The sun ascended, casting a golden glow across Silver Heaven Academy. Gentle breezes whispered through the cherry blossoms, carrying the fragrance of spring and the promise of new beginnings.
The campus, once filled with the eager chatter of disciples arriving, now settled into a hushed anticipation. Like birds returning to their nests at dusk, the young apprentices found their places within their first classrooms, ready to begin their journey.
In Apprentice Batch Two's chamber, the air buzzed with a mix of nervous energy and excitement. This introductory session was more than a formality—it was the first brushstroke on the canvas of their destinies. Here, bonds of friendship would be forged, rivalries would spark, and the first seeds of legends would quietly take root.
One by one, the disciples rose to introduce themselves, their voices weaving a melody of timid stammers and confident declarations, each revealing fragments of who they were—and who they might yet become.
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Following the captivating introductions by Noa Kazami and Nina Heavenstar, the energy in the room shifted dramatically. One by one, the other disciples braced themselves to rise, their voices resonating through the high-arched chamber as they introduced themselves.
Each one, unique as a snowflake and equally formidable, hailed from a different corner of the known world, unveiling glimpses of their hometowns, their magical prowess, and their grandest ambitions.
Each sought to leave a lasting impression on their new classmates, with whom they would share not only classes but also a three-year magical journey. Their origins were as diverse as their magic, with every tale unique and every dream glowing fiercely.
As the introductions progressed, the initial shared excitement shifted into admiration — and, for some, quiet intimidation.
Natasha, cool and composed, sat tall with an air of unshakable confidence. She seemed entirely unfazed by the growing tension, her black eyes gleaming as if she was ready to stand whenever her turn arrived.
Beside her, Shaun was a bundle of nerves. His leg jittered uncontrollably, his fingers drummed the desk, and his throat felt dry.
My heart's racing. Their voices are so confident, so steady… completely opposite of mine.
His gaze darted nervously as one classmate after another introduced themselves with effortless poise. The closer his turn drew, the paler his face became. A lump of unease sat heavy in his stomach, refusing to budge.
Natasha leaned slightly closer, her shoulder brushing his as she gave his arm a playful nudge. A warm smile softened her mature features.
"Shaun, you're overthinking this. Nobody's here to tear you apart. Everyone's just as nervous as you. Relax and speak from your heart — I know you'll do great."
Her words chipped away at his fear, if only a little. He inhaled deeply, then muttered, "Maybe I should… practice? Just to get the words right." His eyes flicked to the front of the class, then back to her.
"Go for it," Natasha encouraged, her eyes twinkling with support. Shaun squeezed his fists and whispered under his breath, trying to sound composed.
"Greetings… my name is Shaun Thunderhawk, and I aspire to master thunder magic. I live in Nuzzle Village, and my dream is to defeat three legendary Supreme Mages to become the World's Strongest Magus. Yes… that's it."
He repeated the lines, each attempt gaining a bit more firmness. But when he whispered again, his voice accidentally rose above a whisper: Several disciples in the row ahead turned their heads, blinking at him in surprise.
Shaun froze, his face heating crimson. "Uh—I was… just practicing," he stammered.
Natasha chuckled softly, covering her lips with her hand. "See? You're already catching their attention," she teased lightly.
Shaun groaned and buried his face in his hands, but a faint smile tugged at his lips despite his embarrassment. Natasha's presence made the storm in his chest a little easier to weather.
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"I suppose it's my turn now. Wish me luck," Sabastian drew in a steadying breath, his hands resting gently in front of him.
"You've got this, Sabastian!"
"Just let your heart guide you. They'll understand," Shaun and Natasha added in unison, warm smiles lighting their faces.
"I appreciate your kind words. Your support means everything right now," Sabastian said with a grateful nod. With calm resolve, he rose from his seat and walked toward the front.
His simple attire was a stark contrast to the luxurious silks and elaborate embroidery worn by many of the other disciples. Whispers rippled among the noble-born as their eyes lingered on his rugged vest and plain gii.
Yet Sabastian pressed forward, unfazed by their subtle sneers. Reaching the centre, he bowed deeply, a gesture of respect that came not from etiquette lessons but from the heart of a humble home.
"Greetings, esteemed mentors and fellow disciples," his voice rang steady, carrying the cadence of the ocean. "My name is Sabastian Seaborne, hailing from the humble South Coast village. I am a son of the sea, born into a family of fishermen."
"My ambition is to master the flowing currents, to command the tides, and to one day become the strongest Aqua Magus this realm has ever known. I am here to learn, to grow, and to forge bonds of friendship with all of you. I look forward to our journey together in these sacred halls," He straightened, eyes gleaming with conviction.
He bowed once more, his movements simple yet sincere. But the silence that followed soon cracked under whispers.
"A commoner among us? I cannot fathom the academy's new standards."
"He reeks of fish from here. How revolting. Better he return to his boats than taint this academy with saltwater hands."
"It is unbecoming of a prestigious institution to admit… just anyone." The chamber, once filled with reverent awe, now buzzed with condescension.
Sabastian felt each word like a stone cast into his heart — familiar, heavy, but never enough to break him. He did not flinch, did not lower his gaze. Instead, he turned back with dignity, bowed once more, and made his way to his seat, his spirit anchored firmly like the tide that always returns to the shore.
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As Sabastian stood confidently at the front, introducing himself, Shaun's heart pounded like a wild drum, each beat echoing in his chest. He gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white, his eyes flicking nervously around the room, catching glimpses of scrutinizing stares aimed at the commoners.
My moment is almost here. My stomach feels like a storm, churning wildly. Everyone's watching… judging. I have to get this right, or I'll make a fool of myself, he thought, taking a shaky breath.
He whispered under his breath, rehearsing, "Ahem… My name is Shaun Thunderhawk, and my ambition is to challenge and defeat three Supreme Mages. I will become the World's Strongest Magus!"
Then a sudden pang of doubt hit him like a cold wave. His eyes widened and brow furrowed.
Wait… 'defeat' the Supreme Mages? That sounds… arrogant. Too bold. Too disrespectful. I can't say that. Everyone respects them—they're the pinnacle of achievement. What if they see me as some boastful commoner? No… I need to rephrase.
He tapped his chin, deep in thought, until a softer, humbler idea formed. Relief washed over him.
"My name is Shaun Thunderhawk, and I aspire to become a powerful thunder Magus. Yes, that's better. Respectful, yet still shows my ambition."
"Talking to yourself again, Shaun?" Natasha's curious glint danced in her eyes.
"Natasha! Oh, um… I was just rehearsing my introduction," Shaun admitted, flustered. "I initially wanted to say I'd defeat the Supreme Mages to become the World's Strongest Magus, but then I realized it might be… too bold. Even disrespectful. So I revised it to… becoming a powerful thunder Magus instead."
"Oh, silly Shaun," Natasha chided gently, her hand resting on his arm, her eyes softening. "You worry too much about others' opinions. Just be yourself and say what you feel. This is your dream, your ambition. Don't ever dim your light for someone else. To me, you're already the greatest Magus, always."
Shaun met her gaze, warmth spreading through him. A genuine smile broke across his face, and the weight of self-doubt lifted, if only for a moment.
Thank you, Natasha. You always know what to say. Natasha is truly the best. She always inspires me. I'm lucky to have her as a friend. She's right—I must follow my heart. But… I don't want to cause trouble on my first day, especially for her. I'll stick with this new script, He thought.
He took a deep breath, determination blooming quietly in his chest as he stole one last glance at Natasha's encouraging smile.
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