As the dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and gold, the sun began its ascent, claiming its rightful place as the ruler of the day.
Outside the teleportation hall of their academy, three students stood waiting, their excitement and anticipation palpable.
Damon, Anaya, and Daveon were eager for the danger-filled adventure ahead, their gear strapped and ready.
Their guardian, Ex-General Leana, had instructed them to meet here to begin their journey and they’d done just that.
The mission ahead woild certainly be challenging, but the students were determined and ready to face whatever was thrown at them.
The teleportation hall was the first step of their trip, a means to cover vast distances quickly before embarking on the real journey on foot.
Inside the academy’s main building, however, Ex-General Leana sat in Dean Godsthorn’s office, her patience wearing thin. She had been there for over fifteen minutes, watching the Dean methodically sign paper after paper.
The sound of his pen scratching against parchment filled the room, a monotonous rhythm that did nothing to ease her growing frustration.
She crossed her arms, tapping her finger against her elbow. ‘What exactly is on those papers that takes so long?’ she wondered.
Leana glanced at the clock on the wall and frowned. She was already five minutes late for her meeting with the students, and the Dean showed no signs of acknowledging her presence.
Finally, she decided to break the silence before she would end up spending am hour here unattended to.
“Dean,” she said, her tone firm but respectful.
The pen stopped. Dean Godsthorn raised his head slowly, his piercing gaze meeting hers.
For a few moments, neither spoke, their locked stares feeling like a battle of wills. Then, the Dean sighed, breaking the silence—and the impromptu staring contest.
“What is it this time, Leana?” he asked, leaning back in his chair. “You already have my permission to take the students on this field trip.”
Leana nodded. “You did, and I appreciate it. But I need more time. Two weeks, to be exact.”
“Two weeks?” The Dean shook his head firmly. “That’s out of the question. I’ve already approved your trip with a clear timeline, and you’ll need to adhere to it. At most, I can grant you two extra days.”
“Days?” Leana repeated, her eyes narrowing. “Dean, two days won’t be enough. I’ve outlined a rigorous training routine for them, and it’ll take a full month to meet my objectives. Two days won’t make even the slightest difference.”
The Dean remained unmoved. “Then you’ll have to work within the time you’ve been given. My answer is final.”
Leana leaned forward, pouting slightly as she tried a different tactic. “Please, old man,” she said, softening her tone. “Just a week, then?”
Dean Godsthorn sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Three days. That’s my final offer.”
Leana’s pout turned into a frown. Something wasn’t adding up. The Dean wasn’t usually this inflexible, at least not when it came to her.
She straightened in her seat, her tone shifting. “What’s going on, Dean? Why won’t you give me the time I’m asking for?”
Godsthorn hesitated before reaching for a stack of papers on his desk. “Here,” he said, pushing them toward her. “These are the reasons.”
Leana took the papers, her eyes scanning the documents quickly. The first three letters were from high-ranking officials, urging the academy to prepare its students for the challenges ahead. They were motivational in tone, though they underscored the importance of rigorous training.
Then she reached the fourth letter, her eyes narrowing as she read. It was from Dean Dethrein of Crowgarth Institution, requesting a “friendly competition” between their students to gauge their growth.
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Leana scowled, knowing the history between Godsthorn and Dethrein. Though the Dean had the authority to decline, the letter carried a weight that couldn’t be ignored.
The final letter, however, made her pause. Her expression darkened as she read its contents.
“This… is from the Twelve Great Elders,” she muttered.
Godsthorn nodded grimly. “Yes. They’ve ordered a competition between all the magical institutions of the continent. It’s to be held in a month’s time. So you see, the students can’t be allowed to stay away for that long.”
Leana leaned back in her chair, exhaling heavily. Now it all made sense. The students had to return in time to prepare for the competition, which would take place at Crowgarth Institution.
The pressure on Dean Godsthorn was immense, and refusing her request wasn’t personal—it was strategic.
“I get it now,” Leana said, her tone resigned. “This is why you’ve been so firm.”
Godsthorn offered a rare smile. “Glad you understand. But I’ll make you a deal. Three weeks—that’s all I can give you. Not a day more since they’ll be participating in the competition.”
Leana’s eyes lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, Dean. I promise to make the most of it. I’ll bring back students who are stronger and sharper than ever.”
“See that you do,” Godsthorn said, returning to his paperwork as Leana stood to leave.
~~~~~
Leana arrived at the teleportation hall to find Damon, Anaya, and Daveon waiting. Their expressions brightened as she approached, though Damon couldn’t resist teasing. “You’re late, General. Should we dock your pay?”
Leana smirked, crossing her arms. “Funny. I was about to say the same thing about your performance during training.”
Damon’s grin faded, and Anaya stifled a laugh.
Leana stepped closer, her tone turning serious. “Listen up. The field trip has been extended to three weeks. We’re going to push harder than originally planned because we’ve got something big coming up in a month.”
Anaya tilted her head. “What’s happening in a month?”
Leana didn’t answer, instead gesturing for them to enter the teleportation hall. “You’ll find out soon enough. For now, focus on the task at hand. Let’s move.”
The students exchanged curious glances but followed her inside, their excitement tempered by the weight of her words. Whatever lay ahead, they knew it would test them like never before.
“Yes, Guardian!” All three students answered together.
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Happy New Year dear readers!!!
Wishing you all a blissful year ahead and thank you all for sticking this far with the book!! Thank youuuuu!!!
Looking forward to lots of castles!! Once again, Happy New Year!! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!