"Will you two behave for Grandpa?" Alex asks, making sure they still listen to their big brother.

"We will, brother," Nate replies, reassuring him they'll pay attention.

"That's my little brother," Alex says, affectionately ruffling Nate's hair.

"We'll miss you," Kevin says, hugging his older brother.

"I know," Alex says, giving Kevin a reassuring pat on the back.

Once Alex says his goodbyes, their grandma recasts her spell to open a portal back to Etheria. Alex is still amazed to see the portal as they pass through it.

As Alex and his grandma passed through her portal and found themselves back in Etheria, Alex looked around and saw a cliff with a town nestled along its side.

"Ah, Grandma, where are we?" Alex asks, gazing at the town perched on the cliff's edge.

"Welcome to Crystalcliff," Miranda replies with a smile.

As the name suggests, Crystalcliff is covered with magical crystals. Along the cliffside is a small town with quaint shops scattered throughout. The town's population mainly consists of shopkeepers and miners.

"Wow, what a town! I can't believe they live right on the edge of the cliffs," Alex exclaims with excitement upon seeing another new town.

As they walk down a road toward the town, Alex's grandma shares some information about it.

"Crystalcliff boasts the largest mine for harvesting magic crystals and is a stunning tourist destination. People say it's also a fantastic place for finding true love," Miranda explains with a smile.

"True love, seriously," Alex mutters while glancing sidelong. 

Alex recognizes that while "true love" exists in fairytales, it doesn't manifest in reality. Nonetheless, he feels he is in a dreamlike state, where it could be possible. Alex prefers not to dwell on this; he believes it's too soon to concern himself with it.

As Alex follows his grandmother through the town of Crystalcliff, he notices a fortress-like structure at ground level on an island. This building is encircled by a lake, with a stone bridge crossing the water to link it to the mainland.

"Alex, see that magnificent fortress across the bridge? That's Strasmiara, the Academy of Magic and Spells!" Miranda exclaims, her finger excitedly pointing at the stunning building.

"That's Strasmiara!" Alex shouts excitedly.

Strasmiara is a sight to behold; it's about nine stories high and seemingly made of tan stone and marble. Strange statues adorn the front door and line the edges of the walls, adding to its grandeur.

The school's walls are adorned with roses, ivies, and exotic plants. Its roofs are a rich rust hue, supported by arches and embellished with tall circular towers.

An impressive greenhouse and a spacious stable for magical creatures sit to the right of the main building. On either side of Strasmiara are two miniature versions of the main structure, one with pink roofing and the other with blue roofing.

As they leave the town, Alex observes other young adults, some accompanied by their parents, others alone, making their way to Strasmiara. They are likely fellow students.

While Alex watched the line of people crossing the bridge, an hour passed, he spotted unusual crystals emerging from the lake, perched atop a black, lava-like rock. The crystals' bases emitted a red glow and featured an odd symbol.

"Gran, what are those strange crystals that look like they are forming a circle around Strasmiara?" Alex asks, noticing the crystals forming the circle.

"Those are the school's security measures because there is a forest across the lake, and monsters might attack this place," Miranda answers.

After crossing the bridge, Alex and his grandmother notice two small apartment buildings constructed from the same material as the main one. They observe a banner overhead that reads 'Registration.' Suddenly, a woman behind the registration table waves towards Alex's grandmother.

"Mrs. Griffin, it's great to have you back," the woman says enthusiastically.

"Thank you so much, Miss Raven! I'm excited to introduce my dear grandson, Alex Griffin, who has just joined us as a new student," Miranda says, gently resting her hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Yes, here he is in the Draco Suite," Miss Raven says while checking the roster.

"Have a wonderful semester," Miss Raven adds.

Miss Raven gives Alex his class schedule and room key. Alex's grandma guides him to the dorms, pointing out features of the buildings along the way.

"The banquet hall, offices, and library are in the main building, along with your classrooms, and there will be an opening ceremony tonight," Miranda explains as she gives the tour. "And this building with the pink roof is the girls' dorm."

"Gran, why did Miss Raven welcome you back?" Alex asks.

"Oh, that's simply because I'm the school counselor," Miranda replies, straightforwardly.

Alex's eyes widened in shock when he heard that his grandmother was there. "YOU'RE THE SCHOOL'S COUNSELOR!"

