"So, Kimberly, which classes did you have this morning?" Alex asks.

"Let's see, I had Combat Spells this morning and Artifact Knowledge afterward," Kimberly replies.

"Artifact knowledge? Does that mean your family is into archaeology?" Alex asks, amazed that someone is still interested in that profession.

"How clever of you! *giggle* Yes, my family is quite into archaeology. My father is a professor of archaeology in London, and my mother pursues it as a hobby in Lonsteam," Kimberly responds proudly on behalf of her parents.

"I've been meaning to ask, how does that work with your parents?" Alex asks.

"Yes, it's true that my parents are from both Earth and Etheria. My father is indeed knowledgeable about magic and this world. While my mother and father love each other, they have never lived together. I do visit my father during the holidays. And yes, their deep love for one another is more than enough for me," Kimberly replies, combining her responses into one and smiling proudly.

Alex is amazed that Kimberly is happy with her family's lifestyle. He wonders if his parents would feel the same way if they were around.

"So Alex, how have your classes been?" Kimberly inquires.

"I'm not a fan of potions, and combat spells were fine, but I haven't learned how to use magic yet. According to my schedule, I still have Enchantment and Knowledge of Magical Creatures left," Alex responds.

"Yeah, potions can be quite scary," Rex comments, expressing his anxiety about the class.

"Potions is all about intuition; you just need to sense it, and it'll reveal itself to you," Marcus states, appearing behind Alex.

"I prefer knowledge of magical creatures myself; it's so much better to know more," a voice says, with a slithering accent, as if a snake were speaking.

Appearing from around Marcus's neck, Shadow's head appears, grinning from ear to ear.

"I sssee you finally notissse me," Shadow hisses.

Alex stepped back, startled to see a snake speaking while everyone else acted as if it were perfectly normal.

"Am I the only one freaked out that his snake just talked?" Alex asks.

"Well, I did tell you that Shadow is my familiar," Marcus answers. "So yes, familiars talk with their masters and others, too."

"I see," Alex sighs as he sits back down.

After Marcus left to have lunch with his friends, Alex began to wonder why he was spending so much time with him or why they were even this close. Suddenly, the bell rang, prompting Alex to see the other students moving toward their remaining classes.

After following Kimberly into the classroom, Alex notices a map of Etheria and starlight decorating the space. Once all the students are seated, a beautiful fairy with wings that glimmer like jewels suddenly flies above them.

"Hellooo, my lovelies," the professor announces cheerfully.

She resembles a stunning elf, but her wings disappear once she touches the ground. Her long, flowing cherry-blonde hair complements a dress as enchanting as any fairy's.

"I'm Professor Rosella, and I'm delighted to be your teacher for Enchantments!" she says with a warm smile, looking around at the class.

"Enchanting is predominantly a trademark of the Fae. Centuries ago, when Fae were often viewed as vile beings, we cursed the kingdom by enchanting a common object, imposing a time limit until the curse is permanently established," Rosella explains about the class.

"It reminds me of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, but they seem to be adding more details," Alex thinks.

"Nowadays, we Fae assist warriors by enchanting their swords or any other weapons and clothing for their perilous quests," Rosella remarks.

Alex was captivated by her description of enchanting weapons and tools for adventures, so he started taking notes for the class.

"Let's begin the class with some fun," Rosella says, smiling.

All eyes are on Professor Rosella as she unveils a rose. With a flourish of her magic and a dust sprinkle, the rose started to glow and levitate a few inches from her hand. Alex watches in amazement, captivated by the rose's breathtaking beauty, even in this enchanted state.

"This is a straightforward enchantment. Turn to page five in your textbooks for a step-by-step guide on performing it," Rosella tells the class.

Once students turn to page five of their textbooks, they follow the instructions to enchant the rose. Alex enjoys this class because he can use his magic, which is different from his grandmother's.

Nearly an hour passed before the bell rang, prompting students to collect their belongings and return to the day's last class. That is, until Professor Rosella spoke up from her desk.

"Make sure to note that homework is due one week from now for your perspective on enchantment," Rosella concludes her lecture.

Alex is captivated as her wings unfold, allowing her to take flight briefly. She is genuinely amazed by the sight of real fairies.

