After Ethan's passing, Spio now lived alone in the small house his foster father had left behind. To make a living, he continued Ethan's work as a fisherman, carrying on the legacy of the man who had raised him. The villagers of Seafair, aware of his circumstances, showed him sympathy and offered their help, but the weight of loneliness still pressed heavily on Spio's heart.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange reflected on the shimmering sea, Spio stood on the sandy shore, his blue eyes fixed on the gentle waves. He focused on his daily practice, feeling the flow of energy coursing through his body. Faint light flickered at his fingertips, glowing briefly before vanishing.

From the distance, a strange and terrifying figure emerged. A colossal sea monster with a serpentine body, its razor-sharp scales gleamed ominously in the twilight. Its fiery red eyes burned with hostility and raw power. With a thunderous roar, the creature surged out of the water, sending sprays of seafoam into the air as if the ocean itself were erupting. A chilling aura spread across the shore, making Spio feel as though the sun had been eclipsed by a threatening storm cloud.

Spio's eyes widened, reflecting the monstrous figure charging toward him. A cold fear gripped his body, making him feel as small as a flicker of light in the vast darkness of the sea. Without time to think, Spio acted on instinct—the only thing his panicked mind could muster—he ran.

His bare feet flew across the damp sand, leaving faint footprints behind. Spio's heart pounded so loudly it seemed to echo in his ears, synchronized with the crashing waves tearing apart behind him. The icy wind slashed across his face, carrying the salty tang of the sea and the menacing breath of the monstrous creature.

His legs burned with exhaustion, his lungs searing with every desperate breath. He knew he couldn't keep running forever; the vast beach now felt like an invisible net, trapping him. Ahead, A colossal sea monster rose from the water, its wild eyes blazing like twin torches in the night. Its razor-sharp teeth dripped with seawater, and a foul stench filled the air.

Spio's heart raced, but this time, it wasn't solely fear driving it. A powerful surge of energy began to stir within him, deep and raw from days of relentless practice. He took a deep breath, feeling the electricity surging through his veins. With a decisive movement, he raised his hand.

A bolt of lightning exploded from Spio's palm, emitting a brilliant white light and a thunderous crack that drowned out the roar of the waves. The searing energy cut through the darkness, striking that massive body with unrelenting force. The creature let out a guttural, pained roar that reverberated across the shore. Its body convulsed, scales cracking and revealing scorched, damaged flesh beneath.

The sea monster retreated, its fiery eyes now clouded with hesitation and rage. The water around it churned violently, swirling like a vortex, before pulling the beast back into the ocean. The spray of seawater obscured its massive form as it retreated in fury.

But then it lunged again, a crest of white water surging high as its powerful movements shook the sea. The thundering waves and its deafening roar made the world seem to freeze for an instant. Spio stood paralyzed, his wide eyes now devoid of hope. Every effort to escape felt futile. The cold, salty spray clung to his skin, and his heart pounded desperately in his chest.

Unable to focus amid the overwhelming panic, the flickering lightning at Spio's fingertips faded, leaving his body trembling with exhaustion and fear. Time stretched infinitely in that moment as the beast grew closer, its shadow engulfing Spio and extinguishing the fading light of the dying sunset.

In what felt like the final seconds, Spio closed his eyes. His mind emptied of fear and regret. Memories played like a slow film through his thoughts—peaceful days by the shore, rare moments of laughter and warmth with Ethan, and dreams yet unrealized.

Suddenly, a blinding light pierced the darkness, striking the monstrous creature with immense force. The deafening explosion echoed along the shoreline, shaking the ground beneath Spio's feet. The unexpected, powerful blow sent the beast hurtling backward into the sea. It crashed into the water with a tremendous impact, unleashing a towering wave that surged skyward like a massive wall of water.

It let out a pained roar, a sound that echoed with fury but also tinged with terror. The great wave slowly receded, leaving the water shimmering like a mirror in an eerie, unnatural silence. The creature growled low in its throat, its eyes darkening, but it did not attack again. Instead, it retreated silently, diving deep into the ocean, leaving behind only its massive shadow fading into the depths and the ominous rumble of waves, like a lingering threat carried on the sea breeze.

Before Spio could process what had just happened, a voice called out from behind him:

"Brave kid! Facing off against a Morgawr and managing to fight back? The children I know would have wet themselves in a situation like this."

Spio jumped, spinning around to see a man cloaked in black from head to toe. His piercing eyes locked onto Spio, sending a chill through him. The questions raced through Spio's mind: "Did this man just save me? Was that creature the Morgawr he told me about?"