"*giggle* Yes, I've been a counselor for seventeen years, and I enjoy helping students," Miranda says with a smile.

Alex kept following his grandma as she concluded the school tour. They paused at the front door of the building with the blue roof.

"And this is the boys' dorm; your room is on the ninth floor, on the left side," Miranda says.

"See you later, dear," Miranda says as she leaves for the main building.

"See you later, Gran," Alex says, waving goodbye.

Alex walks into the boys' dorm. After climbing the stairs to the ninth floor, he finds the door to his room. Using his key to unlock it, Alex steps inside. To his surprise, the entire room is decorated with a dragon theme. Alex looks around and sees a bed, a desk, chairs, bookshelves, a bathroom, and as a bonus, a balcony! Looking out from his balcony, Alex can see Crystalcliff, which glows beautifully as the sun sets on the horizon.

"I guess it's time to go to the main building," Alex remarks as he steps out of his room.

Upon entering the main building, Alex and the other young male students from the boys' dorm survey their surroundings. The banquet hall resembles something straight out of a fantasy novel. Noticing the female students entering through another doorway, Alex assumes that all of them are "first years." He observes other students seated around him, closely watching their every move.

As the room grew silent, Alex focused on the front of the banquet hall, where all the professors sat. They appeared to be adults, and seeing several elves excited him. An elderly man with shiny white hair and a beard approached the podium in the center, which resembled a book stand. His robes radiated the aura of a master wizard or someone of similar stature.

"Welcome, young wizards and sorceresses, to a marvelous new year at Strasmiara," the old man announces excitedly.

"I am Headmaster Brightbeard," Brightbeard adds.

"I trust everyone has spent incredible years refining their magical skills at various schools and with personal tutors. It's time to showcase your abilities for the world of Etheria," Brightbeard begins this announcement.

All the students cheer and applaud excitedly; Alex, however, is more nervous since he didn't learn about magic until three weeks ago.

"Before we begin your new adventure, I have some ground rules we need to discuss," Brightbeard states.

Observing Brightbeard's grave demeanor, Alex understands the significance of establishing ground rules for safety. Given that this is an unfamiliar world, Alex must deepen his understanding.

"First, new wizards and sorceresses must never use magic for evil deeds. Secondly, learning ancient magic is forbidden because of how powerful it is for young ones like yourselves. Third and finally, the Ashwood Forest across the lake is off-limits, as monsters live there, and they will kill you if you go near it," Brightbeard warns the first years.

"Now then, let's begin by collecting your magic wands," Brightbeard concludes.

Alex suddenly notices Brightbeard wielding a staff. After tapping the ground, a chest materializes out of thin air. His eyes shine with excitement as he witnesses the magic unfold. Then, another professor approaches, extending her wand. With a flick, a list emerges.

"When I call your name, step forward and take your wand from this chest," the professor explains.

The professor glances at the list, then looks at all the first-years and calls, "Caellylia Talonflame!"

"Who's that?" Alex wonders to himself.

Suddenly walking forward, Alex sees a young maiden about his age with bright red hair heading toward the chest. Since he can only see her backside, he doesn't see much until she bends over and reaches into the chest. Fire suddenly bursts from within the chest, and in a panic, Alex tries to rush over to save her.

"Why isn't anyone assisting her?" Alex pondered internally, seeking a solution.

Alex unexpectedly saw her unharmed, clad in a stunning new outfit when the fire subsided. As Caellylia twirled, her flowing red skirt displayed a dynamic fire pattern, complementing her fiery orange bikini top against her golden tan. She also sported vibrant orange gloves that extended to her biceps and flared out like feathers. To complete her look, she wore a striking pair of red heels.

In amazement, Alex observes the professor calling out other students, noticing how their new outfits emerge once they receive their wands. To Alex's sudden surprise, about ten minutes pass.

"Alexander Griffin!" the professor calls as she checks the list.

"Huh?" Alex exclaimed in shock.

Feeling anxious, Alex approaches the professor with heavy footsteps. Glancing at the other faculty members, he spots his grandmother seated among them, smiling and nodding encouragingly. Although her lips move, no words come out. "You can do this," he imagines her saying.

As Alex reached for his wand, curious about its appearance, he accidentally touched something in his grasp. Suddenly, flames erupted from the chest, shining brightly like starlight, accompanied by the roar of a dragon form in the fire.

