The carriage rolled along the busy streets with only a few bumps from the occasionally uneven surface. Aerie watched lazily out the window at the wide variety of shops and buildings that led to her destination.

She was interrupted from her stupor when heard her brother loudly moan in annoyance. “My gods, if this isn’t the most aggravating ride of my miserable life!” He gave a solid wack to let the driver know his anger.

“Orpheus, it hasn’t even been half a day.” she said. When she learned that it was time for her to attend school, she was excited at the prospect of escaping her familial obligations. She was less enthusiastic when she learned her older brother would be going with her.

Although he was a year older than her at the age of fourteen, his lack of focus in his studies caused him to be sent to the same year as her which only added to her grievances.

“Princess Aerie is right, Orpheus.” came a voice from outside. Mounted alongside them was their royal escort, the famous knight, Nilo Triss. His shining armor casted a magnificent shadow. At least it did in Aerie’s opinion. “Besides, you should be riding with me as part of your training.” Orpheus merely stuck his tongue out at the warrior as he went back sulking in his corner.

“Lord Nilo, when do we arrive at our oh, so glorious, destination?” Aerie asked, her tone reflecting her irritation with the trip as well. The journey to the school would have been much faster without the carriage. She said as much to her father, but he wouldn’t hear of sending anything less. It was endearing to know how much he cared for their safety, though.

“Not so long now; we shall arrive by sundown. I must say you lot are as impatient as a pack of mules.” In almost perfect unison, Aerie and her brother stuck their tongues out in defiance. The knight merely grinned as he urged his horse forward to check on the driver.

Aerie had expected a large gathering for their arrival, but it paled in comparison to what stood before her. All the students were standing in formation in their bright red uniforms with their teachers holding flags in front of them. The purple heart banner of their family was hung from almost every wall. Most shocking of all was the huge portrait of their elder brother that the chancellor held with a smile on his face. Although she could admit that her brother was a handsome man, the portrait exaggerated his features to an insane degree; ‘nobody has eyes that blue,’ she thought.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud trumpet which started the official ceremony. Her brother leaped out of the carriage and waved to all the students as he proudly marched to the school principal. After a few moments of controlling her panic, Aerie timidly climbed down after him. She felt her foot slip on the wooden step, but her protector, Nilo, caught her with his strong arms as she regained her balance. As she walked to the center of the courtyard, the principal cleared his throat. “Prince Orpheus, Princess Aerie. It is once again an honor for our school to host a member of the Canter Family. I still remember your brother from last year well. Tell me, what happened to my former pupil?”

Aerie opened her mouth, but Orpheus responded quicker than her. “Oh, Francis has a wife now. She isn’t bad to look at, but by god does she know how to yell.” He made a mocking voice ‘Orpheus, do this, don’t do that… bah!’

The chancellor’s eyes narrowed. Aerie took this opportunity to finally add her thoughts to the matter. “He has grown so much from when we had last seen him three years ago. Father thought so too, and decided to make him a High Captain in the Army. I’ve heard Francis has taken to the role quite well.” The gray-haired man seemed pleased by the news.

“He will do gloriously in battle, as he has done gloriously here. You will be pleased to know that he set several records in this academy that I thought impossible. Your brother will change the world, I swear.” He looked at the two of them. “Where are my manners? As principal at this esteemed school, it is my joy to educate today’s youth on the ways of magic to the mundane. I have many names but here I am called chancellor…

“Chancellor Immanuel, formally the Duke of Nivel. Of the old family of Vindersons.” Aerie interrupted. “Francis talked about you a lot.” she explained. The man’s smile widened even further.

“Well, since you apparently don’t need my introduction, I shall let you two make yourselves at home. Prince Orpheus, to show you to your quarters is our top student, Nafesh Kurstic.” An elfish student, who stood taller than the principal, rushed to shake her brother's hands as they exchanged their formalities. Orpheus, and his new friend soon walked together as they exited the stage to head to Orpheus’s new room. ”As for you, Princess Aerie.” as he spoke, a girl the same age as her teleported with a golden flash right in front of her. Her hair was short and brown while her uniform was messy. “The promising mage, who does not yet know patience, Jessica Philips. She will help with your transition to student life.”

Aerie gave an awkward nod as the girl led her away from the prying eyes of the crowd. When the pair were out of earshot, the young mage finally began to talk. “If it isn’t my new rival. I’ll have you know, I never met a student I couldn’t beat!”

Aerie backed away nervously. “Hey, I just got here and besides, aren't you supposed to be my friend? I would love to work with you.” She said sweetly. The princess wanted nothing more to defuse the situation, but this only made the Water Mage angrier.

