At the start of the new academic year, Spio had carefully prepared everything he needed for his journey to Luminara Academy. Excitement and nervous anticipation filled his heart as he thought about beginning a new chapter in his life at the prestigious school of magic.

Before setting off, Spio double-checked his belongings one last time and held the invitation letter firmly in his hand. This letter was not just an official acceptance; it was also the key to unlocking the gateway to Luminara.

"Excited, Spio?" Professor Windstrider stood beside him, offering an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, I've prepared everything for you. Now, slide your acceptance letter into the slot."

Following her instructions, Spio slipped the letter into the slot. Instantly, a gentle light emanated from the slit. With rising excitement, he pushed the door open, and a breathtaking view unfolded before his eyes.

In front of him stood a grand gate, intricately carved like a triumphal arch, leading into a massive U-shaped academy that enveloped the entire campus. The main path stretched ahead, passing through the majestic gate and flanked by imposing, elegant structures illuminated by glowing lanterns. The sight was awe-inspiring, a seamless blend of classical architecture and modern touches, creating an ideal environment for learning.

The green rooftops harmonized with the sky, large windows stood out vividly, and wide hallways were bathed in shimmering light. It was a scene of grandeur, a place that seemed to promise endless possibilities.

"You're on your own from here," Professor Windstrider said hurriedly. "I have to get ready to welcome the other students." She left quickly, leaving Spio standing there, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the academy.

Spio stood in the vast courtyard, watching as students gathered, chatting and laughing, filling the air with lively energy. All of them were dressed in the academy's attire, carrying bags brimming with books and magical supplies. Some even had companions with them—birds, wolves, or strange, exotic insects.

Taking a deep breath, He tried to contain his amazement and remain calm amidst the magical beauty of Luminara Academy. The air was filled with the fragrant aroma of herbs and greenery, making him feel as though he had stepped into an entirely new world. He couldn't help but marvel at the magnificent buildings and intricately adorned walls of the school.

As he continued to take in the scene, Spio's attention was suddenly drawn to spherical lights floating gently above the courtyard. They appeared to be made of quartz, glowing softly as they hovered without any visible source of power. Glancing upwards, Spio realized he was standing beneath the great entrance arch, mesmerized by the carvings on the vaulted ceiling. The intricate artwork resembled masterpieces from the Renaissance era, leaving him in awe of their craftsmanship.

Suddenly, Spio heard a voice nearby: "Amazing! Look at these patterns!" He turned to see a girl with fair skin and lightly curled golden hair. Her bright brown eyes sparkled with curiosity and intelligence, and in her hands was a camera that didn't resemble a magical artifact at all, catching Spio's attention. She was so engrossed in admiring and taking pictures of the surroundings that she didn't notice where she was walking.

By accident, she bumped into Spio, causing him to stagger back a step. Startled, the girl blinked and quickly bowed her head, her face flushing red with embarrassment.

"Sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!" she exclaimed hurriedly.

Spio smiled reassuringly, his tone friendly: "It's okay, are you all right?"

She shook her head, still flustered. "I'm fine, just a little startled." She glanced around and noticed several others pausing to watch her antics. "I guess I'm just too excited about this place—it's absolutely incredible."

Spio nodded in agreement. "It really is impressive. This is my first time seeing such an intricate and luxurious structure." He pointed to the camera in her hands, curious. "Are you a new student too? Is that a real camera?"

The girl beamed, her smile bright with a touch of surprise at Spio's recognition of her device, and she nodded. "Yes, I am! My name is Evangeline Morwen. And you know what a camera is? I thought wizards didn't pay much attention to the mundane world."

Spio chuckled sheepishly. "Well, I grew up in the regular world, so I know a bit. But this is actually my first time seeing a real camera."

"Oh, I didn't expect to meet someone like me here! Nice to meet you, Spio." She flashed a radiant smile before glancing around. "We should probably head to the main hall. It looks like the ceremony is about to begin."

"I'm Spio Reed," he introduced himself.

Evangeline nodded warmly, and together they followed the other students into the school.

In front of Luminara's grand entrance stood a man with piercing black eyes and long hair tied neatly behind his back. On his back, he carried a sleek black staff that gleamed faintly in the light. His imposing stance was as still and commanding as a statue, exuding an aura of authority.

