Lyra:
"You were in Calla and Talia's room, huh? Why don't you just stay there only?"
Selby (rubbing her neck awkwardly):
"Huff… ah, I just went there because I didn't feel like sleeping. And you were already asleep, so I didn't want to wake you."
Lyra (with an aggressive smile):
"Ohh, okay. Be ready. The fairies will be here soon to take us."
Selby:
"Ahh… yeah."
In the boys' room
(Damon sat on the bed, removing his tied bandage and looking at the mark underneath.)
Damon:
"Huh… what was that liquid? Look at this—it made my skin look completely roasted."
Owen (peeking over):
"Hmm. I guess it's healing your skin… slowly."
Aren:
"What do you think we'll be learning in our particular subjects?"
Owen:
"I don't know."
Damon:
"Yeah, me neither."
Owen:
"I guess we should get ready now."
Aren:
Yeah. Damon, just wear some clothes, or the fairies will also see you shirtless.
Damon (giving a deathly stare):
Shut up, Aren.
(Owen and Aren burst out laughing before finally getting ready.)
(Soon, fairies fluttered into each room, gently waking everyone up. They led them into a large corridor where they asked the students to separate into their categories: Novaborn, Veilborn, and Aetherborn.)
(One fairy guided the Novaborn group toward their class, another took the Veilborn, and the last one led the Aetherborn. Just like that, the students were divided—and their unique journeys began in different classrooms.)
Novaborn class
Mr. Henderson:
"Hello, students. Although we met yesterday, let me introduce myself again. I am Professor Richard Henderson, and I'll be teaching you a subject known as Astralis Heartbind. Now, what does that mean?
Astralis Heartbind is the art of connecting with another person's inner essence through their Astralis aura. Every being gives off energy—a signature, you could say—that reveals more than just their presence. With proper focus, you can learn to feel it, read it… and even understand it.)
In this subject, you will learn:
How to read someone's Astralis signature to uncover basic details like their name or mood.
How to sense their personality traits, emotional state, and mental strength.
How to identify weaknesses, not just physical but also mental or emotional vulnerabilities.
And with advanced mastery, how to mask your own Astralis to protect your secrets.
But let me warn you—this is not mind-reading. You're not invading someone's thoughts. You're listening to their energy, feeling the echo of who they are. It takes patience, control, and emotional discipline. One slip… and their Astralis might lash out at yours.
Veilborn class
MrsNectar:
"Good morning, students.
I'm your Veilborn House subject teacher. The subject I'll be guiding you through is called Echoveil Arts, and my name is Angela Nectar. Now, what is Echoveil Arts?
In simple words—it's the art of becoming someone else. Not just pretending or acting… but transforming. In this subject, you'll learn how to take on another person's appearance, voice, posture—even their scent and aura. Think of it as cloning your body into theirs, only with magic.
Sounds fun? Oh, it is! But don't get too excited just yet.
There are rules—many of them. It's powerful magic, and it can be dangerous if misused. That's why this is a full subject, not just a one-time lesson or chapter. You'll need precision, control, and above all… respect for the identity you're echoing. In Echoveil Arts, you'll learn:
How to mirror someone's physical features perfectly.
How to adjust your voice, expressions, and habits to match theirs.
How to safely enter and exit a transformation without hurting your own essence.
And how to avoid the most feared risk of all—losing yourself in the echo.
This is not just magic… it's theatre, psychology, and mystery all wrapped in one."
(She taps the board with her wand, and the words "Echoveil Arts - Lesson One" shimmer into view.)
Aetherborn class
Mr. Veylor:
Hey students, I hope you remember me. I'm Professor Alton Veylor. I know this subject is completely new to you—you've probably never even heard of it from your parents or grandparents, unless you have an elder sibling with just a one- or two-year age gap.
Your subject is called Woven Phantasma. In this class, you'll learn how to create illusions and play with someone's mind. Sounds risky, right? Well, it is—but it's also a lot of fun.
You're Aetherborn, so wands were never your thing anyway. You've always done magic with your hands and your mind. That's why this subject shouldn't be too hard for you, but you must understand everything deeply—because one wrong move can be really dangerous. So stay sharp, be focused, and don't take this lightly.
At Veilborn
(Talia was sitting with a girl she didn't recognize, and on the bench beside hers, Owen was seated.)
