The early morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the floor. Caelum blinked awake, his mind still swimming with fragments of last night’s strange dreams. The swirling pages and cryptic words had haunted his sleep, leaving him with the nagging feeling that they were more than just a product of his imagination. He sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes and trying to shake the remnants of the dream. Tomorrow, classes would begin, and the thought of finally immersing himself in the world of magic filled him with equal parts excitement and nervous energy.
Before he could dwell on it further, a sharp knock at his door startled him. He barely had time to react before the door swung open, and Aelric strolled in with his usual swagger, a grin plastered across his face.
“Get up, sleepyhead!” Aelric called as he plopped down into the chair by the desk. “We’ve got a big day ahead. The Market’s calling, and trust me, you need some fresh clothes if you’re going to fit in here.”
Caelum rubbed the sleep from his eyes and swung his legs over the side of the bed. “I haven’t really thought about that yet,” he admitted. “Been a bit preoccupied.”
Aelric’s eyes flicked toward the small jewelry box on Caelum’s nightstand. “You haven’t touched your allowance yet, have you?”
Caelum shook his head, watching as Aelric strode over and opened the box, pulling out the ring that lay inside. Aelric let out a low whistle. “This’ll do. They gave you quite a bit. Makes sense—being from the mortal realm and all, they probably wanted to make sure you’re well-equipped. You already have a storage ring, right?”
Caelum held up his hand, showing the simple silver band he’d been given when he first met Seraphine. “Yeah, got this one.”
Aelric inspected it for a moment, then nodded approvingly. “Good. We’ll get you something better today, but don’t get rid of this one. Trust me, when we get to Professor Raelis’s class, you’ll want a spare to practice on. I went through at least a dozen last year before I figured out how to refine them without breaking them.”
Caelum raised an eyebrow. “That many?”
“Storage enchantments are tricky,” Aelric said with a grin. “You’ll see. But for now, let’s get you some new threads. We’ve got to meet Seraphine and her mentor at the Mana Brew Cafe first, though.”
Caelum quickly dressed, pulling on his plain shirt and trousers, which suddenly felt very out of place in this magical world. As they stepped out into the bustling corridors of the academy, he could feel the air practically hum with magic. Students hurried past, some with stacks of books floating alongside them, others chatting excitedly about their new classes. The anticipation was palpable, and Caelum couldn’t help but feel a thrill of excitement rush through him.
The academy opened into the heart of Astral Haven City, where the Market stretched out before them like a vibrant tapestry of magic and wonder. Every shop and stall seemed to pulse with life, from the vendors hawking glowing trinkets to the floating lanterns that bobbed above the cobblestone streets, casting long shadows in the morning light. The air was thick with the scent of fresh bread, spiced teas, and mana-infused pastries.
Aelric led the way toward the Mana Brew Cafe, a cozy spot tucked into the corner of the Market. Its sign, glowing faintly with runes, beckoned them inside. The cafe was warm and inviting, its wooden tables polished to a gleam, with floating orbs of light providing a soft, ambient glow. The large windows overlooked the square, offering a perfect view of the bustling streets.
Seraphine and her mentor, were already seated by the window. Seraphine waved them over with a smile, her face lighting up as they approached introducing Caelum to her mentor. Elara, a tall woman with sharp features and an air of quiet authority, nodded in greeting but remained mostly silent.
They ordered breakfast—mana-infused toast and rich, spiced teas. The food was simple yet enchanting, each bite tingling with energy as if the magic woven into the ingredients was designed to nourish both body and soul. As they ate, the conversation turned toward their upcoming classes.
“So, about the affinity test,” Seraphine said, her tone hesitant as she fiddled with her fork. “I wasn’t surprised by my results—earth and water affinity, and I’m apparently suited for alchemy and arrays.”
She glanced at Caelum, curiosity in her eyes. “What did Professor Vanis say about your test? I didn’t get a chance to ask yesterday.”
