As the carriage moved through the rugged terrain, Maximus couldn't help but observe the changing landscape. They moved through fields of wheat, crossing several small rivers and forests, passing through a few villages, all smaller than his. Lucas, the little boy, stuck to his corner, looking out of the window with a hint of awe in his eyes, while Lily continued her silent contemplation, her cheerful appearance nowhere seen since departure.
Max's heart was filled with anticipation and excitement as they journeyed on, but he also felt a sense of sadness. His mind kept wandering back to his mother, Aeliana, who was alone back at their village. He made a silent vow to himself, swearing to work hard and become a powerful mage, capable of providing a better life for his mother, while also trying to find his father that his mother misses so much.
"This is a new chapter of my life. This marks the beginning of my journey to the top of the magic world and recreation of billiards. Although I have all the memories from my previous life, I do not think they will be very useful to me. Oh I wish I had been part of more fights and arguments in my last life. That way I would have more experience in fighting and scheming. No, I should stop thinking like this." silently thought Max when he was suddenly interrupted by someone calling his name.
"Maximus," Faust called from the front of the carriage. "Do you know where the junior academy is located and its significance?"
Max shook his head, intrigued by the question. He had been so absorbed in his thoughts that he had neglected to ask about the academy they were headed towards.
"The academy is located in the first rate city of Aldrion, a bustling hub of knowledge and commerce within the Kingdom of Valtoria. The academy is not just a place to learn magic. It is also an institution designed to teach you manners, languages, as well as how to fight. You see, magic is not just a tool or weapon; it is a way of life, a philosophy," Faust explained.
Nodding, Max thought about Faust's words, understanding the importance of their destination. He felt his determination growing, promising himself to work hard toward his goals.
The journey continued, passing through small villages where they occasionally stopped to conduct talent tests. None of the kids showed any signs of magic talent, but Max was not surprised. He knew that having magic was a rare thing, especially in the poor area that they are in, and not everyone had the potential to become a mage or knight.
On the fourth day, a large city came into sight. Even from afar, Max could see its beauty and grandeur. The entrance to the city was guarded by a few guards with a line extending half a mile to enter. It was not grand, but it had a unique charm that appealed to Max.
City streets were filled with people, merchants, and carriages. Riding past the streets, Max noticed that they were bustling with life, unlike his village. Traveling for half an hour inside the city, the carriage entered the inner city, where most nobles and city officials resided. Soon they arrived by the academy. The academy was a series of connected buildings, all made from a beautiful white stone that reflected the sunlight, making the academy glow with a soft, warm light.
The tallest building was in the center, surrounded by four smaller buildings. Each building had a unique design, with many windows and intricate details. Green fields surrounded the area, dotted with trees and benches.
At the entrance of the academy stood a tall statue of an old man, his hands outstretched as if casting a spell. The statue was carved from the same white stone as the buildings, giving it a majestic look. Max guessed that this was a tribute to the founder of the academy.
As the carriage neared the academy, Max felt a rush of emotions. Excitement, anticipation, fear, and most of all, determination. He looked back at the academy once more before stepping out of the carriage, his heart pounding with a newfound purpose.
The academy stood as a symbol of knowledge and wisdom, a beacon for those seeking to understand the power of magic and use it responsibly. For Max, it was not just a place of learning, but a stepping-stone to enter a true Magic Academy and gain strength to fulfill his promise to Aeliana. With this determination, Max took his first step towards the academy, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Maximus took his first step towards the academy, a sense of exhilaration enveloped him. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest as if it was mirroring the excitement within him. Lucas, who had been quiet all through the journey, seemed equally excited and looked around with wide-eyed curiosity. Lily, on the other hand, maintained her usual silence, but Max could see a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.
The Junior Academy has two departments: Magic, and Knight. It is only true Magic Academies that specialize in one department, with only a few existing that teach both. This is because Junior Academy is mainly to help children awaken their magic and knight talent and teach them how to cultivate it, while also teaching them foundations of everything needed to grow and survive.
Leading the way, Faust took them into the academy's entrance hall. Despite its understated exterior, the hall was imposing and filled with the hustle and bustle of many students. Its high ceiling was adorned with magical symbols that shimmered in the light, and the walls were lined with portraits of distinguished mages, their eyes seeming to follow the newcomers with interest.
"Follow me," Faust announced, guiding them deeper into the academy. They walked through several corridors, each filled with more portraits and magical symbols. Max could feel the aura of magic growing stronger the deeper they went, making his heart flutter with anticipation.
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached a large hall filled with rows of wooden desks and chairs. A large blackboard stood at the front, covered with complex diagrams and formulas that Max could barely understand. A number of students were already seated, engaged in hushed conversations. Max, Lucas, and Lily were directed to their seats.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the room as a middle-aged man with a stern face walked in. He had a commanding presence, and his eyes sparkled with intelligence. He wore a robe of deep blue, embroidered with silver threads that reflected his powerful magical aura.
"Welcome, students," he said, his voice reverberating through the room. "My name is Thorne Alcastor, and I am the headmaster of this academy."