6 years and 6 months later
Many things happened over the past six years. Everyone learned new spells, practiced various magical experiments and tests. Arthur, even though the professor and headmistress kept repeating that he had no magical power, always felt something strange inside himself. Yet, he simply accepted it and focused on his physical training and resistance against all types of magic every day. After all this time, some of the students in Moriyama's class were already 13 years old.
— Haaaaaaaaah — Arthur yawned.
— {Sensei said there would be a very important announcement today. Good thing I woke up early enough to be on time} — Arthur thought.
Arthur walked through the academy toward his classroom, feeling somewhat excited, as if something thrilling was about to happen. But he didn't notice Kidero watching from the window and accidentally bumped into him.
— Hey, what do you think you're do— Oh, it's you. Trying to pick a fight this early, you idiot? I guess you still haven't learned your place, have you — said Kidero, grabbing his sword.
"Firebird of..."
— Stop this fight immediately — said Moriyama, activating her magic eye and freezing both of them in place.
— Save that energy for the announcement I'm about to make to the class — said Moriyama.
— Head to the Grand Lecture Hall now, and behave yourselves — said Moriyama.
— You got lucky, but next time you won't escape. You're always protected, but you won't always have Sensei or Mia around — said Kidero, storming off toward the Grand Hall with rage.
— Don't worry about him, Arthur. I'm here if anything happens — said Moriyama, offering her support.
Some time later, Arthur entered the Grand Hall, but only his class was there.
— {Wait… isn't this hall usually used to gather all the classes?} — Arthur thought as he walked to his seat.
Moriyama spoke loudly:
— I have an important announcement to make. I hope you're prepared and make the most of it, because the academy, after reaching an agreement among the teachers and the headmistress, has decided to take you all on a field trip… beyond the kingdom's walls.
— {Beyond the kingdom's walls… we know very little about what lies beyond. I always felt the teachers avoided the subject. Only soldiers and royal guards have access to the outside} — Arthur thought as Moriyama continued.
Moriyama continued her announcement:
— You will travel to a dungeon located far outside the Turfazia region, to an ancient ruin known as Mount ARF, deep within the Forgotten Region...
— {They've barely talked about the Forgotten Region, but I remember they said it was completely destroyed and lifeless. Only shadows remain, devouring anything alive. I also recall they said those shadows appear near the kingdom's outer limits, which is why the walls are so massive} — Arthur thought.
— Professor Alexius Drexis will explain everything — said Moriyama.
— ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! AS MORIYAMA SAID, I'LL EXPLAIN EVERYTHING AND GUIDE YOU TO THE LOCATION. NO NEED TO WORRY HAHAHAHAHAHA — said Alexius Drexis, smiling broadly with unshakable enthusiasm.
— After years of asking, we finally reached an agreement. They've allowed me to take your class to Mount Arf, inside the Forgotten Region. The academy and the kingdom hide the truth about the world outside these walls from regular citizens and anyone who hasn't been to war — said Alexius.
Kidero quickly raised his hand and was noticed by Alexius.
— Go ahead, Kidero.
— Sensei, have you fought the Katlônios in the war? If so, what are they like? And how is the landscape outside the kingdom? — Kidero asked.
— Great question. Yes, I fought them. But they're cowards… they use shadows in cowardly ways, and those shadows are weak against light magic — explained Alexius.
— Moving on: we'll travel by horseback. Bring only essentials. You'll see what lies beyond the walls tomorrow. I'll talk more about the environment and precautions during the journey. It'll take a day and a half to reach the destination. So be ready. See you tomorrow — said Alexius.
— {He'll explain the environment… precautions… from what I know, the Katlônios' realm is almost a day away by horse. What dangers could be waiting along the way?} — Arthur thought.