The gates of the Imperial Academy of Varellis towered above them, tall and imposing, carved from white stone with golden runes that shimmered faintly in the morning light. Sho and Liyana approached side by side, the sound of their footsteps echoing on the cobblestones.
Sho felt a mix of excitement and nerves. "This is it… my first step into the Academy. Time to see what I'm made of."
Beside him, Liyana moved gracefully, her crimson eyes scanning the towering spires and sprawling courtyards. "It's… huge," she whispered, almost to herself.
Sho glanced at her. "You'll be fine. Just follow my lead… or at least don't get lost."
Liyana smirked. "You talk like I would."
---
They approached the main courtyard, where students in uniforms of various colors were bustling about, practicing magic, sparring with swords, or hurrying toward classes. Nobles and commoners alike mingled freely, their expressions ranging from curiosity to arrogance.
"Looks like… everyone is here early," Sho muttered.
Before they could continue, a tall figure in a flowing robe stepped onto a raised platform near the entrance. Golden hair glimmered in the sunlight, and her sharp, calm eyes scanned the crowd.
"Welcome, new students," she said, her voice carrying effortlessly over the courtyard. "I am Professor Elara Windcrest, your guide through the Imperial Academy. You will be trained in magic, combat, and diplomacy. Show your worth, and your path will open before you."
Sho and Liyana exchanged a glance. "Diplomacy… huh?" Sho muttered. "I can probably handle that part."
Liyana chuckled softly. "You mean ignoring everyone else and doing your own thing?"
---
As students began to organize into groups, Sho noticed a familiar golden-haired figure at the far end of the courtyard — Princess Arisa Varellis, watching with interest as the new students arrived. She seemed composed, yet there was a faint flicker of curiosity in her eyes.
"She's… here too," Sho whispered.
Liyana's head tilted slightly, observing the princess. "And you seem… interested."
Sho coughed nervously. "No! Just… noticing."
---
The courtyard buzzed as students were assigned to their dormitories and initial evaluation groups. Sho and Liyana were guided by Professor Elara to a smaller side entrance — quieter, less crowded.
"This way," she said, leading them through a series of corridors lined with ancient tapestries depicting the Academy's history. "You will begin with your entrance evaluation tomorrow. Prepare well — the Academy does not tolerate weakness."
Sho glanced at Liyana. "Think we can handle it?"
She smirked, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "You think I'd come all this way if I couldn't?"
Sho couldn't help but smile at her confidence. Somehow, having Liyana here made him feel braver — stronger, even.
---
Later that evening, as they settled into their shared dormitory, Sho opened his System Window quietly.
> [Quest: "Path of the Scholar"]
Status: In Progress
Reward: Hidden Skill – Blink (Locked)
Objective: Complete the Entrance Evaluation
Sho leaned back, feeling anticipation mixed with determination. "Looks like the real challenge starts tomorrow," he muttered.
Liyana, unpacking nearby, glanced at him with a teasing smirk. "And you'll try to show off, won't you?"
Sho grinned. "Maybe… if you don't steal the spotlight first."
Her crimson eyes sparkled, and for a moment, the room was filled with a warm, playful silence — a calm before the storm of challenges waiting for them in the Imperial Academy.