章 3: The Journey to Oberon Academy
The journey to the capital city of Iris, where the prestigious Oberon Academy was located, took several days. Lumi and her parents traveled together in a comfortable carriage drawn by a pair of sturdy snow-white horses. The roads were lined with snow-covered trees, their branches heavy with ice, creating a winter wonderland that stretched as far as the eye could see. Lumi spent most of the journey lounging in the plush seats, her mind drifting between the scenery outside and the thought of what awaited her at the academy.
Oberon Academy wasn't just any school—it was the top magic academy in the entire kingdom of Iris, renowned for producing the most powerful and skilled mages in the land. The very idea of attending such a prestigious institution would have filled most students with excitement or anxiety, but Lumi remained as calm as ever. Though she was aware of the academy's reputation, she was more curious than anything else. If anything, she wondered how much effort she'd have to put in to meet the academy's high standards while still managing to squeeze in her beloved naps.
As the carriage rocked gently along the snow-packed road, Lumi's thoughts turned inward. She couldn't help but wonder what life at the academy would be like. She had always been a quick learner, her genius often surprising even her parents. But this would be different—she would be surrounded by other young mages, all of them eager to prove themselves. The idea of having to keep up with such energy was exhausting, but Lumi was confident that she could handle whatever came her way. After all, she'd rather nap than stress, and if anything required less effort than worrying, it was sleeping.
Lumi glanced at her parents, who sat across from her in the carriage. Boreas was gazing out the window, his expression calm and thoughtful. Kirsi was knitting something with soft, snow-white yarn, her hands moving with practiced ease. Lumi watched them in silence, a question forming in her mind—a question she had been thinking about ever since the test back in Glacia.
"Mama, Papa," Lumi began, breaking the comfortable silence. "Why do you think the Ice Element queen blessed me? I mean, there are so many other kids… Why me?"
Boreas turned his gaze from the window to his daughter, a thoughtful look in his ice-blue eyes. "That's a good question, Lumi," he said, his voice deep and steady. "The gods don't choose their Blessings lightly. There must be something about you that the Ice Element queen saw—a potential, perhaps, or a purpose that only you can fulfill."
Kirsi nodded, her dark eyes warm with affection as she looked at Lumi. "You've always had a special connection to the cold, Lumi. Even when you were just a baby, the snow seemed to follow you wherever you went. It's as if winter itself is drawn to you, and now that you've been blessed, that connection has only grown stronger."
Lumi considered their words, her mind working through the possibilities. She had always known she was different, but she had never questioned it before. The power she felt during the test was undeniable, and though she had brushed it off at the time, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was beginning—a journey she hadn't expected, but one she was curious to explore.
"So," Lumi said, her tone still casual despite the weight of her thoughts, "you think there's a reason I got this Blessing? Like, something I'm supposed to do?"
Boreas smiled, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Maybe. But that's something you'll discover in time, Lumi. For now, focus on learning and growing stronger. Oberon Academy will help you understand your powers, and with your natural talent, I'm sure you'll excel in no time."
Kirsi leaned forward, reaching out to squeeze Lumi's hand. "And remember, Lumi, you don't have to do this alone. You have us and the friends you'll make at the academy. Whatever challenges you face, we'll be here to support you."
Lumi nodded, her mind still turning over their words. She wasn't one to dwell on things too much, preferring to go with the flow and take life as it came. But the idea that her Blessing had a purpose—that there was something more to her life than just lazing around—was something she couldn't ignore.
The rest of the journey passed in a blur of snowy landscapes and quiet conversations. Lumi continued to relax in the carriage, but her mind was more active than usual, pondering the future and what it might hold. She knew Oberon Academy would be challenging, but she was confident in her abilities. After all, she had always been a quick learner, and with her genius-level intellect, she figured she could handle whatever the academy threw at her.
As the carriage approached the gates of Iris, the capital city came into view, its towering spires and majestic walls rising above the snow-covered plains. The city was a marvel of magic and architecture, with crystalline towers that sparkled in the sunlight and enchanted bridges that spanned frozen rivers. The streets were bustling with activity, filled with people from all walks of life—merchants, scholars, knights, and mages—all going about their daily lives in the heart of the kingdom.
Lumi leaned forward in her seat, her interest piqued by the sight of the grand city. It was her first time in Iris, and though she was usually indifferent to such things, she couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of the place. Oberon Academy, she knew, would be even more impressive—a place where the kingdom's most talented young mages gathered to learn and hone their skills.
The carriage rolled through the city gates and made its way through the bustling streets, eventually coming to a stop in front of a grand entrance lined with towering statues of ancient mages. The gates of Oberon Academy were open, welcoming the new students who had come from all corners of the kingdom to begin their studies.
"We're here," Kirsi said, a hint of excitement in her voice as she looked at Lumi. "This is where your journey begins, Lumi."
Lumi nodded, her gaze fixed on the academy's entrance. "Yeah," she said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I guess it is."
As they stepped out of the carriage, Lumi took a deep breath, feeling the crisp, cold air fill her lungs. The academy's towering gates loomed before her, a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that awaited inside. Lumi knew that one of those challenges would be summoning her familiar, something she would have to do in one of her classes. The thought of it didn't bother her, though—she was curious to see what kind of creature would answer her call.
The journey had brought her here, to the heart of the kingdom, where she would learn to control and master the powers that had been gifted to her. And though she still longed for the comfort of her bed and the sweetness of frostberry tarts, Lumi couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. This was the start of something new, something she had never imagined for herself.
With her parents by her side, Lumi took her first steps toward the academy gates, ready to face whatever awaited her inside.
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