Some days passed, and Karlo is helping his father prepare medicines and other substances that might be useful someday.(Karlo): Here you go.He hands a small purple vial to Samuel.(Samuel): Thank you, son. He pours a few drops of the purple liquid into a test tube, causing the substance inside to take on a reddish appearance. I think I'll need a bit more potassium chloride…(Hine): Karlo! A package arrived for you!(Samuel): You can go check it out, I'm almost done here anyway.(Karlo): Alright, I'm going then.
Karlo leaves the shed and walks toward his house. When he arrives, there is a package on top of the table. Upon opening it, he sees clothes inside along with a letter. He reads the letter without showing much reaction.(Karlo): I was accepted into the academy.(Hine): Really?! Excited(Rilya): Congratulations, son. I knew you could do it. So, are you going to the academy or not?(Karlo): Well…
He begins to think about his choice. When he looks at Hine, he notices she clearly wants him to go. When he looks at his mother, he sees that she already knows the answer. When he looks at Duka, he is simply waiting for Karlo to say something. He thinks a bit more and then makes his decision.(Karlo): Sighs I think I'll go. Aside from a few idiots I'll probably run into, I actually liked the place. Maybe I can have a bit of fun there… who knows.
The three of them are happy with Karlo's decision.(Rilya): Alright, tonight we'll have a banquet to celebrate Karlo's admission into the academy.(Duka): Can we have beef ribs?(Rilya): You can ask for whatever you want!(Hine): What else is inside that package, Karlo?(Karlo): It's probably the academy uniform…
Hine's eyes begin to sparkle.(Karlo): …(Karlo): I'm going to change.
He goes to his room and quickly changes clothes. When he comes out, it's possible to see that he's wearing a long-sleeved white shirt with a blue collar, a black tie, black pants, along with some golden ornaments near the shoulders and knees, and finally black shoes.Hine is amazed by what she's seeing.Duka bursts into laughter.(Duka): You look really weird wearing that. He keeps laughing.(Karlo): Shut up. But I have to agree, this outfit doesn't suit me at all—and this damn tie is choking me. Do I really have to wear this all the time?(Rilya): You'd better get used to it.
A few more days pass. Karlo continues his usual routine: helping his father prepare and deliver medicines, training his magic spells to keep improving, and whenever he feels like it, looking for a tree to take a nap under. Then the first day of classes arrives. The sun is still rising, but Karlo is already ready to go. Not only his family, but many other people and beings of various races have come to say goodbye—practically the entire village.(Samuel): You didn't forget anything, right?(Karlo): Everything's here, don't worry, dad.(Debbie): We're going to miss you, especially Happie.
Karlo pats Happie on the head.(Karlo): When I graduate from the academy, I'll come back to the village, don't worry. I love this village and everyone who lives here—I'd never just abandon the place where I was born. Besides, whenever I'm on break, I'll come spend some time here. I promise.
Happie gives a big smile.(Gouber): I hope you come back having become a great wizard.(Gouji): Tandem requiem aliquantam habebimus, post tot annos. "At last, we will rest a little, after so many years."(Gobu): Quamquam, quoties ille redierit, Duka contra eum pugnare volent, et verbera quae accipiemus semper graviora erunt… "However, every time he returns, Duka will want to fight him, and the beatings we receive will be even worse…"(Duka): Relax, we won't just stand around either. When he comes back, we'll beat him up instead.
The two goblins let out a sigh of worry and fear.(Hine): Good luck at the academy, brother. I'll keep learning about magic, and soon I'll surprise you.(Karlo): I'm looking forward to it—but please don't be like Duka and try to fight me every time you see me.(Hine): Relax. Unlike him, I'm aware that I'd just be hurting myself for no reason.(Duka): That hurt…(Rilya): I know you'll end up getting into a fight sooner or later, so hit them and show who's in charge.(Samuel): We're supposed to be warning him not to get into trouble, not encouraging him…(Karlo): I'll try to behave, but I'm not promising anything.
