Ron wasn’t kidding. The party turned out to be wild. Loud music blasting through camp with most students still up on their feet. The energy was so addictive, unlike anything I’d seen before. No one was around telling us what we could and couldn’t do, not even the professors.

It was refreshing seeing everyone bonding over our newly found freedom, despite our cultural differences.

Magic sparked everywhere. Illusions thrown left and right, creating an enchanting ambiental light that left many staring awed. The bonfire crackled under the night sky painted with stars, around which we danced and drank to our hearts content.

Admittedly, I indulged a bit more than I should’ve. My head spinning as Alice grabbed my hand and got us lost in the crowd. Though, it wasn’t something I wasn't able to endure. My mind more focused on her and her winsome smile.

Kissing in the crowd felt strange at first, but with a bit of liquid courage and her playful side, I stopped caring altogether and just embraced the moment.

“Watch out!” yelled a student, eagerly taking a wide stance and forming a cone with his hands before spewing flames out of his mouth, shaping into a small phoenix.

Instinctively, I pulled Alice in close. My hand holding her head for protection despite neither being in danger.

He was an elementalist. A rare type of mage capable of manipulating certain elements such as water or wind. His forte being fire.

The fiery bird flew circles around the bonfire, enthralling the crowd and even Alice. Maybe I was a bit under-appreciative, but that’s because I was drunk and more so worried he’d accidentally set something on fire.

Realistically, though, with so many mages running around, things were surely under control.

And it wasn’t as if it was my first time seeing someone do something similar. We already knew someone who could control not only one, but two elements. So it wasn’t as if I was all that impressed like some who were seeing such an act for the first time.

Still, I admired how he livened up the party, only further adding to the on going craziness.

Things got even wilder when the elves from Ulfon gathered. Their men took off their shirts and painted symbols across their bodies before engaging in a paganistic dance with druidic music playing.

It looked primal, freeing. Made my soul feel at ease. Alice’s eyes even gleamed with excitement. And I don’t mean that figuratively. Mana actually resonated within them, casting an inner rosy glow.

“Alice,” I whispered, her head following my voice.

She cupped my cheek and stepped on her toes, planting her soft reddened lips against mine.

I’d found the true meaning of bliss.

We later joined in and danced. Allowing the time to pass without notice before sneaking off to be alone.

Much later in the night, I decided to help Alice get back to her tent. Her feet giving out from all the jumping, so I carried her in my arms. Her’s coiled around my neck, and head resting on my chest.

I sobered up a bit. My footing a lot more stable than before.

“I had so much fun,” she whispered.

“I’m glad,” I said, careful not to trip as there were things all over the place.

“I’m so tired.”

She yawned, her eyes closing, and soon she drifted off to sleep.

It made me feel warm knowing she felt comfortable enough to do so. Never in my wildest dreams imagining we’d get to this point.

If everything went according to plan, I had a little surprise in mind for the Princess. Professor Natasha had mentioned us passing by the giant lake centred on the continent, meaning potentially I could grab hold of one of those pearls she so wished to have.

At first I thought that if she hadn't been ambushed, we would’ve likely never become friends. But then realised that wasn’t true either. Fate would have had us meet regardless by putting Penelope and her in the same room. And while perhaps things would’ve been different, I was sure things would’ve progressed all the same.

Surely I was to find a way to attend Grimhold. Despite not necessarily believing in hard-set fate as I believed it to be cruel.

No, me meeting Alice was a gift sent from the heavens. Of that I was certain.

As I reached their tent, I felt weird just going in there but didn’t really wish to wake up Alice who was sound asleep.

Pushing past the entrance as quietly as I could, I was surprised to find Rose pretending to be asleep. It was quite obvious considering I felt her suddenly shut her eyes using dragon sense as we now called it. The name name sounding a a lot better.

Penelope wasn’t there, meaning she was likely still going at it. A bit surprising considering she wasn’t all that excited in the first place. Crowds tired her out, so she often bailed at the first chance she could find. But perhaps Grimhold was changing that.

