Just like that, the class came to an end.
Students slowly began packing up their belongings, the excitement of their first lesson still buzzing in the air like leftover static.
"We learned so much today, didn't we?" Vanessa said, slipping her wand back into the leather loop on her belt.
"Yes, yes we did!" Amber replied with bright enthusiasm, her silver-white hair bouncing slightly as she turned.
Vanessa glanced around the classroom. "Do we have anything else on our schedule today?"
Amber reached into her uniform pocket and unfolded a slightly crumpled parchment. "Let's see… Nope. As first-years, our only class today was Magic Practice. Pretty light start."
"Good." Vanessa smiled, relief softening her features. "Then let's head to the cafeteria. I'm starving."
The two made their way through the marble halls of Roswaltz Academy, the echoes of student chatter following them through the towering corridors. The cafeteria was alive with sound. Metal trays clinked, enchanted utensils floated mid-air, and students from all years chatted at long oak tables under a ceiling enchanted to look like the sky above.
Just as they reached the entrance, a loud voice rang out like a thunderclap.
"I challenge you to a duel!"
Both girls froze.
Amber immediately perked up, eyes scanning the source of the commotion. "Hey, look over there!"
Vanessa followed her gaze. A wide circle had formed at the far end of the hall, with students crowding around and whispering excitedly.
"They're second-years," Amber added, pulling Vanessa by the wrist. "Come on. This could be fun."
"Uhh… sure?" Vanessa replied, though her voice sounded uncertain.
As they pushed through the gathering crowd, Vanessa frowned. "Ugh, it's so crowded."
"Yeah," Amber agreed, her tone light, "but we've still got a decent view."
In the center of the crowd stood two boys facing off. One had fiery red hair and wore his academy cloak slung back, revealing a silver-trimmed tunic beneath. The other had dark, tousled hair and a more reserved posture, his wand held loosely at his side.
"I'll teach you your place, peasant," the redhead sneered.
Vanessa's brow furrowed. "Why does he sound like he thinks he's better than everyone?"
"Because he does," Amber replied, crossing her arms. "That's Nicolas Grayv. He's from one of the Seven Noble Families."
Vanessa blinked. "Seven noble families?"
Amber nodded. "Yeah. Their bloodlines date back centuries. Their ancestors were key to the founding of modern magical society. They helped codify spellwork, set up the Arcanist Orders, and even signed the Pact of Wards. Basically, they think they're royalty."
Vanessa scowled. "Doesn't give him the right to treat people like dirt."
Before Amber could respond, the air suddenly crackled with tension. Nicolas raised his wand, crimson magic swirling at the tip like fire licking against glass.
But just before the spell could fly, a sudden gust of invisible force knocked both boys slightly off balance.
A figure stepped into the center of the circle. He was an elderly man with a long, snow-white beard and deep-set eyes sharp with disapproval. His robes were spotless, deep navy with gold trim, and an ornate brooch in the shape of a phoenix gleamed on his chest.
The entire room fell silent.
"What do you think you're doing in my academy?" the man asked. His voice was firm and thunderous, cutting through the crowd like a blade.
Vanessa's eyes widened. "His academy…?" she whispered.
Amber's breath caught. "That's Headmaster Aldric."
Even Nicolas, full of arrogance just moments before, straightened as if struck. His expression soured, but he did not speak.
"Duels without formal challenge, in the cafeteria no less?" Aldric continued, narrowing his eyes at Nicolas. "Do you think your family name grants you immunity from the rules?"
The silence was deafening.
"To my office. Now."
Nicolas's jaw tightened, but he did not argue. Under the sheer weight of Aldric's presence, he lowered his wand and followed the headmaster out. The crowd parted to let them pass.
As they disappeared, students began murmuring again, the moment slowly unfreezing.
"Wow," Vanessa breathed. "Even he couldn't argue back."
"That's Headmaster Aldric for you," Amber said quietly. "They say he once stood against a Throned One and lived. The noble families might have power, but he has something more important. He has authority."
Vanessa looked back toward where the duel had nearly happened. Something about the moment lingered in her chest. It was not fear, but a sense of awe.
This place was not just a school.
It was a forge.
And whether it refined you or broke you would depend on the strength of your magic and your heart.