He gives his family one last hug before climbing onto Liber and flying toward Alcarcia.(Louis): Good luck, Karlo! Become a great wizard!(Debbie): See you soon!(Hine): See you later, brother!(Happie): C-Come vi-visit us wh-whenever you can!
After a few hours, Liber lands at the edge of the forest, and Karlo gets down.(Karlo): See you later, buddy. Take care of them while I'm gone, alright?Liber rubs his head against Karlo.(Liber): Kryaa!Liber takes off and flies back toward Paxies.
Karlo walks toward the city, and after some time, he arrives at the academy.Right at the entrance, it's already possible to see a large number of students heading inside. The boys are wearing the same uniform as Karlo, while the girls are also wearing long-sleeved shirts but with a ribbon on the collar, golden accessories, a skirt with a ribbon tied at the waist, white stockings with stripes at the top, and black flats. Additionally, depending on their grade, the uniform color varies: some are wearing the same white uniform as Karlo, others are wearing blue uniforms, some black, and a few red.
All students are being directed to a large auditorium located slightly ahead of the main building. Since Karlo is a new student, he's required to sit in one of the front rows, but he tries to find a seat as far back as possible. After everyone sits down, the lights go out except for those on the stage. After some time, the principal walks to the center of the stage.(Principal Roume): Good morning, everyone. Today, another academic year begins. To those who already study here, I'm happy to see you again, and to the new students, I welcome you and am pleased to meet you. I am Roume Vertorian, the principal of this academy. As many of you already know, our school's goal is to provide the highest level of education possible so that, when you graduate and leave this academy, you become individuals of great value to society—obviously, only for those who dedicate themselves. But there's no need to feel anxious or nervous; our institution has excellent professionals who will help you with any problems you may have, myself included. After all, my greatest pastime is talking with students and answering any questions they may have. Additionally, there will be some changes at our academy. To begin with, starting this year, common citizens will be accepted into our institution. We know this decision may have displeased some, especially students from aristocratic families, but let me be clear: any act of discrimination, blackmail, and especially violence is strictly prohibited both inside and outside academy grounds. I know there will be those who do such things discreetly, when we educators are not paying attention. Therefore, I also tell you this: if you are a victim of such acts or see someone committing them, do not hesitate to report it. We will severely punish those responsible, regardless of who they are. Another change concerns inter-class competitions, but I will explain those in more detail in the future. In any case, I'm excited to see your growth, and I hope we can make this academic year a period full of learning, discoveries, and memorable experiences. Does anyone have any questions?
Everyone remains silent.(Principal Roume): Since there are no questions, I'll conclude this presentation. Once again, welcome to Selenti Academy. Have a great first day and an excellent year.
Everyone applauds the principal's speech. Some other educators step onto the stage, introduce themselves, and give brief speeches. Soon after, everyone leaves the auditorium and heads to their respective classrooms.Karlo's classroom is 1-C, located on the ground floor of the main building. Karlo enters the classroom along with some of those who will be his classmates throughout the academic period.He sits at one of the desks in the back and briefly looks at his classmates. Some of them already seem to know each other and are chatting in various parts of the classroom; others are sitting alone. Some have already started reviewing what will be studied this year, and others are doing the same as him—just observing the room. Karlo recognizes a few of them: he sees the brown-haired girl who was mocked during the entrance exam sitting alone at one of the front desks; she seems calmer today. Another is the orange-haired swordswoman who was one of the first to pass the practical exam; she has approached two other girls—one with bluish eyes and short blue hair with two long braids behind, and another with tan skin, brown eyes, and long blonde hair with purple streaks. The two seemed nervous when she approached, but now they're chatting as if they've been friends for a long time. There's a red-haired boy sitting at one of the desks in the middle, quietly reading a book. There's also a light-brown-haired boy openly napping at the desk next to Karlo—he feels like they'll be good friends.
After a few minutes, Silvia enters the classroom, and everyone quickly goes to their seats.(Silvia): Good morning, everyone. My name is Silvia, and I'm the professor responsible for teaching the subject of "Elemental Spells," both theory and practice. It's a pleasure to meet you, and I hope we can learn a lot together. Since today is just the first day, I won't go too deep. Instead, I just want to review some basic concepts and get to know you better. So, to begin—could someone tell me how magic works? It doesn't have to be correct; just tell me what you know.
