chapter 8

We found a small, perfect house in the student district—a two-story building with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a shared living room. The rent was reasonable when we split it three ways, and most importantly, it was far enough away from prying eyes.

"This is perfect!" Elyana said, spinning around in the small living room. "A big window for light, a fireplace for winter, and even a small library!"

"And the kitchen is big enough to cook proper meals," Draken added, inspecting the stove. "We won't have to rely solely on academy food."

I was more interested in the small basement under the house. It was the perfect place for secret training and hiding any treasures we might find in the future.

"So, we agree?" I asked.

"We agree!" they both said.

We spent the week arranging the house and buying basic furniture. Ember especially loved the kitchen fireplace, where she could help with cooking without needing firewood. Luna, Elyana's light spirit, found her favorite spot in the small library, where she would glow softly over the books for evening reading.

On the first Monday morning, we all woke up early, excited and nervous for our first day at the academy.

"Do I look like a real academy student?" Elyana asked, wearing the academy's official uniform—a dark blue robe with a golden badge.

"You look like a future scholar," I reassured her, wearing the same outfit. "And Draken looks like a world-class warrior."

"A world-class warrior?" Draken raised an eyebrow.

"I like that title."

We walked to the academy together, the path filled with other students—new and old—all heading to the same place. The excitement was contagious.

In the main hall, all the new students—about fifty of us—waited while a group of professors stood before us.

"Welcome to the Imperial Sorcerer Academy," Professor Firestone said. "You are now part of a proud tradition that spans two hundred years."

Behind him stood a group of professors, each specialized in a different field. I recognized some from the game:

Professor Elina Rosewood – Professor of Nature Spirits, a woman in her forties with long red hair and a warm smile.

Professor Gareth Stormhammer – Professor of Magical Combat, a huge man with massive arms and a scar across his face.

Professor Lillith Shadowcraft – Professor of Advanced Magic, a mysterious woman in a black robe who looked ageless.

"You will be divided into classes based on your initial specializations," Professor Firestone continued. "But all of you will take core shared subjects."

They began reading names and assigning us to classes. As expected, I was placed in the "Advanced Spirit Controllers" class with nine other students, including Elyana. Draken went to the "Magical Warriors" class, but most of our courses were shared.

"Advanced Spirit Controllers class, come with me," Professor Rosewood said. "We'll begin with a tour of the academy facilities."

We followed her through the academy's wide corridors. The place was even more dazzling inside—white marble walls carved with magical symbols, stained-glass windows telling the stories of historical battles, and everywhere, thick magical energy made the air itself glow faintly.

"This is the academy library," Professor Rosewood said, opening the doors to a massive hall. "It contains over one hundred thousand books and manuscripts, including some of the rarest magical texts in the empire."

The library was breathtaking. Shelves reached the ceiling, filled with books, and expensive wooden reading tables were scattered around. In the corners, magical light orbs softly illuminated the space. I saw older students studying seriously, surrounded by stacks of books and scrolls.

"You may borrow most books," the professor continued. "But the rare books in the restricted section require special permission."

The restricted section? In the game, this place held the strongest techniques and magical secrets. But access was extremely difficult.

"And these are the training halls," she said, leading us to another building.

There were dozens of halls, each designed for a different type of training. Halls for combat, halls for meditation, halls for summoning spirits, and even special halls protected by barriers for practicing dangerous techniques.

"You'll spend most of your time here," the professor said with a smile. "Practical training is the foundation of learning at the academy."

Finally, she took us to the student dormitory building. "This is for students who prefer to live in the academy," she said. "But I understand some of you have found external housing. That's acceptable as long as you follow attendance rules and schedules."

After the tour, the actual classes began. The first one was "Basics of Spirit Control" with Professor Rosewood.

"In this class, you will learn to strengthen your bond with your spirits and develop new abilities," she said, standing in front of the class. "Can anyone tell me what is the foundation of the relationship between a spirit controller and a spirit?"

Elyana raised her hand. "Mutual trust and respect?"

"A good answer, but incomplete," the professor said. "Anyone else?"