Alex trails the students to the Creature Hall next to the main building. Inside, a forest-like room brimming with nature welcomes Alex, suddenly filled with chirping birds. From the opposite side of the classroom, a satyr-like creature enters; this one is female, indicating that their teacher is a Faun.

"Good afternoon, students! I am Professor Faunae, and it's a pleasure to welcome you to Knowledge of Magical Creatures," Faunae declared, beaming with pride.

As everyone settled into their seats, Marcus and his companion Shadow joined some of the other second years to observe what the first years would learn from her.

"Now then. *eyes locked on Alex* What will you do next?" Marcus says to himself with a smile.

"In Etheria, one can find a variety of creatures if they take the time to observe. Yet, some of these beings are dangerous and categorized as monsters; they will continue to chase their prey until either the victim is killed or they are defeated," Faunae explains to the class.

Some students feel nervous about Professor Faunae's explanation of the class. However, Alex views this as a chance to learn more, especially if he chooses to embark on an adventure in Etheria.

"Alright, class! I can't wait to begin today's lesson on summoning your Familiar," Faunae shares excitedly.

Every first-year student is thrilled to receive their own familiar, but Alex felt a chill as he glanced back and saw Marcus glaring at him, as if throwing daggers into his back.

"So, who can share information about familiars?" Faunae inquires to the class.

Alex felt that same dagger stare again and glanced back to see who was doing it, realizing it was Marcus again. His stare is giving me (I've told you already, so now answer her.) Alex raised his hand.

"Yes, Mr. Griffin?" Faunae asks, noticing the raised hand.

"*gulp* A familiar is a spirit creature that you can summon and essentially becomes your life partner who fights alongside you," Alex responds, repeating what Marcus said yesterday.

"That's right, Mr. Griffin. They also complement your magic or contrast it entirely. Who from the second and third years would like to assist me?" Faunae addresses the class.

In the second and third years, no one appeared willing to volunteer except for Marcus, who raised his hand to end it.

"Mr. Whitescale, please come and join me up front," Faunae says, gesturing toward a spot beside her.

Once Marcus got up from his desk, he grabbed Shadow, and they both moved to the front of the classroom next to Faunae.

"Yes, professor, you are right on both counts," Marcus replies to her question.

"Familiars can sometimes be surprising choices for spirit companions, but this is precisely what creates a unique bond between you and your spirit once summoned," Faunae describes the class.

"Alright, class. Come along. It's time to summon your very own familiar," Faunae says with excitement.

After everyone rose from their desks, they trailed behind Professor Faunae to the rear of the classroom. To Alex's astonishment, he noticed a large wooden door adorned with runes, appearing to be completely sealed with no visible way to open it.

"This door opens to the spirit realm, where you can summon your familiar. To succeed, you must look deep within yourself and touch the door with a drop of your blood," Faunae explains during the class on summoning familiars.

"Let's begin with Ms. Diglound," Faunae says, turning to her first student.

As Kimberly nears the door, she bites her thumb, allowing blood to drip onto it. She then transfers her magic through the blood, prompting the door to open with pure magic. Everyone observes something coming from behind the door. It is cat-sized and features tan fur akin to sand. Decorated with Egyptian jewels, its striking blue eyes glimmer like gems Alex has never encountered before.

"Meow, hello, Kimberly! I've been waiting to meet you," the cat declares, standing before its owner.

"Me too, Ta-pera," Kimberly smiles as she picks up her familiar.

*hiss* The "cat is out of the bag." I had intended to surprise the class, but she got to it first," Shadow hisses.

Ta-pera smiles while smirking at Shadow's comment, glancing at Kimberly to see if it might make Shadow feel jealous.

"I ssssee you as lovely as ever, kitty," Shadow hisses, teasing her.

"And I see you're as sinister as ever," Ta-pera teases.

"I'm guessing you two know each other?" Kimberly asks, glancing at her cat.

"Yessss, we're frienamies," Shadow hisses.

"Alright then, Mr. Lightningstorm, you're up," Faunae says, continuing with the class.

As Rex repeats the prose that Kimberly did, the door opens, and magic bursts through it. Suddenly, a small bird creature appears. It resembles a hummingbird, and sparks of colorful lavender light up its wings as it moves. 

"I'll call you Thunder," Rex says, smiling at it.