The orange-haired girl raises her hand.(Silvia): Your name is Melyssa, right?(Melyssa): Yes.(Silvia): Then, Melyssa, tell us how you think magic works.(Melyssa): In this world, there is an essence we know as mana. It exists everywhere—in the air, in water, in the earth, and even inside living beings. This essence is what allows us to keep living. Our bodies can absorb this essence and transform it into energy, though it varies from being to being—some can absorb more, others less. Each person also has a different type of energy, and because of that, not everyone can use the same elemental spells. Finally, when we release this energy and make it mix with the mana present in the environment, a reaction occurs, commonly called magic. The strength and form of the magic depend on how much energy you release.(Silvia): Very good. What you said is correct, except for one small detail. Yes, the strength is indeed related to how much energy you release, but the same cannot be said about the form. Can anyone tell me what determines the form?
The red-haired boy raises his hand.(Silvia): Go ahead, Gabriel.(Gabriel): Incantations? That's usually what most people use before casting a spell.(Silvia): Hmm… you're partially right. Yes, different incantations do change the form of magic, but they're not exactly the reason. Does anyone else want to try?
No one raises a hand.Silvia looks at Karlo, who is just staring out the window. The cool breeze coming through the window makes him start to drift off to sleep. Silvia sees a perfect opportunity.(Silvia): Karlo.He slowly opens his eyes and turns toward Silvia.(Karlo): Hm?(Silvia): Could you tell us what determines the form of magic?
Everyone in the room turns toward Karlo.(Karlo): Seriously? Sighs Thought. It's what gives magic its form and is also responsible for magical control.(Silvia): Correct. The form and control of magic are entirely linked to our minds. When we imagine magic taking shape, our brain sends that information to the rest of the body, which then executes the spell accordingly. But obviously, it's not as easy as it sounds. To facilitate the use of magic, incantations were created. When we recite them, something is formed in our minds based on the words we speak—it's as if we're able to understand the words even without knowing their meaning or ever having studied Litam in our lives.
Silvia continues teaching until the bells ring, signaling it's time for the next class. She leaves, another teacher enters, and this repeats until noon, indicating lunchtime. Karlo goes to the cafeteria, where many students are already eating. He gets in line to wait for his turn.After a few minutes, it's Karlo's turn.(Karlo): (Finally… if I had to wait any longer in this line, I don't think I'd survive. I'm starving…)
Suddenly, some students wearing the same uniform as him cut in front of Karlo, stealing his spot in line.(Karlo): Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing? Can't you see the line? Were you born with your eyes turned inward into that hollow box you call a skull?
The group looks back, and one of them—a blond boy with light-colored eyes—steps toward Karlo. He quickly notices the size difference; Karlo is considerably bigger than most boys his age, but the young man isn't intimidated.(???): What did you say?(Karlo): I asked if you can't see the line and whether your eyes are turned inward into what you consider a skull. Are you deaf too?(???): Unfortunately, I heard the nonsense that came out of your mouth. I just wanted to confirm it.(Karlo): Well, now that you've confirmed it, take your group and go to the back of the line.
The boys look at each other and start laughing.(???): And why would we do that?(Karlo): You've got to be kidding. I don't know what kind of crap you were taught, but when you see a line, you stand at the end of it—it's basic decency.(???): As if I'd wait in line behind a bunch of commoners. Do you have any idea who I am?(Karlo): No, and I don't care. Now go to the back of the line.
Karlo gives a light shove to the boy's shoulder, but that alone is enough to knock him to the ground.(Estevan): Angrily Why, you—the boy stands up—know this: my name is Estevan Galonte de Pazo! Son of Count Galonte de Pazo! And I will make you pay for this humiliation!
