September 12, 1735

The wagon creaked along the narrow path, pulled by a pair of Terracones whose massive legs dug into the damp earth with each step, leaving deep impressions behind. These beasts resembled enormous pachyderms with rough, earthy-toned skin and short, curved tusks, which they used to clear away underbrush.

The region of Nemur stretched beyond the threshold of a portal that opened only at certain times. This ensured the Bindery Academy remained protected, invisible to prying eyes. Who knew what might happen if it were attacked?

"What kind of animal is that? Did you see its horns? It's like it has leaves growing on its back!"

Inside the vehicle, youthful voices erupted with an enthusiasm that was hard to ignore. Some leaned out of the windows, trying to catch glimpses of the strange creatures slipping between the roots. Whenever they spotted an animal or even magical beasts, the wagon filled with excited murmurs and bright eyes. In contrast, Lucy sat curled up in a corner, her legs drawn in and her head bowed over a red leather-bound book.

Twelve hours earlier, they had departed from Varik, leaving its walls behind. Now, only a few kilometers remained before they would reach the Bindery Academy—a place Lucy wasn't particularly excited about. While others fantasized about everything they would do and learn at the academy, she longed for the hallways of her home or the shelves of her personal library. She had only managed to bring four books. It was that or pack fewer clothes, but her mother had been insistent otherwise.

Most of those present shared common dreams, such as becoming renowned binders or joining the royal guard. Lucy, however, clutched a red book tightly to her chest. The soft leather under her fingers provided the comfort she needed. A crimson earring dangled from her right ear, emitting a soft jingle with each jolt of the wagon. That sound was more pleasant to her than the chatter around her.

She cast a sidelong glance at her fellow travelers. Not once during the trip had she spoken a word to them. At school, she hadn't been particularly sociable, and she doubted that would change at her new destination. It wasn't entirely due to her shyness; people often distanced themselves once they noticed her unusual appearance. Her pale blonde hair framed mismatched eyes—one crimson red and the other green. This peculiarity often drew suspicious gazes her way.

A gentle tug at her skirt distracted her. Looking down, she met the wide, gleaming eyes of a small gray rodent, chubby and round-eared, with an undeniably adorable appearance. This little creature was the reason Lucy had been allowed to attend the Bindery Academy—Pico, her guardian.

Pico had no elemental affinity, which meant he couldn't yet use magic. That didn't bother Lucy. She planned to focus on theoretical classes and avoid combat training as much as possible. Her only reason for attending the academy was to learn more about anima. She felt no particular fascination with fighting and hadn't even wanted to enroll in the first place. The thought of wielding a sword or channeling any type of elemental power unsettled her.

The small rodent began climbing her leg with agility, settling into her lap. Resting his tiny head on her hand, he sought affection, and Lucy obliged, stroking his soft fur and feeling the warmth of the little creature.

"Are you excited too?" she murmured with a faint smile at her rhetorical question. The creature tilted its head as if smiling back. Lucy reopened her book, ready to dive back into her reading. But a sudden shout broke the calm of the cramped space.

"Look!"

One of the boys (Lucy didn't even know his name) was pointing toward the front, his eyes wide with wonder. The silhouettes of other passengers crowded the front window, blocking Lucy's view. For the first time during the journey, she felt a twinge of curiosity. Carefully closing her book, she rose, holding Pico against her chest. Quietly, she approached the group, craning her neck to see, but it was no use.

Frowning, she tried standing on her tiptoes, but her modest height of barely one-sixty (five foot three) kept her from seeing over her companions' heads. They didn't even seem to notice her presence. She considered tapping the shoulder of one of the girls to ask for space, but the thought withered before it could fully form. She didn't want to interrupt, draw attention, or risk awkward glances.

Resigned, she returned to her seat with a sigh so faint it barely rustled the blonde fringe on her forehead. Pico watched her with his shiny, compassionate eyes, his tiny nose twitching. Lucy forced a fractured smile, adjusting the earring on her ear.

"I guess we'll have to imagine it," she said.

The rodent tilted his head in understanding. At that moment, Pico was the only companion she needed to feel at ease. There was a theory that it was impossible to dislike or hate one's guardian. Supposedly, it was because the souls of both were connected, and the perfect guardian was always chosen for the person.

