The children of Ondur had begun to gather outside the school, their eyes wide with excitement as they caught sight of the wyvern descending. They whispered among themselves, their voices a mix of awe and curiosity. Most had never seen anyone from outside their own world, and certainly not two children riding a creature of such grandeur that they couldn't even completely comprehend due to their undeveloped eyes.
As they touched down, the ground rumbled slightly, and the children took a collective step back, their eyes never leaving the siblings. Ha-Yoon felt a thrill of excitement and a touch of nerves as they dismounted. She could feel their gazes on her, some filled with wonder, others with a hint of envy.
The academy was a stunning blend of ancient and modern architecture, with large arched doorways that looked like they had been carved by the very hand of time itself, leading into gleaming halls that reflected the twin suns' light. The walls were covered in intricate carvings that depicted scenes of battles and triumphs, as well as images of creatures that Ha-Yoon had never seen before.
As they dismounted, a flurry of questions from the children surrounded them. "How did you get to ride a wyvern?" one child asked, eyes wide with wonder. "I've been waiting for my turn for ages!" Another chimed in, a hint of envy in their voice. Ha-Yoon looked at Si-woo, who was still floating in the air, and shrugged. "It's complicated," she said with a smile, trying to keep her voice light. "But maybe you'll get to ride one too, someday," she says in a snarky tone.
Minho stepped forward, raising his hands to silence the children. "Welcome to the Young Academy of Ondur," he announced. "These are our newest students, Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon. They come from a distant land, and they are here to learn from us, as we are from them."
The children stared in awe, some whispering to one another in Hoken, their eyes flicking between the siblings and the floating Si-Woo. Ha-Yoon felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she took in the sea of unfamiliar faces.
Suddenly, a figure rushed out of the school, her white hair flowing behind her like a banner of welcome. "Oh, my highs and lows, what happened?" exclaimed Princess Deane.
Her eyes took in the sight of Si-Woo floating gently in the air, the last vestiges of the healing light faintly emanating from his healed scars. She looked at Minho, her eyes searching for answers.
Ha-Yoon steps forward "I thought you would already know, with you being a prophet and all. she said sarcastically.
Princess Deane's eyes widened slightly, but she chuckled, the tension around them dissipating. "Even as a prophet, we have our limits," she said, her voice gentle. "Now, hurry to your class, Ha-Yoon. You're starting at level one until we can evaluate your abilities, Minho will lead you there."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Si-woo gently hit the top of Ha-Yoon's head "Be nice." Ha-Yoon started pouting while rubbing her head." I'm sorry" she said.
"It's okay, she's just worried about us," Si-Woo said with a gentle smile. He looked around, still floating horizontally. "I guess I'll get used to this eventually," he murmured to himself.
"Now let me take the little boy to the nurse and get him ready for level two class." Princess Deane said." We'll talk later Minho." Anxious, Minho nervously laughed.
As Si-Woo floated after her, his backpack in tow, Ha-Yoon watched in amazement. "What do you mean by level two?" she called out, her voice trailing as they disappeared into the school.
Minho turned to face her, his expression kind. "The Young Academy of Ondur operates on a tiered system, based on the student's age, knowledge, growth rate, connection to the serein, and their ability to manipulate it. Level one is for beginners, where the basics of serein and our language, Hoken, are taught. As you grow stronger and more attuned to the energy, you advance to higher levels."
"But why can't we be in the same class?" Ha-Yoon pouted. "We've always learned together."
Minho placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "In Ondur, we believe that everyone learns at their own pace, and in their own way. It's important that you both receive the education that suits your individual needs."
Ha-Yoon nodded, trying to understand. "But we're not leaving each other, right?" she asked, her eyes searching his.
Minho smiled, his expression reassuring. "No, of course not. You'll still see each other sometimes throughout the day, and you'll share your experiences. But for now, you need to focus on your individual growth. Remember, you both have a unique role to play in the balance of the serein."
" It can't be that much different from your world," Minho said "Now, follow me, and let's get you into the school uniform, the kids are not used to your otherworldly attire," he said as they walked into the large archlike doorway of the academy.
The walls were lined with floating lamps, casting a warm glow that danced across the gleaming marble floor. The children of Ondur, their eyes wide with curiosity, watched as Si-Woo was led away by the princess, his floating form leaving a trail of whispers in their wake.
"I'm going to leave you with our academy's nurse," Princess Deane said. "She'll take care of you and make sure you're ready for class, I'm genuinely sorry this happened to you."
The nurse's office was a softly lit chamber, the walls adorned with glowing herbs and potions that hummed with serein. The air smelled faintly of lavender, a soothing scent that seemed to ease the tension in Si-Woo's body. "Here you go," Princess Deane says while she lays Si-Woo down on an open bed then kisses him on the forehead.
"We have a patient this early, oh my gosh it's the princess," the nurse exclaimed, dropping the book she was reading. She was a healthy woman with kind eyes and a gentle touch, her hair pulled back into a neat bun, with circular glasses that seemed to complement her light green eyes and hair. She bustled over to Si-Woo, her eyes quickly assessing his condition. "MMMM, I see."
A bell rings. Princess Deane looks at the nurse frantically. "Could you please take care of this boy for me and send him to class when ready?" Princess Deane said in a hurry. "Thank you." then she left.