The hum of voices filled the classroom as students returned from lunch. Some had already taken their seats, chatting with their neighbors, while others were just entering, lazily stretching after their meal.

Harabi sat next to Rumiya, absentmindedly tapping her fingers on the desk. Lunchtime had passed quickly, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that the most interesting part of the day was just beginning.

The bell rang, cutting through the last lively conversations. The door opened, and a tall man in a black frock coat and stern glasses entered - the senior instructor, Mr. Kim.

"Kurosaki Harabi. Sudzukawa Rumiya."

The two girls exchanged glances.

"You two are coming with me," he added, wasting no time on explanations.

The silence in the classroom thickened like fog. Some students exchanged looks, others whispered among themselves.

"Why just them?" someone muttered from the back row.

"The main families," another voice answered, and that was enough to silence any further questions.

Harabi tensed inwardly but didn’t let it show. It was only her first day at the academy, and she was already facing this. She noticed Rumiya’s fingers subtly clench the fabric of her skirt beside her.

"Let’s go," Harabi said softly, standing up first.

Rumiya followed, avoiding eye contact with their classmates. Mr. Kim turned and walked toward the door, and they hurried after him.

As soon as they stepped outside, the door closed behind them. The academy’s corridors were bathed in soft light streaming through tall windows. Mr. Kim’s footsteps echoed with steady precision, while Harabi and Rumiya followed behind. As they turned a corner, a woman blocked their path.

"Kim, surrounded by young ladies, as usual?"

The woman was short, with fiery red hair that fell carelessly over her shoulders. She wore a loose, oversized suit that only emphasized her laid-back demeanor. Her coal-black eyes quickly scanned Harabi and Rumiya before glinting with amusement.

"Ms. Gabi," Mr. Kim said evenly, showing no sign of surprise at their encounter.

"Oh, so formal, as always!" The woman smirked, crossing her arms. "It’s been so long. I hope your teaching methods have improved even a little over the years?"

Mr. Kim sighed, clearly making an effort to remain composed.

"If you have business, speak. If not, we’re in a hurry."

"And where exactly are you off to?" Ms. Gabi tilted her head with exaggerated curiosity. "Ah, right. Magic class. Mr. Kim, you look so intense that my students and I thought you were leading them into battle. Try to be a little kinder."

Rumiya pressed her lips together, holding back a smile.

Harabi, meanwhile, glanced back discreetly. Behind the woman, three more students were following. She immediately recognized Miki. The other two, however, were unfamiliar. She didn’t linger on them, simply nodding politely to Miki. Miki gave a small nod in return and, as if sensing Rumiya watching her, quickly winked at her.

"They’re fine, if that’s what concerns you," Mr. Kim cut in, returning his attention to Ms. Gabi.

"Of course, of course," the woman sighed theatrically, adjusting her sleeves. "But you do realize that just dragging them into your ‘elite group’ doesn’t automatically make them the best magicians, right? It requires..." She paused for effect, then added with a sly smile, "...the right approach."

"I have no intention of discussing my methods with you," Mr. Kim said curtly, resuming his walk forward.

Ms. Gabi followed at a leisurely pace, speaking as though they were old friends rather than colleagues forced to tolerate each other.

"Well, that’s a shame. I might have given you some useful advice. Or at least taught you how to smile. You still don’t know how, do you?"

"Ms. Gabi," Mr. Kim’s voice dropped half a tone lower.

"All right, all right," she waved a hand dismissively. "You just need to loosen up. At least once in your life."

Harabi listened to their exchange but didn’t interfere. Rumiya leaned a little to Miki.

"Are they always like this?"

"They argue every day, but I like it," Miki smirked. "It’s a nice little show before class."

"You two having fun?" Harabi asked, glancing at them with curiosity.

"A little," Rumiya admitted, still hiding a smile.

The procession of instructors and students finally led them to the academy’s back courtyard. Before them stretched a vast field, enclosed by towering walls. Harabi instinctively slowed her steps.

"Welcome," Mr. Kim finally said, stopping and turning to face the group.

Ms. Gabi stopped beside him, staring off into the distance, appearing entirely unimpressed.

