Kyren and Hiro strolled through the halls of Sky Academy, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished stone floors. When they entered the Physical Training Hall, Hiro’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Woah! They’re already practicing…look at all these weapons!” he exclaimed, marveling at the students who wasted no time honing their combat skills. The hall was alive with the clang of metal clashing and shouts of focus, with weapons of every kind imaginable displayed along the walls.

Kyren’s gaze moved across the room, silently taking in the scene. “They’re serious,” he murmured, his tone thoughtful. This wasn’t just a practice session; it was a lifestyle they’d need to adapt to, and Kyren’s intrigue grew. He noted how the other students’ precision and dedication were setting a standard they had yet to reach, fueling his quiet determination to do the same.

Moving into the Magic Training Hall, Hiro was nearly at a loss for words as he scanned the rows of enchanting tomes and smelled the faint scent of incense lingering in the air. “Can you believe this, Kyren? An entire room dedicated to magic!” His eyes sparkled as he pointed at the shelves labeled with roots and spells crafted by former students. “Look—these aren’t just regular books! They show you how to actually wield roots and create spells. This place is on another level.”

Kyren nodded, just as impressed but more serious. “A whole system for it,” he observed, eyes sharpening as he studied the template lists of enchantments and spells left by alumni. There was an order and depth to this knowledge that hinted at power and potential far beyond what he’d imagined. The idea of understanding these roots, even if he couldn’t wield them himself, sparked a desire to learn.

When they entered the library, both fell silent. The quiet sanctuary was filled with rows upon rows of towering bookshelves, stretching from floor to ceiling, each shelf crammed with ancient tomes and manuscripts. Kyren ran his fingers along the spines of some, feeling the weight of history contained within them. “Wow…,” he breathed softly, his gaze lingering on titles that spoke of their world’s hidden wonders and ancient conflicts.

In a dimly lit corner, Hiro pointed at a sprawling map mounted on the wall, his eyes wide with amazement. “Kyren, look! This shows the whole land, with everything updated!” His finger traced the outlines of Sky Academy and the familiar towns beyond. “Sandhills Town is right there, but it still feels like a long trip, huh?”

Kyren leaned in, nodding as he took in the map with a keen eye. “Yeah, it’s… a lot bigger than it seems.” His fingers followed the path Hiro had traced, stopping at a shaded area labeled the Forest of Paramnesia. “And that forest…It’s between the Verboten Gate and Towerwatch Number 2. Dangerous,” he muttered, noting the markers. “Patricia said you need a three-Star Badge just to pass the gate. So much to uncover…”

After hours of exploring, they finally arrived at the Sky Academy Cafeteria, a spacious hall with a grand atmosphere. Hiro’s face lit up as he took in the sight. “This place… it’s like a palace!” He gazed up at the crystal chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the room, reflecting off polished marble floors and sleek tables. The centerpiece was an expansive buffet, filled with a spread of food more lavish than either of them had ever seen.

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Kyren’s eyes flickered with appreciation, though he remained more composed. “They spoil us here,” he noted, as they made their way toward the buffet, absorbing the aroma of freshly baked bread and savory dishes. Rows of delicate desserts and steaming entrees stretched across the table, each plate seemingly crafted with care. It was clear that the cafeteria spared no expense to give the students an experience that felt royal.

But their excitement was cut short when a server approached. “Can I see your BS Number, young fellas?” she asked with a polite smile. As Kyren and Hiro showed their badges, her expression changed, becoming cold and indifferent. “This buffet is reserved for Sections 1 to 10 only,” she said flatly, reaching beneath the table to hand them separate meals wrapped in Section XVI tags.

Hiro’s face fell as he accepted his meal, a simple serving of sweet potatoes and a beef brisket sandwich. He glanced at Kyren, visibly disappointed. “Kyren, do we have to eat here? This doesn’t feel right.”

Kyren, sensing Hiro’s frustration, gave him a reassuring nod. “Let’s go,” he replied quietly, his voice calm but firm. They left the cafeteria, deciding to find a quiet spot where they could eat in peace.

Circling the dormitory, they eventually found a hidden area, a little patch of grass shaded by a tree, where they could sit. Despite everything, as they settled in and began to eat, there was a small sense of comfort in sharing this meal together, away from the grandeur of the Academy’s buffet. In this quiet corner, they felt more like themselves, grounded and ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

Kyren and Hiro, feeling a newfound sense of freedom, sat atop the mini hill, overlooking the forest-like campus. Hiro took a bite of his food, sighing. "Kyren, the training hasn’t even started, and it's already tough. I expected some challenges, but I didn’t think even the staff would be so set against us."

Kyren gazed out thoughtfully. "Yeah, maybe Section XVI is just expected to fail. They’re putting all the resources into those at the top."

"That's so unfair," Hiro grumbled, frustration in his voice.

Kyren shrugged, an idea forming. "Well, Hiro, what if we make a place here? Our own little room, where we can actually relax without all the judgment."

"Wait—really? Is that even allowed?" Hiro asked, half in disbelief.

Kyren smirked. "I doubt anyone’s checking on us back here. For all they know, we could steal half the campus. They wouldn’t notice."

Laughing, Hiro brightened. "It’s brilliant! So…are we really building it now?"

“Yeah! In fact, I’ve got a plan,” Kyren said, eyes gleaming. “We could grab some old bed foam when no one's looking and set it up here.”

Hiro hesitated. "But isn’t that…stealing?"

Kyren chuckled. "Stealing what? Stuff they don’t even want? We’re not taking it far—just giving it a new home."

"Alright, you win," Hiro agreed, grinning.

Excited, they scouted the area, gathering branches, sturdy sticks, and any other natural resources for their hidden sanctuary. Hiro, with basic carpentry know-how, took the lead, piecing together a rough frame. Kyren worked alongside him, fetching supplies and adding touches to their design.

As dusk settled, painting the sky with warm shades of orange, they stepped back to admire their little retreat, nestled under the canopy. Inside, they laid down the makeshift bed foam, exhaustion mixing with pride.

Hiro stretched out, grinning. "It’s a hundred times better than the dorm rooms. You really have great ideas, Kyren."

Kyren gave a small smile, arranging his uniform neatly on a makeshift shelf they’d built. "Feels like home. Just the forest and us…we’re used to this."

Surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature, they finally relaxed, their hidden retreat a sanctuary away from the Academy's pressures.