Caelum hesitated, remembering the way the crystal orb had cracked in his hands. “Well… it turns out I have a balanced affinity.”
Seraphine’s eyes widened in surprise. “Balanced? That’s rare, Caelum.”
Aelric nearly choked on his tea. “Balanced? You can practice all elements equally? I’ve never even heard of that.”
Caelum nodded slowly, still not fully understanding the implications. “Yeah, I can work with all elements, but I don’t know what that really means yet. Just that I dont have one stronger than another.”
Elara, who had been silent up until now, gave Caelum a long, appraising look. There was something unsettling in the way she regarded him, though she quickly masked it with a polite smile before turning her attention back to Seraphine.
Aelric, eager to move on from the heavy topic, leaned back in his chair. “Well, let’s hit the shops. Caelum needs some new robes, and I’m sure we can find a few other essentials while we’re at it.”
"So do I need to pick up a wand or something" Caelum asked to the amusement of the group.
"While you can get a wand, no one really uses them anymore except for empty vessles to enchant" Aelric clarifies.
Elara interjects "Not entirely true, ive heard several master jewlers still prefer them over scribes for enchanting"
"Who knows, maybe Caelum will be the one to bring them back into style" Aelric says handing Caelum a quickly written list.
Caelum glanced at Aelric as they stepped outside. “Are you not coming with us?”
Aelric shook his head. “Nah, Elara and I have some shopping to do for year two supplies. Plus, I don’t think I’m needed for a clothing makeover. I’ll meet up with you later, though.”
With that, Aelric and Elara waved them off, disappearing into the Market, leaving Caelum and Seraphine to their task. Their first stop was Astral Threads, a renowned tailoring shop situated at the heart of the Market.
As soon as they entered the shop, the atmosphere shifted. The air hummed with mana, and the walls were lined with shimmering bolts of fabric in every color and texture imaginable. Intricate tapestries adorned the walls, each one woven with the symbols of elemental magic. The shop exuded an air of prestige, and Caelum felt a twinge of nervousness as a woman approached them.
The shopkeeper, an elegant figure with a smooth voice and discerning eyes, smiled warmly. “Welcome to Astral Threads,” she said, motioning for them to follow. “We’ll have you fitted for your new wardrobe. You are a first-year, I presume?”
“Yes,” Caelum replied, glancing around at the luxurious surroundings.
“Well then, right this way, your mortal clothes gave you away,” the shopkeeper said, her voice carrying a tone of authority. She led them into a private fitting room lined with mirrors that wrapped around half the space. A plush velvet couch sat in the corner, where Seraphine made herself comfortable, watching with quiet amusement.
The shopkeeper ushered Caelum onto a pedestal in the center of the room. “I’ve been doing this for over a hundred years,” she said with a wry smile, her hands hovering just over his body as if she were feeling the flow of his mana without needing to touch him. “Astral Threads has been in my family for eight generations. Our client’s affinities and magical secrets are strictly confidential. You needn’t worry.”
Her hands paused over his chest, and her eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Interesting… very interesting. Your meridians are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
Caelum tensed. “Is something wrong?”
The shopkeeper shook her head, her eyes alight with fascination. “Far from it. I’ve seen many magicians, but none quite like you. Your body, while a little scrawny, is a work of art—especially your meridians. They are... vast, yet balanced, perfectly suited to channel magic. I’ve never encountered anyone with such a unique flow of mana.”
Seraphine, who had been lounging on the couch, now leaned forward, intrigued. “What does that mean?”
The shopkeeper’s gaze never left Caelum as she circled him. “It means finding the perfect mixture of cloth to match his body’s magic will be a challenge, but one I welcome. He’ll grow stronger, no doubt, and I’ll make sure the clothes will grow with him.”
Without warning, she flicked her wrist, and Caelum’s clothing dissolved in a wisp of magic. He stood completely exposed, his face flushing in shock. Seraphine’s eyes darted to the floor in embarrassment, though she stole a quick glance, her cheeks burning as she looked away.
