Paths of Knowledge

The corridors of Arsia Academy shimmered under the glow of crystalline lamps, their light casting intricate patterns on the polished stone floors. Aqua and Casial strolled leisurely towards their next class, the faint echo of footsteps trailing behind them.

Casial groaned, throwing his arms up dramatically. "Politics? It's dull enough to put a dragon to sleep! Why on earth would you choose such a boring subject, Aqua?"

"I didn't," Aqua replied evenly, his expression calm as always. "Allen insisted I should take it. He said it's important for someone like me."

Casial paused mid-step, his brows furrowing in disbelief. "Your butler picked it?

As they continued down the hallway, they spotted Claire walking towards the same direction. She was accompanied by a girl whose timid demeanor set her apart. Casial nudged Aqua with a knowing smile. "That's Emilia Serus—the duchy heir. You've heard of her, haven't you?"

"Of course," Aqua replied simply, recalling the reputation of House Serus.

Casial, ever the sociable one, called out with a wave. "Claire! Let's head to class together."

Claire, her demeanor composed as always, acknowledged them with a nod. "All right."

The four joined ranks and entered the politics classroom—a space unlike the sprawling outdoor grounds they'd grown accustomed to. The room's atmosphere was heavy with history, its walls adorned with depictions of royal councils and legendary treaties. The faint scent of aged parchment lingered, accompanied by the rich tones of polished oak furniture.

Casial chose the back row with a grin. "This is the best spot. Elevated seats, perfect view, and no one will bother us here."

The others agreed, settling into the cushioned chairs with quiet murmurs. From their vantage point, the lecturer's desk at the front looked like a stage ready for the first act.

Breaking the brief silence, Casial leaned towards Claire with a mischievous grin. "So, how was your first lecture, Claire? Magic with Mother must have been intense."

Claire chuckled softly, her poise unshaken. "Not quite. She only asked a single question—'What is mana?'—and dismissed us in twenty minutes."

"What?" Casial exclaimed, his tone exaggerated with mock jealousy. "We were sweating in swordsmanship for two hours, dodging lasers left and right, and you just sat there thinking about mana?"

Aqua, silently listening, furrowed his brow. Though he hadn't attended the lecture, the question struck a chord with him. It was one he'd heard before from Ray Rein—his brother. He glanced at Claire and Casial, nodding slowly.

"You know the answer, don't you?" Casial asked Aqua, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. Claire's gaze followed, her composed demeanor betraying subtle anticipation.

"Yes," Aqua replied plainly, his confidence measured.

Emilia's eyes widened slightly, her surprise evident. "You do?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Casial, noticing her reaction, grinned. "You didn't know? Aqua was trained by none other than Ray Rein himself."

Emilia blinked in astonishment, clearly impressed. Ray Rein's reputation preceded him.

The conversation drifted into silence as the class began to fill, their quiet camaraderie lingering like an unspoken promise. Around them, the ornate room seemed to hum with untold stories, waiting to be unraveled.