~Second chapter up! Finally we're getting to the 'School Life' section. Getting more hyped to write!~

Chapter 2: The Boy, the Box, and the Birthday

Silence filled the wooden mansion. Not a single sound was heard throughout the house.

A faint glow emitted from the box, now immersed in moonlight. The glow grew brighter, and stronger, engulfing the box. “Am I dreaming? Why is there a purple light?” Waking up, I was almost blinded by the sight. Picking up the box, the light stopped. Staring at the cube, crescent symbols appeared on each side, engraved by a light violet colour.

“Hmm? What’s this?” It appears that this box is reacting to me... and the moonlight? 

I have always preferred the beauty of the night. The twinkling stars, cold refreshing air, and the marvellous appearance of the bright, pearlescent moon. The night is dangerous for Solarites without proper Radiance however. Tonight seemed to be filled with violet moonlight. Glancing at the box, I decided to head outside and test it out. I speculate that this box will open with more moonlight. Using the back door was going to be tricky; Mr. Darryl has a sensitive sense of hearing. Grabbing the box, I walked towards my window and proceeded to jump out instead. Mrs. Lydia always says that I remind her of a cat, being able to jump and land anywhere.

The backyard of the mansion is a vast clearing. Surrounding it is a forest of towering ring of trees, and a plethora of plant life. The center of the yard features a medium sized pond, filled with koi fish and tall grass. Tilting my vision towards the moon, I found it to be shining straight upon the pond. Moving towards the pond, I saw the reflection of a bright full moon. The pond itself appeared to be sparkling with a glossy sheen to it. Touching the water, I felt a wet tingle on my skin, yet my hand wasn’t able to submerge beneath it. This is truly bizarre. Touching it once more had the same result.

“Magic!” I muttered breathlessly. An idea sparked in my mind. I hesitantly placed one foot on the water’s surface. Sceptical, I placed my other foot. Standing on the water was weird sensation, yet thrilling at the same time. I might as well have some fun while it lasts. Striding, skipping, twirling, back flipping I eventually made my way to the moons image. Retrieving the box, I cautiously walked towards the center of the pond.

Absorbing the moonlight, the symbols lifted off the box. Slowly, the box began to elevate slightly into the air. The box tilted and turned, and the symbols expanded violently. Pushed back by the force, the box immediately became struck with a thick pillar of moonlight. The violet light momentarily swallowed the whole area. Dissipating, what was left in the air was the little black box.

The box moved towards me, landing on my outstretched hands. A symbol twists and turned, revealing an opening. Taking out the contents, a silver chained necklace came out. The necklace itself looked ordinary, but it had a small crescent moon pendant. The crescent moon was exactly like the ones of these mysterious symbols, yet engraved into it was the word ‘Lunis’.

Putting the necklace on, I sensed a surge of energy rush throughout my body. The crescent moon symbol appeared on the back and palm of my right hand. “What's this?” Holding out my hand, a beam of violet light channelled through. 

Quickly putting my hand down, I noticed a perfectly straight row of burnt trees. 

This necklace must have awakened my mana somehow. Not wanting to mercilessly slaughter anymore trees, I thought about having the symbol disappear. Surprisingly, it did. I thought of the symbol appearing on my hand. It reappeared. Magic is tricky in a way that thoughts won’t always control the outcome. Incantations are generally needed to properly channel and summon your mana.

Taking off the necklace, I tried de-summoning and re-summoning the symbol again. The outcome was the same. I really awakened my mana! Had I become a mage? But I felt no Radiance within me. With a chilly breeze brushing by, I decided to head back inside the mansion. Leaping into the window, I placed the necklace back on and went to bed. Tomorrow is ought to be an exciting day.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

“Sir, what do you think that was?”

“Who knows? It certainly wasn’t normal either.”

“Shall I send mages to investigate?”

“No. I will personally attend to the matter. I have business to take care of there.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

*Chirp* *chirp* *chirp* the sound of birds can be a pain sometimes. Getting up, the sun illuminates my room once again. 

Touching the pendant, it seemed much cooler to the touch. The black box rested on my nightstand, remaining open. 

