The Imperial Academy..." Anris stopped at the gates. Towering spires, arches carved from enchanted stone, and a faint magical breeze — everything around her breathed power.
"I must admit... it's even more impressive than I expected."
"Of course. The East always had a taste for flashy luxury."
The voice behind her was too familiar — lazy, laced with venom.
Anris turned.
"Lord Kairos Infern. I didn't expect you to show up this quickly. You usually give people a moment — to realize where they've ended up."
He bowed — mockingly.
"Naturally. Everyone's been waiting for your grand arrival. The East is always the center of attention — legends, prophecies, drama..."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Sometimes I wonder what it's like — being born into a house that every generation remembers... You must fe—"
"Spare us. Why waste time on her?"
A clear, cold voice cut in.
Kairos turned sharply.
A girl stood beside them, her long dark hair draped neatly over one shoulder.
Serra Infern, Kairos's younger sister, was also enrolling this year. Her voice carried its usual haughty sharpness.
The Pyrochar Duchy... House Infern's all here this year, Anris scoffed silently, saying nothing and walking past them.
On her way to the women's campus, Anris looked around.
Tall magical trees lined the walkways, glowing with a soft, shimmering light. Somewhere nearby, she heard the gentle murmur of water — a lake whose surface seemed to reflect the sky even on the cloudiest of days. The Academy's gardens felt truly enchanted.
When she stepped into her room, a familiar figure immediately caught her eye.
"Anris, my dear! How are you?"
The voice belonged to a girl whose golden hair almost seemed to glow.
"Faira? You're here too?" Anris lit up at the sight of her.
"Of course. As soon as I heard you were enrolling this year, I asked them to place you in my room," replied Faira Quintess, daughter of Duchess Valariel of the western duchy of Liriandel.
They had known each other since childhood. Their families had been close ever since their parents' youth. The emblem of House Quintess was a blooming lotus.
Faira had inherited her late father's features — golden hair, warm amber eyes, and that rare gentleness that could become iron will when needed.
She had already been studying at the Academy for a year and was considered one of the most talented students in the healing magic division.
"Hurry and get changed! I have to show you everything before the ceremony," she said excitedly.
"Then we're going to the welcome ball."
"Do we have to?" Anris muttered, frowning.
"I really don't feel like it."
"It's your first day — you can't skip all the fun!" Faira laughed.
"Come on, move it!"
— Faira, I'm ready. Let's go, show me everything, — said Anris, adjusting her cloak.
— Gladly, — Faira smiled. — First of all, the academy has four academic campuses: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
Mine is the Earth campus. It's right next to yours — the Air campus. So we'll be close neighbors.
They walked along a pathway paved with stones glowing softly with magic, and Anris listened attentively.
— There are two dormitories — one for girls and one for boys. Everything is strictly separated.
We also have a shared training arena — it's enormous. Once a week, we hold tournaments there, where students fight using their elemental abilities… and their totem beasts. Sometimes it feels more like a spectacle than a lesson.
— Tournaments with totem beasts? — Anris raised an eyebrow. — Sounds dangerous.
— It can be, — Feyra admitted with a smile. — But the instructors always keep things under control. Well… most of the time.
They turned onto a wide open square, where a large building with arched windows gleamed in the sunlight.
— That's the main buffet hall. It's located next to the Water campus but open to everyone.
Technically, each campus has its own dining area, but this one is the best — the food here is amazing, — she added with a wink.
Anris allowed herself a small, relaxed smile.
— And beyond the academy… — Faira turned slightly and pointed toward the horizon, where treetops shimmered with enchantment. — That's the Sylvaran Grove. It's an ancient forest protected by the academy. Some say it's alive. Magical creatures dwell there — even tiny talking animals.
And if you go deeper into the woods, you'll find Lake Miriel.
— A lake?
— Yes. In it live the lake mermaids — small, glowing beings that sing at night. They help students when they feel like it: sometimes with advice, sometimes with a song… and often by playing tricks.
Still, it's a peaceful place. If you ever need to clear your head, the lake is the perfect retreat. It's said to heal troubled thoughts.
Anris nodded slowly. Her heart beat a little calmer now. This world — this new life — was nothing like she had imagined.
The girls walked for a long time, exploring the grounds of the academy, until evening came and it was time for the ceremony.