Cooper, Leo, and Guinevere relaxed in one of the Academy's courtyards, enjoying the tranquility away from the bustling corridors, allowing the chatter of nearby students to set a soothing backdrop for their conversation.

Leo, with a hint of pride, shared the story of his magical awakening. " So, my family runs a bread stall in Camelot City's marketplace," he began, his voice colored with nostalgia. "One day, a thief grabbed a loaf and just took off with it. I ran after him, and without even thinking, I just kind of reached out my hand." He mimicked the motion, his fingers spread apart. "These glowing tethers or whatever shot out, wrapping around the guy like chains. After that, it wasn't long before someone from the Academy showed up at our door."

Cooper and Guinevere listened intently, their expressions a mix of intrigue and understanding. Sensing a heavier air around their stories, Leo added, "Hey guys, if it's too much, you don't have to share. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories…"

Cooper sighed, a somber look crossing his face. "No, it's alright. That night... it's what brought me here after all." He took a deep breath and told them of the Harvest Festival—the mound overlooking Bellmonty, the fire that trapped Lila, and the desperate water spell that saved her life.

Leo whistled softly. "And then what happened?"

Cooper's expression darkened. "In Bellmonty, magic was feared. My use of it... it made me an outcast, even with my own adopted family. I came to the Academy hoping Bellmonty could find peace without me. But leaving things unresolved with Lila... it still hurts…you know…?"

Guinevere's hand found Cooper's shoulder, offering a comforting squeeze. "You did nothing wrong," she assured him. "You made a brave choice, and I think that shows that you care, more than anything else.”

Cooper offered her a grateful smile, the warmth of her touch easing the chill of his regrets.

Leo nodded in agreement. "You're here now, with friends, starting something new! It’s like you said buddy! Everything that happened led here.”

Guinevere's eyes twinkled with amusement and a sly smile crept across her face. "You know, for a total buffoon, maybe you're not so bad, Leo."

Leo's laughter echoed through the courtyard, a sound that seemed to chase away any lingering sorrow for the moment.

Guinevere then shared her own story, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never knew my parents. I lived with my Granny here in Britannia. One day she got really sick. Some kind of infection I think.... We couldn't afford any help. But I was terrified of being alone. I didn’t know how I’d make it without her.” Guinevere explained, seeming to be relieving the moment. “One night I sat by her bed. Hoping, praying that she would get better…that some kind of miracle would happen…and it did.” Her eyes now glowing with a proud happiness, she continued, “I cast a healing spell, and it helped her get better. Now, she’s doing great!”

Cooper's eyes widened in amazement. "That's incredible, Guinevere."

She shrugged modestly. "Just a lucky fluke."

Leo shook his head. "Impressive, no matter how you look at it."

Their conversation was interrupted by a bell tolling in the distance, signaling the apprentices to gather for the opening ceremony. They followed a wave of green-cloaked students all moving towards the one of the central castle structures. In the entryway they found a long corridor stretching in either direction, adorned with ornate paintings and mystical artifacts that whispered of ancient magic and long-forgotten tales. From the hallway they stepped into the grand hall with vaulted ceilings at least two dozen feet high, the chatter of other students filling the air. They quickly located some empty seats and waited for the opening ceremony to begin.

At the front of the hall was a large stage with six individuals cloaked in red, the color of the Masters. Cooper recognized two of them as Morgan and her husband Mordred, but the identities of the other four were unknown to him.

He noted one middle-aged man, slightly shorter than average with many freckles dotting his face under his gray eyes. He had dark blue eyes held behind his head by a silver clasp. He possessed the aura of an experienced Sorcerer.

There was another man, roughly the same age as the first, but taller with a sharp jawline. Cooper could see his cold black eyes and slicked-back black hair, which gave him an air of seriousness. He too wore the black-blue robes of a Sorcerer.

Then Cooper saw another Sorcerer. A woman, probably slightly older than Morgan, which would pace her in her early 30’s. She had gentle lavender eyes and long flowing silver hair. There was a certain grace about her, complimenting her natural beauty.

Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

Finally, Cooper noticed another woman, probably in her late 20’s, roughly the same age as Morgan. She possessed long pink hair, held out of her sharp pink eyes with a white headb

and. Her intense gaze and expression were befitting of her rank as a Master Mystic Knight.

The atmosphere of the hall took a shift as Prince Arthur entered, the two red-haired girls still with him. The idle chatter silenced, and everyone’s eyes turned to him, a silent show of deference to his royal status.

"Look, that's Prince Arthur," Cooper whispered to Guinevere, pointing out the prince who had just arrived.

Arthur’s gaze swept the room, briefly locking eyes with Cooper. The prince seemed to pay him no find as he noticed Guinevere next to him, smiling at her. Guinevere, embarrassed, blushed at the prince’s attention.

