Part 2 - Once again, Night

The door of the train slid open, revealing a bustling, technologically advanced station. Metal robots with gears and metallic shells whirred about, their dully drawn faces looking almost comical to me. The station itself was gorgeous, adorned with well-maintained green plant bushes and clean wooden benches that invited weary travellers to rest.

"Woah! It looks so... incredible!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with childlike wonder.

"Hahaha, then it must be your first time here," Lyra replied, chuckling at my enthusiasm.

"Come, we should head to the post office first," Lyra instructed.

I tilted my head in confusion. "Why?"

"Well, you're still legally assigned to your old school. I kind of forgot that myself... haha. But I was thinking we could mail a letter to your school to sort things out. That's why I had that notebook with me on the train. I didn't realise thinking up a letter would be so daunting," Lyra explained as we walked out of the station.

Before I could respond, my attention was immediately drawn to the breathtaking capital. In the heart of the city lay a giant park, its lush green floral plants scattered like a beautiful garden around a gold statue of the ruler of Scorchern, Ignatius the First. I vaguely remembered my dull history teacher describing his flames as pure white. The statue, kept in mint condition, depicted an average-height man with fierce facial features, exuding an aura of power and determination.

To the left of the park stood a series of lavish condominium buildings, each with around 20 floors. Behind them, further to the left, I could see the massive silhouette of Luminary Academy. Even from the station, its enormity was evident. The academy boasted a gigantic schoolyard, larger than any I had ever seen, hinting at the grandeur and prestige within its walls.

Before I could marvel at any more buildings, Lyra's voice pulled me back to reality. "Hey, Kiara, the post office is to our right. Let's get moving."

I scurried along behind Lyra as she took us to a giant building with the logo of an envelope.

Well this is surely the post office...

Lyra pulled the glass doors open, and we were greeted by a friendly lady at the counter. "Welcome, how can I help you?" she asked with a warm smile.

"I would like to send a letter please," Lyra replied, then turned to me. "You go change, alright? There will be a magic-style entrance exam, so there will probably be a lot of movement." She directed me to the restroom.

I nodded and walked over, opening the restroom door. The clean, polished floor reflected the bright fluorescent lighting that illuminated the entire room. The white sinks and pristine toilet stalls were spotless, not a trace of stains in sight. I stepped into a stall and unzipped my duffle bag, sifting through my clothes to find something suitable for the exam.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a whirlpool of excitement and nerves. The prospect of the upcoming entrance exam made my heart race. I needed to choose the perfect outfit, something comfortable yet durable for the physical challenges ahead. After a moment of deliberation, I settled on an outfit.

I chose a sleeveless black shirt with a red stripe running down the side and a grey neckline with a tube underneath, complemented by grey baggy joggers with white stripes along the sides. The outfit had a sporty feel and fit perfectly, allowing for ease of movement.

Stepping out of the stall, I approached the mirror to check my hair. I carefully secured my micro bangs with a hair clip, designed with a tiny metal symbol of a blue fire, to keep them out of my face during the exam.