“Sorry, are you two not together?” the shopkeeper asked, her tone matter-of-fact as she continued her work, making no move to remedy the situation.
“N-no!” Seraphine stammered, her eyes still glued to the floor.
The shopkeeper smiled, unfazed, as she continued her examination, her fingertips grazing the lines of Caelum’s muscles and meridians. “Can’t be helped,” she muttered, more to herself than to them. “Your body is a rare specimen. The magic flows effortlessly, though there’s still a roughness to it. That will smooth out as you train.”
Caelum tried to focus on her words rather than the mortifying situation. He stood as still as possible, his mind racing, trying to distract himself from Seraphine’s presence across the room. He had never felt more exposed, not just physically, but also magically. It was as if the shopkeeper could see right through him.
Her focus shifted, and with a quick motion of her hand, new fabrics materialized from thin air, weaving themselves into robes, trousers, and blouses before just as quickly dissolving again. It seemed she was experimenting with different materials, testing how they interacted with his aura.
As the process continued, Caelum stole a glance at Seraphine, hoping she hadn’t been staring. To his surprise, her initial embarrassment had faded, replaced by a quiet curiosity. She watched the shopkeeper’s work with interest, though Caelum noticed that her eyes occasionally flickered toward him, her expression soft but thoughtful.
Trying to break the awkward silence, Caelum asked, “So, how does the allowance system work around here? I haven’t had much time to explore.”
Seraphine chimed in this time, grateful for the change in topic. “Your monthly allowance depends on your class ranking. The better you do, the more resources you’re given. You can also earn more by joining clubs, getting recognition from professors, or completing special assignments.”
“Assignments?” Caelum raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah,” Seraphine continued. “Sometimes it’s gathering herbs or mana stones, other times it could be helping out with tasks in the mortal plain. You never know what you’ll be assigned, but most of the time, it’s nothing too exciting.”
The shopkeeper continued her work, occasionally pulling a new garment onto Caelum only to remove it moments later and adjust the seams. Each time, he felt a brief surge of magic, as if the clothes were testing him, reading his mana before they decided whether to stay or disappear. It was strange, but fascinating.
“So you were sent on one of these missions to bring me to the Academy?” Caelum asked stealing a glance towards Seraphine, noticing her eyes were no longer on the floor.
“Yes. See I am the daughter of my fathers third wife. Because we are what you would call a lower middle-class family, we do not have the resources a noble family would have,” Her voice speaking with a calculated calmness. “My mom is old friends with the headmaster from their school days, and requested the mission so I could earn my way. As funds in our family are not abundant it means I must either do something worthy of the families recognition, or earn my own resources.”
Caelum was touched by the apparent vulnerability Seraphine was demonstrating but it somehow made him feel more vulnerable as well. It was also interesting to discover that the magical plain, or at least Astral Haven City, practiced polygamy. It may be necessary to pick up a history book from the library on Astral Haven City and the Kingdom it resides.
After what felt like an eternity, the shopkeeper stepped back, seemingly satisfied. “I have what I need,” she said, with a knowing smile. “You’ll have your new wardrobe by evening. And trust me, it will be worth the wait.”
The shopkeeper vanished into the back of the store, leaving Caelum and Seraphine alone in the fitting room. Caelum quickly pulled on the basic set of clothes the shopkeeper had provided—a simple tunic and trousers, but even these felt different, softer against his skin, like they were infused with something magical. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding and glanced over at Seraphine, who was still sitting on the couch, trying to compose herself.
“That was… unexpected,” Caelum muttered, tugging at the collar of his shirt, trying to shake off the lingering awkwardness.
Seraphine met his eyes, her embarrassment fading into a soft smile. “Well, at least you’ll look good when it’s all done.” She stood up and brushed off her robes, trying to bring the conversation back to something more comfortable. “So, what’s next on your list?”
Caelum, still a little rattled, cleared his throat and tried to focus. “I think we still need to get supplies for enchanting and maybe visit the Alchemist’s Corner for some ingredients. After that, I’m not sure.”