Neither Spio nor Evangeline knew who he was, but they noticed other students presenting their letters to him before being allowed to enter the main hall. They followed suit.

When they handed over their letters, the man scrutinized them with sharp eyes, quickly scanning each of them before nodding in approval. He returned their letters and permitted them to pass through the doors.

As Spio and Evangeline stepped through, they felt a gentle breeze brush against them, as though they had entered an entirely different world.

The main hall of Luminara Academy was an enchanting and magnificent space, embodying a seamless blend of classical beauty and refined magical elements. Its vaulted ceiling soared high above, evoking a sense of grandeur and awe. The hall could accommodate hundreds of wizards and students at once without feeling crowded. The surrounding walls, crafted from white marble interwoven with tiles of blue and silver, exuded an air of elegance and majesty.

The ceiling was adorned with an ethereal illusion of a magical night sky, where stars and constellations moved slowly, mirroring a real celestial canopy. The light in the hall emanated from floating orbs that hovered in mid-air, casting soft, warm rays that bathed the entire space, illuminating every corner gently yet thoroughly. Along the walls, animated murals depicted pivotal moments in history and legendary wizards of the academy. These were not merely artistic depictions but living lessons, bringing to life the glorious events of magical history.

The floor, made of polished black stone, reflected the ceiling's light, creating the impression of walking on a shimmering, liquid surface. Geometric and arcane patterns were etched into the floor, glowing faintly in response to the magical energy of those who stepped upon them, as if attuned to the presence of each individual.

At the center of the hall stood a massive magical fountain, with water flowing from a floating, rotating sphere suspended mid-air. Crystal-clear streams cascaded gracefully in mesmerizing waves, accompanied by the gentle whispers of flowing water that resembled the murmurs of the wind.

Students and faculty passing through the main hall could feel the sacredness of this space, a place where magic and knowledge were preserved and passed down through generations. The main hall was the heart of Luminara, the starting point of extraordinary and wondrous magical journeys.

Spio and Evangeline continued walking, curiosity sparking a question for a fellow student walking ahead of them. "Who was that earlier?" Spio asked.

The student turned around, looking at Spio and Evangeline with surprise. "You don't know who that was? That was Nightshade, the Guardian of Luminara. When we were kids, we grew up hearing stories about his legendary battles! Don't let that face fool you—he might even be older than the headmistress!"

"What? Magic can make people live that long?" Spio asked, astonished.

The student explained, "Not all wizards, just certain families with extraordinary abilities. Our headmistress is the same—thanks to the power of the phoenix, she's lived for nearly 400 years."

Hearing this, Spio and Evangeline were both struck by the mysterious and awe-inspiring power of the magical world. They thanked the student and continued walking, pondering the enigmatic wizard and feeling an increasing curiosity about the headmistress.

Spio stood in the center of the grand hall alongside the other new students. He noticed that the number of new students wasn't particularly large—counting himself, there were only 29 of them.

Suddenly, a familiar face appeared and walked past the group of students to stand in front of everyone. It was none other than Professor Lyra Windstrider. She waved her hand to greet the new students, her friendly smile and gentle gaze radiating warmth and concern. Spio felt more at ease upon seeing her, and she smiled back at him.

Professor Windstrider stood before the new students, smiling warmly and beginning her speech. "Some of you may have met me during the interview! But for some new faces, let me introduce myself briefly."

She continued, her gentle gaze sweeping across the students: "I am Professor Lyra Windstrider, and I am also a Pathwarden here at Luminara. I hope that during your time here, we can explore and develop your potential in every way possible. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I will answer them."

Spio, curious, asked, "What does a Pathwarden do, Professor?"

A few students turned around to look at Spio, surprised by his question. It seemed that most students here already knew about Luminara, making Spio's question rather unusual.

Professor Windstrider understood and smiled kindly, easing the awkwardness. "At Luminara, students are guided to develop in various directions. Each direction has a professor who will help ensure you stay on the right path. These professors are known as Pathwarden. Now, do you understand?"

