Aki floated in a dark void, drifting aimlessly. Slowly, his eyes opened. “Eh…this…” he murmured, but before he could finish, a familiar, radiant figure appeared before him, bathed in warm, brilliant light—it was the Goddess Athia

“Aki,” she began, her voice warm yet tinged with concern.

“Nishay’s influence has grown stronger. I fear the time of her reckoning is drawing near.” She said.

“Today, in the garden, I felt it—a dark, malevolent aura,” Aki replied, worry in his tone. “I overheard the headmistress and the knights talking. There’s an evil entity lurking in the shadows of a mine not far from here.”

“There is,” Athia responded. “It’s one of Nishay’s creations, born from the depths of human hatred—a being called Alastair.”

“The knights plan to investigate the mine tomorrow,” Aki said, his voice laced with concern.

“The knights alone will not be able to confront Alastair,” Athia replied solemnly.

Aki’s expression grew more earnest. “Goddess,” he said, “is there any way I could help them? I am the Savior foretold—I feel like I should be the one to aid them.”

Seeing Aki’s determination, the Goddess Athia spoke, her tone gentle but tinged with regret. “My power is still in recovery; I cannot guide you further than this.”

Aki was obviously disappointed, he really wanted to do more, he doesn’t want to just sit and do nothing. He subconsciously clinch his fist in frustration.

Athia sense his frustration then lifted her right hand, and with a graceful sway, a thin streak of golden light emerged, shimmering as it circled her hand before moving toward Aki. The light flowed around him, spiralling from his head down to his feet, before stopping to hover in front of him at eye level.

Aki focused on the radiant light as it began to take shape. Slowly, a small figure appeared—the size of a human palm—a fairy. She had golden hair tied into two neat pigtails, bright golden eyes, and fair skin. Her delicate wings, resembling large, shimmering butterfly wings, flapped gracefully as she hovered in front of him, hands on her hips, studying him with a curious glint.

“Hello, nice to meet you!” she said with a friendly smile. Aki, slightly stunned and amazed, managed to stammer, “H-hello, nice to meet you too.”

“You’re…” Aki began, but the fairy cut him off with a cheerful smile. “A fairy,” she said, adding, “Call me Vidia.”

Athia’s voice resonated gently. “She will help guide you on your journey.” Vidia closed her eyes and bowed slightly to Aki as she hovered in the air, her wings fluttering gracefully.

“Vidia,” Athia called, prompting the fairy to turn toward her, still floating with a look of dedication.

Athia continued, “I entrust you, as my representative, to aid and guide Aki in realizing his potential, for he is the savior this world has awaited.”

Vidia nodded firmly. “My Goddess, you can count on me!”

Though still bathed in light, Aki sensed the Goddess’s smile. She turned to him and spoke softly, “Aki, your journey will not be an easy one. There will be moments of doubt and defeat. But remember, I, along with all who stand for good, will always be there for you.” Aki felt her warmth radiate through him, instilling a newfound confidence.

“Goddess,” he said, voice steady with resolve, “I promise, no matter what, I’ll do my absolute best—for this world and mine.”

Athia’s light intensified, filling the void with a comforting glow, and gradually faded. As the brilliance dissolved, Aki’s eyes blinked open to find himself back at his study table, surrounded by scattered books and notes.

“I must've fallen asleep last night while studying,” Aki murmured, leaning back in his chair, stretching his arms high with his eyes closed. As he stretched, a small voice broke the morning silence.

“Ahem!”

Startled, Aki opened his eyes mid-stretch to find Vidia hovering in front of him, wings flapping rhythmically as she floated in place with her hands on her waist, leaning forward as she studied his face. “Morning?” he mumbled, still trying to process her sudden appearance.

Outside, birds chirped as the first light of dawn peeked over the horizon.

“Yahhhh!” Vidia squealed with delight, her excitement overflowing as she zipped around the room, inspecting every corner with childlike curiosity. “Whoa, so this is the human world!” She hovered near the floor, her gaze lifting to the furniture towering above her. “Everything’s so huge!” Her eyes sparkled with wonder before she darted over to the arched window in front of Aki’s desk, staring outside. “Look at those mountains... ah, and there are people down there too!” She pointed out servants going about their morning duties in the academy yard.

Aki chuckled, watching her flutter around in awe. To him, Vidia seemed like a tiny bird who’d stumbled into a vast new world, flitting from place to place, utterly mesmerized.

"V-Vidia,” Aki stammered, still seated, trying to gather his thoughts. Vidia turned toward him, fluttering closer before landing lightly on his desk. Crossing her arms, she gave him a scrutinizing look, eyes narrowed as though assessing every inch of him. From Aki's perspective, she looked almost like a small, delicate figurine, yet her intense gaze had him sweating nervously.

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"Nice… nice to meet you,” he managed, giving her an awkward smile, uncertain of what to say. In his world, fairies were mere myths or characters in video games and movies.

Vidia raised an eyebrow, still crossing her arms as she replied, “For someone destined to be the savior, you really don’t look like it.” Her tone held a hint of disappointment, her gaze unflinching.

“Eh…” Aki murmured, struggling to find a response, but before he could muster any words, Vidia suddenly hunched down, launching herself into the air in a burst of laughter. “Nah, just kidding!” she snickered, clutching her sides as she hovered in front of him, tears streaming from her eyes. “You should’ve seen your face… haha!”

Aki leaned back in his chair, feeling the heat of embarrassment replace his nerves. “A… ha,” he chuckled helplessly, trying to shake off the awkwardness.

Vidia finally caught her breath, her amusement subsiding as she resumed her floating stance in front of him.