"I like that idea, Master," Thunder replies as it lands on Rex's shoulder.

"Whoa, another one of our old gang has returned, kitty," Shadow says.

Thunder heard the slithering sound and turned to see his surprise.

"Wait! Are you both here too?" Thunder asks excitedly.

"Yeah, finally ready to spread your wings?" Ta-pera teases Thunder.

"Yes, I've been waiting so long for this moment," Thunder replies, snuggling against Rex's cheek.

"Alright, we have a Sand Leopard and a Stormmingbird. Ms. Talonflame, you're up next," Faunae says.

"Ten coppers says, she'll get a phoenix," Marcus says to himself.

Caellylia walks up and does the same as those before her. The doors open once she transfers some of her magic into her blood. Fire bursts through, and a majestic bird flies out, flames flowing from every flap of its wings and its long tail feathers shimmering like coral in the sea.

"A Flame Peacock is indeed majestic; however, some hunters often mistake them for Phoenixes," Faunae says.

"Close enough," Marcus teases himself.

Once the Flame Peacock lands on Caellylia's shoulder, it poses still with majesty.

"You enjoy showing off, huh, Coral?" Caellylia asks.

"Yes, I do," Coral answers, smiling.

"Not going to lie, that one looks like a piece of work," Shadow hisses.

"Agreed," Ta-pera purres.

"We'll better stay clear of him," Thunder hums.

"Alright, next up is... Mr. Griffin," Faunae says, looking at the remaining first years.

As Alex approached the door, anxiety washed over him at the thought of summoning a familiar. He mimicked the others but rushed his actions, fearing he might faint at the sight of blood. Then, unexpectedly, the door swung open, spilling forth a cascade of starlight. The brightness was overwhelming.

"It can't be..." Shadow stutters.

"But it is..." Thunder stutters.

Once the starlight fades, everyone hears a "NIGH!" A unicorn stands in front of Alex. Its body is white as snow, its mane and tail shine yellow and shimmer like starlight, silver filigree wraps around its legs, and its horn is like a crystal.

"A unicorn," Alex says, blushing in awe of its beauty.

"Not just any unicorn, but a Starlight Unicorn," Faunae replies, amazed by the beauty.

"YOU!" Shadow hisses.

Once Shadow slithered off Marcus, it grew to the size of a boa constrictor and coiled around Alex's familiar.

"Do you know how worried we were when we couldn't find you?" Shadow adds, tearing up.

Thunder flies on her nose and hugs her as well as tearing up.

Alex breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that Shadow wasn't going to harm his familiar but was merely hugging her.

"We thought you died..." Shadow stutters.

"It's good to have you back with us," Thunder adds, smiling.

"I'm sorry that I worried you both," the unicorn replies.

"Kitty, stop hiding your tears and join us. The gang is back together," Shadow hisses.

Te-pera hopped off Kimberly's arms and lay on the unicorn's back, purring, knowing she missed her.

Alex walks by, smiling at the beautiful moment. He came up with a name for his familiar.

"Your name will be Stella," Alex says.

"Thank you, Master," Stella replies, smiling.

Just as the other first-years got their familiars, Faunae saw that one other student was left, so she went again and finished with a bang.

"Mr. Deathwhisper, you're the last one up," Faunae says.

Repeating the same method everyone used before him, the doors opened for Xenos. "Screech!" Hearing that eerie sound, he suddenly saw an owl fly out. Seeing its haunting black body, translucent wings revealing bones, and its eyes shining blood red with talons stained with blood.

"A Specter Owl, they're able to use both Mortus (Death) and Plasm (Blood) magic," Faunae says.

"Sounds perfect for me, right Reaper?" Xenos says, offering his familiar his arm.

"That's Hootastic," Reaper hoots.

Reaper lands on his arm, just like any other owl, now that everyone has their very own familiar. Faunae claps her hands to get everyone's attention.

"Okay, class. Now that you all have your familiars, that's it for today. Your homework will focus on how to work with and care for your familiar," Faunae says as she concludes the session.

As everyone packs up and exits the Creature Hall, Alex notices the sun is setting. They have spent a considerable amount of time there. Since first-year students in Alex's class can summon their familiars, Alex heads to the dining hall for dinner, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for him and his new friend and companion.