"Well, dear heirs," she drawled. "Let’s see how you handle this."

"Gabi, with me," Mr. Kim ordered, striding toward the center of the field.

Ms. Gabi, making no effort to hurry, watched him go before stretching lazily and following with an amused smirk.

"Well, of course. Who else would save you, Kim?" she muttered but still headed in the same direction. At the center of the field, three other instructors had already gathered.

"Here, come on," Miki tugged toward seats closer to the middle. "Better view from here."

Harabi and Rumiya sat down beside her. The two unfamiliar students who had come with them chose to stay slightly apart, clearly preferring to keep to themselves. As soon as everyone was seated, a subtle tension filled the air. Even the wind seemed calmer, as if it, too, followed the unspoken rules of this place.

Miki, never one for patience, leaned closer to her friends and whispered conspiratorially:

"You know, magic lessons for us are a whole different thing."

Harabi raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean by ‘different’?"

Miki smirked.

"Well, in the regular classes, students just learn the basics - ‘repeat this gesture,’ ‘feel the energy flow,’ ‘don’t set your desk on fire,’ that kind of thing."

Miki raised a finger as if about to make an important announcement.

"Here, it’s more intense. Heirs of the main families can’t afford to learn slowly. We’re thrown straight into the deep end. There are no ‘simple’ exercises. If you don’t get it, that’s your problem. If you mess up, fix it yourself."

"They just throw you in with no explanations?"

"Well, they do explain," Miki admitted. "But no one’s going to coddle you if you don’t catch on. Either you figure it out yourself, or you find a way to survive."

Rumiya pressed her lips together thoughtfully.

"That’s... harsh."

"Welcome to the elite," Miki sighed dramatically.

Harabi pondered. She understood that the training for the main families would differ from the standard magic course, but she hadn’t expected it to be this drastic. Perhaps this was why the other students were watching them with such curiosity and even concealed resentment.

She glanced toward the center of the field, where the instructors were already deep in discussion. Judging by their gestures and facial expressions, the lesson promised to be interesting.

As soon as all the students took their places around the field, a light tension settled in the air. There were about twenty of them, all from the main families, and their ages varied - from fourteen to eighteen years old.

Harabi looked around. Some faces were familiar - some she had seen briefly at official events, some were part of her past, and some had simply heard of her. Among the gathered students, she spotted a few familiar figures. For instance, Adena Redhart, who sat at a slight distance, arms crossed, looking clearly displeased with the situation. Or Joon, lazily rubbing the back of his neck, seemingly trying to stay calm.

When the instructors finished their discussion, Mr. Kim stepped forward and raised a hand, calling for silence.

"Welcome, heirs," his voice was steady but firm. "This magic course is designed exclusively for you — those who bear responsibility for your families, your cities, and your heritage."

"This year, you will face something new," Ms. Gabi continued. "Namely - a new magic instructor."

"What do they mean by ‘new’ instructor?" Rumiya whispered, leaning toward Miki.

"They don’t change magic instructors so easily," Miki replied just as quietly. "Which means this one must be special."

"And not just new!" Ms. Gabi continued, crossing her arms and scanning the students with a smug smile. "This instructor is an envoy to the outside world!"

Harabi felt something tighten inside her. An envoy to the outside world? That meant their new teacher wasn’t just a magician but someone who knew and understood the laws of the world beyond Mistland’s borders.

"Until the instructor arrives, you have time to form groups," Mr. Kim’s voice was sharp and businesslike. "Working alone won’t be an option here, so team up with those you are not in the same class with."

Some students immediately started exchanging glances and forming groups. Harabi sat at the edge of the arena, letting her legs dangle over the side, observing those around her. Her gaze landed on a head of silver hair, neatly tied up in a bun. Silver.

Harabi smiled and waved, hoping to catch her attention, but Silver only gave a brief nod. Then, her slender figure once again disappeared into the crowd.

"I didn’t know you were making friends with upperclassmen," came a familiar voice from behind.

Harabi turned to see Tatsuki standing with her arms crossed.

"We met this morning," Harabi shrugged with a smile, shifting to make space.

