Kapitel 22: New Beginnings at Kuoh Academy
The clatter of train wheels echoed through the carriage as Kiyoshi stared out the window. Rolling hills and forests rushed by in a blur of green and gold, the morning sun painting the sky with vibrant hues. It was a peaceful moment, one that almost made him forget the weight of the journey ahead. Kuoh Academy—the name held promise and fortune—a place where his magic might finally find purpose.
Across from him, Celosia sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She gazed out at the passing landscape, the faint reflection of her worried expression in the window. Beside her, Rajieru was sprawled in his seat, half-asleep, his head bobbing with every sway of the train. The serene atmosphere of the cabin was periodically interrupted by the hum of students murmuring excitedly around them, their voices blending with the sound of the train as it sped toward their destination.
"This is it," Celosia said softly, breaking the quiet. "We're really going to Kuoh Academy…"
Kiyoshi glanced at her, sensing the mix of nerves and excitement in her voice. She tried to hide it, but her fingers fidgeted slightly with the hem of her cloak. "Are you nervous?" he asked, his voice low but steady.
She nodded. "A little. It's such a big change from everything we know. And there will be so many people... different from the village."
Kiyoshi leaned back in his seat, his eyes trailing from Celosia to the rest of the carriage. The train was packed with other students, all headed to the same destination, their voices buzzing with excitement. He understood the feeling. They were stepping into the unknown.
"Don't worry," he said, glancing back at her. "We'll figure it out together."
Celosia smiled gently, her usual timidity tempered by her trust in Kiyoshi's calm demeanour. She took a deep breath, seeming to find some comfort in his words.
As the train slowed down at the next station, the door to their carriage slid open, revealing a new wave of students boarding the train. The shuffle of footsteps and murmurs filled the cabin as they found their seats. Among the newcomers, three figures caught Kiyoshi's attention as they entered their cabin.
The first was a young man with messy white hair, held out of his face by a single hairpin. His red eyes glimmered with an intensity that was hard to ignore, and his long, sharp nails tapped absentmindedly on his arm as he scanned the cabin. He wore a white dress shirt beneath a red blazer paired with a blue tie; his ears pointed like an elf's. The gleam of black piercings on his right ear stood out starkly against his pale skin.
Behind him walked a girl with short pink hair and an ethereal grace. Her rainbow pastel eyes caught Kiyoshi's attention immediately, the colours swirling in a hypnotic array around her irises. As she moved, the faint shimmer of fairy-like wings fluttered softly on her back. She wore a long-sleeved blouse, a flowing maxi skirt, and soft ballet flats. Her accessories were a pendant necklace and some simple earrings.
The last of the trio was a goblin woman with green skin and a serious expression. Her long brown hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, with bangs that barely touched her eyebrows. Rin's sharp brown eyes scanned the room, her pointy ears twitching slightly. She wore a white button-down shirt tucked into black straight-leg trousers, simple leather shoes, a trench coat, and a silver ring. She carried a quiet strength about her that Kiyoshi suspected most would underestimate at first glance.
Rajieru, who had been dozing off, suddenly jolted awake. "New arrivals?" He rubbed his eyes and blinked at the trio before glancing at Kiyoshi. "Looks like the fun's about to begin."
Kiyoshi didn't respond but made a mental note of the new students. Something about this journey felt different—a shift, as though the weight of the future was beginning to press down on them already.
The train ride continued, but the conversations grew quieter as they neared their destination. The towering spires of Kuoh Academy came into view, silhouetted against the horizon. As the train made its final approach, the air in the cabin shifted, filled with anticipation. The academy's reputation preceded it—everyone knew it wasn't just a school but a proving ground for those with potential.
When the train finally came to a stop, the doors slid open, and the cool autumn air rushed in. Kiyoshi stood first, leading as they stepped onto the platform.
For a brief moment, there was silence.
Before them stood Kuoh Academy, a vast, sprawling campus surrounded by ancient trees and marble statues. The academy's main building, an elegant structure with gothic spires, loomed over the courtyard like a monument from another time. It exuded an air of grandeur and history, the stone walls seeming to whisper countless stories long past.
"Wow…" Celosia whispered, her wide eyes reflecting the towering structures. "It's beautiful."
Rajieru whistled low. "Looks like we're going to need a map to get around this place."
Kiyoshi remained quiet, his eyes scanning the academy grounds. They had arrived, but the real journey was beginning.
As the crowd of students funnelled through the gates, they were greeted by the principal, a tall, graceful woman who radiated authority. Principal Kasede, with her shoulder-length pink hair and sharp blue eyes, stood at the entrance, her gaze sweeping over the incoming students. She wore a crisp white dress shirt beneath a black blazer, a matching black skirt, and tights, her posture straight and unwavering. Her glasses caught the glint of sunlight as she watched the students with a mixture of sternness and care.
"Welcome to Kuoh Academy," she announced, her voice clear and authoritative yet warm. "You have made it this far, but this is only the beginning. Your entrance exam will determine whether you have what it takes to thrive here. Prepare yourselves."
Her words sent a ripple of murmurs through the crowd. Rajieru raised an eyebrow, nudging Kiyoshi. "Entrance exam? Guess we're not in yet."
Kiyoshi wasn't surprised. Kuoh Academy was known for its stringent standards. There needed to be more than a simple train ride to earn a place here.
Principal Kasede continued. "The exam will begin shortly. Make your way to the designated testing areas. You will be evaluated on your magical abilities, combat skills, and intellect. Only those who prove themselves worthy will move on."
Rajieru grinned. "Sounds like fun."
But Kiyoshi's mind was already racing. He could feel the tension in the air, the unspoken challenge. They would have to prove themselves here, not just to the academy but to each other. This was their chance to show what they were made of.
As they made their way toward the exam area, Kiyoshi noticed several familiar faces from the train, including the goblin girl, the guy with pointy ears, and the fairy girl.
But there was no time for introductions. The exam awaited, and Kiyoshi knew this would be the first of many tests.
As the weight of the academy's gaze bore down on them, Kiyoshi didn't falter. He had come too far to turn back now or to fail.
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