Setting Alice down, she barely opened her eyes and started murmuring to herself. Hushing her, I helped her sneak into her sleeping bag before kissing her forehead.

“Wait. . .” she muttered, reaching out with her hand and pulling me in for a kiss. “Good night.”

“Sleep tight,” I whispered, watching as her eyes closed and she snuggled into her blanket.

She was so sweet.

I turned around and headed out–

“Good night, Alex.”

I smiled.

“Good night, Rose,” I said, and left the tent.

Once I was out, I stretched my arms out and deeply yawned. My vision was a bit blurred as I was getting tired, but luckily I could walk around with my eyes closed without worry.

Magic was spoiling me rotten.

I was looking forward to the few hours of good sleep I was promised before the morning lesson, but life seemed keen to play a little trick on me.

As I was approaching the tent I shared with Egon, I heard loud moans coming from within. Wish I could say it was only the girl I heard, but Egon sure wasn’t the type to shy away from voicing his pleasure.

“Yeah! Just like that,” Egon said, his voice so vulgar.

“Well, guess someone’s having fun.” I let out a sigh, slowly taking my leave.

“Oh, yeah. Baby!” he yelled, regrettably sparking my vivid imagination.

It’s been a long night. . .

Eventually I decided where I was heading, putting an end to my mindless wandering. Looking for peace and quiet, the riverside felt like the most appropriate place, but I worried what I might find there, all things considered.

To my surprise, as I pushed past the bushes, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face sitting under me, staring lost at the moon's reflection over the water as there was a tiny cliff drop.

“Penelope. . .” I called out to her, making her jump as she was lost in thoughts. “You okay?”

“Alex.” She clasped her hands together. “Yeah. Yeah. . .”

“You sure?” I furrowed, slowly approaching. “Mind if I join you?”

She sat on the ground, her back resting against the rocks.

“Yeah. . .” she muttered, watching as I sat next to her.

She had her arms around her knees, keeping her legs tucked. I, however, stretched mine out, almost reaching the water.

“Well, something’s obviously going on. But I won’t force you to talk if you don’t want to. Though, it might help.” I was persistent. Her gaze lacked the usual focus.

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“I’m just a bit homesick. That’s all. . .” Penelope admitted. “I miss our little Ellie running after me all day.”

“I’m sure she misses you too,” I said, a smile sneaking up on me as I remembered all the times the two stormed my room in the morning.

“You too,” Penelope mentioned, turning to look at me with a soft smile of her own. “Don’t know how she’s surviving without you.”

“You’re the one who took care of her the most,” I argued, letting out a chuckle.

“Yes, but you’re her hero. Our hero,” she whispered, dropping her gaze.

“Please. . . I didn’t do anything.” I brushed it off, but hearing those words felt good.

It made my heart skip, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

“You’re a great guy, Alex..” Her compliment came out of nowhere. Her glance tracing back to me. “I’d say she got lucky, but you’re even luckier. So make sure you treat her right. She’s well worth it.”

“I know.” I chuckled.

“I’m serious. You better not break her heart or I’ll be pissed.” She gave me a stern look. “She’s my best friend, you know. . .”

“I can tell.” I couldn’t help but laugh, taking a deep breath after and exhaling slowly.

“Seriously, though. I wish you all the best.” She smiled then rolled her eyes. “Wish you didn’t drag it out for so long. Do you know how much effort it took to set you two up?”

“The cave was a nice touch. Your idea?” I asked.

“She told you?” Penelope seemed a bit surprised.

“No, but I realised as soon as Alice used the stone. There was nothing more to it than a minor illusion etched onto it using your gift.” I smiled, glancing at the river. “By now I’ve seen your gift so many times that I can probably tell at first glance. And if that’s not enough, I knew you’d probably come looking for us if we were gone for so long and you didn’t know.”

“You make it sound like I’m obsessed,” Penelope pointed out.