Suddenly, Karlo notices a coordinator arriving at the cafeteria. Realizing the mess he's made, he tries to slip away unnoticed.(Coordinator): What's going on here? You can hear this commotion all the way from the corridors.(Estevan): This scum of a commoner pushed me for no reason and started using foul language, insulting me and my family name! I want him punished!(Coordinator): Calm down. We'll sort this out. First, tell me who's responsible.(Estevan): Can't you see this brute right—he turns around and sees Karlo is gone(Estevan): W-Where did he go?(Noble 3): He left. Looks like he headed toward the bathroom.(Estevan): And you just watched him leave?(Noble 2): We thought about doing something, but up close, he's scary.(Noble 3): Yeah… what if he hit us too if we got in his way?(Estevan): I don't care. Go after him.
The boys head to the bathroom, but when they enter, they find no one there. Meanwhile, Karlo manages to escape to the grove beside the main building.(Karlo): What a wonderful first day… there goes my promise not to get into trouble.
His stomach starts growling.(Karlo): Damn it…
Meanwhile, Fernanda is sitting under a tree, eating a lunchbox she brought from home. She notices someone approaching.She quickly starts to get up to leave.(Karlo): Hey, wait!
She looks back and sees Karlo drooling, clearly starving.(Karlo): I know this is pretty shameless of me—especially since we don't even know each other—but could you give me one of those sandwiches?(Fernanda): Huh?
She then shares half of her sandwiches with him, and the two eat together.(Karlo): Man, that was really good. Thanks—I owe you one. But are you sure I could have half? Just one would've been fine.(Fernanda): I-It's okay… I'm not really used to eating much anyway. I'd probably end up throwing the rest away…(Karlo): I see, but you know people our age need to eat well. If you keep this up, you could end up with health problems.(Fernanda): She lowers her head O-Okay… sorry. I'll be more careful from now on…
Karlo realizes he spoke too much without meaning to.(Karlo): Sorry about that. My dad doesn't take good care of himself either, so I end up scolding him all the time—even though he's the village's main doctor. Kind of ironic, right? Anyway, I guess it's become a habit, so I talk without thinking...(Fernanda): It's okay, I'm not upset or anything. You could say that's my habit. She lets out a somewhat forced laugh.
Karlo notices she's sad about something. He then spots some blue fruits in the trees.He starts climbing one of the trees.(Karlo): Hey, by any chance, do you like applue?(Fernanda): Eh? Well… yes, I eat them from time to time.Karlo picks some fruits and tosses a few to Fernanda.(Karlo): Heads up.(Fernanda): W-Wait!
She somehow manages to catch them as Karlo jumps down from the branch.(Karlo): By the way, I still haven't asked your name.(Fernanda): My name is Fernanda.(Karlo): I'm Karlo. Nice to meet you.
Karlo takes a bite of the fruit; Fernanda does the same.(Fernanda): Mmm! So sweet…(Karlo): Smiles Right?
The two keep talking until the bell rings, signaling the start of afternoon classes. They then head toward the classroom together, chatting along the way.(Karlo): So, who taught you how to use magic?(Fernanda): Well… it was my father. You've probably already heard the rumors about him—and about me…(Karlo): Unfortunately, yes. But even if he messed up, people should learn to mind their own business instead of talking about others. Whether someone makes a mistake and regrets it or not, that's their problem. At least, that's how my parents taught me.
Fernanda just looks at him.(Karlo): What?(Fernanda): It's nothing… I just wish everyone else thought the same way you and your family do…
Further down the corridor, Karlo spots the boy he shoved in the cafeteria, along with one of the coordinators—and it seems they've spotted him too.(Karlo): Damn it… Well, I just remembered I forgot something. Could you go ahead and let them know I might be a bit late?(Fernanda): Ah, okay. I can let them know.
Karlo quickly turns around and does his best to lose the two.(Estevan): That's him! Come back here! You bastard—you'll pay for humiliating me!(Coordinator): Please, no running in the hallways. We'll resolve this properly.
They rush past Fernanda. She and some other students in the corridor just stare, confused by the unusual situation.She continues walking until she spots a boy with white hair and blue eyes wearing a red uniform. The moment she sees him, she instinctively lowers her head.(???): You shouldn't have come.
The boy keeps walking, and Fernanda does the same—but his words leave her feeling somewhat hurt.