The road to Alofis was lined with towering trees and the occasional rustle of wild animals. The cavalry rode steadily, returning from their mission—this time with new faces among them.
James, Silvia, and Kayle rode on horseback, their eyes full of wonder and anticipation.
Aeon, riding silently, was deep in thought.
"Vanessa Academy—one of the four most prestigious academies in Atheliya. It's the primary destination for those who wish to learn swordsmanship and magic. But there are others..."
His mind drifted through his knowledge of the empire's institutions.
"Todoka Academy—focused purely on combat. Its students are trained in weapons like swords, spears, bows, and more. Then there's Smera Girls' Academy—an exclusive academy for girls, specializing in magic and alchemy. Lastly, the Magic Tower. They only accept students with exceptional mana capacity, regardless of noble or common birth. The tower is the heart of all magical research—engineering, rune language, formations... everything. And now, we're headed toward Alofis—home of Vanessa Academy."
While he pondered, James broke the silence.
"Hey, Silvia, did the commander test you the same way he did with Kayle and me?" he asked.
"No," Silvia replied.
"Huh? Why not?"
"Well... when the knights rescued us from those heretics, I was terrified. They tried to burn us alive. I still remember the flames," she said softly. "But when the knights attacked, I was freed. One of the heretics rushed at me, and I panicked. Suddenly, I released fire magic. It burned them—and some of the nearby houses too. The commander saw it all. That's why he didn't test me."
"Oh… so that's what happened," James murmured.
Aeon overheard their conversation and thought to himself,
"Just like the original plot… When Silvia was on the brink of death, her fear awakened her affinity for fire magic. The flames consumed everything. As expected of the Dark Phoenix."
As they continued their journey, the afternoon faded. By evening, the group stopped to rest and set up camp. The tents were pitched, and after a full day's travel, everyone began settling down.
Kayle, unable to sleep, stepped out of the tent. He sat alone on a stone, gazing up at the moon. Its silver glow bathed the forest in silence.
He sensed someone approaching—but didn't react.
Commander Jackson stepped forward. "You're not sleeping?"
"I couldn't fall asleep," Kayle replied.
"Mind if I sit?"
"Please."
The commander took a seat beside him. "So, what are you thinking about while staring at the moon?"
Kayle smiled faintly. "It's beautiful. It hides during the day and shines when the world is dark. I like watching it."
Jackson nodded. "That's a good way to put it."
There was a moment of silence before Jackson asked, "If you don't mind… may I ask something personal?"
"Go ahead."
"Was it really your first time sensing mana? You looked like someone who's used it before."
Aeon thought,
"As expected of a Grandmaster. He noticed... but I've traveled through too many worlds, mastered more mana techniques than he can imagine, and even created my own."
Out loud, Kayle replied, "I've been able to sense mana since childhood, but I never knew how to control or channel it. When you guided us, something clicked. I just focused harder."
"I see..." Jackson's eyes narrowed. "Even so, sensing mana and channeling it on your first try? That's rare."
"Thank you for your kind words, sir."
"No need to thank me," Jackson said. "You have talent—serious talent. If you focus on both your physical strength and magic, you might even become a battle mage. No one has succeeded in that path yet, but... you might be the first."
He stood up and stretched.
"Now go get some rest. We still have twelve days left until we reach Alofis."
Kayle nodded and returned to the tent.
The next day, their journey resumed. Silvia and James were full of excitement, eager to see cities beyond the small village they had known their entire lives. Aeon smiled to himself, quietly enjoying their joy.
Eventually, they arrived.
Alofis—the capital of Atheliya.
James and Silvia were speechless as they gazed at the enormous white gates towering ahead.
"Is that... the imperial palace?" James asked in awe.
"No," Kayle chuckled. "That's just the city gate."
As they passed through, the city came alive around them. Bustling streets, colorful banners, the sound of markets and laughter, people going about their day. Children ran past, playing with sticks and shouting joyfully. Women haggled at stalls. Merchants yelled prices over carts of fruit and cloth.
And then the people saw the knights.
Cheers erupted in the street.
"Woah! The knights have returned!"
"Welcome back, brave warriors!"
"There's Sir Jackson!"
"Sir Jackson, our hero!"
The people crowded around, offering flowers, praise, and heartfelt thanks.
Silvia and James looked around, stunned by the admiration.
"Is this... what it means to be a knight?" James whispered.
Kayle rode ahead quietly, eyes fixed on the path. His thoughts turned toward the city—and what awaited them in Vanessa Academy.
"My journey in this world... truly begins now."
James, Silvia, and Kayle finally arrived in Alofis, the capital of Atheliya. Commander Jackson, before heading to the imperial palace to report their return, arranged accommodation for the three of them in his personal estate's guesthouse.
