Benjamin, Isabelle, Sebastian, Bridget, and Midoricha walked down the hallway, looking for their schedule bulletin. The walls were crimson red, plastered with pictures of many ‘winners’ from previous courses with silver frames. The floor was shiny and black, but comfortable for walking along the surface, no problem.

At the end of the halls was a giant billboard with pieces of paper plastered all over it—each one with many tasks and classes written ‌on it.

“So, this must be where we pick which class to attend, right?” Benjamin guessed, crossing his arms.

“Seems like it,” Bridget replied cautiously. “But it wouldn’t hurt to clarify just to be on the safe side.”

Sebastian tapped his foot and glanced down each of the hallways. “Are we supposed to just explore on our own, or is someone going to give us a tour?”

“Hey, I love the idea of exploring.” Benjamin piped up, rolling up his sleeves. “There are so many new areas to check out! Isn’t that right, Harry and Chi-Chi?” He looked up at his hat, waiting for a response. When he didn’t get a reply, his smile faded. “Huh?”

“Do you think maybe they’re sleeping?” Isabelle guessed. “They have been tired lately.”

“Yeah, you might be right,” Benjamin confirmed. “I didn’t see them leave my hat at all last night.”

“It’d be a good idea to let them—”

One door from the hall opened wide, as an older lady slid across the floor until she stopped in front of the students. She gave them a big smile and took a bow.

“Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Demi Academy, Rixonia. My name is Zelda. I’m the principal in charge of this place.”

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Oh my gosh, she really did use my suggestion! Isabelle thought, wanting to jump up and down with excitement. Wait, her real name isn’t Gigi? Is it Zelda, then? She tilted her head and pondered about it.

Zelda pointed at the billboard. “If you could turn your attention towards this billboard—”

“We already got the gist of what that does.” Benjamin interrupted.

Sebastian’s mouth gaped as he smacked the back of the magician’s head. “Watch your tongue and don’t interrupt!”

“Oh no, it’s alright.” Zelda waved it off. “You guys are smart enough to figure things out, even if it’s as simple as the billboard.” She grew serious momentarily as her eyes narrowed at the students, especially Benjamin. “However, it’s apparent that you only pick a few you know you could accomplish. You shouldn’t overwhelm and exhaust yourself by taking all those classes simultaneously.”

The students gulped and nodded. Benjamin lowered his head and tipped his hat, promising not to talk back to the authorities again. He didn’t want to upset her like last time.

“Now, does anyone have questions before we start the tour?” Zelda asked, in a calmer, friendlier tone.

Bridget raised her hand. “So, how long did it take you to build all of this? Did you do it all by yourself?”

“Well, not necessarily. I had the help of other loyal workers here.” She turned and walked forward. The others followed her down the halls.

Soon, they headed upstairs to where a few classes were being held. Zelda ushered them to be quiet while tiptoeing through the corridors before she continued her speech.

“Some classes you can take upstairs, and others take place outside. Regardless of what path you take, it’s a great way to study, learn, and practice all sorts of magic.”

As the group continued the tour, Isabelle stopped walking, noticing a faint glow from the corner of her eyes. She turned her attention toward one door and stepped closer. Isabelle peeked through the window and squinted her eyes, only finding it to be a regular classroom, like the ones she’d seen back on her planet.

Curiosity got the better of her. She placed her hand on the doorknob and turned it before stepping inside.