Spio, feeling a bit embarrassed under the attention of everyone, simply nodded.

"Now, please follow me. I'll show you your seats, and we'll begin the ceremony." Professor Windstrider said, leading the students to the front rows of the hall.

She looked down at the students, nodded, and said enthusiastically, "It seems the time has come!"

She turned toward the large doors of the hall, where the headmistress would appear. "Please stay calm and listen carefully! This is the important first step of your journey at Luminara."

She smiled encouragingly before turning back toward the row of teachers sitting, preparing for the selection ceremony of the Pathwarden.

A voice echoed through the hallway: "Greetings, students!" Instantly, all eyes turned toward the end of the corridor. A figure emerged from the door at the far end—a woman whose commanding presence captivated everyone.

Headmistress Agatha Pyre stepped forward, standing before the new students with an air of authority and poise. Her demeanor was dignified, and each step exuded confidence and strength. As she began to speak, her resonant voice immediately commanded the attention of all present:

"Congratulations on your acceptance to Luminara Academy! This institution is our pride, a unique sanctuary in the world dedicated to nurturing young sorcerers. It was founded by the Pyre family with the unwavering support of the three great clans: Dracarys, Tidalbane, and Ophidian."

Her voice was powerful and authoritative yet carried warmth and encouragement. She paused briefly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the students, as if ensuring every word was absorbed with utmost care.

"At Luminara, you will not only learn to master magic but also be trained to become extraordinary Sorcerers within society. We do not merely impart knowledge; we cultivate courage, responsibility, and resilience. Here, your talents will be honed to their fullest, and great challenges await you along the way."

She allowed a small, dignified smile to grace her face, though her commanding presence remained intact:

"Finally, remember that Luminara is your second home. Here, you will be guided, supported, and accompanied throughout your journey of self-discovery. We believe that each student has the potential to become a great wizard, and we are committed to helping you unlock that potential."

Her penetrating gaze met each student's eyes, conveying confidence and determination.

"Begin your journey with courage and enthusiasm. What you achieve at Luminara will not only shape your future but also contribute to the growth and protection of our magical world!"

"And now," she concluded with a formal nod, "let the Pathwarden Ceremony commence! Professors, please step forward to continue the orientation."

Headmistress Pyre stepped back gracefully, making way for the other professors as the room filled with a renewed energy of anticipation and hope. Her speech had successfully kindled the students' passion and determination, leaving the grand hall charged with excitement.

Professor Lyra Windstrider, with her slender frame and long silver hair, stood first in line. She radiated a sense of calm and wisdom, her confident gaze sweeping over the new students, inspiring both serenity and awe.

Beside her was Professor Alaric Whittaker, an elder with flowing white hair and a face etched with the lines of countless stories and decades of learning. His gentle eyes conveyed the kindness of a grandfather speaking to his cherished grandchildren.

Next stood Professor Caelan Greystone, a middle-aged man of imposing stature and commanding presence. His slightly ashen skin and deep brown eyes reflected unyielding strength and inner resolve. Every word he spoke carried the weight of a solemn promise—a reassurance of unwavering guidance.

Finally, there was Professor Adrian Ravencroft, a man in his forties with modern undercut black hair that gave him a dynamic and youthful appearance. His sharp features and piercing gaze exuded confidence, while the deep resonance of his voice hinted at enigmatic depths, as though he held secrets that only the bold dared uncover.

Professor Windstrider stepped forward, her voice gentle yet resonant as it filled the grand hall:

"Welcome to Luminara Academy. We, standing before you, are not merely your professors but your Pathwardens. It is our duty to help you uncover and develop your potential on the path to becoming extraordinary wizards."

Professor Whittaker continued, his tone warm and reassuring:

"At Luminara, each of us will guide you through different aspects of magic, from mastering fundamental principles to delving into the most profound mysteries of the magical world. We will be your companions, supporting you through every challenge."

Professor Greystone's steadfast voice followed:

"We will not only teach you how to wield magic but also help you understand yourself. Perseverance and determination are the keys to overcoming obstacles, and we will always be here to guide you when needed."