James and Silvia were stunned when they saw the grand residence—its scale rivaled that of a noble's mansion.
A knight escorted them to the estate, where a maid awaited their arrival.
"These are Sir Jackson's guests. He instructed that they be taken care of here," the knight said.
"Understood, Sir Knight," the maid replied with a polite bow.
The maid led them through the expansive estate. James and Silvia followed, their eyes wide with amazement. There was a lush garden blooming with exotic flowers, a marble fountain in the center, and numerous servants bustling quietly around the grounds.
Eventually, they reached the guesthouse.
"Sir, ma'am," the maid said with a soft smile, "this is where you'll be staying."
James and Silvia's jaws nearly dropped as they stepped inside. The guesthouse was as large as a small manor, with polished wooden floors, gleaming chandeliers, and luxurious furniture. Silken curtains hung from high ceilings, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.
"I can't believe it... I've never seen a house this grand. Are we really staying here?" James asked in awe.
"It feels like a dream. I even pinched myself just to be sure—but it's real," Silvia added, still dazed.
They both looked at Kayle, who had been silently observing the place.
"Yes... it really is beautiful," Kayle said softly.
Of course, Aeon wasn't surprised. He had seen far more extravagant palaces and manors across the worlds he had visited.
"Still, it's comforting to see their joy," he thought.
"Even if it's just temporary until we enter the academy," Silvia said, "the thought of staying here... it gives me goosebumps."
"Hey, look!" James pointed. "They even prepared food for us. Let's dig in!"
"No way," Silvia stopped him. "Not like this. We're sweaty and covered in dust from the road. We should wash up first."
Grumbling, James agreed, and the three of them went to freshen up and rest.
That night, Aeon sat alone by the window of his room, gazing at the moon. Watching the moon had become a habit—one that followed him even from the orphanage.
Back then, in the quiet of the night, he would sit in the library window and stare at the glowing sphere. Now, even in this unfamiliar world, it brought him peace.
"I don't know how it started... but somehow, watching the moon calms me. It frees my mind from worries."
His silver eyes reflected the pale light as thoughts stirred within him.
"Why me?"
"Why am I able to move between worlds?"
"Who gave me this power… and for what purpose?"
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Whoever it is… one day, I want to meet them. I want answers."
The moon shone on, silent and distant—its light a reminder that some mysteries take time to unfold.
The next morning, James, Silvia, and Kayle were seated at the breakfast table. James, as usual, was devouring his meal like he hadn't eaten in days, both hands stuffed with meat and mouth full.
"Stop embarrassing me and eat properly," Silvia scolded, frowning.
"What's embarrassing about enjoying good food?" James mumbled, still chewing. "It's delicious!"
"Look at Kayle—he's eating quietly and with manners. Why can't you be like him?"
"Yeah, yeah," James muttered with a smirk, "you'll always take your sweetheart's side."
The moment the words left his mouth, Silvia punched him in the stomach.
"Guh—!" James doubled over, his face turning pale. "I-I can't feel my ribs…"
A maid stepped in just then, bowing slightly.
"Sir," she addressed Kayle, "after breakfast, the master would like to speak with you."
Kayle nodded calmly. "Understood."
After finishing their meal, the three of them made their way to meet Sir Jackson, who was waiting for them in his study.
"Ah, young ones," Jackson greeted warmly. "I trust the breakfast was to your liking?"
"Yes, sir," Silvia replied, smiling politely. "Thank you for letting us stay in your home."
"Oh, no need for thanks," Jackson chuckled. "You're guests here, and I'm simply doing what's right."
His expression turned a bit more serious.
"Now, the reason I called you here is to inform you that the new enrollment period at Vanessa Academy begins in a month. I will write each of you a letter of recommendation."
Their eyes widened slightly.
"You'll need to present that letter to the academy's reception and take a simple entrance test," Jackson continued. "While I've already assessed your abilities, and my recommendation speaks for itself, the test is a formality. It helps them assign you to the appropriate class level."
The three nodded in understanding.
"I'll also cover your first-year tuition," Jackson added, his voice firm. "But from the second year onward, you'll be expected to earn scholarships on your own. Is that clear?"
"Yes, sir. And thank you for your support," all three said in unison, bowing slightly in gratitude.
From that day forward, they began preparing for the academy's test—training their bodies, refining their mana control, and learning as much theory as they could manage.
A Month Later — June 24, 1621 of the Creation Calendar
Vanessa Academy, Alofis
The gates of Vanessa Academy loomed high and wide, crafted from white stone and gilded iron, shimmering under the morning sun. A large crowd of new students stood before them, each carrying dreams, fears, and ambitions.
Among them stood Kayle, James, and Silvia—ready to begin the next chapter of their journey.