when the students were summoned to the academy courtyard. There, a tall professor with greying hair and a long indigo robe stood waiting, flanked by assistants carrying several bundles. As the students gathered, the professor stepped forward.
"Congratulations, everyone," he began with a firm but warm voice. "Your entrance exam has concluded. I know it wasn't easy, but each of you earned your place here."
The students murmured among themselves, many still buzzing from the events of the previous day.
The professor raised a hand. "From tomorrow, your official classes will begin. You are now students of Eboncrest Arcanist's Academy."
Assistants stepped forward and began handing out academy uniforms neatly folded and sealed with wax stamps. Zen took his uniform silently, examining the sleek dark-blue and silver robes, stitched with the emblem of the academy — a crescent moon entwined with a quill. Lyra accepted hers with a gleam in her eyes.
"These uniforms mark your new identity," the professor continued. "Also, make sure to say goodbye to your homes and bring anything essential. From tomorrow onwards, you will be residing within the academy. All students will stay in the Lunar Dormitory."
Zen whispered to Lyra, "So that's what they call the student housing here? Sounds kinda cool."
Lyra nodded, excited. "Lunar Dormitory... I love the sound of that."
As the students dispersed to prepare, Zen and Lyra made their way toward the academy gates, ready to leave for the day. But as they approached, a familiar figure was leaning casually against the stone arch.
"Brother!" Lyra cried and ran forward.
Kien opened his arms, catching her in a warm embrace. "There you are. I was waiting here since morning. I couldn't make it in time for your exam, so I thought I'd wait until you were done."
Zen gave a polite nod. "Kien."
"I heard you two passed," Kien grinned. "And top ten too! That's impressive. Congrats."
Lyra smiled brightly. "Can you believe I got second? And Zen got tenth!"
"Oh, I believe it," Kien laughed. "You two have always been an odd pair — but a strong one."
They walked together through the bustling town, chatting and catching up. As the evening sun began to dip, Lyra's stomach growled audibly.
"I'm starving," she complained, dramatically holding her belly. "Let's eat at the restaurant near the plaza!"
Zen and Kien agreed, and soon the trio found themselves seated at a cozy inn-style restaurant. The scent of roasted meat and herbs wafted through the air.
"I want meat, soup, bread, everything!" Lyra said, scanning the menu with greedy eyes.
Zen chuckled. "Guess you're hungrier than I am."
"What about you, Zen?" Kien asked. "You eat like a squirrel or a beast?"
Zen raised an eyebrow. "Depends on who's watching."
They all laughed, and the food arrived: roasted chicken legs, creamy mushroom stew, herbed potatoes, and sweet berry tarts.
"You two really make a strange team," Kien said as he bit into a chunk of chicken.
"Strange, but perfect," Lyra added cheekily.
After the hearty meal, the trio headed to the bathhouse. Kien and Zen took the male side while Lyra disappeared into the female section.
"You better take care of her," Kien said, scrubbing his arms with soap. "She's stubborn, loud, and trouble, but she's my little sister."
Zen nodded with a small smile. "I will. You have my word."
After the bath, Kien met them at the exit. He gave Lyra a quick hug and waved at Zen.
"See you both again soon. Take care of each other."
"We will," Zen replied.
Once alone, Zen looked at Lyra. "Shall we head back to the tavern?"
Lyra stretched and yawned. "Mhm. Let's go. I'm so full I could roll there."
Back in their room at the tavern, Lyra flopped onto the bed.
"I can't believe tomorrow it all begins," she whispered. "New uniforms, new life, new experiences... I'm excited, Zen."
Zen looked at her with a soft expression. "Yeah. Me too."