Talia:
"Owen, listen… at lunchtime, let's all sit in one row so we can talk just by using our eyes 👀."
Owen:
"Oh, okay. But now let's look ahead, or the professor's gonna scold us."
Talia:
"Yeah, you're right. And one more thing… I didn't really hear anything that was being said. I was kinda lost in thought."
Owen:
"Alright, I'll tell you everything later. But for now, please—"
(Just then, Mrs. Nectar notices Owen talking.)
Mrs. Nectar:
"Mr. Branford, stand up!"
(Owen stands up, giving Talia an annoyed look , then shifts his gaze toward Professor Nectar.)
Mrs. Nectar:
"Mr. Branford, would you care to share with the class what was so important?"
—pauses—
"Or should I assume you're planning to teach the lesson yourself?"
Owen:
Sorry, Professor. I won't talk again.
Mrs. Nectar:
I hope so. Otherwise, there are plenty of punishments I could assign. Now sit down and focus.
(Owen sits down, avoiding eye contact with Talia.)
At Novaborn
(Calla and Aren were sitting on the same bench.)
Aren:
This is awesome! I can't wait to learn more.
Calla:
Yeah, it actually is.
At Aetherborn
Selby was sitting alone. Lyra was with someone else, and Damon was sitting in the side row, right in front of Selby.
Damon took a glance behind and saw Selby sitting by herself, but then quickly turned his attention back to the front.
(After 3 hour, all classes end, and the teachers instruct the students to head to the Grand Refectory.)
(While walking toward the Grand Refectory, Damon approaches Selby.)
Damon:
Hey.
Selby:
Oh… you.
Damon:
Why were you sitting alone? And not with Lyra?
Selby:
Actually, she just went and sat with the others. I couldn't ask her to move, and she didn't ask me either. I don't know, I think she's mad at me.
Damon:
Why? Why would she be angry?
Selby:
Calla's a Novaborn, and Lyra doesn't like that I spend time with her. I guess I've been spending more time with Calla and Talia lately… and maybe she feels left out.
Damon:
Still, that doesn't seem fair. You, Calla, and Talia were friends from before.
Selby:
Yeah, I know. But she's not entirely wrong either. By the way, tell me about you and Lyra. I haven't seen you two talking much lately.
Damon:
Ahh… nothing much.
(Selby notices he's getting a bit sad and quickly changes the subject.)
Selby:
Anyway, look—there's Talia and Owen.
Talia and Owen
Talia:
Owen, I'm really sorry about earlier.
Owen:
It's okay. Just… next time, don't ask questions in class. Ask me afterward.
Talia:
Oh… thank you! I really thought you were mad at me.
Owen:
Hmm. I was… but I've calmed down now.
(Just then, Selby and Damon walk over.)
Selby:
Hey guys!
Talia:
Oh, hi!
A short distance away
Aren:
Look, there's Damon and everyone—hey, Damon!
(Calla stops him quickly.)
Calla:
Stop! Don't call out his name like that!
Aren:
Why? What happened?
Calla:
Because of this morning…
Aren:
Ohhh… you saw him shirtless?
Calla:
Hey! Don't say that out loud!
Aren:
Sorry, sorry! I won't. But we still need to meet them—we've got to meet the Professor too.
Calla:
Yes, I know. But for now, I'd rather not. That moment was awkward enough. And when you said I saw him shirtless, everyone started looking at me.
Aren (laughing hard):
Alright, alright! Let's just go straight to the Grand Refectory then.
(Aren and Calla head straight to the Grand Refectory.),
(Selby Damon, Talia, and Owen walk slowly behind them.)
Talia:
Where are Calla and Aren?
Selby:
No idea.
Damon:
Maybe they already headed to the Grand Refectory before us?
Talia:
Hmm… maybe.
(They finally reach the Grand Refectory. This time, Owen and Talia sit together on one side of the table, while Damon and Selby sit together on the opposite side, facing them.)
Miss Coldhollow:
Lunch, please.
(Fairies flutter in and begin serving food to everyone.)
Aren:
Hey, should we try?
Calla:
What?
Aren:
The thing Professor taught us today.
Calla:
Hmm… okay. But with that, we can only see their name and birthday, right?
Aren:
Yeah, uhh… let's try it on someone.
