The illusionary field stretched out before Cooper, a testament to the power of magic and the mind. He and Morgan le Faye had been traveling for serveral days, but within the confines of the spell, within this pocket-sized world Morgan had created, they had been able to dedicate the majority of that time to practice and learning.

Morgan observed Cooper with a discerning eye as he channeled his magic, the raw energy flowing through him with a natural grace that contradicted his status as a mere beginner. The water rippled and danced at his command, the wind whirled in harmony with his gestures, and the sparks of lightning crackled from his fingertips, each element responding to his will as if he was born to wield them.

"Your affinity for these elements is remarkable," Morgan stated, her voice carrying the weight of authority. "The ocean's influence is evident in your magic. The coastal storms, the relentless wind, the flow of the tides—they have all left their mark upon you."

Cooper paused in his practice, turning to face her. "So, you’re saying my environment has shaped my magical abilities?" he asked, seeking to understand the depth of her statement.

"Indeed," Morgan affirmed, her tone resolute. "The forces of nature that have surrounded you since birth have attuned your essence to their likeness. It is not merely a matter of comfort or familiarity; it is a resonance between your very being and the mystic powers that flow throughout this world."

She thought for a moment before continuing. "And while the earth's steadfast nature may also resonate within you, given your years of working the fields, the true breadth of your magical affinities will reveal itself in time. Patience and exploration are key."

Cooper accepted her wisdom, understanding that there was an importance in developing a proficiency in all forms of magic. Morgan then sat up, her expression more serious and inquisitive than it had been. “I realize I may have gotten ahead of myself.” She stated. “I never asked about your intended path. Do you intend to train as s Sorcerer or a Mystic Knight?”

Cooper answered, declaring his intention to become a Sorcerer. "Close quarters combat doesn't really appeal to me," he admitted. "And if I have the magical potential to be a Sorcerer, well, then I suppose I should embrace it."

Morgan nodded; her approval evident. "A wise choice, Cooper. But regardless of the path you chose, my plan was always to mentor you. Your potential is a rare gift, one that I intend to nurture."

Cooper then ventured a question of his own. “Miss Morgan, I’ve been wondering, are the Sorcerers and Mystic Knights trained separately? Or will we be together for our classes.

Morgan's response was clear and informative. "While the paths of Sorcerer's Apprentices and Mystic Knight's Initiates diverge in focus, there is a synergy between them. The Knights learn from the Sorcerers how to hone their defensive and support magic, while the Apprentices are trained by the Knights in basic martial skills for self-defense. You'll interact with Mystic Knight Initiates often," she said, "and I think you’ll find that friendly rivalries are common."

As their conversation drew to a close, Morgan prepared Cooper for one final lesson within the illusion. "Let us focus on your basic offensive spells," she instructed, guiding him through the intricate weavings of aggressive magics…

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

As the lesson drew on, Morgan observed Cooper’s budding proficiency. He seemed a natural offensive caster. Morgan placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a nod of approval. “I believe that will be fine for now, Cooper. We should be nearing Britannia soon. We’ll continue this another time.” Morgan then closed her eyes and channeled her own magical power. Her body began to glow before radiating the light outwards…

The spell had faded, and the illusion of the field vanished, replaced by the reality of the carriage's interior. But for Cooper, the true enchantment was just beginning. As the carriage rolled closer to Britannia, the anticipation within him grew, a seed watered by the promise of a new world, one that he had never dared to dream of.

The city of Britannia rose before him like a titan of stone and civilization, its walls a monolith to human ingenuity and magical prowess. They stood like sentries, dozens of feet high, encircling this heart of the Kingdom of Avalonia. Cooper's eyes traced their ascent to the sky, his mind struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude.

Morgan watched him with an amused glint in her eye. "Impressive, isn't it?" she asked, though it was more a statement than a question.

Cooper could only nod, his voice lost to the grandeur of the sight. The city gates loomed ahead, ancient and welcoming, opening to reveal the lifeblood of the kingdom. As they passed through, Cooper was thrust into a world alive with a vibrancy that Bellmonty could never have hoped to match.

The streets of Britannia were arteries filled with the pulse of the people. Market stalls spilled over with goods from across the lands, their colors a dazzling array. Carts and carriages navigated the thoroughfares with a chaotic grace, their drivers expertly weaving through the crowds. People—more than Cooper had ever seen in one place—flowed between the stone structures that lined the roads, each and every one of them carried a story untold.

Cooper's head swiveled, trying to take in every detail, every nuance of the city life that thrummed around him. The air was thick with the scents of spices and fresh bread, the sounds of haggling and laughter, the sight of children darting between the legs of the adults. It was overwhelming, exhilarating, and utterly foreign.

"If you think this is something," Morgan said, her voice a gentle nudge to his wonder, "just wait until you see the Academy."

The carriage continued its journey, delving deeper into the soul of Britannia. With each turn, the buildings grew taller, the streets wider, and the sense of magic stronger. And then, as they rounded the final corner, the Academy came into view.

It was a fortress of knowledge, its walls dwarfing even those of the city. They were a testament to the power held within, a power that Cooper was about to become a part of. The spires and towers that rose behind the walls reached for the heavens, their tips lost to the clouds. Each one was a finger pointing to the limitless potential of magic, of what could be achieved by those who dared to learn its secrets.

The Academy was more than a collection of buildings; it was a complex, a city within a city, with its own rhythm and life. The stone spires were not just architectural feats but symbols of the various schools of magic taught within their halls. They stood as pillars of the elements—water, wind, earth, fire, and all of the mystical forces beyond.

Cooper's breath caught in his throat as the carriage passed through the gates of the Academy. The inner courtyard was a spectacle of greenery and flowing water, the pathways lined with statues of famous Sorcerers and Mystic Knights from ages past. Students roamed the grounds, their robes a cascade of colors, each hue representing a different year of study.

Morgan's chuckle brought Cooper back to the moment. "Welcome to the Royal Magical Academy," she said, her voice echoing the awe that filled him. "Your journey begins here."

As the carriage came to a stop, Cooper stepped out into a new chapter of his life. The Academy stretched out before him, a realm of possibility and promise. It was a far cry from the simplicity of Bellmonty, an antithesis to the life he had once known. But as he looked up at the towering spires, he felt a stirring within—a call to embrace the unknown and to become a part of the magic that was now his to command…