Cooper and Leo's footsteps echoed through the Academy grounds as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. They had spent the day exploring, and now, as they returned to the lodging hall, Leo's voice broke the comfortable silence between them.

“Hey Cooper, what room are you in?”

“I'm in 117.” He answered.

"No way! Guess what? I'm in 118!" Leo said with a grin.

Cooper's eyes widened in surprise. "Really??”

"We're neighbors then! This is awesome! Hey, do you want to explore some more tomorrow?" Leo asked, his excitement obvious.

Cooper nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "I'd like that."

That night, as Cooper lay in his bed, the events of the past weeks replayed in his mind. The Harvest Festival, the villagers' fear, and his departure from Bellmonty all seemed like distant memories, yet they tugged at his heart with a mixture of regret and longing. He thought of Lila, their unresolved tensions, and the life he had left behind. A resolve settled within him; one day, he would return to Bellmonty, not as the outcast but as a testament to how far he had come. He hoped that he and Lila could salvage their friendship, even if a complete return to the past was impossible.

Gratitude also filled his thoughts. Meeting Leo, seemingly by chance, had been a stroke of fortune. The bond they had formed so quickly was a beacon of hope in this sea of unfamiliarity. As sleep finally claimed him, Cooper hoped that this friendship would blossom, sparing him the loneliness he had feared.

The next morning, Cooper and Leo set out once more, their spirits high with anticipation. In the center of the Academy complex, they discovered a large coliseum structure, its imposing presence suggesting epic battles and fierce competitions. Leo shared rumors he had heard about sanctioned duels among the students, a concept that both intrigued and unnerved Cooper. The idea of facing another magic user in combat was foreign to him, as his training with Morgan had not yet broached such direct confrontations.

Their exploration continued until they noticed a crowd gathered in the distance. They moved closer, curiosity drawing them in.

"What's going on over there?" Cooper murmured, trying to peer over the heads of the crowd.

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Leo nudged him with an elbow. "That's Prince Arthur. I heard he's attending the Academy this year."

"The prince of the entire kingdom?" Cooper asked, incredulously.

Leo laughed. "What other prince would I be talking about?"

Cooper's gaze found the boy at the center of attention. The prince's strawberry blonde hair and golden eyes seemed to command respect. His black armor and green cloak marked him as a first-year, but his aura was anything but novice. He seemed to exude nobility, and his expression and body language were charismatic, but he wore a sly smile. He struck Cooper as appearing cold and calculating.

Beside the prince were two girls, unmistakably twins with their fiery red hair, yet each bore distinct features that set them apart from each other. The first girl, her hair cut shorter and her red eyes intense, appeared eager to please him. Her demeanor was unfriendly, almost fierce, as if she were ready to challenge anyone who dared approach the prince. She too wore the black armor of a Mystic Knight, her green cloak billowing in the breeze behind her.

The second girl, with long, flowing red hair adorned with a bow and ribbons, wore the blue-black robes of an apprentice Sorcerer. Her red eyes were softer, radiating warmth and kindness. Unlike her sister, she seemed disinterested in the adulation surrounding the prince, her gaze wandering, as if seeking something more genuine. Cooper found himself captivated by her beauty; a sight that left him momentarily breathless…

As they took in the spectacle, Cooper felt someone behind them. Turning, he met the gaze of a girl with soft blue eyes and long brown hair tied behind her head with a brown ribbon. She had a plain appearance, but in a way that was almost charming. She seemed to be trying to get a better view.

"I'm sorry," she said, stepping back. "I just wanted to see..."

"I'm Cooper," he said quickly, offering a friendly smile. "Don't worry about it. It's the prince, surrounded by nobles."

The girl, whom introduced herself as Guinevere, seemed disappointed at having missed her chance to see royalty. Cooper reassured her, noting her green cloak. "I think you'll see plenty of him. We're all first-years."

Leo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up, his voice taking on a dramatic flair. "Lady Guinevere, you are the fairest maiden I have ever laid eyes upon!"

Guinevere's eyes darted to Cooper, seeking rescue from Leo's overzealous advance. Cooper gently pulled Leo back, chuckling. "You’ll have to excuse him! Leo's still learning how to talk to girls!"

Guinevere laughed, the tension easing. "It's alright."

Leo, now more composed, introduced himself properly. "I'm from Camelot City," he said.

"And I'm from Bellmonty, a small village on the coast" Cooper added. "We've been exploring the Academy. Would you like to join us?"

Guinevere agreed, and the trio set off together, laughter and conversation filling the air. Cooper felt a sense of belonging, a hope that perhaps he had found his place in this new world.

As they walked, Cooper's thoughts turned to the prince and the girls. He wondered about the dynamics at play and whether their paths would cross. For now, he was content to enjoy the company of his new friends, the promise of the opening ceremony, and the adventures that awaited them all.