Several days later.
In the magic theory classroom, Professor Raneira was in front of the class giving her opinion on the results of the exams that the students had handed in.
-...Students, I am proud of you, it is evident that you have put into practice what you have been taught and have used the right information sources to achieve the desired result, however, you should not feel so satisfied, remember, passing is the least that is expected from the students of the Stariar Academy. That is why I congratulate those students who made an effort to the end to improve the compound magic circle, and that is something that our Academy does not overlook, each of the 5 students who achieved the improvements will be given an elixir of Superior level...
Evans who had already received his grade asked for his result to be confidential although he knew that after inquiring many students would point him out as one of the 5.
Evans observed the students around, they all seemed calm or satisfied for having passed, he could not identify two of the 5 although he could guess it, he stopped his gaze on Hana whose eyes were shining at the same time she was trying to hide her joy.
"Apparently she made it; she's having a hard time holding back"
At last he noticed Amelia standing next to him reading a book on intermediate magic and magical items.
"She must be thinking about the auction."
••••
Evans was walking through the halls of the Academy after the classes of the day and of the semester were over, he walked until he reached the place where he met Hana for the first time, and there she was sitting on a bench looking at the book of light magic in which Evans had written some notes.
-You made it. -Evans said in a cordial tone.
Hana looked up when she heard Evans' voice, her eyes seemed to tremble and at the same time shine, only Evans' voice filled her with happiness, at that moment she knew that her heart was destined to suffer.
-I have something you will like very much. -Expressed Evans taking out of her ring the book she took the day she met with the headmistress, to then put it in Hana's hands.
"Mana Absorption and Mana Circle Consolidation Techniques," Hana read, looked at Evans and said in a low, somewhat nervous voice:
-This must be expensive.
-Seriously, it was just a book that was getting covered in dust among so many other books and I decided to take it. -Evans said, acting as if she was trying to remember the moment she got the book.
-Thank you. -It was the only thing Hana could say while showing a sweet and sincere smile.
-Just try hard, and don't forget about your friends when you become a successful wizard. -Evans told her as she walked off into the corridors until she disappeared at one of the forks.
••••
The break at the end of the semester had arrived.
A beautiful light blue sky with few white clouds and a not so intense sun made the walk through the commercial area a pleasant experience.
"There are people with different racial characteristics, meaning they come from different parts of the continent; even their clothes are distinctive"
Evans was walking next to Aria who was holding his hand, at the same time he was observing how active the shopping area had become due to the annual auction celebration. At that moment Evans was wearing an elegant white suit with black details, and his sister was wearing a black dress with beautiful purple lace.
-Brother, let's go to the coffee shop for ice cream. -Aria suggested.
-Whatever you want. -Evans nodded, walking with Aria towards the cafeteria, while looking at the nearby sea whose horizon showed boats approaching.
"I must not let my guard down; too many visitors can be a danger"
Evans reviewed the surroundings, and saw dozens and dozens of instructors keeping watch at different points of the island.
"Apparently the headmistress, took measures; unless they openly want to cause chaos, I don't think anyone will act recklessly; but still I must be cautious"
Evans and Aria entered the cafeteria, as it was the first day of vacation, Evans wanted to fulfill Aria's whims, because he had been at the Academy and there were few days off that he used to leave the Academy and visit her.
••••
On a once-empty lot at the end of the commercial district, there were now dozens and dozens of elemental mages, at the peak of the fourth rank, who had been hired as they had been every year.
On that lot, the earth could be seen rising, each section compacting, creating pillars and walls that were meticulously divided into sections and floors, gradually taking the shape of what would become a palace.
"Follow the designs, tear down that wall; it doesn't have the necessary proportion or amount of mana. Be careful when activating the magic circles," exclaimed a white-skinned, thin-built mage with short black hair, wearing a white shirt, a gray vest, and gray pants. In his hand, he held a magic crystal that projected a beautiful, scaled-down palace, recording the process and progress of the royal palace they were building.
Evans and Aria had come over to observe after they left the cafeteria.
"It's like a sand castle, or a dirt castle," Aria mentioned.
"You're right, a large earth castle," Evans nodded as he watched the various magicians coordinate to gradually build the palace.
"I imagine they'll use other minerals to cover the compacted earth, and they'll use metal magic to reinforce the structure, and some magical barriers to ensure the safety of the guests. It's a great way to use magic. I think it can also be used defensively and offensively if it's upgraded."
Shortly after, Aria and Evans left the place because they had agreed to meet Ana and Lizet to go to a clothing store that only accepted pre-orders, and he had spent half of his remaining savings on a dress so Aria would look beautiful during the auction.