“I will not let you beat me!” She stepped even closer to Aerie so much so that their noses were almost touching. From this proximity, Aerie noted that the girl stood at least a few inches taller than her. “Besides,” she continued. “I doubt you are anything like your brother.” Upon saying that she finally backed away. Her eyes looked dreamy as she clutched her staff to her chest.

“Ewww,” Aerie replied. “You like Orpheus?” The thought of her brother laughing as he once threw bread at the castle servants materialized in her head.

“What? No! I am talking about Francis,” she looked blissful as closed her eyes and smiled at the sound of his name. “Now, it is true that I have only ever seen him once, but I will never, and I mean never, forget that memory.” Aerie tried to escape the conversation, but the passionate girl blocked her exit with one of her bony arms. “Picture this! There was a tournament at our school and heroes and adventurers from across the lands had journeyed to prove their metal.” Jessica waved her staff dramatically. “It was the final match: Your brother against an elite swordmage from across the Bristic Sea.” Blue bubbles began to sparkle from the girl's hands as she continued her story. “I was only a little girl when I saw this fight, but I still remember the sparks as their blades struck each other again and again. When Francis brought the swordmage to his knees, I was in love. From that day on, I knew I had to go to this school with him. It is just my luck that by the time I was old enough to enter, he had already graduated and left me all alone.” She finished her story by closing her hand and the bubbles faded away. “But nevertheless, it is certain that I shall one day marry him.”

Aerie couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “He is already married, I am saddened to tell you. His wife is from the Hailfire family. You would find a challenge in replacing her.”

Jessica looked like she was going to explode. “And you will find that I have never shied away from a challenge. Do you have Player Magic, yet?”

“No, it is forbidden for any person under 13.”

The water mage smiled wickedly. “Come with me.” she said as she grabbed Aerie’s hand. By the time Aerie began to protest, a light light enveloped the duo. When the brightness subsided, they were in a room filled with students in lines. Jessica pushed her way in front of the other students and dragged the unwilling princess behind her. At the front, a teacher stopped her.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

“What did I tell you about cutting lines, Jessica?” He said. He was clearly in his thirties, but his hair was graying and his hairline receding.

“Sorry, Master Aldrich. I was helping my friend get her Player Amulet.” The young mage pushed Aerie as proof.

The teacher sighed. “Seeing that you have today’s guest of honor, I will let it go. But you should be more mindful of the other student’s opinion of you.”

“Yes, yes, can we have the amulet now?” In response, the teacher tossed a silver amulet which Jessica caught easily. “Thank you!” Jessica said as she grabbed Aerie and ran to the door.

The two now stood in the courtyard once more. The silver amulet felt cold in Aerie’s hand. With a deep breath, she slipped the chain over her neck.

The words appeared in her vision:

Name: Aerie Canter Race: Human Class: Scholar Personality: Timid Newcomer Player Magic Tier: 2 Ascension: Locked at level 100 Level: 5 Strength Dexterity Intelligence Charisma Mana HP: 100 8 12 18 7 10 Skills Combat Sight Perks Genius

Jessica was grinning ear to ear. “Fun, isn’t it? You know you are in a pretty good spot, being level 5 right off the bat. With tier 2 Player Magic, you get bonuses to learning new skills and a better chance at earning perks and levels.”

It was at this time that Aerie finally took a close look at Jessica. Level 25 was written above her head in blue. Suddenly the white light returned, and Aerie heard Jessica speak.

"Now, as to your quarters…”

Princess Aeries’ room in her family’s castle had a ceiling taller than a giant. Her room at the academy was miniscule in comparison. However, she couldn’t complain too much when it turned out her room was made for two students to live together. Her loyal protector, Nilo, aided her with bringing her possessions up the dozen staircases.

“Tell me, my precious charge, why exactly do you need this many beakers and vials?” He finally asked on his third trip.

“Come on, it’s not that many.” She grinned as he sighed in exasperation. “Lord Nilo, when do you have to return to Orapolis?” she asked, her mood slightly dampened. “Your father wants me back by midday tomorrow so I will have to leave tomorrow morning before the sun rises.”

She gave him her best puppy expression. “Must you have to go? I am sure there are things here even for you to learn. There’s armor crafting, animal training, sword throwing, and a thousand more.”

It looked like he had to force a smile upon his face. “I would love nothing more. But duty compels me back to the King. I’ll tell you what. When the King eventually visits you and your brother, I will be there guarding him; I promise you that.

Aerie was quiet for a moment. She then hugged him and thanked him for being her most loyal friend. When he left the room, she was alone with her thoughts once more. After a moment, she summoned up the courage to go and find her brother.