Lastly, Professor Ravencroft concluded with a voice steeped in mystery:

"But remember, this journey is not without shadows. At times, you will face darkness both within and beyond yourself. When those moments come, do not hesitate to seek us out. We will be your Pathwardens, helping you find your way, even in the deepest of shadows."

The professors' gazes swept over the new students, lingering briefly on each, conveying both trust and expectation. Their succinct but weighty words reminded the students that they were not alone on this journey.

As the speeches concluded, the four professors moved to stand before a massive crystal orb hovering near the grand fountain. Its soft yet potent glow pulsed with an intricate magic.

Professor Greystone drew a list of names from his pocket. With a flourish, he raised his hand, sending the list spinning into the air. It glowed brilliantly as it ascended, capturing the attention of every new student in the hall.

The first name on the list lit up and began to grow larger, hovering mid-air: "Leander Frostwood." The entire hall turned its gaze toward the prominent name.

A wave of murmurs rippled through the hall at the appearance of the name "Leander Frostwood." Some students whispered among themselves, reacting to the presence of a member of the renowned Frostwood family.

"Frostwood? I've heard they're cold and distant," one student muttered to their friend.

"Do you think he'll be like his family?" another asked nervously.

"Shh, quiet. I don't want any trouble with the Frostwoods," another student warned softly.

The whispers in the hall gradually subsided but continued to ripple quietly through the crowd. Leander Frostwood stepped forward with an air of calm confidence. His naturally silver hair gleamed under the magical light, lending him an aura of mystery and elegance. His striking blue eyes glowed with intelligence and insight, while his fair, smooth complexion and tall, slender frame radiated a noble grace that drew every gaze toward him.

Leander approached the crystal orb, closing his eyes to focus. With deliberate calm, he extended a hand to touch it. A cool, icy-blue light emanated from his palm, spreading into the orb. The professors observed intently, beginning to see the vision unfolding in Leander's mind.

In their shared vision, they saw a frozen landscape blanketed in snow and dense pine forests. On the icy ground lay a lone wolf with fur as white as the snow, curled up against the cold. The wolf exuded strength but also an undeniable loneliness. As the professors' forms appeared within the vision, the wolf showed no fear. Instead, curiosity lit its eyes. It approached cautiously, sniffing at Professor Greystone before turning away, leaving pawprints in the snow.

The professors stood in thoughtful silence, their eyes meeting as they shared a subtle understanding.

"Impressive," one of them murmured. "The first student to withstand Greystone's presence—and even approach him. This one shows promise."

When the vision faded, the professors returned to the present, their agreement unspoken but clear. Professor Greystone stepped forward, his expression as steady as his deep, resonant voice.

"Leander Frostwood," he announced, "I will be your guide."

Leander inclined his head respectfully, his emotions carefully restrained, before returning to his seat.

"Remarkable," whispered one of the professors seated further back. "The first student already chosen by Caelan. This year's cohort is looking promising." The others exchanged subtle smiles at the observation.

As the next name appeared on the list, the shimmering light emanated from the name "Orion Harkness" hovering in the air. All eyes quickly turned to Orion, a young man standing in the midst of the new students. Surprised yet unfazed, Orion flashed a friendly smile and confidently stepped forward.

Orion, with his simple appearance and bright, shining eyes, stepped forward and placed his hand on the crystal orb, just as Leander had done before. As the energy from his hand flowed into the orb, the scene in the minds of the professors began to shift. Now, they found themselves standing in a vast cavern, with soft sand underfoot and dim light filtering through cracks in the cavern's ceiling, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

In the darkness of the cave, a small creature emerged from deep within. It was a tiny earth spirit with gleaming eyes, exuding a playful and curious energy. This creature, seemingly an embodiment of knowledge and discovery, looked at the four professors with both caution and curiosity. It took small, careful steps toward them, but as it neared, it suddenly stopped, its face showing signs of fear and apprehension.

Professor Greystone, recognizing this, took a few steps back, allowing the small creature some space. The tension in the air seemed to dissipate, and the tiny creature cautiously resumed its approach toward the other three professors. It observed each one with intense curiosity, as though evaluating who among them would be the one it could trust most.

