With the introductions complete, Jessica stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the group with a welcoming smile. "Now, I'll take you all to the library to collect your books."

A ripple of excitement spread through the students. Chairs scraped back, and they rose from their seats, moving towards the door with Jessica leading the way. Isaki noticed how the older students moved with quiet determination, and he felt a surge of anticipation.

As they exited the main hall Jessica led them down a grand corridor, many of them gasped, immediately enchanted by the splendor around them. The corridor was vast, its high stone arches soaring above, creating an almost cathedral-like ambiance. Tapestries depicting legendary battles and vibrant landscapes adorned the walls, while chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow on the polished floors.

The walls were lined with paintings, each telling its own story. Forests bathed in twilight, mythical creatures locked in combat, serene mountain vistas, and oceans swirling with unseen depths. The artwork seemed alive, as if each piece held a breath of magic.

Rael nudged Isaki, nodding towards a painting on their left—a stunning portrayal of a phoenix, wings spread wide, flames curling like feathers around its body. "Look at that," he murmured. "It's almost like it could fly right off the canvas."

Isaki smiled, his eyes moving from one masterpiece to another. He paused before a painting of a colossal dragon, its scales a dazzling mix of emerald and sapphire, gleaming with a strange, lifelike shimmer.

"I thought dragons were just myths," he whispered, unable to look away.

Rael, walking beside him, chuckled softly. "They weren't myths, actually," he said. "Dragons existed millions of years ago. At least, that's what the historians say. They went extinct long before anyone alive today could have seen one."

Isaki's eyes widened. "Really? But how can anyone even know they were real?"

Sophia leaned over, joining the conversation with a spark of excitement in her eyes. "There's a museum in Clotho, east of Lachesis," she explained. "They've got reconstructed models of ancient creatures based on fossils and old artifacts. Dragons are one of the main attractions there."

Lian, who had been quietly listening, couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "That sounds incredible. Imagine actually seeing a dragon—even if it's just a model. We have to visit this museum one day."

Isaki nodded eagerly, his eyes flickering between Sophia and Rael. "Definitely. I want to learn as much as I can about them."

Further down the line, Zirko found himself walking beside Arya, who seemed absorbed in the artwork around her, her gaze trailing over the scenes of mythical battles with an intensity that didn't go unnoticed. Zirko leaned closer, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

"Fascinating, aren't they?" he asked, gesturing towards a painting of a griffin, its wings outstretched as it soared over a dark forest.

Arya barely glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Yes," she replied in a cool, steady tone, "but you don't seem to be looking at the paintings very much."

Zirko laughed, undeterred. "That's because I'm looking at something even more fascinating."

Arya shot him a sidelong glance, eyebrow raised, clearly unimpressed. "And what exactly might that be?" she asked, her tone laced with irritation.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" he teased with a grin, moving ahead to join the others as Arya rolled her eyes.

Sophia, noticing Arya's expression, stepped closer. "What did Zirko want?"

Arya shrugged, her tone dismissive. "Nothing important," she replied, though her annoyance lingered.

Ray, at the back of the group, took in the paintings with a silent, pensive expression. He paused at a painting of a dragon, wings stretched across the sky, and wondered quietly how such powerful creatures could have simply vanished over time. It didn't seem possible. There were only a few remains, bones found centuries ago, each fragment spawning new myths. He mused that perhaps there was more to the stories than anyone truly knew.

Jessica paused in front of the grand library doors and turned to the students, her gaze steady and her tone serious. "Before we go in," she began softly, "I need you to remember: this is a place of study. Keep your voices down and be respectful of those who are here to read or research. If you must talk, make sure it's no louder than a whisper." Her eyes swept over each of them, ensuring they understood.

The students exchanged eager, yet respectful nods, stifling their excitement at the thought of exploring the legendary library. Jessica pushed open the heavy wooden doors, and as they stepped inside, a breathtaking sight unfolded before them. The library was nothing short of a cathedral of knowledge. Towering bookshelves reached nearly to the vaulted ceiling, stretching in endless rows that seemed to vanish into the dim, candle-lit distance.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The library had three immense floors, each floor more exclusive and mysterious than the last. The first floor, their destination, was dedicated to the students of the first and second years, its atmosphere cozy and filled with study tables tucked into various nooks. The second floor, marked by a wide, spiraling staircase and a discreet metal gate, was reserved for third- and fourth-year students and held books on advanced magic, ancient alchemical techniques, and combat strategies. Finally, the third floor—almost mythical in its secrecy—was reserved exclusively for fifth-year students, where the rarest and most dangerous tomes were kept under careful watch.