Calla:
Hmm… so, on whom?
Aren:
Let's try on Damon.
Calla:
Ahh, hmm… okay.
(They quietly take out their wands and cast the spell in their minds. A soft glow appears, and above Damon's head, his full name and birthdate float briefly.)
Aren:
Isn't tomorrow the 11th of August?
Calla:
Yes, it is! That means… tomorrow is Damon's birthday?
Aren:
But why didn't he tell us?
Calla:
No idea… what if we gave him a surprise?
Aren:
That's a great idea! I think we should talk to the others about it.
Calla:
Yeah!
(Everyone finished lunch. As the first instruction was to go to their bedrooms, they all headed off. While going, Lyra came near Selby.)
Lyra:
Selby, I know that Calla and Talia were your friends before, so I thought… you should live with them. Like, see—this is Megan, and she stays with two other girls. Since there are three beds, you can exchange.
Selby:
Okay, that's a good idea. But are you serious? I mean, you're not saying this out of anger, right?
Lyra:
Nope, I'm serious.
Selby:
Then that's good. I'll tell Calla and Talia about it.
Lyra:
Yeah.
Selby:
But wait—do you know which room it is?
Lyra:
Megan will take you there.
(Selby happily went toward Calla and Talia's room. As she walked away, Lyra gave a wild smirk and then went with Megan.)
Selby:
Hey girls, listen up!
Calla:
Yeah? What?
Selby:
Now we can stay in the same room!
Talia:
How?
Selby:
Lyra has a friend—her name's Megan. She was sharing a room with two other girls. So Lyra said, since I'm always with you both, I could shift there with you.
Calla:
That's good—let's shift!
(Selby went to Megan and Lyra's room to ask Megan about it. Megan then took her to the room, and the girls got settled. Like that, half an hour passed.)
In the boys' room:
Aren:
I guess we should go to the girls' room now—they haven't come yet. They said they would.
Damon:
Ahh, I think it's better to wait here. That day, you got beaten by Talia when we went.
Owen:
Yeah, right.
Aren:
Hmm, okay.
Girls in their new room:
Talia:
Huh, this is nice. Now we three can talk about anything.
Selby:
Yes!
Calla:
Ahh—by the way, there's something I need to tell you both. Tomorrow is Damon's birthday.
Talia:
Ohh? But how do you know?
Calla:
At lunch, Aren and I were trying the magic we were taught today. We used it on Damon and found out his birthday is tomorrow. So, after talking with R.C.H., we'll come here and plan something with the boys.
Selby:
That's good.
Talia:
Yes—but I guess now we should go to the boys' room, and then to R.C.H. Time's already passed.
Selby:
Yes.
(Then Selby grabbed both their hands, and they appeared in the boys' room.)
Aren:
You all are so late!
Talia:
Yeah, we know. We were busy shifting.
Damon:
Shifting?
Selby:
Yes, we're now living together—in one room.
Owen:
If you're done talking, can we go now…?
Calla:
Oh yes!
(They made a circle—Damon held Aren and Owen's hands, and Selby held Calla and Talia's hands. Talia held Owen's hand, and Calla held Aren's hand. Like that, they appeared in Professor Henderson's room.)
Mr. Henderson:
Oh, you all are late. I don't think we'll get much time now—but still, ask your questions.
(They all settled down.)
Talia:
How did you know we would come exactly today?
Mr. Henderson:
Ahh, I'll only say this—you three are the chosen ones. I'll explain the rest when the time is right. And don't ask what I mean by "chosen ones"—that too will be revealed at the right time.
Talia:
Okay.
Selby:
Sir, could we know why you wrote that book?
Mr. Henderson:
Ahh, I would tell you—but again, only when the time comes.
Owen:
Is this a joke or what?
Talia (whispers to Selby):
We're out of time. And we need to discuss Damon's birthday. I guess do some magic—send him somewhere?
Selby:
Okay, wait.
(Selby waves her hand, and a sound comes from the kitchen.)
Talia:
Hey Damon, could you go and check what that sound was?
(Damon agrees and heads into the kitchen.)
Calla:
Sir, would you help us?
Mr. Henderson:
For what?
Calla:
Tomorrow is Damon's birthday, so we need to plan. Could you keep him busy? We'll ask the rest of our questions tomorrow or the day after.
