Three years passed after the night that changed Sun and Yuki's lives.
The once quiet Star mansion had turned into a place of constant training.
Under Andrius's strict guidance, the two children grew stronger every single day.
Their mornings began before sunrise.
First came physical training-running long distances through forests near the mansion, climbing rocky hills, practicing sword combat, and learning how to move quickly during battle.
Then came magic training.
Water, fire, earth, lightning-Sun practiced controlling different elements with intense focus. His water magic had become especially powerful, allowing him to control large streams and waves with ease.
Yuki's fire magic had also evolved dramatically. Her flames were brighter and hotter than before, and her control had become precise enough to shape fire into different forms.
Sometimes their training turned into fierce sparring matches.
The mansion's training field would fill with fire and water explosions as the two fought each other with full strength.
Andrius often watched silently with crossed arms.
One afternoon, after a long and intense sparring match, Sun and Yuki both collapsed on the grass while breathing heavily.
Yuki looked up at the sky and laughed.
"You're getting harder to beat."
Sun smiled tiredly.
"You're not easy either."
Andrius walked toward them slowly.
"You both have improved a lot."
Sun sat up.
"So... how strong are we now?"
Andrius looked at them carefully before answering.
"You have both reached B-rank magician level."
Sun and Yuki stared at him in surprise.
B-rank magicians were already considered powerful in many parts of the country.
But Andrius continued calmly.
"However, strength alone is not enough."
Yuki raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Andrius looked toward the distant city walls of Ferbia.
"It is time for you two to enter the Royal Magic University of Ferbia."
Sun's eyes widened slightly.
"The university..."
Yuki stood up excitedly.
"That means we'll finally become real students!"
Andrius nodded.
"You are both thirteen years old now. This is the right time."
---
The next morning, the three of them traveled to the central district of the capital city.
The city of Ferbia was already familiar to them. Since the Star mansion was located within the kingdom, they had visited the city many times before.
But today felt different.
Today they were entering the most prestigious magic academy in the entire country.
The Royal Magic University of Ferbia, also known as RMUF.
The university campus was enormous.
A massive stone gate marked the entrance, carved with ancient magical symbols. Inside, beautiful buildings, magical towers, gardens, and training arenas stretched across a huge area.
Hundreds of young magicians walked along the stone pathways, talking and practicing small spells.
Sun looked around with interest.
"This place is even bigger than I expected."
Yuki nodded excitedly.
"There are so many students."
They walked with Andrius until they reached the main gate.
Then Andrius stopped.
Sun looked at him.
"Aren't you coming?"
Andrius shook his head.
"No."
Yuki frowned slightly.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yes."
Sun felt a strange heaviness in his chest.
For the past three years, Andrius had trained them like a strict master-but he had also protected and guided them.
He had become someone very important in their lives.
Sun bowed slightly.
"Thank you... for everything you taught us."
Yuki also bowed.
"We'll keep getting stronger."
Andrius looked at them quietly for a moment.
Then he gave a small nod.
"I expect great things from both of you."
He turned around and began walking away.
Without looking back, he raised one hand slightly.
"Good luck."
And just like that-
Andrius left.
Sun and Yuki stood silently for a moment.
Then Yuki suddenly smiled.
"Well... let's go."
Sun nodded.
"Yeah."
Together, they walked through the large university gates.
---
The campus was full of energy.
Students walked in groups, talking about magic, classes, and training. Some practiced spells in open areas, while others carried books and magical tools.
As Sun and Yuki walked along one of the stone paths, they noticed something unusual.
A girl about their age was walking ahead.
She had long silver-blonde hair and calm, elegant posture.
Two royal guards walked beside her.
Students nearby moved aside respectfully as she passed.
Yuki whispered quietly.
"Who is she?"
A nearby student answered proudly.
"That's Princess Aria Stark, the princess of Ferbia."
Sun looked surprised.
"The princess?"
The royal family of Ferbia was known for producing powerful magicians.
Aria Stark was rumored to be one of the most talented young magicians in the kingdom.
The girl continued walking calmly, ignoring the attention around her.
Sun shrugged.
"Well... she's still just another student here."
Yuki smiled.
"Still pretty cool though."
Soon they reached their first-year classroom.
The classroom was large and bright. Wooden desks were arranged in rows, and magical symbols were carved into the walls. At the front stood a large crystal board used for magical demonstrations.
Students slowly entered and took their seats.
Sun and Yuki sat together on one of the benches.
Then someone walked in.
Sun blinked in surprise.
It was the same girl from before.
Princess Aria Stark.
She looked around the room briefly.
Then she walked over-
And sat on the same bench beside Sun and Yuki.
For a moment, the three of them sat quietly.
Finally, Yuki smiled warmly.
"Hi!"
Aria looked slightly surprised by the friendly greeting.
But she returned the smile politely.
"Hello."
Sun spoke next.
"I'm Sun."
"And I'm Yuki," she added.
Aria nodded.
"My name is Aria."
Yuki laughed lightly.
"We know. You're the princess."
Aria looked a little embarrassed.
"Please... just call me Aria."
From that moment, their conversation became natural and easy.
They talked about magic, training, and their interests.
To Sun and Yuki's surprise, Aria was actually very friendly and easy to talk to.
She didn't act proud or arrogant like many people expected from royalty.
Instead, she seemed happy to talk with people who treated her normally.
From that day on, the three of them slowly became close friends.
They studied together.
They attended magic classes together.
They practiced spells in the training arenas.
Sometimes they sat in the university gardens, relaxing and talking about their dreams.
Other times they sparred against each other.
Aria specialized in wind magic, which was fast and unpredictable.
During their practice battles, powerful wind blades would fly through the arena while Sun used water shields and Yuki launched blazing fire attacks.
Many other students began noticing them.
"Those three are strong..."
"They're only first years?"
"They might become famous in the university."
But Sun, Yuki, and Aria simply enjoyed their time as friends.
---
One morning, a loud bell rang throughout the university.
Students quickly gathered inside the Grand Assembly Hall.
The hall was enormous, filled with hundreds of young magicians.
At the front stood the university's dean.
He was an elderly magician wearing long royal robes.
The room became silent as he began speaking.
"Students of the Royal Magic University..."
His voice echoed across the hall.
"It is time for the event many of you have been waiting for."
Students immediately began whispering excitedly.
The dean raised his hand.
"This year's Magic League will begin soon."
Cheers filled the hall.
The Magic League was the biggest competition in the university.
Students from each year competed to prove their magical strength.
The dean continued.
"There are five leagues."
"One for each year of the university."
"First years will compete against first years, second years against second years, and so on."
Sun leaned forward with excitement.
Yuki's eyes sparkled.
Aria smiled confidently.
Then the dean spoke again.
"The winning team of each league will receive a special prize."
The hall became quiet.
The dean smiled slightly.
"A magical pet."
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Magical pets were extremely rare creatures that formed bonds with magicians.
Some could help during battles.
Some could store mana.
Others possessed unique magical abilities.
They were incredibly valuable companions.
Yuki grabbed Sun's arm excitedly.
"A magical pet?!"
Sun grinned.
"We have to win this."
Aria nodded firmly.
"Let's do it together."
The three friends looked at each other.
Their eyes were full of determination.
A new challenge had appeared.
And they were ready to face it.
The Magic League was about to begin.