"Just a sec," Sam called out to the voice outside.
He stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath as thoughts swirled in his head.
"This is my chance… my chance to change everything," he whispered to himself. "I need to be strong—not just strong. I need to become the strongest."
The words weren't just a passing thought. They were a silent vow. A promise to himself.
His gaze shifted to a packed backpack resting by the door—filled with everything he thought he might need. Lifting it with both hands, he turned to take one final look at the small home he had grown up in.
"I don't know when… or if… I'll be back again," he said softly, a wave of emotion catching him off guard.
He stood for a few more seconds, letting the memories wash over him—the quiet nights, the comfort, the safety. But now, none of that mattered. A new chapter was beginning.
With a deep breath, he turned and opened the door.
Waiting outside was a large, elegant carriage—clearly not an ordinary one. It gleamed with silver and blue accents and floated just inches above the ground. The crest of the Academy was etched into its side, glowing faintly.
In front of the carriage stood a tall man, dressed in a crisp black uniform. He bowed slightly upon seeing Sam.
"The Headmaster has sent me to collect you," the man said politely.
Sam's brow furrowed. The Headmaster? Personally involved? He stepped forward, narrowing his eyes at the carriage. Then he noticed it—this wasn't a regular transport. It was a flying carriage, powered by arcane energy. At the front were two majestic white horses, each larger than any normal steed and adorned with silver reins. Their eyes glowed faintly with a magical aura.
Why all this attention… for me? Sam thought nervously. This is way too much.
"If you're ready, please step inside," the driver said, his voice gentle yet firm.
Sam gave a small nod and climbed into the carriage. It was surprisingly spacious inside, with velvet-lined seats and glowing crystal lanterns. He sat near the window and looked out as the driver took position.
"Let's leave," Sam said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
With a small flick of the reins, the horses neighed and the carriage lifted into the air smoothly. It began its journey across the skies, leaving the ground and the forest below.
Sam's heart pounded. Everything felt surreal. He was finally leaving the only home he had ever known. And ahead of him lay the unknown—the Academy, the challenges, and whatever fate had planned.
His fingers curled slightly as he clenched the fabric of his trousers. This is it… I'm really doing this.
Meanwhile, back at Sam's house…
Silence had settled over the small house. The gentle chirping of birds echoed from the forest nearby. No human sound remained.
Then, without warning, the structure began to tremble. The walls creaked, the roof shifted—and slowly, almost gracefully, the house began to dissolve into the earth. Wooden walls transformed into twisting roots, sinking into the ground like a tree returning to its origin.
In mere seconds, the house was gone.
Standing in its place was a woman—strikingly beautiful, ethereal even. Her presence radiated grace, and her eyes held the depth of someone who had seen more than time itself. She gazed at the sky where the carriage had disappeared.
"He was so nervous," she whispered with a soft smile. "Sigh… I miss him already."
She placed a hand over her heart. "But it's alright. We'll meet again… soon."
With a final glance at the horizon, the woman vanished into the air—like a breeze never meant to be caught.