The first year orientation at the Academy Academy of Basic and Advanced Magics was a whirlwind of information, excitement, and a dash of nervous energy. Avery and I sat together in the grand hall, and unfortunately, we couldn't bring Marlon along. "Animals are forbidden to roam on campus during class hours", Emily told us in the morning just as we were about to set off. Also, one of the children we had travelled with(from Solrana) had informed us that Archie wanted us to save a seat for him. "He says he might be a bit late to the orientation", he said.
"...and remember, magic is a tool, not a weapon," the head chancellor emphasized, his voice echoing through the hall. "Your mentors will guide you through the complexities of school life and academics, and it is essential that you make a mark in the school."
After the speech, Archie suddenly appeared. I slapped my hand across my face as he asked us to recall everything that had happened before his untimely arrival. Amidst the noisy chatter in the hall, we heard a loud BANG. Apparently, the teachers had brought in a large orb which was encased in a glass box, and they had been too rash in removing the orb out, causing the box to shatter.
Archie's face lit up, "That is why I delayed. From my sources, this orb is meant to determine the actual class we are meant to go to, but unfortunately, it doesn't state whether we have advanced magic or not".
Let me explain.
Elemental magics are the basic magics in this world. Anyone who is a chosen is automatically adept to one elemental magic(you can learn other ones but can only harness one to its max potential). Advanced magics are also termed unique magics because they do not necessarily have to correspond to an elemental magic, and seldom do people have them. Whereas the basic magics are water, fire, air and earth, the advanced magics are healing, reality manipulation and telepathy.
"This here is the Elemental orb", the head chancellor said, " we would like to determine what element you possess as soon as possible. If you are already aware of your ability, do feel free to exit the hall". Avery, Archie and I didn't hesitate at all, using those words as a signal for us to rush out before the doors get choked.
The students who already knew their elemental magic got a sneak peek of their classes. Avery, Archie, Ebony, and I checked our timetables, noticing our elemental magic classes were split – Earth, Air, Water, Fire."Are they trying to say that there are days for general knowledge and days for specific elements?", Avery questioned the nearest student. "Oh yes, Mondays are for general studies, Tuesdays for Water, Wednesdays for Air, Thursdays for Earth and Fridays for Fire", he replied. "I don't understand", I asked, "how is that supposed to work?". "It's actually because the other days are for practicals and advanced magics. I am an Earth adept, so I only have Tuesdays for my practicals and Fridays for healing magic class".
"Oh you can heal?", we asked. He nodded, demonstrating to us. He took a pen knife from his pocket, and slit his wrist. Making a star sign over his wrist, it started to heal by sewing itself. "There are ruin spells, which I just used. They don't consume aura, unlike hidden spells and spoken ones", he said. He was in Form 3, and he explained to use that the free day everyone has is beneficial to the students, in order for them to enjoy extracurricular activities or shopping and other things.
Later that evening, after seeing Archie off(he had proven to us that he can attach himself to use like a leech), we decided to explore the Academy's surroundings. "What do you think Marlon has been up to?", Avery murmured her question, twirling her hair through her fingers. I sighed. I had actually abandoned him the whole day. There was once a time I was lonely, but now that I've gotten Avery, it feels like I had somewhat abandoned my dear Marlon. We turned round a corner to a park. The sun was setting, and the grass had decided to glow light orange. I felt a light nudge. It was Avery. We were still walking, but her eyes were fixated on something on the park. Emily. And Marlon.
On the park, we spotted Emily sitting on a bench, petting Marlon, my mysterious black cat. He purred, nudging Emily's hand. Avery smiled. "Guess Marlon's a fan". "I wonder why", I said, anger slowly boiling in my heart. Emily looked up, and she beamed a smile. "He's a good listener. Unlike some people." I glared at him. He knew everything that happened with her. Sure we had forgiven her, but why was he pretending that we've moved on from her witchcraft. Emily raised an eyebrow. "Do we have a problem, Aria?". I started to approach them, but Avery held me back. "We're just surprised Marlon is with you", she retorted. "Oh him? He was hungry and he approached me. I couldn't leave him to starve, I'm a good person". I clenched my fists. She has grown soo much, in terms of getting on people's nerves. "I went on a journey today. You wanna hear?", Marlon said, jumping off her laps. I don't know if he noticed the tension or he actually missed me, but he made a gesture for him to be cuddled. My eyes darkened, and I handed him over to Avery, "I need to walk for awhile. Send him to the room. I'd pay you".
The sun had finally set, and the lanterns on the park glowed soft, casting golden ribbons on the winding paths. I wandered deeper and deeper, trying to find a quiet place to calm down. But the trails twist more than I expected, and before I knew it, I was lost. I leaned onto a nearby tree, heart thumping a little. Just then, a figure steps out from behind a blooming tree. He was tall, wearing a simple yet elegant cloak, his golden hair catching the last light of dusk."Hey, you okay?" he asks, voice smooth like the evening breeze. I gasped, then heaved. I am older than I look, but I'm here losing my senses looking at a boy? "I… I think I took a wrong turn. Can you point me back to the dorms?", I struggled to voice out my plea. He smiled, eyes crinkling, "You're blushing". "Say what?", I exclaimed and covered my face, embarrassed. "I'm sorry I couldn't help it. You looked cute". Oh my days I look cute!? I frantically shoke my head, trying to calm down my brain with its many thoughts. After awhile, I managed to calm down and dropped my hands to my side. As if on cue, he pulled out a small, rune‑etched compass from his pocket. The needle spins, then settles pointing toward the dorm wing. "Follow this," he says. "I'll walk with you a bit." I couldn't help but ask about the device. He explained to me how it was a family heirloom that had been handed down from his father's side. "There must be a lot of heirlooms then", I laughed. He chuckled, "You have no idea".
We walked side by side, chatting lightly about the park's hidden nooks and I couldn't help but talk about Marlon and every other thing that had happened since I arrived. It was easy conversing with him, and oddly enough, this stranger's presence was calming, almost… familiar. When we reached the dorm entrance, he bowed slightly. "Thanks," I said, my heart still racing a bit. "I'm Aria, first‑year." He nodded. "I'm Prince Rhaenon."
I froze. Prince Rhaenon? The name rings a bell. I'd heard whispers in the Academy and at home, about the Crown Prince of Amovia enrolling in the Academy but arrived incognito to observe the new batch of magic students. My laughter came out in short but haste bursts. "You're… the crown prince? I didn't expect a royal guard to be my park guide." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling like starlights. "Just on a… unofficial tour. No crown, no protocol here." I became numb, processing the fact that I was just lost in the park with the Crown Prince. "Wait, you're not joking with me?" I asked, making sure my voice didn't sound frightened. He nodded, a hint of amusement on his face. "The one and only. But please, don't mention it to anyone. I'm just trying to keep a low profile here." I felt like shutting down. I'd heard stories about the royal family, of course – who hadn't? But I never expected to run into the prince himself, let alone be guided back to my dorm by him. I was seriously crushing on him, I mean he is handsome so it wasn't my fault. "I won't say a word," I promised, feeling a little starstruck. "Thanks for helping me, Your Highness." Rhaenon chuckled. "No need for formalities, Aria. Just Rhaenon is fine. And it was my pleasure – I needed a break from royal duties anyway." I could barely smile, and had started to walk away. "Hey, Aria?", he called out. "Yeah?" I turned back. "Maybe I'll see you around the academy. Keep an eye out for magic tricks," he said with a wink.
A meow erupted through the trees. Marlon had been observing. I guess the adventure involved the Crown Prince's secret arrival.