OPENING CEREMONY

Three days had passed since our encounter at Lord Alaric's manor, and now it was finally time for Chris and me to begin our journey at the academy. Early in the morning, Father woke us up with a gentle knock on the door, his voice calm but filled with a hint of anticipation.

"Will, Chris, it's time to get up. We have a big day ahead," he said, his tone kind yet firm, echoing the responsibilities he knew we were about to take on.

The morning light filtered through the inn's small window, casting a warm glow across the room. Chris and I groggily pulled ourselves out of bed, rubbing the sleep from our eyes as we began to prepare. The air was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, the kind that came with the start of something new.