Mr. Henderson:
Okay, okay.
(Professor Henderson goes to the kitchen.)
Aren:
So, what should we do?
Calla:
We can make a cake.
Talia:
Okay, but where?
Selby:
In the kitchen.
Talia:
Professor's kitchen?
Calla:
Noo!
Selby:
Didn't you know we have a kitchen? There's one in the girls' room and even in the boys' room. Like, first there's a hallway, then rooms — on the left side of the hallway, there's the kitchen.
Talia:
Seriously? I had no idea.
Owen:
Huh… but how would we surprise him? I mean, at midnight?
Selby:
I guess we can't do it at night.
Aren:
Why not? You can come before 10 like us and just make up a reason. Then at 12, we surprise him.
Talia:
And after the surprise? What about us?
Aren:
You stay in our room.
All the girls (shouting):
Never!
Aren:
Okay, okay…
Calla:
See, we'll do it in the morning before he wakes up. Like, the fairies come at 10, right? So we'll go at 9.
Owen:
Okay, I guess that's better.
In the kitchen:
Mr. Henderson:
Mr. Draycott, how's your family?
Damon:
Fine, sir.
Mr. Henderson:
Ah, if I'm not wrong, you have a twin sister, right?
Damon (a bit off):
Yeah…
Mr. Henderson:
What happened, Damon?
Damon:
Nothing, sir.
Mr. Henderson:
How's your cut now?
Damon:
It's a bit better now. It was really roasted at first, but then it started healing.
Mr. Henderson:
That's good.
Damon:
Sir, should we go now?
(At that point, Talia walks in.)
Talia:
Damon, we should go now.
Damon:
Yes.
(Then Selby grabs Talia and Calla's hands, and Damon grabs Aren and Owen's hands. The girls go to their rooms, and the boys go to theirs.)
Girls' Room
Talia:
When should we make the cake?
Calla:
I guess around 10:30. Everyone would probably be asleep by then.
Selby:
Yeah, actually…
(Suddenly, the fairies arrive to take them.
The fairies guide all the students to the ground.)
(All students gather.)
Mr. Grace:
Hello, my dear students. My name is Neglas Grace. So, as you all were in schools before, many of you already know about magic. Though, of course, some Veilborn and Aetherborn might not. Anyway, just like your old schools had Physical Education classes, we have one here too. Everyone needs to stay fit — whether you're a wizard, a witch, or a regular human being.
Since this is your first P.E. class, we're going to keep it simple. But before we begin, go to the fairy and collect your uniform — your current clothes won't be comfortable for this.
[Students go to collect their uniforms.]
(Each student gets their own group-specific uniform:
Novaborn: red shorts and t-shirt
Veilborn: yellow shorts and t-shirt
Aetherborn: green shorts and t-shirt
Soon, all the students gather in a large line that stretches far and wide.)
Mr. Grace (holding a strange ball):
"Alright, now pay attention. This" — he holds up the ball — is a magic ball. Name — Blinkie. But before I explain it, let me tell you what you need to do.
You'll be running one full round around the school. I know — it's huge. That's why it's only one round. Should be doable.
Now, about this ball — it can fly, and yes, it has an eye. It watches you all while you run. If it catches anyone cheating using magic… well, it'll fly straight to you, drag you back here to the starting point, and you'll have to start your run all over again."
He pauses, raising an eyebrow.
"Remember — this class is 3 hours long. You need to finish your round in 2.5 hours. That's more than enough. And one more thing—if you don't complete the round in 2.5 hours, then you'll have a punishment. Tomorrow morning, you'll have to do the same run again."
(All the students' expressions changed—they now knew they needed more than just speed to win… they needed time.)
Mr. Grace:
"Now be ready. Your time starts… now!"
(The moment the professor shouted, every student ran as fast as they could. The school campus was massive, almost like a small town in itself. With endless paths, wide courtyards, towers, and magical gardens, it felt like a maze. Some students were already panting just a few minutes in. The real challenge wasn't just running—it was endurance, direction, and resisting the temptation to use magic. )
(Halfway through the run, Aren and Talia were close to each other, matching each other's speed.)
While running…
Talia:
Huff… this is too much.
Aren:
Yeah, for real! Like, this is just the first class and we're already dying. What's gonna happen in the other classes?