Seraphine nodded, and they left Astral Threads, stepping back into the bustling streets of Astral Haven’s Market. The early morning sun had climbed higher, casting a warm golden glow over the cobblestone streets. Shops and stalls were now fully open, with students and magicians milling about, haggling for goods or chatting with shopkeepers.
"Where to first then?" Seraphine asked, her violet eyes scanning the market. "We’ve got a lot of options to chose from."
Caelum glanced at the list Aelric had scribbled for him earlier. "Let’s try the Enchanted Quill next. I need some tools for enchantment studies."
Seraphine nodded, and they made their way to a small, unassuming storefront nestled between two larger shops. The sign above the door was carved in the shape of a delicate feather, glowing faintly with runes. The moment they stepped inside, the scent of parchment and ink filled the air.
The Enchanted Quill was quaint but rich with the smell of aged paper and magical inks. Shelves upon shelves of quills, inks, and enchanted scrolls lined the walls, their subtle auras pulsing in various hues. Some quills floated mid-air, trailing thin streams of glowing ink onto nearby pages.
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A small, wiry man with a long gray beard and bright blue eyes appeared from behind the counter. “Ah, first-years!” His voice was cheerful, yet sharp with a practiced sales pitch. “Looking for something specific today? Perhaps a quill suited for enchantments?”
Caelum smiled politely. “Yes, something that can handle precision work, especially with runes.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes gleamed. “Ah, in that case…” He bustled over to a glass case in the corner of the shop and carefully retrieved a sleek silver quill. “This one is made from the feather of a frost hawk,” he said, his voice filled with pride. “It’s imbued with the frost magic of the northern mountains. The coolness of the feather steadies your hand, particularly when dealing with fine rune work.”
Caelum tested the quill between his fingers, marveling at the cool energy that flowed through his grip. The quill felt perfectly balanced, as if guiding his hand toward calm precision. “This is perfect,” he murmured.
Seraphine leaned in, examining the quill. “You know, that’s one of the best for learning. Not as expensive as the ones they sell to the enchanters in the upper levels, but the frost magic will really help with control. Smart choice.”
Caelum handed over his allowance ring and the shopkeeper processed the payment, smiling approvingly. “A good eye, lad. With this quill, your enchantments will be smoother, your runes crisper. I'll also include some standard blank quills as necessary for your enchanting class.”
As they left the shop, Caelum felt a small thrill of excitement—he now had his first tool for mastering enchanting. Seraphine tucked away a few simple quills and inks of her own, and they ventured back into the market.
"Next up?" Seraphine asked, glancing over the list again.
"Alchemist’s Corner," Caelum replied, looking down the street where a larger, more imposing building stood. Its tall, stone facade was etched with alchemical symbols that shimmered faintly in the sunlight.
As they approached, the scent of herbs and potions grew stronger, mingling with a faint acrid smell, likely from something brewing inside. A soft chime rang as they entered, and a wave of warmth washed over them, carrying with it the earthy aroma of rare ingredients.
The interior of the Alchemist’s Corner was a maze of shelves, stacked high with glass jars, vials, and wooden crates filled with exotic plants and minerals. Crystals of various shapes and sizes sat in neat piles, their colors reflecting in the dim light. The walls were adorned with more arcane symbols, subtly pulsing as though imbued with energy. Behind the counter stood a tall woman with fiery red hair, her green eyes sharp and calculating.
“First-year students?” she asked, her gaze assessing them with the same intensity as a scientist examining a new experiment.
Caelum nodded. “We need some basic ingredients for potion-making and alchemy studies.”
The alchemist’s expression softened, a slight smile touching her lips. “You’ll need a variety, then. Follow me.”
She led them through the labyrinth of shelves, pointing out various herbs, minerals, and vials of liquid as she went. “You’ll need dragon’s breath flowers—excellent for healing potions and defensive spells. And over here… nightshade leaves, but be careful with these. They’re potent, especially when combined with mana.”
