Karn straightened his new black scholar’s robe as he stepped onto the cobblestones that led to the University's main hall. Lady Amber had presented them all with the finely tailored garments that morning. A radiant Amber emblem was prominently displayed on both the front and back, its brilliance contrasted by the rich, dark fabric. The sash, a band of vibrant amber, felt like a proud declaration around his waist.

Ellie, catching a sidelong glance at Karn as he fussed with his robe, grinned mischievously. "Well, look at you! Trying to make an impression on the first day? Or perhaps for those girls who were eyeing you earlier?" She waggled her eyebrows playfully.

Karn smirked, adjusting the Amber sash with feigned seriousness. "Can't blame them, can you? This robe does bring out the colour of my eyes," he replied, striking a mock pose.

Ellie chuckled, nudging him lightly. "Oh, absolutely! I'm sure Master Scoff will be utterly captivated by those sparkling eyes of yours."

He laughed, pushing his hair back dramatically. "Well, knowledge might be power, Ellie, but a little style never hurt anyone."

She playfully rolled her eyes, "Just remember, Mr. Style, to not be too distracted by your own reflection during class!"

Karn chuckled, "I promise, if I start using my robe as a mirror, you have my permission to throw a book at me."

As they neared the entrance, Ellie glanced at Karn, her eyes mischievously twinkling. "You know, Karn," she began, playfully nudging him with her elbow, "that robe really does bring out the determination in your eyes. Or is that just the fear of being late to class?"

Karn chuckled, throwing her a mock-serious side glance. "Maybe it's the fear of being seen with you. Have you looked in a mirror lately?"

Ellie pretended to be aghast. "Oh! How dare you! Here I was, trying to give you a genuine compliment, and this is how you repay me?"

Ralina and Hope shared an amused glance, having grown used to the duo's playful banter.

Karn grinned, adjusting the Amber sash around his waist. "Well, if I'm being honest, I'm just trying to make sure this sash doesn't make me look too wide. Lady Amber's emblem is a bit... prominent, don't you think?"

Ellie laughed, twirling around to flaunt her own robe. "You mean you don't enjoy being a walking billboard for the Amber sector? Come now, think of it as... free advertising!"

Karn chuckled, shaking his head. "I just hope Master Scoff doesn't deduct points for excessive flair."

Ellie winked catching his reference. "If he does, we'll just blind him with our dazzling knowledge of natural magic."

Hope, Ellie, and Ralina walked alongside him, their robes flowing similarly, uniting them in purpose. They approached the classroom doors with a shared sense of excitement. This was their first lesson with the renowned Master Scoff, the leading figure in natural magic.

As they entered the class, the murmur of conversations faltered, then grew suddenly louder. Eyes from every corner of the room met them, and whispers filled the spaces between. Those without sashes stared hard, faces contorted with contempt. The Royals, draped in their luxurious garb, sneered and whispered among themselves, seeing the group as nothing more than servants or, worse, pests.

But amongst the jeers and whispers, there were some friendly faces. The students with golden sashes and others from the Verdant Branch greeted them with warm smiles and open curiosity. It was a well-known fact that individuals from the Amber sector seldom ventured to the university, making their presence all the more intriguing.

As Karn moved to take a seat, he couldn’t help but notice a few speculative glances thrown his way, particularly from some of the female students. Their eyes sparkled with intrigue and interest.

Elie, never one to miss an opportunity for jest, leaned in and whispered, "Seems like you've already gathered quite the fan club."

“Theodoric posted everyone’s results in the main foyer for their aptitude so everyone’s gawking because of my results.”

Ralina and Hope, hearing Ellie’s teasing, shot each other a quick, furtive glance, their faces betraying their thoughts. Hope, feigning nonchalance, but with a twinkle in her eye, chimed in, "Seems your right. Karn's new robes are making quite the impression."

Karn, suddenly feeling warm beneath his robe, cleared his throat, trying to refocus. "Let's just concentrate on the lesson, alright?"

The banter managed to ease some of the tension, at least for a moment. As Master Scoff stepped to the front, the room went silent.

“Well, every get to your seats then,” he said hurriedly.

Karn followed Ellie as she found some spare seats next to a familiar face wearing a green sash.

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Master Scoff, a stocky man with an aura that hinted at depths of knowledge and experience beyond his seemingly bulky frame, began to address the assembly of students. His voice, though gentle, carried an authoritative resonance that commanded the attention of everyone in the room.

"Students," he began, his pale grey eyes sweeping over the room, "before we venture into the depths of our studies, it is crucial to appreciate the origin of the very magic we seek to understand."

Karn leaned forward, his attention rapt, as the story began to unfold.

"Long ago, when the lands of Ren Daral were naught but a canvas of raw elemental force, the world pulsed with an energy of its own, pure and untamed. These colossal forces were embodied in the forms of massive beings—ancestors to the Elementlets we are familiar with today. These entities, while mighty, lacked the ability to communicated with one another. As a result, the world was torn asunder by their confrontations. Fire, with its consuming fury, often clashed with the tempering fluidity of water. The roaring winds upturned the soil, scattering it to the heavens."

The room was silent, save for Master Scoff's voice. The students hung on every word, transported to a time of chaos and raw power.