Talia:
God knows.
(Aren sped up, running ahead. Talia, trying to keep up, lost her balance and fell. She winced as she hit the ground — she had twisted her ankle badly.)
(Aren, who had gone far ahead, turned back and saw Talia sitting on the ground while others ran past her. He immediately rushed back.)
Aren:
Hey! What happened?
Talia:
I lost my balance and fell… I think I broke my ankle.
Aren:
Damn… that's bad. Okay, listen… get on your knee.
Talia:
Huh? Why?
Aren:
Just do what I say.
(Talia tried to shift onto her knees, and Aren helped her. Then, he turned around and crouched down into a runner's stance.)
Aren:
Climb on my back.
Talia:
What??
Aren:
I said, do it.
(She hesitated but got on his back. Aren stood up, carrying her.)
Aren:
Hold tight.
(He started running with Talia on his back. At first, Blinkie noticed them but ignored them. After a few moments, it returned and hit Talia with a green light.)
(Talia fell off Aren's back and suddenly found herself back at the starting point. Professor Grace walked up to her.)
Mr. Grace:
What happened to you, Miss Caldwell?
Talia:
I think I broke my ankle… but how did you know something happened?
Mr. Grace:
Oh, right — I didn't mention. If someone uses magic or cheats, the ball throws them out with a red light. But if there's an emergency, it uses green.
Talia:
Oohhh…
Mr. Grace:
Wait, I'll fix that.
(He took out his wand and cast a spell.
Mr. Grace:
Worstar!
(Talia's ankle instantly healed.)
Talia:
Oh! I can move it now! Thank you, Professor!
Mr. Grace:
Yup. Now go and sit there.
Talia:
Yes, but Professor — can I ask a favour? When I fell, Aren was the one who carried me on his back and ran. So… if he's late, please don't punish him?
Mr. Grace:
(smiling) I don't think I'll need to.
(After some time, all the students came back, tired and worn out. Then Calla, Owen, Damon, and Selby walked in. They saw Talia sitting alone and went over to her. Meanwhile, Talia was lost in thought, wondering where Aren was. Just then, Aren arrived too. He saw the group and headed over.)
Aren:
So… how's your ankle now?
Selby:
Ankle? What happened to you, Tal?
Talia:
Nothing serious. I just fell and twisted my ankle, but Professor Grace healed it with magic.
Calla:
Ohh, so you're fine now?
Talia:
Yeah. By the way… thank you, Aren.
Aren:
Hmm? Seriously, you're thanking me? We're friends, right?
Talia (smiling):
Yeah…
Mr. Grace:
Students, come here now.
(Everyone gathered around the professor.)
Mr. Grace:
I know you're all tired—and maybe even mad at me for making you run on the first day. I'm sorry about that, but it was necessary. Anyway, tomorrow you'll have a sports class. So make sure you wash this uniform and wear it again after lunch. Now, the fairies will give you all a drink. Just drink it—you'll feel much better. Then go straight to the Grand Refectory.
All students:
Okay, Sir!
(The fairies handed each student a glowing bottle of drink.)
Aren:
Ahhh, this is exactly what I needed. What's the name of this drink?
Damon:
"Drink" is literally the name of the drink.
Aren:
Huh? Are you joking?
Owen:
Nope. He's serious.
Aren:
That's… weird. But whatever—it just gave me so much energy. Wait… I finished mine already?
Damon:
You know what it's made of? Wolf's saliva.
Aren: (freezes, horrified)
WHAT?!
(His eyes widened, and without a word, he bolted toward the washroom.)
Calla:
Wait—was that true?
Selby:
Nope! The drink is made from a flower called "Wolf." When it's crushed, it releases a juice called "Salyva."
Talia:
Ohh, so Damon was technically right… but Aren totally misunderstood. I don't think he'll ever drink it again.
(They all laughed. Moments later, Aren returned—still looking pale.)
(After that, the fairy entered the hall.)
Fairy:
"If you're all done with your drinks, please head to the Grand Refectory now for dinner."
(All the students got up and made their way to the Grand Refectory. They split up, going to their respective house tables and quietly sat down. The room filled with the sounds of clinking plates, chatter, and laughter as everyone enjoyed their meal. After finishing dinner, the students returned to their rooms to rest.)
