The morning air carried the smell of fresh bread and roasted beans. It wasn't unusual for the academy's grounds to be busy on weekends, but this day was louder than most. Flags were strung between lamp posts. Booths lined the inner courtyard, their wooden frames hastily painted in cheerful colors that clashed with the usual beige uniform of the school buildings. The annual campus festival had officially started, and almost every student who wasn't hiding in their dorm had found a reason to wander outside.
Arios adjusted his uniform jacket as he stepped into the courtyard, still half-awake. He hadn't planned to attend until Lucy had banged on his door twenty minutes ago.
"Come on," she had said, crossing her arms at the doorway. "You're not staying inside all day. It's the festival. Even you can't find a reason to train today."