The man stepped closer, his tone light yet commanding:

"Which clan are you from? That spell just now was quite powerful for someone your age. Introduce me to your family, will you?"

Spio blinked, feeling overwhelmed and confused. He had never thought of himself as belonging to any clan. The barrage of questions left him fumbling for words, and he stammered:

"Clan? What clan? My name is Spio, but I don't understand what you're talking about. Magic? What magic?"

The man studied Spio intently, his expression briefly flickering with surprise. He sighed, as if realizing something, and muttered under his breath:

"Looks like another hidden bloodline... I didn't expect to find a clan like that living on this island."

He moved closer, his tone softening slightly:

"Take me to your elders. Perhaps I know someone from your clan."

Spio lowered his head, suppressing the wave of emotion that rose at the mention of family. He thought of his grandfather, Ethan, who had passed away just months ago. In a quiet, sorrowful voice, he replied:

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't have any family left. My grandfather... he passed away a few months ago."

The man paused, his sharp gaze softening with a strange mix of regret and understanding. For a fleeting moment, his steely demeanor wavered, and a hint of sympathy crossed his face.

"My condolences, kid," he said, his voice steady but laced with sincerity. The genuine tone surprised Spio, momentarily easing the ache in his heart, though the pain of loss remained.

The man turned and gazed out at the ocean where the Morgawr had disappeared. The waves still rippled, restless and unsettled. He let out a long, deep sigh as the sea breeze tugged at his black cloak, casting an enigmatic yet oddly comforting silhouette against the horizon.

"Kid, without someone to guide or protect you in this world, you'll face things far scarier than that monster. But you have potential... and perhaps I can take you to a place where you can learn to use that power."

Spio looked up at him, his wide eyes filled with surprise. It wasn't just the unexpected offer—it was the faint glimmer of hope stirring within him, like a missing piece of his life had finally found its place.

"But... why would you help me?" Spio asked softly, his voice tinged with curiosity and hesitation.

The man smiled, a fleeting and mysterious smile. "Kid, sometimes the answers come from the journey itself. Someday, you'll understand more than anyone else."

"Alright, take this card." He handed Spio a small, intricately carved card. "When you get home, slide it through your door. You'll be summoned for an admission interview at Luminara Academy. It's a place where you can study and be taken care of. It might just be the best place for you. And if you encounter any issues there, just mention my name. I'm Volantis. Tell them I sent you—they'll probably let you in."

Spio took the card, staring at it in bewilderment. Before he could utter a word of thanks, the man turned and whistled sharply. Suddenly, a massive bird with three pairs of wings descended from above, landing gracefully beside him. Its body was as large as a small ship, its golden feathers radiating light with a mesmerizing glow.

As the bird landed, it unexpectedly turned its attention to Spio. The colossal creature bounded over, nudging its head against him. Its silky feathers felt soft to the touch, and Spio instinctively reached out, his hand brushing against its head. The bird stood still, its eyes closing in contentment as though savoring the gentle strokes.

"Zephyron! What are you doing?" Volantis's voice rang out, startling the bird. It quickly pulled away and returned to his side, standing obediently.

Volantis climbed onto the bird's back, then glanced at Spio one last time. He gave the boy a small wave before the bird took off. Together, they soared into the sky, their forms growing fainter until they disappeared completely into the clouds.

The only trace of Volantis's presence was the lingering breeze and the golden glimmers left sparkling in the air.

Above the clouds, Volantis couldn't help but feel intrigued by the boy he had just encountered. "An orphan, yet brimming with such a potent thunder elemental energy that even Zephyron was drawn to him. That kid might be something special. If it weren't for this urgent matter, I would've stayed a few days to observe him more closely!" He paused, suddenly smacking his forehead as a realization struck. "Blast it! I've lost the trail again! This old fool of mine..." he muttered, shaking his head in exasperation.

Back on the shore, Spio stood still, gazing at the spot where Volantis had disappeared into the sky. His heart was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and unanswered questions. Volantis's cryptic words about "magic" and "Hidden Clans" left him both confused and curious.

But what occupied Spio's mind the most was the small, mysterious card the man had given him. Luminara Academy. The name resonated with him, stirring an intense curiosity he couldn't shake.

As the waves lapped gently at the shore, Spio gripped the card tightly, his thoughts racing. He knew this encounter was only the beginning of something far greater than he had ever imagined.

