Chapter 36: New Beginnings

The first few weeks at the academy had passed in a blur, with so much information and so many people to process. Every corner of the academy seemed to hold some new surprise, some hidden secret, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to uncover them all. I moved through the halls and classrooms like a shadow, always observing, always learning, but rarely engaging.

At least, not until today.

I woke early, the pale light of dawn seeping through the grand windows of my dormitory. The scent of pine and earth filled the air, and the soft rustling of leaves could be heard even from inside. I stretched slowly, savoring the quiet moment. It was a rarity here, where the hustle and bustle of life at the academy rarely stopped.

I stood and moved to the mirror, brushing through my long, white hair, which glowed faintly in the morning light. My golden eyes, ever so luminous, reflected back at me, and I couldn't help but think of what my mother would say if she could see me now. She would tease me for taking too long with my hair, of course, but then she'd smile and remind me how beautiful it was, how it made me "the perfect little goddess."

"Today's the day," I muttered to myself, a quiet determination taking root in my chest. I didn't have a clear goal in mind, but something inside me urged me to step out of my comfort zone.

I changed quickly into my usual attire: a long, flowing white robe with golden accents—the symbol of the Goddess of Nature embroidered onto the fabric. My mother had made sure that every detail of my attire reminded me of who I was, but I often wore it as a second skin, something I was too used to for it to feel any different.

Stepping into the halls, I was immediately struck by the hum of energy. The students bustled about, talking among themselves, preparing for the day's lessons. The air was thick with the power of various magical auras, and I couldn't help but sense the subtle tension between the royal students. It wasn't outright hostility, but the rivalry was there, simmering beneath the surface. Some, like Serena, looked at me like I was a challenge to overcome. Others, like Liara, simply accepted me for who I was.

I was making my way toward the central courtyard, the space where most students gathered during breaks, when I heard a familiar voice call my name.

"Aria!"

I turned to see Liara walking toward me, her violet eyes gleaming with interest. She was one of the few students who had sought me out beyond the regular classes. We had exchanged a few words during meals, but there was an underlying curiosity between us that hadn't quite blossomed into a friendship. Yet.

"Good morning," I said, offering her a small smile. "How are you today?"

"Same as always," she replied with a shrug. "Curious to see what's on the agenda today. I'm guessing you've been thinking about it too."

I raised an eyebrow. "Thinking about what?"

She grinned, a mischievous spark in her eyes. "Today's the first day we get to go beyond the academy grounds for a practical field trip. A test of sorts. Magical beasts, combat, the real world beyond the walls."

I felt my heart skip a beat. I hadn't been informed about this field trip. Perhaps because of my status as a demi-goddess, they hadn't expected me to participate in such things. I was a bit too powerful, or so they assumed.

But this was different. This wasn't just about knowledge—it was about proving oneself.

"Well, it sounds like fun," I said, my voice casual, though inside, I was already planning how I would approach this test. I had faced plenty of magical creatures in my life, and my powers would easily give me an advantage. But it wasn't just about power. It was about strategy, about how I could use my environment to my advantage.

Liara's smile widened. "That's the spirit. I'd say you and I are in the same boat. We'll make sure to keep each other company."

I wasn't sure if I needed her help, but there was something refreshing about Liara's straightforwardness. She wasn't trying to impress anyone, and she didn't seem to care much about the prestige that came with royal blood. She was more interested in the adventure, in what the field trip could offer. It was rare to meet someone who didn't care about status—someone who simply wanted to experience the world for what it was.

"I'll keep that in mind," I said with a small smile.

We walked together toward the courtyard, where the instructors were gathering the students. They were going over the logistics of the field trip, outlining the expectations and the dangers. Several magical beasts roamed the forests surrounding the academy, and this trip would be a chance for us to face them head-on.

As the students gathered in the courtyard, I could sense the anxiety creeping up among some of them. The royal children, in particular, looked tense. This was no simple field trip—it was a challenge, a way to measure our abilities in real-world conditions.

One of the instructors, a tall man with dark brown hair and a stern expression, stepped forward. "Listen closely," he said, his voice commanding the attention of every student. "Today, you'll be tested on your ability to handle magical beasts. We will be entering the forest, and you will each face a different creature. Your mission is to subdue or defeat the creature without overexerting yourself. We don't expect you to kill it, but you must demonstrate control."

I could see the concern on the faces of some students. They weren't used to being thrown into situations like this. But I wasn't worried. I had faced worse.

The instructor's gaze landed on me, and I could sense the challenge in his eyes. He knew who I was, and I could tell he was curious to see how I would handle myself. Most people expected me to rely solely on my raw power, but that was something I wasn't eager to prove.

"Aria Velanova," he called out. "Your creature will be a forest hydra."

I raised an eyebrow. A hydra? It wasn't a simple beast. It was a creature of considerable power, known for its multiple heads and regenerative abilities. But it wasn't unbeatable.

I could feel Liara's curiosity as she glanced at me, but I didn't respond. I simply nodded and followed the instructor as he led the group toward the forest.

As we ventured deeper into the trees, the sounds of the academy faded away. The forest was alive with magic, the trees whispering secrets in the wind. I could feel the connection to the natural world here, a soothing presence that reminded me of home. Gaia's influence was strong here, and it gave me a sense of peace.

It wasn't long before we reached a clearing, and there, waiting for us, was the creature.

The hydra. Its many heads swayed in unison, each one slithering like a serpent, its eyes glowing with a feral light. It was a formidable opponent, but I had faced worse.

"Remember," the instructor's voice rang out, "subdue it, don't kill it."

I nodded, stepping forward, my magic stirring inside me. My affinity for nature and light made creatures like this easier to control, but the hydra's regenerative abilities would require a careful approach.

I raised my hands, feeling the pulse of the forest around me. The trees responded, their branches creaking and groaning as they bent toward the hydra. I summoned a barrier of light around myself, ready to defend against any attack.

The hydra lunged, its many heads snapping toward me with terrifying speed. But I was ready. I darted to the side, using my agility to avoid its strike. The hydra's heads clashed together as they missed me, and I took that moment to strike.

With a swift movement, I released a burst of light magic that struck one of the hydra's heads, sending it recoiling backward. But the head quickly began to regenerate, as expected.

I focused on the forest around me, drawing power from the trees and the earth. The roots of the trees surged from the ground, wrapping around the hydra's body, pinning it in place.

"Now, let's see if you're truly as strong as they say," I muttered under my breath, preparing for the next move.

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