Multiple boys were lounging in the common area when she entered. Aerie felt their eyes on her but she pressed on. Her brother’s room was on the top floor so the journey there took longer than she would’ve hoped for. She felt eyes upon her as she ascended the multiple staircases. Upon arriving, she knocked on the door. No response came. She thought he must have left, when she started to hear muffled voices inside the room. She knocked even harder. Finally, the door swung open.

Dozens of empty bottles of wine and beer were on the ground. The room had multiple boys in it, but what shocked Aerie was the number of girls who were passed out on the couch and bed.

Orpheus stood at the door, his expression of annoyance. “What are you doing here, sister? Is the library not open at this time?” Aerie could smell the alcohol on his breath. Next to her brother, though, was the less inebriated elf from before who held his hand out for her to shake.

“I never got the chance to formally meet you, but I’m Nafesh. All my friends call me Kurst, though.” Aerie apprehensively shook it.

“Orpheus, what are you doing? Mom and dad said not to drink.”

“They aren’t here, if you haven’t noticed. And besides, the women love their wine” He held his hand for a fistbump from one of his other friends which was quickly reciprocated.

Aerie could not believe that her parents had forced her to go to school with him. “This is why you are in the same year as me, you oaf.” If her insult had affected him, he didn’t show it.

“And this is why you don’t have any friends, you twerp.” He slammed the door shut and the music inside intensified. Although he was an ass, he did have one good idea. Where was that library?

The smell of books had always soothed Aeries’ anxieties. Her mother had once offered to have a bed built in the Royal Library for her. Although it was a jest, the idea had been appealing for her. Now that she was in the library, she felt like she was back in her castle. It was a good feeling, but fleeting. The book she had grabbed was one of her favorites, The Alchemist’s Guide. She had probably already read it a few times, but each time she had discovered something new. She only looked up from her book, when she heard a small voice from behind her.

“Excuse me, I couldn’t help but notice the book you were reading.” She turned around and there was a small boy with curly red hair and a low voice. “I love Alchemy,” he said, his cheeks the same color as his hair. “I am taking an Alchemy class as my science.”

Aerie smiled. “Me too,” she whispered back. She beckoned him to sit next to her. Nervously, the boy complied.

“I’m Erik,” he said. “Have you got to the part about entropy?”

“Aerie,” she replied. “I’ve also read it before. I’ve actually done that one experiment that accelerates entropy but I was never able to reverse it.”

He nodded. “That one’s tricky because the serum is so reactive.” He looked nervous again but not so much as before. “Is it true that you are a noble?” he asked politely.

Princess Aerie sighed. “I’m guessing you saw me during the ceremony.” Erik nodded in response. “I was hoping to keep that a secret.”

“Why, though? I hear that your brother of yours is using his Princely status for all sorts of reasons.”

“Really?” Aerie inquired. “What do you mean by that?”

“Uhh,” the red haired boy stepped away from her. He hit his back hard on the table behind him. “It’s just that I’ve heard from some friends that he uses his royal status to pick up girls.

Aerie’s face wrinkled with distaste. “That does sound like Orpheus. Why don’t you hang out with him? I have no doubt that he isn’t good at entertaining his entourage.

Erik stopped his retreat. “You know, I actually did go to his building for a short while; he has almost the whole school crowded in his building. But in truth, I much prefer it here.” He sat down next to her and revealed the book that he had brought to the table.

“Magical Engineering by the archmage Gunther Moust” Aerie read aloud.

“I really think you should read it,” he said, his voice bolder than ever. “It is the reason I traveled half a world to come here.” He flipped open the book. “Military Engineers built these huge armored balloons and flying ships to fight dragons in the east. The dungeon-city of Hyperia has built unbreakable swords for the finest warriors in the world. I want to be a part of that.” His brown eyes were sparkling with imagination.

“Oh, I just came here because my parents forced me.” she said, laughing at her own joke. She immediately regretted it, though, when she saw the light begin to fade from the boy’s eyes. “Truthfully, I really only care for alchemy and healing magic. All that battle stuff is my oldest brother’s interest.”

“Francis?” he asked to which she nodded. “I have heard many things about him. Is it true he has two magic swords?” She nodded again. “That he also mastered both fire and ice magic.” Aerie nodded once more.

“He’s very talented. Father says that he will be one of the greatest kings to ever rule the Orthan Kingdom. He is already level 80. ”

“I guess if that’s the case, you have a lot to live up to.”

Aerie nodded and realized just how true that is.

Note: Only around 20% of the population has any magical aptitude. Those who have the highest potential are able to go to schools across the continent to enhance their powers. RMI is a combat based school on training officers, war mages, and magical engineers.