Caelum picked up a small pouch of dried nightshade leaves, inspecting them closely. He could feel the latent energy humming beneath the surface, dangerous but fascinating.
“Now, this,” the alchemist continued, holding up a jar of glittering powder. “Powdered mana shards. These will be essential for your alchemical reactions. They stabilize the mixtures and enhance their potency.”
Seraphine, who had been quietly observing, reached for a bundle of the dragon’s breath flowers. “These are also useful for strengthening potions, right?”
The alchemist nodded approvingly. “Indeed, and they grow best near fire mana nodes. The heat allows them to absorb energy directly from the land.”
Caelum placed a mound of ingredients on the counter, and as the alchemist rang up their purchases, she paused, glancing at him curiously. “You have a unique aura,” she said softly. “Subtle, but… vast. Be cautious with some of these ingredients. Potions and alchemy can react unpredictably with your kind of energy.”
Caelum blinked, slightly taken aback. "What do you mean?"
The alchemist’s smile was cryptic, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Just be mindful. Magic interacts differently depending on the mage, and in your case, with subtlety, the reactions may be... unexpected.”
Caelum nodded, her words swirling in his mind as they left the shop. Seraphine looked over at him, raising an eyebrow. “You keep getting the ‘special’ treatment. Must be that affinity of yours.”
“Yeah,” Caelum said, still thinking about what the alchemist had said. “Maybe.”
The market continued to bustle around them, and the magical energy in the air felt almost tangible. The next stop on their list was the Mystic Relics Emporium, a shop that seemed to sit at the intersection between old-world magic and arcane mystery.
As they approached the entrance, Caelum couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. The storefront was adorned with ancient runes and relics, giving off a quiet hum of power. Inside, the air was dense with magic, and the shelves were filled with relics—some radiating warmth, others shrouded in an eerie coolness.
The shopkeeper, an elderly man with sharp, intelligent eyes and a flowing robe, approached them with a grin. “Ah, young students. Welcome to the Mystic Relics Emporium. What wonders are you searching for today?”
Seraphine and Caelum exchanged glances. “We’re mostly browsing,” Seraphine said. “But I’m curious—what’s the most powerful relic you have here?”
The shopkeeper chuckled, leading them to a case near the back. Inside, nestled on a velvet cushion, was an ancient-looking amulet with a glowing blue stone at its center. “This,” the shopkeeper said, “is the Amulet of Tarvok, said to enhance magical prowess, though it comes with a price. Its power is tied to the wearer’s mana reserves—use too much, and it may drain you completely.”
Seraphine peered closer, her curiosity piqued. “That’s... impressive. But dangerous.”
The shopkeeper nodded gravely. “Only for those who don’t know how to wield it wisely.”
Caelum, meanwhile, found his attention drawn to a small, delicate ring on another display. It pulsed faintly with a soft golden glow. As he reached out to touch it, he felt a faint connection—a pull that stirred something deep within him.
“Careful with that one,” the shopkeeper said, appearing beside him. “That ring once belonged to a sorcerer known for his mastery of life preservation. It’s said to enhance one’s magic, and lengthen their lifespan, but it also comes with its own burdens.”
Caelum quickly withdrew his hand, offering the shopkeeper a nod of thanks. “I’ll leave it for now. But it’s… tempting.”
Leaving the Mystic Relics Emporium, Caelum felt the weight of the magical world growing heavier. There were so many possibilities, so many items imbued with power that seemed to call to him, but with equal warning. The hum of magic in the market was now more palpable than ever, each shop they passed thrumming with arcane energy that danced in the air.
Seraphine nudged him gently. “Feeling overwhelmed?”
“A bit,” Caelum admitted, his thoughts still on the ring and the shopkeeper’s words about lengthening lifespans. “It’s hard not to be, with everything we’ve seen. There’s so much to learn.”
She smiled, leading him through the bustling crowd. “You’ll get used to it. I had the same feeling my first time here. But by the end of the first semester, I bet you’ll see it’s all part of life in Astral Haven.”