As Prince Arthur and the two girls took their seats, Morgan took the podium at the center of the stage, commanding the room. She cast a quick spell which projected her voice throughout the hall. “Good evening first-years,” she announced. “It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the Britannian Royal Magical Academy.” She continued, “My name is Master Morgan, of House le Faye, and it is my privilege to serve as your head instructor during your time here. My colleagues and I will be with you during your entire time here. From this moment on, you shall refer to anyone with a red cloak as ‘Master’. Now then, I’ll introduce the rest of your teachers.”

Morgan went down the line, introducing each of the masters to the gathered first years. The middle-aged man with blue hair was known as Master Orion. The cold looking man with black hair was Master Glave. Master Vivienne of House Gracelynn was the name of the elegant woman with silver hair. And the mystic knight with pink hair was named Master Kay. She also introduced Master Morded, his pale chilling blue eyes and pale skin contrasting his long black hair, giving him an unsettling appearance, though Cooper assumed he must’ve been kind of enough, given his marriage to Morgan.

Morgan's speech continued, inspiring the students with visions of their future as protectors and scholars. "Students, you should cherish your time here," she advised. "The lessons that you learn within these walls will shape you and the world beyond." Morgan concluded the ceremony with one final statement. “I invite all of you to stay and mingle with your fellow students. Myself and the other masters will be here as well if you’d like to come and introduce yourselves. Of course, you don’t have to, but regardless, your instruction begins tomorrow morning! Once you return to your rooms tonight, you should find a schedule has been placed under each of your doors.” With that, Morgan stepped away from the podium and ended her spell, signaling an end to the ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, Arthur approached, drawing the gaze of other students. He introduced himself to Guinevere, ignoring Cooper and Leo. “My lady, my name is Arthur, the prince of this kingdom. I couldn’t help but notice you looking at me earlier.” He said, his natural charm and charisma oozing forth. “I would be honored if you would tell me your name.”

Guinevere bashfully buried her face in her fands. “I-I, um…m-my name is Guinevere!”

“A commoner!” The girl with shorter red-hair scoffed. The contempt evident in her gaze as she stared right through Guinevere. “You shouldn’t waste your time with the commoners, especially with commoner girls.”

Guinevere took a short step back, seeming to feel the girl’s disdain piecing through here.

“Now Athena,” Arthur responded to the girl. “You aught to watch what you say here, after all, the Academy’s rules prevent us nobles from discriminating against the commoners.” A dishonest spile formed on the prince’s face, and his tone was tinged in sarcasm, causing Cooper to questions his sincerity…

“Anyhow,” Arthur said, turning back to Guinevere. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other around.” The girl Athena’s face grew more unfriendly as she stared at Guinevere again before departing. As they walked away, the girl with longer red hair caught Cooper’s eye. She gave him a faint smile, sending his heart aflutter.

“Um, what the heck was that?!” Leo growled angrily. “Those jerks totally just ignored me and Cooper! Like, what’s their deal!?”

Cooper, snapping back to reality, simply shrugged. It was evident that Athena had little care or respect for commoners like them, and from the way Arthur acted, Cooper couldn’t imagine his opinions were much different. Rather, it seemed what Arthur did have an interest in, was Guinevere…

“H-he introduced himself to me! T-the prince!!” She stuttered, still in awe and what had transpired.

“Eh, guy seems like a tool to me.” Leo said flatly, clearly unimpressed with Arthur. “And that girl was a jerk too. I mean, how are they going to just completely ignore the school’s rules like that?”

Cooper recalled Morgan telling him to let her know if any nobles gave him trouble. But was it really expected that every commoner should run and tattle to the instructors every time a noble made a snide remark or a mean comment to them? For the moment, it seemed largely more trouble than it was worth…

“Anyway, why don’t we go introduce ourselves to the instructors?” Leo suggested. “Oh hey, here comes one now!”

Cooper and Guinevere looked to see Morgan walking over towards them, her long black hair shining in the light of the grand hall. “Cooper,” she began. “I see that you’ve made some friends.” She smiled as Cooper introduced Leo and Guinevere, appearing pleased that he had managed to form some relationships so quickly on his own. But then she became more serious. Her purple eyes sharpening as she looked at him. “Cooper”, she said again. “I’d like to speak with you. In private.”

Her sudden authoritative shift surprised Cooper. “Y-yes of course…Master!” He stuttered, remembering at the last minute her earlier instructions to use the teachers’ proper title. By the time he had asked Leo and Guinevere to excuse him, Morgan was already several steps ahead. He chased after her, wondering what she wished to speak about, and what could have been responsible for her abrupt change in demeanor…