She returned to her book, though the words on the page blurred as the descriptions from the others reached her ears. Their excited voices painted a majestic image, but she wouldn't truly know what it looked like until they arrived.

Finally, the wagon emerged from the forest, and a bright light flooded the interior, momentarily blinding Lucy. She raised a hand to her eyes, blinking against the mild sting in her retinas—a result of her habit of reading by dim lamplight. Some days, she wouldn't even leave the house. Once her pupils adjusted, she leaned toward the nearest small window, cautiously stretching her neck.

What she saw stole her breath. Rolling green hills dotted with wildflowers stretched endlessly before her. In the distance, the Bindery Academy rose like a palace from a dream. Its white stone walls gleamed in the golden sunlight. Tall towers pointed toward the sky, their elegant domes below adorned with vibrant banners bearing an emblem unfamiliar to Lucy.

A shiver ran down her spine. She wasn't entirely sure if it was excitement or a deeper unease. She held Pico closer to her chest, and the rodent nestled into the warmth of her lap. The wagon continued steadily, leaving tracks in the grass.

The coachman's rough, satisfied voice announced their imminent arrival. Lucy observed her companions' faces—some with mouths agape in fascination, others exchanging hurried smiles and remarks. She remained in her corner, taking in the scene like someone savoring a fruit they'd never tasted before. She adjusted the red earring on her ear, letting its soft jingle accompany the final meters of the journey.

The wagon began descending a path winding through the fields, drawing closer to the main entrance. In the distance, Lucy could see some of the students preparing themselves, adjusting their clothes or gathering their belongings. Beside them were guardians of all kinds, creatures that fascinated Lucy.

She carefully stored her book in her bag. Rising to her feet, she smoothed the wrinkles from her black skirt and adjusted her matching black vest. Taking a deep breath, she filled her lungs with the crisp morning air. When the wagon finally came to a stop, she felt a slight sway. One by one, the young passengers began to disembark, forming a steady flow out into the open. Lucy waited patiently for her turn, letting everyone else go first. Naturally, she was the last.

Stepping onto the ground, she felt the earth beneath her shoes. Raising her gaze, she took in the grandeur of the academy before her. Near the entrance, veteran students stood waiting to greet the newcomers. Some of her companions were already striking up conversations with them. Lucy remained off to the side, waiting for more wagons to arrive. Many of the students had already ventured inside, but she had no desire to go in alone.

—Welcome.
A feminine voice emerged from her side. Turning, Lucy saw a young woman with chin-length red hair. A brown-feathered hawk perched firmly on her shoulder. Like many of the students, she wore the academy uniform, though hers was slightly different, featuring white tones instead of darker ones. When their eyes met, Lucy braced herself for the usual look of rejection. To her surprise, however, the young woman smiled.

—My name is Elena Rianor. I'm in my third year, but I've been assigned to welcome the first-years. —She gestured toward the suitcase Lucy had been carrying the entire journey.— You can leave your suitcase here. They'll make sure it gets to your room.

Lucy, disoriented by the warmth in Elena's tone, handed over her suitcase and watched as Elena carried it over to two students chatting beside a large wooden cart loaded with bags and first-years' luggage. As she waited for Elena's return, Lucy noticed the commotion around her: a boy chasing after a guardian with one of his shoes in its mouth, while nearby, a girl laughed with a boy holding a suitcase that seemed ready to fall apart at the seams.

When Elena came back, Lucy found herself at a loss for words. She expected Elena to leave immediately, but the older student tilted her head slightly, noticing that Lucy was still clutching her bag tightly against her side, gripping the strap firmly.

—Would you like us to take your bag too?

Lucy shook her head, though Elena seemed to notice her discomfort. She considered letting it go, but then Pico began to emerge from the zipper, first showing his whiskers, then his ears, and finally his whole head. Elena, upon noticing him, couldn't help but smile warmly.

—Is that your guardian? How adorable!

The serene expression of her upperclassman vanished completely, and Elena's reaction took Lucy by surprise. Normally, people disliked small guardians like hers, preferring more imposing creatures. But of course, there were always those who appreciated them for their cuteness.