“Alright, show me what you’ve got!” she said, hands on her hips, her tone now firm and expectant.

......

At the highest tower of the academy, a room reserved solely for messenger pigeons stood quiet yet alive with purpose. Several cages lined the walls, some small and others large enough to hold entire flocks. Sir William held a pigeon in his hands, a neatly tied parchment secured to its leg. He stepped to the open archway and, with a gentle release, set the pigeon into flight. He watched as it flapped steadily, vanishing into the morning sky.

The message it carried was a detailed report on the upcoming mine investigation—an update meant for the chief knight in the main city. Although Knights Errant like Sir William and Sir Francis held the freedom to make independent decisions within their territories, matters of greater significance required official reporting.

Down in the academy courtyard, servants and guards busied themselves, readying the horses for the journey ahead. In her quarters, Sylvia fastened her leather side bag, packed with a selection of spell books she’d carefully chosen for the mission. Her eyes reflected a determined resolve as she took a steadying breath, adjusted her bag, and made her way out of the room.

At the academy armory.

Sir Francis admired his sword, his reflection gleaming back from the polished blade. “Looks as good as new,” he mused, raising it up to inspect the flawless finish.

“Aye, that’s my handiwork,” came a gruff voice from behind him. Sir Francis turned to see a sturdy figure, a dwarf with thick brown-reddish hair, curly near the ends, and a grand, meticulously braided beard that hung just above his stout torso. This was Professor Kelgor, a master dwarf and instructor in the art of magical weaponry at the academy.

“Ah, Master Kelgor,” Sir Francis greeted, lowering his arm to acknowledge the dwarf. Kelgor, standing just about waist-high to the knight, gave a respectful nod.

“Sir Knight,” Kelgor replied, his voice both rough and hearty. Though shorter in stature, the dwarf’s solid build and broad shoulders conveyed a sense of strength and resilience.

“Your craftsmanship is truly remarkable,” Sir Francis praised, a genuine tone of admiration in his voice. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The blacksmiths in the main city don’t come close.”

“Bah! I’ll take the compliment, though I’d say it’s just the basics,” Kelgor replied, a hint of pride in his voice despite the modest words. He continued, “Your comrade’s weapon and the guards’ gear were also serviced. The servants have already set them by the horses, ready for departure.”

Sir Francis nodded, grateful for the master’s expertise as he sheathed his sword. Kelgor stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes narrowed in curiosity. “Tell me, lad, you ever fought a ghoul before?”

“This’ll be my first,” Sir Francis replied, his tone resolute.

Kelgor grunted, seeming both intrigued and concerned. “A word of caution, then: ghouls are no ordinary creatures. I’ve heard they were creature of dark magic and malice. Stay sharp out there, sir knight.”

With a nod of gratitude, Sir Francis gave the dwarf a respectful bow. “Thank you, Master Kelgor. I’ll remember your words.”

As he turned to leave, Sir Francis felt a renewed sense of confidence and resolve.

At the academy yard a horse let out an agitated neigh as a guardsman struggled to steady it, keeping a firm grip on the reins.

Sir Francis approached, noticing the unsettled behavior of the animals. "Everything ready?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," the guardsman replied, casting a wary glance at the fidgeting horse. "Just a few of them acting up this morning.”

Sir Francis observed the horses, noting their restlessness. Even the horses seem to sense the weight of this mission, he thought. Animals do have an instinct sharper than our own.

"Francis." Sir William’s voice sounded from behind him.

Sir Francis turned to find his fellow knight striding over, looking as composed as ever.

"How is everything?" Sir William ask.

"Ready to go," Sir Francis replied. "The horses are saddled, though a bit jumpy, and Master Kelgor’s made sure our weapons are in top condition. We’re just waiting on Professor Gale and Sylvia.”

Sir William nodded, his gaze sweeping over the bustling academy yard.

The sun continued its ascent, casting a warm glow over the academy grounds, promising clear skies for their journey. Sir Francis took a steadying breath, glancing toward the academy doors, wondering when their last two companions would appear.

Sylvia quickened her pace toward the academy yard, her leather bag of spell books secured at her side. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, soft yet distinct.

“Sylvia.”

Turning, Sylvia found the headmistress smiling warmly at her. “Headmistress!” she greeted, her tone bright as she stepped closer.

The headmistress gently placed her hands-on Sylvia's shoulders, her gaze sweeping over her student. “It’s truly a joy to see you again. I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to welcome you when you first arrived.”

Sylvia's smile softened. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I know how busy you are. Just seeing you well is more than enough.”

The headmistress’s expression turned wistful. “How I wish we were meeting under calmer circumstances. I’d have loved to share tea with you, to sit and chat in peace.”

Sylvia chuckled. “Well, let’s plan for that when all of this is over.”

The headmistress's smile warmed, though her eyes held a hint of concern. “The path ahead won’t be easy. Please, take good care of yourself—and look after the knights as well.”

Sylvia’s expression turned resolute. “I will,” she replied with conviction, nodding.

The headmistress's smile remained as she took a step back, confidence in her eyes as she watched Sylvia prepare to depart.

......

A lone figure moved swiftly down the academy passageway, clutching a precarious stack of books, papers, and scrolls against his chest. His footsteps echoed through the corridor, growing louder as he neared the doorway leading out to the academy yard. Outside, Sylvia, Sir William, and Sir Francis were adjusting their gear, several guardsmen standing ready beside their horses.

The figure—a middle-aged man—emerged from the door that lead to the yard, pausing briefly to catch his breath and steady the pile against his chest. His gaze lifted, expression focused as he looked toward the others—Professor Gale has arrived.