"As eons passed," he continued, "spirits began to emerge from the tapestry of energy that surrounded this emerging world. These spirits watched, learned, and drew strength from the world around them. Observing the constant battle of the elements, they evolved, gaining both consciousness and a sense of purpose."

His voice dropped to a whisper, drawing the students even closer in. "While many elements struggled, some, like wind, earth, and water, thrived. Yet, their struggles with one another continued, threatening to tear the very fabric of Ren Daral apart."

Ralina's eyes widened, a sense of wonderment filling her. Beside her, Ellie scribbled notes furiously, trying to capture every detail of the story.

"But, in the midst of this turmoil," Master Scoff's voice grew warmer, "a turning point arrived. The spirits, ever observant, discovered a means to bridge the communication gap between these clashing titans. While it took years for the elements to understand and resonate with each other, eventually a semblance of peace settled upon the land."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "In their newfound unity, the elements combined their energies, giving birth to the world as we know it. From their union, the first spark of life sprang forth: tree’s rooted deep into the earth, grasses that whispered with the wind, fish that danced in the water, and creatures that roamed the vast expanses. Life, in its myriad forms, had begun."

A collective sigh ran through the class, as the weight of the tale settled upon them.

"This," Master Scoff concluded, "is the heart and soul of natural magic. This class isn't just about harnessing power. It's about understanding the balance, the ebb and flow of the very essence of life. It is a connection to our world’s genesis, to the harmonious dance of the elements."

Karn exchanged a glance with Hope, their eyes reflecting the shared wonder of the tale. It was not just a lesson—it was the story of this world's very heart.

The weight of Master Scoff’s words lingered in the air as he concluded his lecture on the origins of natural magic. He began packing his scrolls and notes into a leather satchel, his back bent slightly from age but his mind as sharp as ever.

As the chatter of the students filled the room, Ralina's gaze shifted to a group approaching them. The prominent blue and silver hues of their attire unmistakably marked them as students from the Royal sector.

With a slight tilt of her head, Ralina whispered, "Stay calm. We don't want any trouble."

Leading the group was a young woman with cascading golden hair, an air of haughty confidence, and a sneer that seemed permanently etched onto her face. "I'm Marcella, daughter of Duchess Norcas," she announced, her voice dripping with self-importance. "You must be the new blood from the Amber sector." Her eyes roved over Hope and Ralina, sizing them up like inferior goods at a market. "Perhaps, dear girls, you'd be better suited selling your services on the streets come nightfall instead of sullying these hallowed halls."

Karn stiffened, his earlier mirth replaced with indignation. As Marcella's attention turned towards him, her gaze softened, and she seemed to see him as a potential conquest. "And you, you must be Karn. I've heard whispers about the new addition from the Amber sector."

Despite his irritation, Karn met her gaze squarely. "Indeed, I am. And it's a pleasure to meet someone with such... strong opinions." His voice was cool but polite.

Marcella tilted her chin up, undeterred. "A man of your stature shouldn't be seen with... them." She waved dismissively towards Ralina and Hope. "Perhaps you'd prefer the company of a true royal."

Karn, having had enough, responded, "I've always believed in judging people by their character and not their titles. I find my friends' company much more pleasant than some others." He gestured subtly in her direction.

Just as Marcella's face began to turn a shade of red that clashed horribly with her gown, a young mage, a boy without a sash marking any sector affiliation, stepped forward. "How dare you insult the daughter of Duchess Norcas!" he spat at Karn.

Before Karn could reply, Ralina let out a roar. All conversation in the room ceased. Students from all sectors turned to look, their faces a mix of fear and awe. Even the brazen Marcella took a step back. The power of a Felren, even when merely hinted at, was not to be trifled with.

Ralina's eyes flared as she addressed the young mage, her voice low and dangerous. "Remember where you stand and who you address. It would be wise not to test our patience."

The young mage swallowed hard, glancing from Marcella to Ralina, then back again, as if weighing the risks of this encounter. The lesson in humility had been delivered.

Marcella stared at Ralina for a heartbeat longer, her pride wrestling with the primal fear the Felren had instilled in her. Eventually, she opted for a dignified retreat. "We'll see if you last a week here," she hissed at Karn, then added, looking pointedly at Ralina, "All of you."

Karn watched Marcella and her entourage depart, the door shutting behind them with a finality that seemed to echo the conclusion of the confrontation. He then turned to Ralina with a grin. "Well, wasn't that a warm welcome on our first day?"

Ellie giggled. "I thought you told us not to make a scene!"

Ralina smirked, her earlier fierceness replaced with playful mischief. "Someone had to put them in their place. Besides, couldn't let Karn have all the fun."

Hope, still slightly flushed from the encounter, nodded gratefully towards Ralina. "Thanks for that. That growl was perfectly timed."

Karn, chuckling, looped an arm around Ralina's shoulder, drawing her into a brief, friendly hug. "Thank you for having my back. Though I have to admit, it's funny to see you’re the one causing a commotion on our first day."

Ralina rolled her eyes. "Just making sure everyone knows not to mess with us," she quipped.

The group shared a final laugh as they walked through the door and onwards to their next class.