Cerine 5th, Year 700, the day I turn 16. 

Hurriedly bathing and getting dressed, I rushed downstairs. I found Mr. Darryl and Mrs. Lydia awaited at the table.

“Happy Birthday Serrin!” they cheered in unison. On the table was Mrs. Sylvia’s homemade strawberry shortcake. Yum! On my birthday, I always get the option of eating cake for breakfast. Rushing towards the two, I hugged them both.

“Thank you very much!” Sweets are the best! Sitting down, I indulged in the cake.

“Don’t eat too fast Serrin!” warned Mrs. Lydia.

“Let him. It’s his special day after all!” said Mr. Darryl.

Enjoying my cake, I heard a knock on the door. Rushing to the door, Mrs. Lydia opened it.

 A guest so early? I had just taken one bite of my cake too.

“Mrs. Rainsworth, do you happen to have a young man with black hair and violet eyes living with you?” asked an elderly voice. I chocked on my cake. Is he looking for me?

“H-Headmaster! What brings your noble self to my home?” asked Mrs. Lydia

“I wish to speak to the boy. Is that fine, Mrs. Rainsworth?” 

“Oh yes, yes. Do come in.” At the entrance, an old man dressed in fine mage robes appeared. When the man came closer, I recognized him. He was the same man I had encountered yesterday. Seeing the guest, Mr. Darryl chocked on his coffee.

“Headmaster?” Mr. Darryl hastily stood up and bowed. He shot a glance at me, and I repeated his action. 

“Now you don’t need to be so formal. I am the guest here. I wish to have a chat with you. “He peered in my direction.

“O-Oh, yes that’s fine.” Leaving my precious cake behind, all four of us headed towards the living room.

“Serrin, this is Headmaster Claudius of Stellar Academy.” Said Mrs. Lydia.

“Serrin, first I would like to thank you once more. I don’t think those men would still be alive if you hadn’t intervened. “The Headmaster chuckled.

“You’re very welcome, sir. I just did what I have been taught; to help others in need.” I blushed a little. I always get embarrassed when people praise me.

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“Mr. Rainsworth, did you teach him combat? He seems exceedingly skilled.”

“I sure did! He could fight that well since he was 5 years old.” Mr. Darryl said proudly.

“May I say that Serrin read through my whole collection of Magical Encyclopaedia’s at age 3!” Mrs. Sylvia added

“Serrin called me ‘Mr. Darryl’ after three days of raising him! He is such an intelligent and polite child!” My face had turned deep crimson. All this praise was too much for me to handle.

“What a talented boy you have! Is he not of your blood?” asked the Headmaster.

“We found him in a basket placed on the doorstep. I am unable to have any children myself. This boy has brought us great joy!” Saying this, Mrs. Lydia hugged me.

“Now unto the real reason I am here.” The Headmaster paused. “I would like for Serrin to enter Stellar Academy. What he demonstrated the other day can be regarded as an application.”

Hearing this, my heart stopped. This single phrase left me motionless and left my brain speechless. Me? Going to Stellar Academy? My dreams of becoming a mage flashed through my head. The Headmaster of Stellar Academy was sitting in my home! Older brother of the King, and the strongest person in the Radiance Continent!  Though what I had accomplished yesterday wasn't the greatest feat. Then again, I hadn't used any Radiance.

“My son has always dreamed of becoming a mage, yet… he has no radiance. I’m not sure if he should still attend.” Mrs. Lydia spoke in a low voice.

The Headmasters eyes showed a hint of shock. He at once asked me a question.

“Boy, what is your last name?”

“Lunis, sir.” I replied. His expression changed. It now revealed a jolt of astonishment.

“Mrs. Rainsworth, his deficiency of Radiance is a pressing matter; however, this boy must attend my academy! I’m sure he would enjoy advance studies in magic, and witness powerful spells himself.” The Headmaster said excitingly. “What do you say, Serrin?”

“Yes! With pleasure! I would be honoured to attend Stellar Academy!” I exclaimed. He seems to know the name Lunis. My last name is more mysterious than I thought.

“Ha Ha. I like your enthusiasm. Do you mind if you start today? The opening ceremony starts soon. I can transport you there. Sorry for such a short notice.”

