Night descended slowly upon the Royal Magic Academy of Hiroshima, and with it came a strange stillness.
Mana lamps ignited one by one along the corridors, casting soft blue and golden light across ancient stone. The academy, so alive during the day, now felt watchful—like a colossal entity observing its newest inhabitants.
For the first-year students, this was their first night away from home.
And for many, the first night of true danger.
---
Dormitory Assignments
The dormitories were divided not by family, but by combat class compatibility.
Mei Lin stood before the notice board, reading calmly.
> Elemental Architect Wing – Room 307
Nearby, murmurs spread.
"That wing is isolated…" "Only strategic and hybrid classes are placed there."
Luo scanned the board next.
> Wind Sovereign Wing – Room 309
His eyes paused.
Same corridor.
He felt the wind stir, almost amused.
Princess Ariel found her name shortly after.
> Holy Wind Mage Wing – Room 312
She blinked.
"…We're close too."
Mei Lin glanced at her and offered a polite nod.
Ariel smiled back—nervous, but sincere.
---
Settling In
Mei Lin's room was simple: a bed, a desk, shelves, and a large window overlooking the academy's inner courtyard.
She unpacked efficiently.
Notebook. Drafting tools. Mineral samples. A small crystal storage box.
Luna curled up near the window, tail flicking.
"This place has good mana flow," Mei Lin murmured.
> [Environmental Mana Quality: High.]
[Optimal for Growth.]
She sat at her desk and opened her notebook.
Tomorrow, I'll map the academy's infrastructure, she thought calmly.
---
The Wind That Lingers
Across the corridor, Luo stood at his window, watching the academy lights below.
He leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
His thoughts drifted—uninvited.
Mei Lin's calm eyes. Her precise movements. The way the battlefield bent to her will.
Why does she feel… familiar?
He clenched his hand unconsciously.
The necklace at his throat warmed faintly.
---
A Princess Alone
Princess Ariel sat on her bed, hugging a pillow.
The room felt too quiet.
"I thought I'd be happier," she whispered.
She stared out the window—and noticed movement.
Wind drifting toward another window.
Toward Luo's room.
Her chest tightened slightly.
Not jealousy.
Confusion.
---
Whispers in the Dark
Deep within the academy, shadows shifted.
A hidden chamber beneath the western tower activated.
Three figures gathered.
"The Elemental Architect," one whispered. "The Wind Sovereign," another replied. "And the princess."
A soft chuckle echoed.
"The king's pieces are finally on the board."
---
System Alert
Mei Lin froze mid-note.
> [Warning.]
[Unauthorized Mana Disturbance Detected.]
[Location: West Wing – Substructure.]
Her eyes sharpened.
Already?
Luna growled softly.
---
A Silent Meeting
Moments later, a gentle knock echoed on Mei Lin's door.
She opened it to find Luo standing there, expression serious.
"You felt it too," he said quietly.
She nodded.
"Yes."
A pause.
Then—
"I don't know why," Luo added, "but when something feels wrong… I think of you."
Mei Lin met his gaze.
"…That makes two of us."
From the end of the corridor, Ariel watched silently, unseen.
Her heart beat faster.
Why does it feel like I'm standing outside something important?
---
The Night Holds Its Breath
Somewhere far away, in the Demon Continent, a single bell rang.
A pact stirred. A seal weakened. And fate tightened its grip.
The academy's first night was not peaceful.
It was waiting.