That evening, after returning home, Spio couldn't stop thinking about the strange encounter. Despite the lingering questions in his mind, he decided to follow Volantis's instructions. As he slid the card into the slot in the door, a gentle light seeped through the cracks. When he opened the door, Spio froze in shock at the scene before him:

"What the heck? Where's my house?" Spio murmured, his eyes wide with disbelief.

He realized he was standing in a vast, luminous room filled with soft light. Intricately carved stone pillars reflected the glowing radiance, creating an atmosphere of tranquility yet steeped in mystery.

Standing before him was a young-looking woman with a tall, slender figure, her long silver hair adding an aura of elegance and mystique. Her deep emerald-green eyes exuded wisdom and experience. She wore a dark blue robe adorned with intricate magical patterns embroidered in silver thread, perfectly complementing the ethereal space around her.

"Welcome. It seems you've arrived rather late for normal office hours, but I'm still here. What brings you?" the woman spoke, her voice gentle like a breeze, her gaze fixed on the papers spread out before her on the desk. "I am Professor Lyra Windstrider of Luminara Academy. May I ask why you're here?"

Spio stood awkwardly, not understanding what was happening. "I... I don't know what's going on. I was just at the beach and then stepped through my door, and now..."

Professor Windstrider raised her eyes slightly, a hint of surprise flickering across her face before her composure returned. "You didn't come here of your own will? What's your name? And why did you step into my office? Is there something you need?"

Spio felt uneasy under the professor's calm yet piercing gaze. It dawned on him that he was now in the world of wizards, a place he'd never imagined. After a moment of hesitation, he replied:

"My name is Spio... Reed." He nervously picked up the card from the floor. "A man met me and told me to come here to apply for admission."

Professor Windstrider's eyes sharpened slightly at his words. She repeated with some curiosity, "Admission? The Reed clan?" She frowned, seemingly lost in thought. "That sounds like an ordinary family name. Are you a Grime who was recommended here?"

Spio didn't fully understand what Professor Windstrider had just said, so he stood there awkwardly, mumbling without knowing how to respond.

The professor studied Spio carefully, her gaze scrutinizing him. After a moment of silence, she calmly explained:

"A Grime refers to sorcerers from families that have lost their magical powers due to living among humans for too long," she explained. "Living with humans and intermingling with them over generations causes magical energy to dilute. Some Grimes are fortunate enough to be born with magic, but this is extremely rare. It seems you're one of the lucky ones."

Spio nodded, listening intently to the professor's explanation. As he began to understand what Grime meant, he started to feel a clearer sense of his identity. It dawned on him that the magical world might hold the key to uncovering his past. The lingering feeling of being lost and out of place seemed to ease slightly.

In the quiet room of Luminara Academy, a heavy air hung between them as Professor Windstrider observed Spio. Her voice turned serious:

"Very well. Since you have this card, I can't simply dismiss you. However, we must first test your magical capabilities to see if you meet the criteria for admission. Many have come here before but failed and had to leave."

Professor Windstrider stepped back a few paces and gestured to Spio.

"Show me what you can do."

Spio nodded, closing his eyes and focusing on the energy coursing through him. He felt the power rising from his heart, flowing through his veins, and bursting forth like a powerful surge. Breathing deeply, he opened his eyes with determination.

Blue lightning began to crackle across his body, lifting him gently off the ground. Spio hovered in the air, reveling in the sensation of freedom and the raw energy radiating through him. His hands glowed with an intense azure light, and from them, bolts of lightning shot downward, striking the ground with thunderous force. The room trembled under the onslaught, the flashes of light and sound reverberating throughout.

Professor Windstrider's eyes widened in shock as she witnessed the display.

"This...!" she murmured, her voice filled with disbelief. "This isn't ordinary magic! Who is he?"

The lightning emanating from Spio's hands carried an ancient and mysterious quality, utterly unlike any magic she had encountered before. She realized he was channeling a form of pure energy—reminiscent of the Sourcerous, ancient sorcerers whose raw, primal magic had been preserved through millennia.

Professor Windstrider's expression shifted from astonishment to intrigue. What Spio had demonstrated was extraordinary, far surpassing any expectations she might have had. A satisfied smile spread across her face.

"Well done, Spio!" she said, regaining her composure, her tone brimming with excitement. "You've certainly proven yourself. Now, I need a bit more information about you. Do you know the name of the person who gave you the card and sent you here? It's important for your enrollment."