The fire quickly transforms into a tornado, rising from the ground to reveal Alex in a striking new outfit. He wears open-toe sandals and white pants embellished with golden dragon scales along the sides, complemented by a golden belt featuring a pearl buckle. Dragon scale gauntlets cover his arms, and Alex is topless except for a one-strapped harness that supports a dragon-inspired shoulder guard on his left side. A gem earring in his left ear completes the look.

"What the...?" Alex gasps.

Alex is surprised by his new look, especially his dragon-inspired wand. As Alex turns around and walks away, he sees some classmates in shock, whispering to each other, while he hears the professor call the next student.

"Xenos Deathwhisper."

After all the first-year students have gathered their wands, a buffet-style meal is set up on one of the walls. While students help themselves to dinner, Alex notices everyone engaging just like at any other school, including Caellylia passing by him.

Alex found an empty seat and said, "Okay, some things never change."

"Don't take it too hard; it's just in their nature."

"What the... is that a British accent?" Alex mutters.

Suddenly, Alex spots a beautiful young lady, her skin like porcelain, hair as black as night, and eyes like the sky. She's wearing a dress inspired by the Industrial Revolution era—in other words, steampunk attire.

"Yes, I'm from the United Kingdom but also live here in Etheria. My name is Kimberly Rosalie Diglound," Kimberly says as she introduces herself.

"I'm Alexander Hope Griffin, but you can call me Alex for short," Alex introduces himself.

As Kimberly sits at the same table as Alex, they instantly click. Alex realizes he has made his first friend when he suddenly feels someone else's gaze. Wondering who it is, Alex glances around and sees a young man with hair as white as snow and red eyes like rubies. His outfit is a black, Japanese-inspired ensemble with scales like a snake. He has an open sleeve on his right side, showcasing his muscles, and a tattoo of a magic circle.

Beside him sits another young man dressed in dark red leather, featuring pants, boots, a harness but lacking a shirt and a collar around his neck.

"Who are they?" Alex asks.

"They are second-year students. The one with white hair is named Marcus Whitescale, and the other is Ubus Firejaws," Kimberly answers, glancing at them.

"Do you know them?" Alex asks.

"No, but last year, I read school articles, and some were famous in the Trial of Champions event," Kimberly answers.

Alex feels somewhat anxious as he watches them discuss various topics, primarily because he is a new student and unfamiliar with many things.

Suddenly, Alex observes a white snake gliding across the table. This snake appears to be a hybrid between a cobra and a python. Its head is adorned with red feathers, and protruding spikes along its back and tail complement its striking red eyes.

"Uh," Alex breathes sharply.

"Relax, it's a familiar," Kimberly replies.

"A familiar?" Alex asks.

"Familiar is a spirit creature you summon and becomes your life partner, who fights alongside you," Marcus answers, standing right behind Alex.

Alex watches the snake slither up Marcus's arm and wrap around his neck like a scarf.

"And his name is Shadow," Marcus adds with a devilish smile.

"H-Hello," Alex says, blushing.

"Hello, newbie," Marcus smiles.

"Here's some friendly advice: stay close to the other first years, or the upperclassmen will see you as fresh meat," Marcus adds, teasing them as he walks off.

Alex sees all the students returning to their dorms as classes start tomorrow. He feels nervous that it's happening so fast, but hearing Marcus's advice still helps.

"That was insane," Alex says.

"Yeah, Mr. Whitescale is sort of a bully," a young man replies.

Alex and Kimberly see a young man with off-blonde hair and blue eyes. He is wearing electric-themed attire, including an open vest without a shirt.

"Well, that makes sense since he uses Nighe magic," Kimberly adds.

Kimberly left the table and joined the other girls heading to their dorms. She waved goodbye as Alex and the boy also followed the other guys back to their dorms.

"Oh, I'm Alexander Griffin, but you can call me Alex," Alex says, introducing himself again as he reaches out his hand.

"I'm Rex Lightningstorm, but you can call me Rex," he says, shaking Alex's hand.

When they returned to the boys' dorm, Alex and Rex said goodnight and went to their rooms. After Alex washed up and put on his pajama pants, he lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't believe he had met two incredible people. 

"I hope I can see them again tomorrow," Alex smiles as he falls asleep.