The carriage rocked gently as it made its way down the uneven road, trees lining both sides like silent sentinels. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on stone was the only sound for a while.
Adonis leaned his head against the wooden wall, eyes lost in the distant treetops beyond the window. If only there were things like cars… or planes… this trip would take a few hours instead of a whole day, he thought, a brief memory of his past life flickering in his mind.
"You're zoning out again," Elora's voice pulled him back to the present. She tilted her head, her purple hood falling slightly to the side. "What are you thinking about?"
Adonis blinked. "Nothing. Just some nonsense."
"Hmm…" Elora narrowed her eyes suspiciously but let it go. "Anyway, what are you planning to do after you reach Aristocrat-class mana core? You know about the three magic departments, right? Learning early is best."
Adonis straightened up. That was a good point.
He began thinking aloud, "Right… once someone reaches Royal-class mana core, they can manipulate deeper forces. These are called the three departments of advanced magic. First is the School of Illusion, then School of Space, and finally, School of Summoning."
Elora nodded, pleased. "Exactly. But remember, these elements can't be awakened like normal ones. You can only study them from Aristocrat-class onward and use them after breaking into Royal-class."
"That's why magic academies are so important," Adonis added. "They give early access to theoretical training. I guess… I'll probably join one too, after two years."
Elora's shoulders slumped just a little. "Oh… is that so."
He glanced at her. "What, not happy about that?"
"No, no!" she waved her hands quickly, "It's just… I'll be joining a magic academy as soon as I break through into Aristocrat-class. Which isn't far off."
Adonis smiled. "Then I guess I'll join the same one you're going to."
Elora froze. Her cheeks turned noticeably pink. "R-Really? You'll join my academy?"
He chuckled. "Easy there, I said I'll try. Can't promise I'll pass."
Elora puffed her cheeks and turned away dramatically. "Hmph! With your special magic, you could get into any academy. Why would you follow me if I ended up in some low-tier one?"
Adonis shrugged, grinning. "Maybe I like bad decisions."
Elora turned even redder, muttering under her breath.
They fell into a peaceful silence for a while, broken only by the soft creaking of the carriage. The sun began its descent behind the trees, casting long shadows across the road.
"We should talk about this another time," Adonis said quietly.
Elora nodded, pulling her cloak tighter as the air grew colder. "Yeah. When we're not on our way to some cursed village."
Then Elora put on her blanket trying to sleep. Meanwhile Adonis looking outside thinking,
"Space, Summoning and Illusion, which one should I chose?" He thought