Upon arriving at the academy, the view immediately greeted my eyes with undeniable luxury. From the outside, the academy appeared magnificent, as if its buildings were a work of art, carefully sculpted with great attention. Tall, sturdy, and graceful pillars soared high, as if they were holding up all the history within. The white walls that dominated the entire complex symbolized purity and sanctity, exuding an aura of boundless grandeur.
The numerous buildings scattered across the area highlighted the vastness of this academy, almost like a small world standing tall in harmony. Every corner was designed with painstaking detail, and the architectural style reflected both strength and beauty. Not only the buildings, but the expansive gardens surrounding them also added to the perfect impression. Flowering trees, well-maintained grass, and the gentle flow of water along stone pathways provided a peaceful atmosphere. The beauty of the garden seemed to merge with the blossoming spring, radiating vibrant colors that further enhanced the academy's allure.
The morning sunlight softly illuminated the entire complex. Its light, not too blinding but warm enough, indicated that a new day was beginning. The fresh morning air, neither too hot nor too cold, suggested that the afternoon was still far off, leaving time to take the first step into a world full of mystery and challenges. All of this blended into a scene full of hope, giving the impression that it was here where a new journey would begin.
I walked slowly past the towering entrance gate, intricately carved, as if welcoming anyone brave enough to step onto the academy's grounds. Its pillars stood tall, adorned with ancient symbols I couldn't fully understand, yet the magical aura emanating from each engraving convinced me that this place held a long history that not everyone was meant to know.
As I stepped further in, the beautiful gardens surrounding the entrance seemed to greet me with the fragrance of flowers and the soft rustle of the breeze. Each stone path was neatly arranged, bordered by low, perfectly trimmed hedges. I slowed my pace, allowing my eyes to wander through the naturally arranged yet elegant beauty. For a moment, I felt a peace I rarely experienced, as if the bustle of the outside world could not pierce the calm behind the academy's walls.
Just a few steps ahead, my gaze was drawn to a stone wall that seemed different from the other buildings. It appeared old, with a dull gray color and small cracks covered in green moss. Unlike the grandeur of the gate pillars or the gleaming main walls, this wall seemed like a remnant from a darker time—holding memories that should not be revived. I paused for a moment, observing the faint carvings on its surface. The shape was unclear, but for some reason, something about it sent a chill down my spine. It was as if the wall was staring back at me.
Around the old wall, a crowd of prospective students could be seen. They stood in small groups, speaking quietly with expressions that mixed nervousness and curiosity. A few of them glanced at me as I passed by, but quickly turned their faces away. Perhaps because of my uniform.
I turned to my servant, who was standing a few steps behind me. With a calm yet firm voice, I said, "This is far enough."
He bowed deeply in respect, then stepped back without a word. I could feel his worried gaze hidden behind his polite expression.
I took a slow breath and adjusted my uniform—a long black coat with fine embroidery along the edges. On my chest, a small black star-shaped emblem was pinned firmly. The symbol might seem simple, but in this world, such a small emblem could be the difference between those born of greatness and those who only dream of achieving it. Today, my journey into a new world had begun—a world that demanded not only strength and knowledge but also the resolve to endure behind the glittering curtain that concealed the truth.
I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm myself before truly stepping into this new world. "Alright, let's go!" I murmured softly, giving myself a little push to face what lay ahead. But before I could take another step, a light and cheerful voice came from behind.