BEFORE THE STORM

  As Ethan walked through the Academy corridors, he immediately noticed something off.

  People were staring.

  Not just a few glances—full-on turning their heads and whispering.

  Ethan furrowed his brow. What was their problem?

  It wasn’t until he reached his classroom and slumped into his seat that Callan leaned over, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief.

  “Ethan… what happened to your clothes?”

  Ethan blinked, then looked down—and froze.

  His academy uniform was a mess.

  There were burn marks and small holes on his sleeves, his pants were scuffed and torn, and his boots looked worn-out—like he had walked through fire and rubble.

  Which… he technically had.

  Memories of last night flashed in his mind. The fight, the beasts, the fragment entering his chest.

  No wonder people were staring.

  “Uh… rough night?” Ethan muttered.

  Orion, seated next to them, smirked. “Dude, did you wrestle a wild boar in your sleep?”

  Ethan sighed, mentally kicking himself.

  Next time I fight, I need to reinforce my clothes.

  Before he could think of a better excuse, a familiar, haughty voice interrupted them.

  “I should have known.”

  Ethan turned as Lysandra Vaelith, the noble girl from House Virgo, approached with her usual air of superiority. She eyed him up and down before letting out a dramatic sigh.

  “You look like a street rat who lost a fight with a windstorm. Is this how you plan to represent our House?”

  Ethan rolled his eyes. “Good morning to you too, Lysandra.”

  Lysandra ignored his sarcasm and tapped a finger against her chin, pretending to be deep in thought.

  “Honestly, you need to go to the market and replace these rags. As an Academy student, you can present your ring and pick what you want—free of charge.” She smirked. “I suppose I could show you the best places. Consider it payment for assisting me during the Moon Ceremony.”

  Callan and Orion exchanged amused glances.

  “Oh?” Callan grinned. “Lysandra, I never took you for the charitable type.”

  Orion leaned in with a smirk. “Yeah, sounds like you just want an excuse to dress Ethan up like your personal doll.”

  Lysandra’s eye twitched.

  “Hardly. I just have standards, unlike you commoners.”

  Ethan sighed. He didn’t hate the idea of getting new clothes—it was actually a good idea—but something about Lysandra’s smugness made him hesitate.

  Then she added, “Unless, of course, you’d rather continue looking like a lost farmhand?”

  Ethan sighed. “Fine. But I’m not going alone.”

  Lysandra frowned slightly as Callan and Orion immediately straightened up.

  “Oh? We’re coming too?” Orion asked with fake surprise. “How thoughtful of you, Lysandra, to invite us.”

  Callan smirked. “This is going to be fun.”

  Lysandra’s face twitched again, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she flipped her silver-blonde hair over her shoulder and turned away.

  “Meet me at the Academy entrance after class. Don’t be late.”

  Ethan watched her go before exhaling deeply.

  This was going to be a long day.

  -The City of Lights

  Ethan, Callan, and Orion stood at the Academy’s grand entrance, waiting for Lysandra. The stone archway framed the bustling city beyond, where the sounds of merchants, distant chimes, and clattering hooves filled the air.

  Callan checked an imaginary watch on his wrist. “I don’t know what’s taking her so long, but I swear, if she drags us to some noble tea shop, I’m out.”

  Orion smirked. “I just want to see Ethan in something ridiculous. Maybe a full golden robe with a fur collar.”

  Ethan sighed. “I hate both of you.”

  Before Orion could respond, a familiar voice cut through the air.

  “You lot are impatient.”

  They turned to see Lysandra approaching, her usual air of confidence unwavering. But she wasn’t alone.

  Three girls followed her, all clearly from noble backgrounds, their expressions varying from amused to indifferent.

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  Lysandra stopped in front of them, folding her arms. “This is Lady Seraphina Vaelith, my cousin.”She gestured to a tall girl with raven-black hair and piercing ice-blue eyes. Seraphina carried herself with an air of cold precision, her sharp gaze assessing them like one would an opponent in battle.

  Then Lysandra gestured to a girl with auburn curls and warm amber eyes, who looked far friendlier. “This is Evelynn Ravenshire. Her family controls the western trade routes.”

  Evelynn smiled, her voice smooth. “Pleasure. I’ve heard a lot about you, Ethan.”

  Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Good things, I hope?”

  Evelynn shrugged. “Depends.”

  The last noble girl had platinum-blonde hair, braided elegantly, with sharp emerald-green eyes. She gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before Lysandra introduced her.

