The grand halls of Elyndor Academy buzzed with excitement as students from all walks of magical life hurried to the newly-erected event stage in the Academy's central plaza. The air was thick with anticipation, and the faint hum of mana filled the air as students whispered about the honored guest. The Academy's banner fluttered in the breeze, its golden scales gleaming under the midday sun.
"Can you believe it?" Rick gushed, his blue hair catching the light. "Grand Mage-Knight Arin Duskshroud is visiting! This is gonna be epic!"
"Izumi adjusted his katanas, his gray eyes reflecting the polished runes on the stage. "Stay focused. We're here to learn, not just gawk."
Lui, ever the leader, slapped his brother on the back. "Don't let your excitement turn into distraction. We'll make Master Ellard proud."
Yuuv yawned, his bell chiming softly. "Stars say… it's going to be a long day."
An Academy-appointed guard stood at the base of the stage, his armor etched with barrier runes. He nodded at the sea of students. "Welcome to the annual Elyndor Academy Grand Event! Today, we're fortunate to host Grand Mage-Knight Arin Duskshroud, a legend in the magical world. Please keep the noise level down and focus on learning."
The crowd erupted into applause. Even the usually quiet Ishi allowed a rare smile, his shadow daggers gleaming faintly.
Grand Mage-Knight Arin, a towering figure with a mane of silver hair and eyes that glowed like coals, stepped onto the stage. His armor was intricate, a mix of iron and rune-etched wood, and his presence carried the weight of countless battles. He raised his hand in greeting, and the noise died down instantly.
"Thank you, Elyndor," he said, his voice booming with authority. "It's a honor to be here. Today, I'll share knowledge that few of you have even imagined—ancient techniques, forgotten spells, and the art of true protection magic."
The crowd leaned forward, captivated. Arin's lecture on barrier magic was nothing short of mesmerizing. He demonstrated the fundamentals of rune-carving, the subtle art of balancing defense and offense. His barrier shield was a thing of beauty—glowing with a soft light, it absorbed a series of fireballs and energy blasts, leaving not even a scorch mark.
Lui's red eyes narrowed as he watched. "That's real power. Imagine if we could master that."
Rick nudged him. "Or if I could combine that with water magic. Imagine a shield that not only blocks but also heals!"
Yuuv, half-asleep, mumbled. "It's pretty… sparkly."
After the lecture, the event shifted to hands-on workshops. The Academy had set up multiple stations, each focusing on a different aspect of advanced magic. The Celestars spread out, each choosing a station that best suited their magic.
Rick found himself at the water and barrier magic station, where he experimented with creating a hybrid charm—one that combined his water magic with a basic barrier rune. With Selene by his side, offering quiet guidance, Rick managed to create a charm that both healed and protected, perfect for adventurers.
Iuro gravitated toward the plant and nature magic booth. He spent hours perfecting a charm that enhanced the growth rate of herbs, a skill that drew the attention of several professors. His vines danced around his wand, capturing the admiration of passersby.
Izumi tackled the spatial and rune-carving workshop with characteristic calm. He carved a rune into a small crystal, enhancing its enchantment capabilities. The charm he created allowed for temporary mana storage, a breakthrough that could prove invaluable in battles.
Lui excelled at the fire and combat magic station. He refined his signature flame spell, creating a new technique that focused the flames into a single, powerful javelin. Arin himself walked by, nodding in approval.
Yuuv slept on a nearby bench while Ishi guarded him.
As the event drew to a close, Rick, still buzzing with energy, approached the fox girl with glowing orange eyes and a bushy tail he met in the welcome ceremony. She was part of a small group of students, her hands stained with potion ingredients and a small, glowing cauldron under her arm. "hello Kiri the amazing healer," Rick said, his violet eyes alight with admiration. "I was wondering you would like to join us? We're looking for a healer."
The fox girl, named Kiri, glanced up with a surprised expression. " hiya Rick! Join your guild? I'd love to!" she said, her tail wagging with excitement. "But I'm not alone. Is there place for my friends Viktor and Lina too?"
Rick's grin widened. "More the merrier! We'd be honored to have you three, lets talk to our leader about it."
"Lui, this is the incredible flora-healer mage we met earlier. She's ready to join our guild along with her two friends—a D-novice ranked knight who specializes in barrier magic and an alchemist who also crafts weapons. Can they join?" Rick asked him with excitement.
Lui nodded. "Welcome to the Celestars. I can see the potential in all of you. Let's make a great team."
celestars greeted them one by one, they all are celestars now.
As the stars began to twinkle brighter above the Academy, the Celestars felt a sense of peace. They had faced challenges, made friends, and grown stronger. The road ahead was uncertain, but they were ready.
And as the stars began to twinkle brighter, the Celestars knew that the best was yet to come.