“No not at all, Headmaster. Serrin, start packing immediately, we wouldn’t want you to be late.” said Mr. Darryl.

“Yes! I will get ready soon.” Excusing myself, I bolted to my room. Frantically finding a suitcase, I swiftly and efficiently packed my things. I forced myself not to shove everything, reminding that my clothes will wrinkle. Many events have happened over these last hours. These events are all happening too soon; one after another. Closing the suitcase, I placed the box in my cloak, grabbed my sword and ran downstairs. I can’t let the Headmaster wait long.

Arriving downstairs, I found the three adults clustered by the entrance. Mrs. Lydia was crying when I approached them. She pulled me into her embrace.

“Serrin, you’re going to school for the first time! I can’t believe you get to experience going to the same Academy as I. You’ll be at the Academy for several months, dear. We won’t be able to see you for a while. Be safe, don’t drink, don’t stay out too late and learn as many things as you can!” Wiping away her tears, Mrs. Lydia handed me a leather bag. “Happy Birthday, Serrin.”

“Serrin, this sword was forged with a black metal sheet I found in your basket. This sword is the finest I have ever crafted! The sheath is of excellent quality too.” Handing me the sword, I hugged Mr. Darryl firmly.

“Thank you very much.” I felt tears flooding my eyes. This is too much emotion for any morning. Leaving my caretakers for a long period of time is something I haven’t done before.

“Be sure to write letters, and visit when you can!” with one last embrace and kiss, I bid Mrs. Sylvia and Mr. Darryl goodbye. I stepped out into the front yard. Outside the mansion was a gold-plated Radiance-car.

“Please go in Serrin.” said the Headmaster.

This Radiance-car was certainly high class. All around it protection seals had been casted. Sitting in the front, the Headmaster started driving. I glanced back at the wooden mansion one last time.

“Sorry for taking you so early and on a short notice Mr. Lunis.”

“Oh, that is fine. It must have been hard for you to come out here so early, Headmaster. ”

Mr. Lunis. It had a nice ring to it. It was odd being addressed this way. The Headmaster continued to talk.

“Don’t worry about your Radiance issue. Classes are divided into two sections. Magical studies and Magical practice. During the Magical practice, I have assigned you to have free time. Be it at the library, or around the Academy, the choice is up to you. If anyone asks, say you are heading to private lessons in my office.”

“Headmaster, I don’t mean to be rude, but I possessing no Radiance not bother you at all?” This question had been on my mind. In front of the Headmaster overflowing with Radiance, how could he not be surprised?

“I once encountered a man exactly like you. He was certainly very strange, but this man had saved my life. I can’t remember the details, this event was long ago, but, I will always remember that man. I… trembled at this man’s power. It was simply too astonishing. Nothing like I have ever seen before in my many years.” The Headmaster’s tone was powerful.

“Do you know his name?” 

“He merely told me this, “I am a Lunis. That is who I am.””

Lunis. This name is always appearing. Yet, I am still puzzled. Who exactly am I? Rather, what is a ‘Lunis’? The rest of the drive the Headmaster asked me about my daily life and hobbies. He never brought back the ‘Lunis’ subject again.

Nearing the Academy, I have always wondered what attending ‘school’ would be like. The Rainsworth’s tell me that school is a rough and tiring place, filled with many people of power and class. Education is strict and unforgiving yet, I feel sort of happy attending school for the first time. Well, my mental process is still focusing on last night’s event anyway.

When the Academy came into view, I couldn’t contain my excitement. The Academy was an enormous marble castle, towering high into the sky. The architecture was extravagant, beautiful pillars, gold-tinted windows, realistic carved statues, flawlessly trimmed hedges, a solid gold pathway, and hundreds of Radiance Lamps. Rather, The Academy itself seemed to emit a faint glow of Radiance.  

Many students were gathering by the hundreds towards the main entrance. Seeing my expression, the Headmaster laughed. Driving close to the entrance, the Headmaster parked the vehicle. Exiting out of the car, I couldn’t help but stare motionless at the Academy.

 “Serrin Lunis, welcome to Stellar Academy!”