—His name is Pico.

Elena crouched slightly, offering her hand to Pico with enthusiasm. Curious, the rodent poked his head out further, sniffing her palm before brushing his nose against it.

—He's so cute… —Elena murmured, gently stroking Pico's tiny head.— You're lucky. I, on the other hand, have to settle for this hawk, which is not cute at all.

At that moment, the hawk let out an offended screech, lifting its head indignantly and pecking lightly at her arm, forcing her to shield herself with her forearm.

—Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I was joking. —The bird turned away, clearly offended, while Elena let out a long sigh.— This is Falcon, my guardian, and as you can see, he's quite sensitive.

Lucy observed Falcon. She noticed the tension in his feathers, the piercing gaze, and the way the guardian stood tall, as though vigilantly surveying the surroundings.

—I'm sure he cares about you a lot.

—Of course he does. Falcon and I are inseparable. —She stroked the hawk's head affectionately.— By the way, you haven't told me your name yet.

—Lucy… Lucy Bright.

—Nice to meet you, Lucy. Would you like to see the academy? Many of your peers are already wandering around, and it's easy to get lost during your first days.

—If it's not a bother…

—Of course not.

Elena signaled to Falcon, and the hawk spread its wings, lifting off her shoulder. Lucy had heard that binders often let their guardians roam freely so they could strengthen themselves by defeating magical creatures or absorbing ambient mana. Sometimes they even returned with new abilities.

—Isn't it dangerous to let your guardian roam around like that?

—Don't worry. The bond with a guardian allows you to know where they are at all times.

Lucy glanced at Pico, and the little rodent looked back at her. She still couldn't do that. She supposed it would come with more training.

The enormous doors loomed ahead of them. Crossing through, they arrived at a garden teeming with students. Some practiced hand gestures, performing small spells. Others laughed, seated on stone benches, chatting animatedly. In the distance, a library with wide windows caught Lucy's attention. Inside, she could make out rows of endless bookshelves, likely filled with volumes she had never read.

—Do you like books? —Elena asked, noticing Lucy's gaze toward the grand central library. The younger girl hesitated before nodding shyly.— Then you're in luck. The library here is one of the most comprehensive in the kingdom.

Lucy glanced down at the book resting inside her bag, where Pico was comfortably nestled. The little rodent smiled, as if thinking the look was directed at him.

—Do they have works by Rolland Windwalker?

The mention of the author made Elena tap her chin, furrowing her brow slightly. She seemed to be mentally scanning imaginary shelves.

—I've never read anything by the director, but it'd be strange if they weren't here. That is, unless they've all been checked out. I imagine if you talk to one of the professors, they might let you look at them in the library. As long as you meet the requirements, of course.

—Requirements?

—While anyone can enter the library, not all the books are accessible at first. Some books or even entire sections are restricted to upper-year students or those who meet certain achievements. The academy aims to protect students from what they can't yet comprehend. Some writings even contain forbidden magic.

Lucy frowned slightly, her mind conjuring images of black magic, the type of power even expert binders avoided because it corrupted minds and consumed vital essence. What kind of academy would keep such dark books?

—Why keep something so dangerous?

—Probably to study it, understand its secrets, and, hopefully, find a way to neutralize it. —Elena shrugged.— Though, honestly, I doubt anyone's crazy enough to study it. The academy seeks to understand all aspects of magic, even the darker ones. Or maybe they trust that no one's foolish enough to delve into such readings unprepared.

Lucy nodded silently. There was truth in those words. Perhaps the academy placed its trust in the wisdom of its students.

They reached a large courtyard where other first-year students were gathering. The main building, a gleaming white structure, rose high into the blue sky.

—This is where they'll come to fetch you for the official welcome ceremony. Afterward, you'll get your schedules and can settle into your rooms.

Lucy noticed a boy wearing the same uniform as Elena gesturing toward her. Elena immediately glanced back at Lucy.

—It looks like I have to go. Once the ceremony is over, wait for me here. We can go have lunch together if you'd like.

Lucy nodded, though not entirely convinced. However, that seemed to be enough for Elena. She waved lightly and disappeared among the voices and growing bustle of the crowd.