In the darkness of the cavern, a small creature emerged from deep within. It was a tiny earth elemental with sparkling, mischievous eyes, exuding a sense of curiosity and playfulness. The creature, seemingly a manifestation of knowledge and exploration, regarded the four professors with a mix of caution and wonder.

Professor Whittaker, with a gentle wave of his hand, conjured a small sandcastle that instantly captivated the creature. Its eyes lit up with joy as it approached the creation, inspecting it from every angle with a delighted expression. The little elemental circled the sandcastle, visibly pleased, its demeanor now entirely carefree and animated.

At last, the creature turned to Professor Whittaker, its bright eyes glowing with trust and affection. It stepped closer, drawn to the warmth and profound wisdom emanating from the seasoned professor. It seemed clear to everyone present that the tiny earth elemental had made its choice.

Professor Whittaker, with a kind smile, bowed slightly, accepting the selection. In his deep, soothing voice, he declared, "Orion Harkness, I will be your guide."

As time passed, the professors had acquired their students who would accompany them on their journeys at Luminara. Professor Windstrider, with her graceful demeanor and approachable nature, garnered six students. Professor Whittaker earned the trust of nine. Professor Ravencroft also received nine.

Professor Greystone, with his commanding presence and steadfast determination, had only three students choose him. Though fewer in number, everyone understood that those who could walk under Greystone's guidance were far from ordinary.

As the list grew shorter, leaving just two names, the entire hall was abuzz with anticipation, eager for their turns. The atmosphere fell strangely quiet when another name illuminated in the air: Evangeline Morwen.

Evangeline stepped forward gracefully under the watchful eyes of everyone present. Her glossy hair swayed gently as she approached the crystal orb, her steps exuding confidence and pride. All gazes remained fixed on her, awaiting the moment of revelation. Some students whispered, speculating which professor would resonate with Evangeline's essence.

When she placed her hand on the orb, a highly unusual scene unfolded in the professors' minds. Instead of natural landscapes or mystical creatures, they found themselves inside a modern, well-furnished home with intricate details. This startled them; none had ever encountered such a vision before.

What happened next was even more surprising. No creature appeared. Instead, a cheerful voice echoed: "Hello!" Descending from a staircase was Evangeline herself, beaming warmly. She greeted each professor, "Professor Whittaker, Professor Ravencroft, Professor Windstrider, and..." She hesitated momentarily before continuing, her voice slightly faltering, "...Professor Greystone. Would anyone like something to drink?"

The professors, though taken aback by this unexpected scenario, felt an inexplicable sense of peace radiating from the young girl. They followed her through the cozy setting of the house but were abruptly pulled back to reality as the vision ended.

Evangeline opened her eyes, the glow from the crystal orb fading, leaving the hall in silence. No one spoke, but the feeling of having witnessed something extraordinary lingered in everyone's minds.

Besides Professor Greystone, the other professors exchanged discreet glances, pondering the unique event that had just transpired. The quiet was finally broken when Professor Windstrider stepped forward, her voice gentle but clear as she addressed Evangeline:

"Morwen, among the three of us, whom will you choose as your guide?"

Her question stunned the entire hall. It had been many years since a student had been given the power to choose their professor.

Evangeline's eyes widened briefly before confidence returned to her face. She looked around, her gaze resting on each professor in turn. Each represented a unique path, filled with distinct knowledge and challenges.

For a moment, the silence in the room was palpable. The other students observed her every expression, whispering among themselves. Evangeline understood the weight of her decision. The gazes following her were not just curious—they brimmed with expectation.

Taking a deep breath, Evangeline smiled brightly and turned to Professor Windstrider. "I choose Professor Windstrider, ma'am. I believe I can learn a great deal from you and feel that the path you guide will help me grow the most."

Her response brought a warm smile to Professor Windstrider's face, and the hall erupted into murmurs.

The tension in the room seemed to dissipate as Evangeline made her choice. Students exchanged knowing looks, some nodding in approval. Professor Windstrider, with a gentle expression, thanked Evangeline in a soft voice:

"Thank you for choosing me, Evangeline. I trust we will have an exciting and meaningful journey together."

Professor Windstrider turned to her fellow professors, her gaze friendly yet resolute as she continued...

"And now, we will continue. It seems there is only one last student left."