  “And this is Mirielle Alastair. Her family is close to the royal court.”

  Mirielle barely glanced at them, her tone cool. “Charmed.”

  Orion leaned in and whispered to Ethan. “She doesn’t look charmed.”

  Ethan suppressed a laugh.

  Lysandra ignored them and turned on her heel. “Let’s go.”

  Stepping beyond the Academy’s gates, Ethan was instantly captivated by the city’s grandeur.

  Cobblestone streets stretched wide, filled with people of all backgrounds—merchants hawking wares, scholars debating arcane theories, and adventurers fresh from expeditions. But what truly amazed him was how magic seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

  ? Earth-wielders reinforced buildings with precision, their magic shaping stones into perfect symmetry as they constructed new sections of the city.

  ? Water manipulators purified the city’s reservoirs, guiding streams through enchanted conduits that kept the city self-sustaining.

  ? Fire-wielders controlled their flames to burn wood into high-quality charcoal, ensuring the forges and bakeries had fuel without the need for excessive logging.

  ? Wind-users levitated massive air balloons in the sky, allowing goods and passengers to be transported across the city in a way far more efficient than horse-drawn carriages.

  Ethan watched in awe. “This is… incredible.”

  Callan chuckled. “Haven’t been to the city much, huh?”

  Ethan shook his head. “I’ve seen magic in battle, but this… this is something else. They’re using it to build, sustain, and improve their lives.”

  Lysandra glanced at him. “Of course. Magic isn’t just for war—it’s for civilization.”

  Orion grinned. “That, and for making ridiculous outfits, which is where we’re headed now.”

  Ethan groaned.

  The Tailor Shop – A Noble’s Taste

  The shop Lysandra led them to was a high-end tailor boutique named Velmora’s Enchantments. Its display windows showcased robes woven with enchanted silk, jackets that repelled minor spells, and boots designed to enhance agility.

  Inside, an elderly woman with silver hair and half-moon spectacles greeted them. Her attire was immaculate, and she carried herself with the grace of someone who had dressed nobles for decades.

  “Ah, Lady Lysandra, welcome. I see you’ve brought… company.”

  Lysandra nodded. “We need an outfit for him.” She pointed at Ethan.

  The woman turned her gaze to Ethan and immediately pursed her lips. “Oh, dear.”

  Ethan frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  The tailor sighed. “Nothing, nothing. Just… an unfortunate wardrobe situation. But don’t worry, dear boy, we shall fix this.”

  Lysandra smirked. “Make it something befitting a Virgo adept.”

  Ethan felt like he was about to be stuffed into something ridiculous.

  Orion, clearly enjoying this, leaned over. “I hope it’s something with ruffles.”

  The tailor wasted no time, taking his measurements with a flick of her wand and pulling out different fabrics. Ethan was forced to try several outfits—some sleek, some extravagant.

  At one point, Orion burst into laughter when Ethan stepped out in a navy-blue noble’s tunic with embroidered silver stars.

  “You look like a celestial prince.”

  Ethan glared at him. “Shut up.”

  Callan, meanwhile, had struck up a conversation with Evelynn about rare magical artifacts.

  Lysandra’s cousin, Seraphina, had been quietly watching, but finally spoke. “The tunic isn’t terrible. But perhaps something more practical?”

  Eventually, Ethan settled on a dark, form-fitting jacket reinforced with lightweight enchanted thread, paired with sturdy boots designed for both agility and durability.

  Lysandra nodded approvingly. “Much better.”

  Ethan examined himself in the mirror.

  He actually… liked it.

  The tailor handed him gloves lined with subtle enchantments. “For protection,” she said.

  Ethan accepted them.

  Free of charge, as an Academy student.

  After shopping, the group decided to stop at an elegant dining hall, its terrace overlooking the city’s central plaza.

  The meal was lavish, featuring dishes Ethan had never even heard of before.

  As they ate, conversation flowed.

  Lysandra, usually sharp-tongued and guarded, surprised Ethan by opening up.

  ? Her family was one of the most prestigious in the academy history.

  ? Every one of her siblings had excelled at the Academy and now held positions in the royal court.

  ? She was under immense pressure to do the same.

  Ethan saw a different side of her—one that wasn’t just a noble snob, but a young woman burdened by expectations.

  “It doesn’t matter how well I do. I’ll always be compared to them.” Lysandra admitted, sipping her tea. “If I fail, I tarnish my family’s name.”

  Ethan frowned. “That’s a lot to put on someone.”

  Lysandra shrugged. “It’s just the way things are.”