I raised my hand. "Spiritual energy harmony and mutual understanding of goals."

"Excellent!" the professor said with admiration. "That's correct. A true relationship requires more than just agreement—it needs deep spiritual harmony."

The rest of the class looked at me with admiration, and I tried not to look too proud. My knowledge from the game was useful here.

"Now, we'll start with a practical exercise," the professor said. "Summon your spirits and have them perform a simple task—light a candle, move a piece of paper, or anything that shows fine control."

I summoned Ember, who appeared as a small fireball in the palm of my hand. I focused, and Ember split into several smaller fireballs, dancing around my fingers in a complex formation.

"Amazing!" the professor said. "This level of control is very advanced for a first-year student."

The other students looked even more impressed. Some of them were barely able to get their spirits to perform simple tasks.

"Lian, would you help your classmates?" the professor asked.

"Yes!" I answered quickly, as if I was waiting for it.

I spent the rest of the class helping other students improve their bond with their spirits. It was fun—I remembered how difficult it was at first, even in the game.

The next class was "History of Magic" with Professor Arnold Action, an old man with a long white beard and thick glasses.

"Magic wasn't always as we know it today," he said in a voice filled with wisdom. "A thousand years ago, humans relied on primitive magic—complex rituals, long spells, and many tools."

This was familiar history from the game, but hearing it from a real expert was different.

"The discovery of spirit control eight hundred years ago changed everything," he continued. "Instead of forcing magic to obey, we learned to partner with intelligent magical beings."

A student raised his hand. "Professor, how was spirit control discovered?"

"A fascinating story!" the professor said enthusiastically. "The first emperor, Adrian the Great, was in a desperate battle against the demon beast army. When his forces were on the verge of defeat, an ancient dragon spirit appeared and offered him help—in exchange for friendship, not slavery."

"And what happened?"

"Adrian accepted, and became the first spirit controller in history. Together, he and the dragon defeated the beast army and founded the empire."

This was part of the background story in the game, but hearing it in detail was exciting.

After the history class, we had lunch break. I met Draken in the dining hall, which was filled with students of all ages and specialties.

"How was the magical warriors class?" I asked as I sat beside him.

"Intense!" he said, eating a large meal of meat and vegetables. "Professor Stormhammer made us fight each other for a full hour. He said he wants to see our real level."

"How did you do?"

He smiled modestly. "I beat five students without even breaking a sweat. The professor said I'm stronger than some second-year students."

"That's great!" Elyana said as she joined us. "I also had a good day. In 'Advanced Light Spirits,' I learned a new technique—minor wound healing!"

She showed us how Luna could glow with warm, healing light. The technique was very useful.

"It seems we're all adjusting well," I said happily.

But our peace was broken when a group of older students approached. They were wearing badges indicating they were second-years, led by a tall young man with black hair and a smug expression.

"So, you're the new students causing all the buzz," he said loudly. "I heard one of you defeated Victor Shadowbane in the entrance exam."

"And what's the problem with that?" Draken asked cautiously.

"The problem is Victor is my friend," the older student said. "My name is Marcus Iron, head of the second-year students. And I don't like seeing my friends humiliated by first-years."

Oh great. Classic first-year trouble!

"Marcus, is it?" I said calmly.

"Victor lost in a fair match. I don't see a problem with that."

"The problem is you need to learn respect for those above you," Marcus said threateningly.

"How about a friendly match? Just to clear things up."

I looked around and realized most of the dining hall was now watching.

This was a classic test—the older students trying to assert dominance over the newcomers.

"Fine," I said, slowly standing up.

"A friendly match. But if I win, I want a public apology—for me and my friends."

"And if I win, you publicly apologize to Victor," Marcus said with overconfidence.

"Good!" I smiled coldly at him.

Ember flew from my shoulder and began glowing with red excitement. Even she was eager for the match.

"We'll go to the training yard," Marcus said. "I want all students to see this."

And so, on my first day at the academy, I found myself about to fight a second-year student in front of a large audience.

Some things never change—even if you're in another world.