“Please. If anything, I know I’ll have to fight you for her attention. I’m just worried I’ll lose,” I joked, making her laugh. “But, nah. I would’ve gone looking for you as well. We might be on a field trip, but this place is still dangerous even with the professors around.”

“True. But you should know it was her idea. We found the place while you were out there hunting that mana beast,” Penelope explained. “I only came up with the idea of using the stone as a hook. But you clearly saw through it, so I guess it was pointless.”

“Not quite. Gave her confidence,” I pointed out. “Thanks. For supporting us.”

“Always.” She leaned into me, letting out a short sigh. “And I want you to know that whatever hardships come toward you two, I’ll always have your back.”

“Except–”

“Except if you break her heart,” she interrupted. “Then you and I got a problem. Got that?”

“Yeah, yeah. You’ve told me already,” I chuckled, listening to her soft giggles.

Now when I looked back at her I could see that feeling of being lost having vanished. She looked so much more like her cheerful self again.

“We should head back,” she said, standing up. “It’s late. We’ll feel tired tomorrow.”

“My tent’s a bit occupied. . .” I awkwardly smiled, hoping she wouldn't ask why.

“Hmm. . .” She pondered, rubbing her chin. “Want to crash in our tent? I’m sure we can make room.”

“Nah. Don’t worry about it. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping anyway. Too much going on in my head right now,” I admitted, still unable to stop thinking about how happy today made me.

“Alright, but if you change your mind, the offer still stands. It’s cold outside and I’m sure Rose wouldn’t mind. Doubt Alice would complain. Maybe she’d get a heart attack in the morning, but that’s about it.”

I couldn’t help but snicker. Penelope always found ways to make everyone laugh.

“Thanks. I’ll consider it,” I said, smiling at her.

“Well, good night then.”

“Night, night,” I said, watching as she left.

What a night, I thought. Took a deep breath and stretched my arms out again before leaning back and looking at the night sky.

For all that talk of not being able to fall asleep, I sure found the calm ambience soothing. Soon losing myself in thoughts before drifting off.

----------------------------------------

It was the morning after. I was still soundly asleep by the river, overcoming the cold simply by relying on mana to keep me warm. It was an intuitive thing. Something I could do subconsciously more so than having to actively focus. One of many benefits of drawing mana on mana at all times.

Clearly enjoying the much needed sleep, I failed to react to that odd feeling of someone approaching. However, I’m glad I didn’t as it led to my morning starting off with an angelic whispering into my ear.

“Alex. . . Wake up.” It was Alice’s sweet voice calling out to me. “Hey. It’s time to go. Wake up, sleepy head.”

I felt her hand gently rubbing my shoulder. My heavy eyes slowly opened to meet her warm amethyst gaze. The sunlight made her light blonde hair sparkle, further enchanting her breathtaking beauty.

Mad how quickly I fell head over heels for her. It was pointless denying it.

“Mmm. . . Just a few more minutes,” I joked, exhaling deeply before a yawn caught up with me.

“Penelope told me what happened. You shouldn’t have slept outside.”

“God, you’re beautiful,” I couldn’t resist telling her.

She blushed, allowing me to touch her cheek before leaning in for a kiss. Her coy smile was utterly charming.

“We’re going to be late,” she repeated, her voice gentle and her hand cupping mine.

Groaning, I dreaded the idea. But after Alice stood back up, I had no option but to follow.

With my arms now up in the air, I took a look around and yawned before tracing back to her. Alice wiggled in place, making her high ponytail dangle.

“Look at you being all cheerful this early,” I couldn’t resist chuckling.

Her gaze shied away.

“I’m just really happy right now,” she admitted.

“As you should be,” I whispered, pulling her in for a hug and kissing her head.

Eventually though, we had to run back the others. And while the day sure started off great, the same couldn’t be said for the lesson that followed.

Instead of learning something new, Professor Aria, who I didn’t even know was coming along as much as it made sense, only told us a few fun facts before informing everyone we’d be hiking for about four hours.

