Klera's Point of View
The day I had finally been waiting for arrived.
The excitement of entering at The Academy had me awake before sunrise! I carefully packed everything Mother had instructed me to bring; becoming an adventurer requires rigorous training, and the Academy is where I'll learn to fight. My little sister, Alera, helped me pack, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Are you going to leave us, Big Sister?" she asked softly. I reassured her, "Of course not! I'll visit whenever I have free time." Mother appeared, adding her comforting words, "Your sister won't leave us, Alera, she'll just be away for a while."
With a final, loving glance at my family, and my bags finally packed, I felt a surge of determination. This wasn't just the start of my training; it was the beginning of my adventure. I felt a thrill of anticipation – a mix of nervousness and excitement – as I set off, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.
As I ran down the stairs, Mother's voice called out, "Are you sure you're not going to eat?"
"I have bread, Mother," I replied, already halfway to the door.
I hugged and kissed them both goodbye, a rush of warmth and bittersweet emotion filling me.
"Be careful, Klera," Mother said, her voice laced with concern, "May Andromeda guide you." Mother's parting words, a blend of concern and blessing. "Your long journey awaits, go now."
"Tell Duke Mariano I'm at the Academy," I called back as I started to leave, my voice a mix of excitement and a little apprehension. Mother simply nodded, waving a hand in farewell.
I wore Father's amulet, a gift from Mother last week. It felt charged with untold stories.
As I walked through the village square, the familiar faces of my neighbors greeted me with well wishes. "Good luck, Klera!" they called out, their voices warm with support. Waves of hands and smiles accompanied their words, a wave of community support that warmed my heart. "Thank you, all," I replied, my heart brimming with gratitude.
As I arrive in the Capital City of the Pallet Kingdom. Two guards stood watch at the Capital's entrance, standing out against the bridge.
I wave to them from the bridge; we pass each other almost every day since I know them from working and selling fruits at the market.
While walking on the brick bridge, I didn't notice a Merchant wagon until it stopped beside me.
A Merchant wagon, appeared. A young man in the Wagon invited me, "Are you headed to the Academy, too? Hop in!" he offered, noticing my packed bags.
Climbing into the merchant wagon, I sat beside him on a rough-hewn bench, relief washed over me; I wouldn't have to wait for a carriage or wagon to reach the Academy. "I'm Hebrew Velano," he offered his hand. "Don't worry about the ride, it's free, right, Father?" he called to the wagoner. "Yeah, don't worry, child," the wagoner replied, waving a hand.
"I'm Klera Ward," I said, shaking his hand. His grip was firm and friendly.
"I'm so excited about the Academy!" he said, he smiled widely.
"Me too," I replied.
Chatting away, we arrived at the Capital City of the Pallet Kingdom. The gates burst open, revealing a breathtaking view.
The wagon rattled through the market's noisy streets.
The heart of the city is a bustling marketplace. The market streets were a vibrant mix of sights and smells. Colorful fruits and vegetables filled overflowing baskets, their delicious scents mixing with the smells of leather and spices. Stalls displayed shiny silks, beautiful jewelry, and magical weapons that seemed to glow with power. To the left, three imposing buildings stand out: the Grand Palace, a thrilling Arena where contests are held, and the Arcane Court of Justice,where magic-related crimes are judged. Their sheer size and importance are felt even from a distance.
Straight ahead, the Adventurer's Guild thrives, its lively atmosphere—a mix of excited chatter and the clinking of weapons—easily heard from the market. This is where adventurers gather to take on quests and missions.
Turning right offers a quieter scene: a peaceful Church, its calming scent of welcome contrast to the market's energy, and next to the church is another gate that leads out of the city.
We're taking the road to the right, passing the second city gate, because the Academy is short distances away, in the Capital City. The journey will be worthwhile, because of the history and famous tutors in the Academy.
Fast forward
After a 15-minute wagon ride, we reached the bridge leading to the Academy's entrance. Cross a charming brick bridge, and a grand gate unfolds, revealing imposing statues of the Five Pillars, their figures dominating the entrance.
Many wagons and carriages filled the academy courtyard as we arrived; others were still approaching.
The courtyard hushed as families parted. Then, a voice, strong and clear, cut through the air: "Welcome to the Academy of the Five Pillars," announced by the Headmistress, flanked by her staff and tutors, their presence hinting at the mysteries to unfold. "I am your Headmistress, Ophelia Chariot," she declared confidently. "These are your tutors and staffs," she continued, gesturing to those beside her. "They will teach and guide you within these walls."
"800 hundred years ago, Demons and monsters besieged our Kingdom," the Headmistress began, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "But thanks to our beloved heroes—Arthur the Protector and Sovereign King, Theia the Divine Priestess of Light, Andromeda the Wise Celestial Seer, Merlin the Master of Arcane Spells, and Talon the Keen-eyed Captain —who sacrificed their lives to slay the monsters and sealed away the7 Deadly Rulers of the Abyss."
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the assembled students. "But I know that danger will come again. We must always be prepared. This Academy is created to train you, to equip you to fight monsters, maintain the kingdom's peace, and protect innocent lives. Upon graduation, you will officially become Adventurers, undertaking quests and missions—with rewards, of course. So, good luck in your training, and may we see many more qualified Adventurers in the future."
"For now, I urge you to explore the Academy, forge friendships, and get to know one another," the Headmistress said warmly. "Your teammates will be crucial in battle; remember, your bonds will be as powerful as any weapon. Tomorrow, we'll begin assigning class roles- Swordsman, Marksman, Priestess/Priest, Mage and Psychic- based on your strengths and capabilities, determining the crucial roles each of you will play."
To be continued...
Sorry for the delay! Things got busy.