Spio hesitated briefly, recalling the man's instructions. "Volantis," he said slowly. "He told me to mention his name if there were any issues, and that it might help me get admitted."

Hearing that name made Professor Windstrider freeze momentarily. The name Volantis carried weight in the magical world. The Volantis clan, a reclusive yet immensely powerful family, was shrouded in mystery. Rarely seen, their appearances were marked by displays of overwhelming strength capable of intimidating even mid-tier clans. Most sorcerers spoke of them with a mix of reverence and caution.

"A Volantis gave you this card?" she said, her voice low with disbelief. "It seems we have little choice but to accept you."

She retrieved a letter from her desk and handed it to him. "At the start of the academic year, you'll receive an official letter of invitation much like this one. This letter not only confirms your acceptance into the academy but also serves as your key to reach the school. Be sure not to lose it."

She paused for a moment, reflecting on Spio, and spoke with a pensive expression:

"It's strange for a Grime to possess such power, let alone be recommended by a Volantis..."

Looking at Spio, Professor Windstrider suddenly felt a tinge of sadness. The boy's face reminded her of something from her past. She suppressed her emotions and asked:

"Where are you living now? If needed, I can take you shopping for some essentials."

Spio answered politely, "I'm living in Seafair Village, and I live alone, ma'am."

"Seafair? Where's that?" the professor asked, curious.

"It's a small village on an island about seven hours by boat from the mainland. But I'm planning to move elsewhere because the villagers advised me that someone young like me should move to a bigger city for better opportunities. Could you give me your contact information? Once I find a stable place, I'll reach out to you."

Professor Windstrider raised an eyebrow, her gaze tinged with concern. "Wait a moment! A 14-year-old like you, living alone? Where is your family?" Her voice was filled with genuine care and worry for Spio.

Spio lowered his head, his voice hoarse: "I don't know my family's origins, ma'am. The man who took me in and raised me just passed away. I'm following his advice, so I decided to leave."

His words carried a deep sorrow, making the atmosphere in the room even heavier. Professor Windstrider gently placed her hand on Spio's shoulder, her eyes filled with empathy. She thought to herself that helping Spio might be the right thing to do, especially since he was recommended by a Volantis.

"I'm truly sorry to hear that," she said warmly. "Would you like to work at my family's shop? I can arrange for you to stay there for a few months until the school term starts."

Spio's eyes lit up with hope. "Really? I could work at your family's shop?" he asked, his voice a mix of joy and nervousness.

Professor Windstrider smiled, her radiant expression dispelling Spio's worries. "Exactly. Don't worry; the work is quite simple. You'll get used to it quickly."

Warmth spread through Spio's chest, a sense of belonging and safety he hadn't felt in a long time. "I don't know how to thank you, Professor Windstrider. I'm... I'm very grateful, ma'am." He paused, contemplating the new future awaiting him, filled with excitement. "I'll go prepare right away and return shortly. Please wait for me."

"Wait, I said I'd take you, but are you..." The professor couldn't finish her sentence before Spio darted out of the room.

Perhaps the grief from Mr. Ethan's passing had driven Spio to seek something to fill the void in his heart. Hearing the professor's offer, he couldn't contain his joy, leading to his hurried departure.

Spio quickly returned to his small wooden house to pack his belongings. He neatly folded a few sets of clothes and gathered some personal items into a small bag. Everything was ready in no time, and he returned to the room.

"Is that all you're bringing, Spio?" Professor Windstrider asked with surprise, eyeing the small bag he carried. "It seems we'll need to get you a lot more."

She suddenly remembered something and asked, "Spio, do you have a wand yet? Or books and other supplies you'll need?"

Spio looked at her and shook his head. "A wand? Like in fairy tales?"

The professor sighed. "Young Sorcerer can't stabilize the energy within their bodies. You'll need a wand to help control that energy and perform spells more effectively. Never mind, head to the back room and wait for me for a bit. I still have to interview some other students, and then we'll go together."

"Wait here for a while so I can finish filing your records," she added. "I'll also need to handle some paperwork for other students, so it might take a little while."

Spio obediently sat on a chair in the waiting room, not voicing any further thoughts. Inside, though, he couldn't stop wondering about the special attention Professor Windstrider was giving him. He knew his powers might be unique, but he also wondered if there was a deeper reason for her concern.

Professor Windstrider watched Spio's figure as he sat quietly, letting out a soft sigh and a faint smile, as if recalling something from the past. She composed herself and returned to her work.