She turned her gaze toward Spio. Spio could feel the professor's eyes on him. He took a deep breath, preparing for this important moment. Professor Windstrider offered an encouraging, friendly smile, which gave Spio a sense of strength.

When the name "Spio Reed" lit up in the air, all eyes turned toward him. Spio stepped forward, closed his eyes, and placed his hand on the floating crystal sphere, channeling his energy into it. The energy rays gently touched the sphere, and everyone in the hall waited for something special to happen.

The surface of the water in the fountain below trembled, creating ripples, leading many to believe that he might experience something extraordinary like Evangeline. But then, the vibrations abruptly stopped, leaving a tense silence in the air.

The four professors now found themselves in a strange land. Beneath their feet was a barren, white land, empty of any sign of life, and above them was a pitch-black, eerily silent space. The mystery of this place made all four of them feel an overwhelming unease.

Professor Windstrider, sensing the danger, reminded the others:

"Be careful. Magnus once entered Spio's mind, and he warned that something very unusual within him. He told us to be cautious when venturing into his mind."

The other professors exchanged glances, puzzled by Lyra's warning. They all thought there was no reason to be cautious about the mind and energy of a new student. Together, they stepped onto the white land, carefully observing their surroundings, but found nothing but emptiness. Every step they took echoed in this quiet space.

Then, suddenly, their footsteps grew softer, replaced by the distant rumbling of thunder. Just like what Magnus had experienced, dark clouds began to appear slowly, covering the sky above them. Violent lightning began to strike, ravaging the barren land. Professor Greystone, with his strong physique, quickly stepped forward, raising his hand to create a shield to block the wild lightning.

The other professors quickly realized the severity of the situation. They worked together to fend off the thunderstorm that was overwhelming the space. After a moment, they found themselves at the center of the storm, where its power was strongest.

Suddenly, a strange sound came from the sky above, drawing their attention. When they looked up, they saw the vague outline of a giant bird, its eyes glowing with an eerie blue light, staring down at them. Before anyone could react, a thunderstrike hit the ground, and the light flashed for a moment, pulling all four back to the present.

Spio opened his eyes, trying to maintain his composure, but couldn't hide the worry when he saw the professors' faces drenched in sweat, their eyes filled with confusion. The crystal sphere before him began to fade, returning the main hall to its silent state, but the atmosphere around still felt tense. What had just occurred in Spio's mind left the professors puzzled, unsure of what to do next.

The four professors exchanged quiet words, each of them whispering and discussing the unexpected situation at hand.

"What do you all think of Spio? Who should he go with?" Windstrider asked softly, his voice laced with concern.

"I think he should go with her. After all, she understands him better than the rest of us," Whittaker responded, his tone respectful, and Ravencroft nodded in agreement.

However, Windstrider disagreed: "But I don't think I can teach him. My family's power is all about gentleness, grace, like the wind flowing through the trees, while Spio is wild and uncontrollable. If something goes wrong, I fear I won't be able to help, even though I truly want him to come with me."

 After a while of consideration, Professor Greystone, with a serious expression, stepped forward. He looked at Spio with unwavering eyes and said:

"Spio, I will take you as my apprentice and guide you throughout your studies at Luminara."

Spio hesitated. He turned to Professor Windstrider, his eyes seeming to ask if he could truly follow her. But Professor Windstrider, with a gentle yet firm smile, shook her head and softly said:

"Spio, I understand that you want to follow me, but after what just happened, Professor Greystone is perhaps the most suitable person to guide you. Don't worry, you'll do fine."

Seeing the agreement from both Professor Windstrider and Greystone, Spio bowed his head, accepting the decision.

After everything calmed down, Spio slowly stepped back to join the other students, his heart a tangled mix of disappointment, worry, and curiosity. Meanwhile, Professor Greystone also returned to his position, his gaze still thoughtful as he observed his new student.

Principal Agatha Pyre stepped forward, capturing everyone's attention. She surveyed the main hall before speaking in a deep, warm voice:

"Congratulations to all of you for completing the first step on your journey at Luminara. Remember, every choice you've just made will open a new path, and that path will lead you to challenges but also to glory. Our professors will be your companions, your guides, but it is you who will shape your own destiny."