Rows upon rows of leather-bound volumes in deep reds, midnight blues, and rich greens filled the first floor's shelves. Golden embossing glistened from book spines, displaying the titles of both legendary texts and modest, well-thumbed tomes. Small lanterns hung from wrought-iron posts, casting warm light and creating pockets of tranquility among the towering aisles. The students stared, eyes wide, taking it all in.

Jessica led them deeper into the heart of the library, where a polished oak desk sat beneath an intricate, brass chandelier. Behind the desk sat the librarian, a gentle-looking woman in her sixties. She had silver-threaded brown hair pulled back in a bun, round glasses that balanced delicately on her nose, and dark, attentive eyes that sparked with a quiet knowledge. A warm smile spread across her face as she observed the new students approach.

"Welcome to the library," she greeted them, her voice soft but carrying the wisdom of countless years. "This place is yours to explore, and I'm here to help should you need guidance." She then handed each student a list of books. "Here are the volumes you'll need for your first year."

Jessica leaned forward, her tone respectful but firm. "Make sure to find all the books on this list. Remember, these are only on loan for the year and must be returned at the end of term. For those of you who wish to explore beyond the required reading, you're allowed up to five additional books."

Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Once you've found your books, come back to the desk and sign the registry to check them out." She met their eyes, as if emphasizing the importance of this ritual, before straightening and stepping back.

The students exchanged glances of excitement and curiosity as they began to drift through the aisles, their eyes roving over the endless shelves. The sheer variety of titles astonished them: books on swordsmanship, elemental magic, history, legendary warriors, and even rare texts on creatures from distant lands.

As they wandered, Lian glanced up, marveling at the towering shelves. "This place is amazing," he whispered to Isaki and Rael, his voice awed. "It feels like we've stepped into another world."

Isaki nodded, his eyes wide as he scanned the countless rows of books. "I wonder how many secrets are in these shelves. Just the first floor alone could take years to read through."

Rael grinned, pulling a dusty tome from a shelf and glancing at the title: Essentials of Elemental Alchemy. "Who knows? We might find something in here that could even surprise the professors."

Meanwhile, Sophia and Arya moved together down another aisle, carefully reading each title in search of the books on their list. A girl, looking slightly older and wearing a second-year badge, paused as she passed by, noticing their hesitant expressions.

"Looking for something specific?" she asked, her voice friendly and patient.

Sophia looked up, relief in her eyes. "Actually, yes! Do you know where the section on beginner's elemental theory is?"

The second-year nodded, smiling. "It's just down this way. Third aisle on your right, middle shelf. You'll find all the basics there."

"Thank you so much!" Sophia replied, a hint of wonder in her voice. The girl waved and moved on, and Sophia and Arya continued their search with renewed confidence.

Ray, meanwhile, roamed the aisles alone, his steps deliberate and his eyes scanning the rows of books with quiet intent. It didn't take long for him to locate the assigned volumes, but something about the library's wealth of knowledge beckoned him to linger. He scanned the nearby shelves and spotted two books on botany, their covers understated but well-cared-for. Without hesitation, he added them to his growing stack, as if they held secrets meant only for him.

Gradually, the students gathered back at the front desk, books in hand. Jessica glanced over their selections, a subtle smile forming as she noted the extra choices. Zirko, to no one's surprise, had selected an advanced book on fire magic, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Arya held a tome on the history of Moirai, her expression thoughtful, as if piecing together a story only she could see. Marie had chosen two extra volumes on swordsmanship techniques, while Isaki had picked up a book on notable destinations within Moirai and an introduction to the academy's basic sword techniques. But when Jessica's eyes settled on Ray's selection, she felt a spark of surprise. In addition to the assigned books, he held two volumes on botany—a surprising choice for a first-year, especially given the general focus on combat and magical training among his peers.

The librarian handed each student the registry to sign, her expression kind and approving. "Once you've read through these, feel free to come back for more. There's always something new waiting here."

Jessica addressed them with a quiet smile, her voice still low but warm. "Once you're done here, you're free to return to your lodgings. But don't forget to stop by the Student Assistance Center on your way out to collect your class schedules. Lessons begin tomorrow."

The students thanked her, clutching their books as they made their way to the exit. Jessica watched them leave with a hint of satisfaction, knowing that their journey was only beginning.

As the door closed, the library settled back into its peaceful quiet. The librarian, glancing after them, turned to Jessica with a thoughtful smile. "Quite an interesting batch this year, don't you think?"

Jessica nodded, smiling thoughtfully. "Yes, they are. There's potential there—true strength waiting to be realized."

The librarian chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Forty years I've been here, and I've seen students borrow books on every imaginable topic: swords, magic, mystical creatures, the heroes of the past. But it's rare to see a student interested in something as quiet as botany." She laughed softly.

Jessica pondered this, her gaze lingering thoughtfully where Ray had stood, a silent curiosity growing within her as she watched the library settle back into its ancient silence.