Tatsuki sat down beside Harabi, still watching her closely. And then he appeared: Victor Fors. A year older than Tatsuki, he belonged to the Fors family from Geomir. He stopped nearby and gave a short nod.

"Good to see you again."

Harabi stood, politely bowed, then extended her hand. Victor shook it firmly.

"Likewise," she replied.

He sat down next to Tatsuki, who crossed her legs and leaned lazily against his shoulder.

"The first week of training isn’t going smoothly," he remarked.

"No kidding. We don’t even have all the specialized instructors. Everyone’s busy investigating the fire."

Harabi furrowed her brows. Tatsuki continued:

"They’re still looking into it. I thought they’d have some conclusions by now."

"There are rumors among the upperclassmen," Viktor said quietly.

"What kind of rumors?" Harabi straightened, intrigued.

"That it wasn’t just an accident."

"Are you serious?" Tatsuki blinked.

"No one says it outright, but you know the academy harbors too many secrets."

"Considering that not only the instructors but also family representatives are investigating, it’s too serious to just brush off," Tatsuki added.

"And you, Harabi?" Tatsuki’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Is there anything you don’t like yet?"

"I only started this year," she finally said with a shrug. "I don’t have much to complain about."

"Consider yourself lucky," Tatsuki huffed.

Victor nodded.

"Being new this year might be a good thing. The less you know, the less is expected of you. Still, I never understood why newcomers start a week later than us."

"You say that like it’s a bad thing," Harabi noted.

"It’s just a fact," he replied calmly.

And then, the arena echoed with a loud voice. Adena stood in the center, her posture impeccably straight.

"I ask that everyone listen to me carefully instead of whispering," her voice rang out.

Instantly, silence fell over the arena.

"A new instructor has arrived, so I ask you all to show respect."

A man entered the arena with a confident stride. He looked young - perhaps twenty-five. He had dark skin and bright blue eyes. But it was his hands that drew attention. Where his gloves ended, his skin was black, scarred as if by fire.

The man clapped his hands and stood next to Adena. To the surprise of many, he bowed to her.

"Thank you very much, Your Highness. It is an honor to receive such an introduction from the princess."

Adena’s face remained unchanged. She simply turned and stepped back without a word.

"Luka Ambers," the man introduced himself.

Harabi abruptly stood up. The name was in her sister’s journals. Luka laughed, and his blue eyes met hers.

"My lady," he said calmly, not looking away. "No need to react so sharply."

All eyes turned to Harabi. She sat back down as Tatsuki leaned toward her.

"What’s wrong?" her voice was quiet but firm.

Harabi didn’t answer. Luka continued:

"You’ve grouped yourselves, as usual, for magic lessons. Mr. Rain’s old method. We had the same method when I was his student," he said with a touch of sarcasm. "Looks like this approach no longer works. I’d say it’s... outdated."

"No more usual groups," Luka shook his head. "That won’t do. We’re not following old patterns anymore."

The hall filled with murmurs. Adena stepped forward.

"Mr. Ambers," she began. "Many of us have been working in the same groups since we first entered the academy. We’ve grown accustomed to each other, and changing everything now feels… strange."

"Princess Readheart... though I suppose just ‘Adena’ will do." Luka paused. "So, Adena, tell me - by what criteria do you think these groups were originally formed?"

"We were grouped based on familiarity and mutual understanding," she said. "It is much easier to work in teams built on trust and respect."

"Don’t you think that’s a little… convenient?" He raised an eyebrow. "You’ve all grown comfortable. But magic isn’t supposed to be comfortable. We’re here to push your limits."

"Familiar bonds and comfortable teams are not the path I intend to offer you," he added with a cold smile. "If you want to master true magic, you must be capable of working with anyone. Anywhere. Anytime."

Luka scanned the crowd.

"By the end of this month, I will form groups of three. And trust me, these groups may include familiar faces - or complete strangers. Everything will depend on harmony."

His words lingered in the air.

"Learn to build your own connections, rather than relying on those crafted by your parents," he said, giving Adena a pointed look. "Or will you spend your whole life under their wing, following their commands?"