  Ethan, for the first time, understood her better.

  She wasn’t just arrogant—she was someone who couldn’t afford to fail.

  And in some ways… he could relate.

  As they continued their meal, Ethan realized something.

  For the first time since coming to the Academy, he wasn’t just training, fighting, or uncovering mysteries.

  He was living.

  But he knew it wouldn’t last forever.

  The golden glow of the setting sun painted the city in hues of amber and crimson as Ethan and his group made their way back toward the Academy. The once formal outing had slowly dissolved into something more relaxed, more natural.

  Conversations flowed more freely, the tension between nobles and commoners slowly fading into the background.

  As they passed through the heart of the city, a lively crowd gathered at an open-air theatre.

  A wooden stage stood in the center of the plaza, surrounded by eager spectators of all classes. Actors in exaggerated costumes performed a comedic reenactment of a well-known historical event.

  Orion, ever curious, was the first to stop.

  “Oh, we have to watch this.” He turned to the others, grinning. “Look at the crowd! It must be hilarious.”

  Lysandra raised an eyebrow. “You have the sense of humor of a child.”

  Orion clutched his chest in mock offense. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Evelynn sighed. “I suppose a short break wouldn’t hurt.”

  Seraphina, ever composed, crossed her arms but didn’t object.

  The group found seats near the front, where the actors were in the middle of an absurd sword duel.The “warriors” moved with exaggerated movements, their lines filled with ridiculous bravado.

  One actor, dressed as a flamboyant noble general, tripped over his own cape mid-monologue.

  The crowd roared with laughter.

  Ethan hadn’t expected to enjoy it as much as he did. The performance was far from sophisticated, but something about the actors’ dedication to the absurd made it impossible not to laugh.

  Then, he heard a soft, genuine laugh beside him.

  Lysandra.

  For the first time since he had met her, she wasn’t smirking or scoffing—she was truly laughing.

  Ethan turned slightly, caught off guard by the rare sight.

  Lysandra, realizing she was being watched, quickly composed herself. A faint blush dusted her cheeks.

  “What?” she said, her voice defensive.

  Ethan smirked. “Nothing. Just didn’t know you were capable of laughing at something childish.”

  Lysandra narrowed her eyes. “I am human, you know.”

  Ethan chuckled but said nothing more.

  Meanwhile, Orion was in tears from laughter, barely able to breathe as one of the actors attempted to fight with a “magic staff” that was clearly just a broomstick.

  Mirielle, usually reserved, finally cracked a small smile.

  “It’s so ridiculous, it’s almost impressive.” She shook her head, looking at Orion. “You’re hopeless.”

  Orion wiped a tear away. “Oh no, I’m thriving.”

  Evelynn, more interested in the storytelling, turned to Callan. “This battle… it’s obviously exaggerated, but is there truth to it?”

  Callan nodded, ever the historian. “It’s based on an actual event—the Battle of Eldoria. The noble general they’re mocking here was real, but in history, he was far more competent. This play just… takes liberties.”

  Seraphina listened quietly before adding, “Liberties is an understatement. The real general won that battle with tactics, not whatever… that is.” She gestured toward the actor currently “dueling” an invisible opponent.

  Ethan leaned back, enjoying the rare camaraderie between the group.

  For the first time since coming to the Academy, there was no training, no battles, no scheming nobles.

  Just laughter.

  And for a moment, Ethan let himself enjoy it.

  By the time the play ended, the city had settled into a tranquil hush, lanterns flickering along the streets.

  The group walked back at a steady pace, their spirits lighter.

  Ethan found himself walking beside Lysandra again.

  She didn’t speak immediately, instead watching the gentle glow of the city lights.

  Then, in a voice softer than usual, she said, “Thank you.”

  Ethan glanced at her. “For what?”

  Lysandra hesitated. “…For today.”

  It wasn’t much, but Ethan understood what she meant.

  Before he could respond, Orion stretched, yawning dramatically. “Alright, as much as I enjoyed today, I’m ready to collapse.”

  Callan smirked. “You say that, yet you were the most energetic one out of all of us.”

  As they reached the Academy gates, Lysandra’s usual confidence returned.

  She looked at Ethan one last time and smirked. “Don’t get used to this, commoner. Next time, I’ll make you regret tagging along.”

  Ethan grinned. “Looking forward to it.”

  With that, they parted ways.

  Ethan headed back to his dorm, his mind still replaying the events of the day.

  He didn’t know what lay ahead… but for now, he allowed himself to rest.