Girls' Room
Talia:
"Oh, so now it's 10:15."
Selby:
"So just 15 more minutes, and we'll go."
Calla:
"Yess!"
Talia:
"Which flavour cake should we make?"
Calla:
"I guess chocolate would be better… since that's the only one we actually know how to make."
Selby:
"Yeah, exactly! That's the main reason — we only know that one!"
Talia: (laughs)
"Well, at least we won't mess it up then!"
Calla: (grinning)
"True! And hey, chocolate is everyone's favourite anyway."
Selby:
"Let's just make sure we don't burn it this time…"
(The girls giggled together, already imagining the warm, sweet smell of chocolate filling the kitchen.)
Calla:
"Ohk, that's 10:30 now."
Talia:
"Yeah… time just goes too fast."
Selby:
"Let's go…"
(The three of them quietly head toward the small kitchen in their room. Calla waves her hand and the room glows softly as the lights come on by magic.)
Calla (raising her hand slightly):
"Lumos."
(A soft, warm golden light lit up from her fingertips, glowing like a floating lantern and casting gentle shadows across the stone walls.)
Talia:
Alright, let's get started!
Calla: (checking the shelves)
We've got flour, cocoa powder, sugar… yep, everything's here.
Selby: (pulling out a bowl)
I'll mix the dry stuff. Talia, eggs?
Talia:
On it! And this time, no shells—I promise.
Calla: (grinning)
If there are, you're still taste testing, Selby.
Selby:
Ugh, why me?!
(They laugh as they mix the batter. Once it's ready, Calla places a flat silver dish on top of a glowing magical ring embedded in the kitchen counter.)
Calla: (raising her hand)
Heatus.
(A soft red shimmer surrounds the ring as heat spreads through the silver plate. The batter slowly starts to bake, its rich smell filling the room.)
Talia:
Wow… this thing works way better than an oven.
Selby:
And no fire hazard. Kinda.
Calla:
Great, the cake is already done.
Talia:
But where will we put this cake?
Selby:
In the freezer.
Calla:
But what if someone eats it?
Selby:
No worries, no one comes here.
Calla:
But what if someone does?
Selby:
Okay okay, we'll hide it. Just put it in the freezer.
(Calla places the cake in the freezer. Selby moves her hand over it, and it vanishes.)
Talia:
Heyy! Where did it go?
Selby:
It's still there. Just invisible—no one can see it.
Calla:
Ohh, nice. Now let's go sleep so we can wake up early.
Talia:
Yeah, good idea.
(They all go back to their rooms and sleep.)
Next Morning
(Selby wakes up and tries to wake Calla and Talia.)
Selby:
Wake up, both of you!
(Calla and Talia groan, then get up. They all get fresh and ready.)
Talia:
Wait, I have one question.
Selby:
Yeah, ask.
Talia:
If we need to teleport to the boys' room, you need to hold both our hands, right? So how will we take the cake?
Selby:
Don't worry. I'll teleport you both first, then come back for the cake and teleport again.
Calla:
That works. Let's go then.
(Selby teleports all three of them to the boys' room. Owen and Aren are still sleeping.)
Talia:
Ugh, these boys…
Selby:
Okay, do one thing—wake them up. I'll go get the cake.
Calla:
Got it.
(Selby leaves. Meanwhile, Talia and Calla try to wake Owen and Aren. The boys finally get up.)
Talia:
We need to make it look like a birthday party in here.
Calla:
Yeah!
(They pull out their wands and cast a spell. The room fills with colorful balloons and decorations.)
(Selby returns with the cake.)
Aren:
Woahhh, that smells amazing!
Talia:
Obviously—it's made by us.
Calla:
Alright, let's wake him up now.
(Owen goes near Damon and tries to shake him awake.)
Damon (grumbling):
Ugh, let me sleep! Go away…
Calla:
Damon… wake up!
(Damon hears Calla's voice. He slowly opens his eyes, rubs them, and sits up. Then…)
Everyone:
Happy Birthday, Damon!!
(Damon looks around the decorated room. But instead of smiling, his expression fades. Quietly, he gets up and walks into the washroom.)
Aren:
What? Why did he just go?
Owen:
I don't know…
(The room falls silent for a few seconds, the decorations and cake now feeling a little heavier than before.)