Their next destination was the Crystalline Caverns, a shop specializing in crystals and minerals used for magical focuses, potions, and energy storage. As they entered, the atmosphere shifted from the bustling market to a quiet, cool space lit by the soft glow of the crystals on display. The walls of the shop were lined with shelves, each containing an array of shimmering gemstones and raw mineral shards that reflected light in mesmerizing patterns.
The shopkeeper, a woman with skin like polished stone and eyes that gleamed like rubies, approached them with a quiet grace. “Looking for crystals today?” she asked, her voice as smooth as the stones she sold.
“Yes,” Seraphine said. “I’m after a few basic crystals for alchemy and arrays. Caelum, you might want to pick up something for your studies too.”
Caelum wandered through the aisles, mesmerized by the variety of magical stones. Each had its own energy, its own aura. He felt drawn to a small, translucent stone that pulsed with a soft blue light. The shopkeeper appeared beside him, her fingers brushing over the crystal lightly.
“That’s a mana jasper,” she said softly. “Very useful for students who are learning to control their mana output. It can absorb and store excess energy, which might be particularly useful for someone seeking to instill a sense of tranquility in a room.”
Caelum nodded, appreciating her insight. “I’ll take it.”
Seraphine selected a few other crystals—one for fire-based alchemy and another for water affinity spells. As they left the Crystalline Caverns, their bags a little heavier, Caelum found himself marveling at the intricate relationship between magic and nature in this world. Even the simplest objects, like the stones in his hand, were deeply intertwined with the forces of magic.
“Now,” Seraphine said, glancing at their list, “we’ve just got a couple more places to visit. Wands and Wonder is next. You’ll need a wand or two for a cheap vessel to enchant in Professor Raelis’s class.”
The shop was easy to spot, its sign glittering with enchanted stars and glowing crescents. Inside, the walls were lined with wands of every shape and size—some sleek and elegant, others knotted and twisted like old tree roots. The air inside was charged with magic, the very wood of the wands humming faintly as if eager to be chosen.
A middle-aged man with a tall, wiry frame and a monocle perched on his nose greeted them as they entered. “Ah, fresh students. In need of a wand, I see?”
Caelum nodded, feeling slightly unsure of what exactly he needed. “Yes, something versatile and a few blank vessels for enchanting”
The shopkeeper rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his monocle glinting in the light. “Let me see…” He walked along the shelves, his fingers brushing over the various wands before stopping at a slender one made from a dark, glossy wood. “This is ironwood,” he said, picking it up and offering it to Caelum. “It’s known for its durability and its capacity for elemental magic.”
Caelum took the wand, feeling the weight of it in his hand. It was light but firm, and as he held it, he could feel a faint connection forming between the wand and his magic.
“You’ll find it responds well to enchantments,” the shopkeeper added. “It won’t favor one rune over another, which should suit your class needs.”
Seraphine picked out a similar wand, though hers was carved from willow and seemed to have a more fluid, flexible quality to it. The shopkeeper explained that willow wands were particularly adept at channeling water-based magic, which suited her affinity perfectly.
With their new wands tucked safely away in their bags, they left Wands and Wonder and made their way to one of the last stops on their list—Familiar Friends more for curiosity than anything else.
As they approached, the shop’s sign—depicting a silhouette of a cat and a fox entwined—glowed faintly with mana. Caelum had been curious about this place ever since they first passed it, and now, standing before it, he felt a strange pull, as though something inside was waiting for him.
The moment they stepped through the door, they were greeted by the sounds of creatures—chirps, growls, and purring filled the air, accompanied by the low hum of magical energy. The shop was filled with cages and enclosures, each housing a different magical creature, from small, mischievous imps to majestic, feathered serpents that coiled lazily in their glass tanks.
A middle-aged woman with graying hair and a warm smile approached them. “Looking for a familiar?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with the kind of wisdom that came from decades of working with magical creatures.
