk.
"It's… nice," she whispered.
Tessa grinned. "Trust me, it'll feel even better once you settle in. Now, quick, we need to meet our homeroom instructor."
The hall buzzed with activity. Students of all shapes and sizes humans, elves, and even some beastkin lined up at the hall.
Then a tall, silver-haired instructor called the first-year students to the main lecture hall. Lina followed Tessa, who chatted easily with the others, her confidence in stark contrast to Lina's tentative steps.
The lecture hall was vast, with high ceilings and rows of long desks that sloped downward toward the professor's podium. A soft hum of magical energy filled the air, tingling against Lina's skin. Students whispered among themselves, comparing Crests, robes, and magical implements. Lina felt a small pang of anxiety she had only just begun, and many of the students already seemed advanced.
A bell chimed, and the room fell silent. A tall woman stepped forward, her robe decorated with intricate gold and silver embroidery. Her hair, long and black, framed a sharp, elegant face. "Welcome to Arkwyn Academy, first-years," she said, her voice calm but commanding. "This institution has trained the most skilled mages in the realm. You will learn to wield magic, understand its essence, and master control. But remember talent alone is not enough. Discipline, perseverance, and dedication will carry you further than raw power ever could."
Lina felt her heart quicken. Perseverance, she thought. That's what Rayan believes in. I have to be strong.
The professor continued, introducing the first-year curriculum elemental theory, magical history, spellcraft basics, and practical exercises. Lina listened intently, jotting notes carefully. She glanced at Tessa, who scribbled with ease, already appearing at home among the students.
After the lecture, the students were split into practical groups. Lina's group was small, consisting of three other girls Tessa, a tall elven girl named Arwen with striking blue eyes, and a quiet beastkin girl, Liora, whose fox-like ears twitched constantly with curiosity. Lina felt a wave of relief. These girls didn't seem judgmental, only interested in learning and helping one another.
The first practical exercise involved channeling mana into a small crystal to illuminate it. Lina's hands trembled as she held the wand. Just focus, she whispered to herself. Drawing in a deep breath, she concentrated on the flow of energy, feeling it trickle through her fingertips.
The crystal flickered. It glowed softly, then pulsed steadily with light. Lina's eyes widened in surprise. Arwen clapped lightly. "Not bad for a beginner. Keep practicing you'll improve fast."
Tessa leaned over and whispered, "See? You're going to do great here. Just remember, it's okay to ask for help. None of us were perfect on day one."
The rest of the morning passed in a flurry of practice and instruction. Lina learned the basics of elemental manipulation, chanted incantations, and familiarized herself with the theory behind mana flow. She stumbled at first, but each time, her focus sharpened.
By midday, they were allowed a short break. Lina and her roommates sat beneath the shaded courtyard, sharing simple packed meals. Tessa chatted about her hometown, Arwen discussed magical creatures she hoped to study, and Liora spoke quietly of her dreams to protect her village with her magic. Lina listened, absorbing their words, feeling a sense of belonging she had not experienced since leaving home.
"I never thought I'd actually be here," Lina admitted softly. "It feels… surreal."
Tessa smiled warmly. "It takes time to feel at home. Just remember, you earned your place here. Don't forget that."
After lunch, the afternoon was devoted to wand exercises and small group competitions. Lina's confidence grew steadily, her control over water magic improving under careful instruction. Each successful spell made her pulse quicken with exhilaration.
When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the first day, Lina felt a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment. She and her roommates returned to their dormitory, laughing at minor mishaps and sharing tips on practice.
Back in their room, Lina carefully arranged her things, her wand set on the desk. Tessa flopped onto her bed, stretching lazily. Lina smiled, feeling the warmth of camaraderie and support around her. Somewhere she could grow. Somewhere her dreams mattered.
As the evening sunlight dimmed through the windows, Lina lay in bed, thinking of Rayan. She imagined him back in their modest room, working tirelessly to support her, his determination silently inspiring her. She clenched her hands around the edge of the blanket and whispered softly, "I'll work hard… for both of us."
Sleep claimed her soon after, leaving her dreams filled with ma
gic, friendship, and the promise of the journey ahead.