The words of Principal Agatha ended in a reverent silence, and each student reflected on the path ahead.

"Now, follow your professors to your residences. Starting tomorrow, you will enter a new world where magic and knowledge will become your most precious belongings."

With these final words, the students began to leave the main hall, following their new guides. Spio walked behind Professor Greystone, feeling a new sense of determination. Though anxious about what lay ahead, he realized that this was the beginning of a journey full of mystery and discovery that he had long desired.

Professor Greystone led the four new students down the long corridors of Ember's Valiant, the area that would become their second home during their studies at Luminara. He showed them important areas, including a large training room with walls reinforced with magic, a small library filled with valuable books on combat and strategy, and meeting rooms where students and faculty could exchange ideas and research and practice magic together.

Throughout the tour, Professor Greystone made sure to explain the rules they must follow as his students. He emphasized the values that the place upheld, such as courage, teamwork, and responsibility. With a firm tone, he encouraged the new students to foster a positive learning environment where everyone supported each other.

Spio followed along with the professor and his classmates, listening carefully. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was strange. Despite having passed through many places in Ember's Valiant, Spio noticed that the area seemed unusually deserted. There was no sign of any other students walking around or engaging in activities, which made him feel curious.

Finally, unable to suppress his curiosity, Spio asked, "Professor, why aren't there any other students here?"

The question caused the group to stop. The other students turned to look at him, their eyes filled with surprise.

Professor Greystone paused, sighed gently but thoughtfully. "You really don't know, do you? Lyra warned me about this, but I didn't believe her. Now, I do," he said in a reflective tone, then turned to Leander.

"Hey, Frostwood, explain it to Reed," he ordered, his voice still calm but slightly weary.

Leander nodded, stepping closer to Spio and speaking quietly, "At this academy, very few people can follow Professor Greystone. He's one of the top battle wizards, and the aura he emits during the guiding ceremony is very strong. Only those with enough energy can endure and surpass it. Most years, only one or two people are capable of following him. You should feel lucky to be chosen. Not everyone gets this opportunity."

Spio listened, his feelings becoming more complex. He felt honored to be chosen, but also worried about the challenges ahead. Yet, he realized that this was a rare opportunity, which gave him the motivation to continue his journey.

After showing them around the main area, Professor Greystone led the four students to the dormitories. He explained the room arrangements:

"We have two dormitories for you," he said. "Each room will house two people. We don't separate by gender because there are very few students in Guardian. Most of the space here is used for living areas since, most years, there are only one or two students, so there's never more than six here. But this year we have four new members, so you'll have to share rooms."

He pointed to two doors next to each other. "The two boys will stay in one room," the professor announced, gesturing to the first door, "and the two girls will stay in the other room."

No one seemed uncomfortable with this, as they understood that sharing a room would give them the chance to get to know each other better. The girls also smiled in agreement with the arrangement.

Professor Greystone handed each student a triangular room key, engraved with a shield, and reminded them that this would be their place of residence and study during their time at Luminara. "Settle your belongings and make yourselves comfortable," he said, "tomorrow we will begin the new schedule of classes and training."

Spio and Leander entered their room and started to unpack. Although it was a new space, both of them tried to create a friendly atmosphere to share.

While unpacking, Leander turned to Spio and asked, "Does your Clan, the Reeds, usually live in seclusion? I've never heard of any wizards from the Reed Clan before."

Spio replied slowly, his face slightly embarrassed, "Clan? I don't belong to any clan." Spio's response surprised Leander.

"You don't belong to any clan? Are you a Grime, then?"

"Maybe... Professor Windstrider also said I'm a Grime. I was introduced here by someone."

Leander thought for a moment before saying, "Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable with that question. It's late now, we should rest."

Spio suddenly remembered something and turned back to ask, "Frostwood, why does everyone seem to avoid your family?"

Leander, hearing the question, replied, "Call me Leander. My family has a pretty bad reputation, so of course, people are afraid of them!"

Spio realized that Leander didn't like talking about his family, so he stopped asking further, "Well, you can just call me Spio," he said, before drifting off to sleep.