Caelum glanced around, feeling a sense of anticipation growing inside him. “I’m not sure yet. I just wanted to see what’s here.”
The shopkeeper nodded, her smile widening. “Oftentimes, they choose you. You need to have the magical control and capacity before you can though. Take your time.”
As Caelum wandered through the shop, he felt the presence of the magical creatures all around him, their auras brushing against his senses like soft whispers. Seraphine stood nearby, watching with interest as he slowly made his way to the back of the shop, where a small, black cat-like creature was curled up on a cushion, its eyes half-closed in a lazy doze.
The moment Caelum saw it, he felt an inexplicable pull. The creature opened its eyes—one gold, the other a luminous white that glowed faintly.
“Ah, I see you’ve found her,” the shopkeeper said, appearing behind him. “That’s a gremlin, not a cat. They’re rare, tricky creatures, but they make excellent familiars if it doesnt devour you first. Loyal to a fault once they accept you, though they do like to cause a little mischief from time to time.”
Caelum knelt down beside the cushion, his hand hovering over the gremlin’s sleek black fur. “She’s… beautiful.”
The gremlin blinked up at him, her eyes gleaming with intelligence, and without hesitation, she stretched out, hopping lightly into his lap. Caelum felt a warmth spread through him as the gremlin curled up comfortably, purring softly.
“I think she’s chosen you,” the shopkeeper said with a chuckle. “Once a familiar bonds, it’s for life.”
Caelum looked down at the creature in his lap, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’ll take her.”
The shopkeeper grinned. “Good this little girl has been costing me a small fortune in mana stone. Now, what will you name her?”
Caelum thought for a moment, his hand gently stroking the gremlin’s fur. “Nyx,” he said softly. “Her name will be Nyx.”
Caelum looked down at the small creature curled in his lap, her sleek black fur warm against his hands. Nyx purred softly, her luminous eyes blinking slowly as if assessing him. For a moment, the sounds of the bustling market outside seemed distant, like an echo, as Caelum focused entirely on the weight of his new familiar. The connection between them felt almost tangible, a subtle thread of magic that pulsed softly in his core.
He couldn't help but smile. "I think we'll get along just fine," he murmured, gently stroking the soft fur behind her ears.
Nyx responded with a contented rumble, her tail curling around his wrist, as if to say she agreed. The feeling was comforting in a way Caelum hadn't expected. Having someone—or something—bonded to him like this, especially in a world that was still so new and foreign, gave him a sense of belonging that had been missing since his arrival.
Seraphine watched the two of them from nearby, her face softened by a gentle smile. “She’s perfect for you,” she said, stepping closer to kneel beside him. “Nyx suits her well.”
Caelum nodded, still marveling at the quiet bond between them. “I never thought I’d get a familiar so soon.”
“Well,” Seraphine said, leaning in to scratch Nyx lightly on the head, “it looks like Nyx had other plans.” The gremlin purred louder under Seraphine’s touch but stayed curled up firmly in Caelum’s lap, clearly marking her territory.
The shopkeeper returned, handing Caelum a small, enchanted pouch. “This is for her care. A few mana-infused treats and some basic supplies. She’ll get most of what she needs from your mana, but the treats will give her a little extra boost. Make sure to use them wisely, though. Gremlins can become a bit... tempermental if they don't get enough mana.”
Caelum chuckled, accepting the pouch. “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Nyx stretched languidly in his lap, her sharp claws gently kneading the fabric of his trousers, before hopping off and landing gracefully at his feet. She padded in a circle around him, sniffing curiously at the ground before darting into his shadow, disappearing entirely.
“Don’t worry,” the shopkeeper said, noticing Caelum’s surprise. “That’s just how gremlins are. They like to lurk in shadows, but she’ll always come back when you need her.”
Caelum smiled, the warmth of the bond still humming faintly in his chest. He felt lighter, more confident now that Nyx was with him.