It was a long walk to the lake.

Many moaned in complaint. Some even raised the question of why we didn’t just teleport there to begin with, but I felt like we wouldn’t have had a party considering books often mention mana beasts gathering near fresh sources of water.

The real tragedy, however, was that I couldn’t even hear what she had to say. I was too tired to listen, although walking wasn’t much of a problem. Of course, not everyone thought the same. Having partied all night, even those more physically capable were hesitant to follow along.

Professor Dark offered to stay back with all those that believed they wouldn’t make the trip, though I think she was just making excuses so she wouldn’t have to go.

Surprisingly, nobody took her up on that offer.

“Weird. Don’t you feel like we should’ve seen a mana beast or two by now?” I asked, Ron looking oblivious as always.

“Hm? Maybe,” Ron answered, yawning without putting a hand over his mouth as he was too busy fidgeting with some oddly shaped wooden cube. “I’m sure we’ll see some once we’re at the lake.”

“Right,” I mumbled, then looked over curiously. “What’s that?”

There were markings carved into it. Didn’t seem like any of the runes I knew, and some parts even appeared to rotate.

“A puzzle box,” he said, pressing on the centre of a circle etched at the top.

There were clicking sounds coming from within as the circle spun, but it stopped not long after with no visible change.

Ron sighed, a defeated look on his face.

“Struggling?” I asked, amused by how he always had such peculiar hobbies.

“You remember Amy?” he asked.

I nodded.

“Well,” he said. ”I asked if she wanted to study together, and she pretty much shut me down instantly. Said I had no brains for it.”

“Ouch. . .” I chuckled. “And what did you tell her?”

“Asked her for a chance and then she threw this puzzle at me saying she’ll do it if I manage to get it open. So far no luck.” He then tossed it over to me. “I’m starting to think that maybe she’s right.”

“Don’t be like that. There must be some dumb trick to it,” I reckoned, holding it up. “But why was she just carrying this around?”

“She wasn’t. Conjured it using a spell,” he explained.

“Hmm. A spell you say. . .” I muttered, finding it odd that other than the button he pressed, nothing else seemed to serve a genuine purpose. “Maybe–”

Infusing mana directly into the box and pressing the button again caused the circle to glow yellow, and it started clicking again. Like a clock.

“Already tried that,” he said. “It’ll just reset after–”

The box popped open. The yellow glow turned white as I kept infusing more.

The solution left Ron speechless, making him go as far as stopping in place. Now that was real magic.

“See? Overthinking it,” I said, handing it back to him.

“Thanks. . .” he muttered, still visibly confused. “Sorry, but how?”

“No clue. All I did was what first came to mind. Seemed a bit too complicated, so I figured the solution had to be something simple.”

However, it wasn’t as if I actually expected it to work.

“Wild.” Ron took a look inside and sighed. “And it’s empty. . .”

“Well. She asked you to solve the puzzle. Not to grab what’s inside, right?” I questioned.

“Yeah, yeah. But I was expecting something more after all that effort.” However, he just shrugged it off and looked back at me. “Anyway, thanks again. Don’t think I would’ve gotten it any time soon.”

“There was also an option of using an identifying spell, but I hadn’t learned it yet. You know it though, right?” I asked.

“Ah! Why didn’t I think of that?” Ron exaggerated his frustration, making all sorts of weird faces.

“Maybe get some more sleep,” I suggested, tapping his shoulder.

He had heavy bags under his eyes. Looked as if he got beat up again.

“Eh. Sleep is for the weak.” He brushed me off.

“Right. . .” I chuckled.

“Well, at least now I can go on that study date,” he said.

“Yes. I’m sure you’ll be doing lots of studying,” I scoffed, rolling my eyes with a smile.

“You’re the one to talk. . .” He laughed and continued on walking.

He was right. And soon my eyes darted over toward Alice, who was with the girls.

Just a bit more and we would finally have reached the lake.

Chapter End.

Thank you for reading.