The Royal Magical Academy's courtyard was like a living canvas, painted with the vibrant hues of activity and academia. As Cooper stepped from the carriage, his gaze swept across the expanse, taking in the grandeur of his new surroundings. Towering spires pierced the sky, their stones etched with the wisdom of ages past. The air buzzed with the collective murmur of students, a symphony of youthful ambition and scholarly pursuit.

As Cooper took in his surroundings, a figure approached them—a man who seemed to embody the very essence of strength and authority. His cold blue eyes were like chips of ice, and his long jet-black hair flowed behind him as he walked. His skin was pale, almost unnaturally so, and he wore black plate armor that gleamed in the sunlight. Cooper thought, for a fleeting moment, that this man could be one of the monsters Morgan had spoken of.

Morgan greeted the man with a warmth that contrasted sharply with his intimidating appearance. "Cooper, this is Mordred of House Malory," she introduced. "He is a Knight Master of the Mystic Knights and an instructor here at the Academy. And," she added with a smile, "he is my husband."

Cooper was taken aback, his mind struggling to reconcile the image of the formidable man before him with the gentle and scholarly Morgan. Yet, the affection between them was unmistakable.

Mordred's voice was deep and resonant as he spoke. "Morgan, how was the journey? Is this the new 'prized pupil' you mentioned?"

Morgan's laughter was light as she replied, "Cooper will be one of my new pupils. I am committed to changing the perception of our Order, to remind the world of the heroes we once were—and will be again. It is time for the next generation to rise, and I will be the one to guide them."

Mordred's expression softened, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You always were the ambitious dreamer," he said.

With a change of subject, Morgan turned to Cooper. "I would love to give you a tour, but time is short. For now, let me show you to your lodgings for the year."

As they walked, Cooper observed more students arriving, some on foot, others by carriage. Morgan explained that members of the Order assigned to the Academy often traveled to distant corners of the Kingdom to escort students of common birth to the Academy.

The students they passed wore cloaks of various colors, denoting their year or rank. "Green cloaks for first years, blue for second, black for third," Morgan explained. "And red cloaks signify a master and instructor. If you see a color other than that, the person is a lower ranking member of the Order."

The grandeur of the Academy was overwhelming, and Cooper felt a pang of anxiety as he saw groups of students socializing. He hoped to find companionship among the sea of unfamiliar faces…

The lodging halls were a marvel of architecture, their long corridors lined with doors that promised sanctuary to the weary scholar. Room 117 awaited Cooper, its wooden numerals a declaration of his new identity. Inside, the room was a blend of simplicity and comfort—a bed, a desk, and a wardrobe, all crafted from rich, dark wood. A small window offered a view of the courtyard, a constant reminder of the world he was now part of.

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On the bed lay his new robes and a green cloak, neatly folded and waiting, symbols of his new life.

Before Morgan departed, she turned to Cooper with a reassuring smile. "I know this is all very new to you, but I encourage you to explore the Academy on your own," she said, her voice imbued with a gentle authority. "Familiarize yourself with the grounds, the people, and the rhythm of this place. After all, it will be your home for the coming years."

Cooper nodded, taking in her advice with the respect it deserved. The thought of wandering the vast and intricate halls of the Academy alone was overwhelming, but Morgan's confidence in him sparked a small flame of courage in his chest.

"The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow evening," Morgan continued, her eyes scanning the halls with a sense of pride. "After the ceremony, we will have the opportunity to speak further. I'm eager to discuss your progress and the path that lies ahead of you."

With those parting words, Morgan left Cooper at the threshold of his new room, the number 117 marking the beginning of his journey as much as the green cloak that would soon rest upon his shoulders. As the door closed behind her, Cooper felt the weight of her expectations and the promise of his own potential.

Alone, yet armed with Morgan's encouragement, Cooper changed into his apprentice robes; the green cloak settling around him like a mantle of purpose. He caught his reflection in the mirror, and for a moment, he saw not a boy from Bellmonty, but a youthful Sorcerer, ready to embrace the mysteries and power of magic.

Stepping back into the courtyard, Cooper allowed himself to be swept up in the current of Academy life. He passed statues of the greats, their stone gazes offering silent support. One statue, in particular, bore a striking resemblance to him, a curious coincidence that left him wondering...

As he stepped back to get a better look, he collided with another student—a boy with brown hair, short on the left side, contrasted by its longer length on the right. A fringe of his hair covered the right side of his face, but Cooper could see the boys uncovered green eye looking back at him. From what Cooper could see of his face, his expression seemed earnest, if not slightly goofy…

"Sorry about that," the boy said with a laugh, brushing himself off. "I was... uh, distracted by some of the other students." His eyes flicked briefly to a group of girls nearby before returning to Cooper's.

Cooper couldn't help but smile at the boy's candor. "No harm done," he replied, an awkward silence now filling the air.

"Well, um-I’m Leo," the boy introduced himself, extending a hand. "A first-year.”

"I-I'm Cooper!” he replied, as he nervously shook Leo’s hand, realizing he was making conversation with someone new.

“You're a commoner too, huh? Where are you from?", Leo asked, inquisitively.

"Bellmonty, on the northwestern coast," Cooper answered.

"Never heard of it," Leo admitted with a shrug. "I'm from Camelot City, the capital."

Cooper's eyes widened. "I’ve heard it’s the largest city in the Kingdom! Is it really bigger than Britannia?!”

Leo laughed. "Oh, much larger. You'd get lost in a day!"

The two boys, united by their newness to the Academy, began to walk together, sharing stories of their homes. Cooper felt a sense of camaraderie with Leo, a connection that eased the weight of his loneliness.

As they strolled through the courtyard, Cooper realized he might have just made his first friend in this vast, magical place. His heart lightened, and for the first time since that fateful night in Bellmonty, he allowed himself to truly believe that everything was going to be alright.