With Nyx hidden in his shadow and the enchanted pouch safely stored in his ring, Caelum and Seraphine left Familiar Friends and stepped back into the lively streets of Astral Haven’s market. The late morning sun cast a golden glow over the cobblestones, and the market had grown even busier. Magicians, students, and locals alike bustled through the streets, each on their own errands or enchanted by the various shops lining the way.
“Let’s finish up at the Runecaster’s Alley,” Seraphine suggested, glancing at the list of shops they had yet to visit. “You’ll need runes and other inscribing tools for enchantment and smithy classes. It’s right over here.”
The alley was narrower than the main streets, tucked away between towering buildings, and filled with the scent of burning incense and the hum of quiet, focused magic. Each shop specialized in the creation and sale of magical runes—small stones or tablets inscribed with ancient symbols that glowed faintly with stored energy.
They entered one of the shops, its walls lined with rows of runes displayed in glass cases. The shopkeeper, an older man with sharp features and keen eyes, greeted them with a nod. “Looking for something specific?” he asked, eyeing Caelum curiously.
Caelum hesitated, unsure of what exactly he needed. “I’m starting enchantment classes soon. I guess I’m looking for runes to help with that and perhaps some basic runes for arrays.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes gleamed with understanding. “Ah, for a beginner, you’ll need something basic but versatile. These,” he said, gesturing to a row of smooth, polished stones etched with glowing symbols, “are beginner runes. They hold a modest amount of energy and are perfect for practicing your inscriptions, arrays, and magical bindings.”
Caelum picked up one of the stones, feeling its faint warmth. It pulsed lightly in his hand, the energy within reacting to his touch. “I’ll take a few,” he said, realizing how much he had to learn about enchanting and arrays.
Seraphine was browsing nearby, selecting a few runes of her own. “I’d recommend getting an inscribing tool too,” she said over her shoulder. “It’ll make working with runes easier.”
The shopkeeper retrieved a small, slender tool from behind the counter, made from silver and topped with a delicate crystal that glowed faintly. “This will help you carve runes into objects or channel your magic into pre-inscribed runes. Essential for anyone serious about enchantments.”
Caelum added the tool to his growing list of supplies, and after making their purchases, they stepped back out into the alley.
Their final stop of the day was Whispering Pages Bookstore, a quaint little shop that sat nestled between two larger arcane shops. The bookstore’s sign, shaped like an open book with fluttering pages, glowed softly in the warm afternoon light. Inside, the shop was quiet, the scent of old parchment and wet filling the air.
Shelves upon shelves of books lined the walls, covering every imaginable subject of magic. Caelum felt a thrill of excitement as he browsed through the titles—books on elemental magic, enchanting, alchemy, and even obscure magical theories.
“I could spend all day in here,” Caelum said with a grin, his fingers tracing the spines of a row of books on mana manipulation.
Seraphine smiled knowingly. “You’re going to want to pace yourself. Once classes start, you’ll have more than enough reading to keep you busy.”
Caelum nodded, though he couldn’t resist picking out a small, leather-bound book on the basics of mana flow. It seemed like the perfect companion for his studies, something to dive into during quiet moments between classes.
As they made their final purchases and left the bookstore, the sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the streets of Astral Haven City. The market was still bustling, though the energy had shifted to a more relaxed, late-afternoon pace. Caelum felt the weight of the day’s events settle in—a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and a deep sense of curiosity about what lay ahead.
With Nyx at his side, or rather, in his shadow, and his rings full of magical supplies, he couldn’t help but feel that this was only the beginning of a journey that would take him far beyond anything he had ever imagined. And with Seraphine and Nyx by his side, he knew that no matter what challenges came his way, he wouldn’t be facing them alone.
As they made their way to meet Aelric and Elara for lunch, Caelum glanced over at Seraphine, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Thanks for today. I would’ve been completely lost without you.”
Seraphine grinned, nudging him playfully. “You’re welcome. But don’t get too comfortable. Once classes start, you’ll be on your own.”
Caelum chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. “I think I’ll manage."