Rewriting Eternity

ESTELLE GLENDEWOOD
The day has finally arrived-it's time to depart for the Academia of Celestial. The morning light streams through the window as I stand by my luggage, staring at the carriage waiting outside. I can't believe I'm actually doing this.

What's even more surreal? The carriage is being pulled by flying horses.

Flying. Horses.

I step outside, and the horses spread their majestic, feathered wings, shimmering in the light. "Well," I mutter to myself, "this is going to be a ride to remember."

No one is here to send me off, but that's fine. The thought barely stings-I'm too excited about what's ahead. I climb into the carriage, settle into the plush seat, and take a deep breath as the horses lift off.

The world drops away beneath me. The wind rushes past the windows, and the view is breathtaking. Fields, rivers, and tiny villages dot the landscape below, and the sky stretches endlessly above. It's like something out of a dream.

"Damn," I whisper, unable to contain myself. "This is majestic."

The hours pass, and soon enough, I see it-the Academia of Celestial. My jaw almost drops.

The academy is massive, with towering spires, sprawling courtyards, and enchanted lanterns that glow faintly even in daylight. The entire campus sits atop a glittering island surrounded by pristine waters. Carriages are landing all around me, and excited first-year students pour out, wide-eyed and chattering with excitement.

This place is alive with energy.

I step out of the carriage, taking it all in. The grandeur is overwhelming, but there's no time to stand around gawking. I need to register.

...But where do I go?

I glance around, realizing something important-I've never actually been here, not even when developing the game. I didn't pay much attention to the finer details of the academy's layout. Great. Just great.

As I'm lost in thought, a soft voice pulls me back. "Are you lost?"

I turn, and my breath catches for a moment. The woman in front of me is striking-mint green hair cascading down her back, eyes as golden as sunlight. My brain clicks. Fiona Endemion.

One of the most powerful damage dealers in the game. She's from the Velcrane Empire and is an epic character. Even at this early stage, she already exudes a quiet strength.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Estelle," I say, opting to keep my identity as Princess Estella hidden for now. I don't want unnecessary attention.

Fiona smiles warmly. "Nice to meet you, Estelle. Do you need help finding the dorm receptionist?"

Wow. She's sweeter than I expected. "Yes, please. Thank you," I reply, grateful for her offer.

She guides me through the academy grounds, and I try not to look like a total tourist. The buildings are impossibly elegant, with walls adorned in glowing runes and pathways lined with blooming flowers that change colors every few seconds.

We finally reach the dorm reception area, where a woman with a ponytail and glasses-Madam Pia-greets us. Her sharp gaze flicks to me. "Estelle, is it?" she asks, holding a ledger.

"Yes," I nod.

"You're assigned to room 221," Madam Pia announces.

"Oh, hey! That's my dorm," Fiona chimes in, her golden eyes lighting up.

Madam Pia smiles approvingly. "Perfect. You can guide her there, Fiona."

As we make our way to the dorm, I try to process what just happened. Fiona is going to be my roommate. Fiona Endemion, one of the strongest damage dealers in the game.

For a moment, I feel like I've hit the jackpot. But then I remind myself that Fiona hasn't reached her full potential yet. Still, I can't help but feel excited. Maybe I can help her unlock her abilities faster. Having a strong ally might come in handy.

"We're here," Fiona announces, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I glance at the door. Room 221. My new home for the foreseeable future.

As we step inside, I take in the room. It's cozy but well-furnished, with two beds, two desks, and a large window that overlooks the academy grounds. The air smells faintly of lavender.

I drop my luggage on the floor and immediately collapse onto one of the beds. The journey has been long, and my energy is running low.

"You must be tired. You should rest, Estelle," Fiona says, her voice kind.

"Hahaha, thank you," I reply, turning onto my side.

There's a moment of silence, and then Fiona hesitates. "Can I ask you something? I'm not sure if this will come across as rude..."

I blink at her, curious. "Just ask, Fiona."

"Why did you enter the academy in grade four?" she asks, tilting her head slightly.

I pause, thinking about how to answer. "Because I finally have the chance to," I say simply.

She studies me for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she nods. "I see. I apologize for the question."

"Don't be," I reply, waving it off.

But deep down, I wonder what she's thinking. Did she assume I was some kind of underdog who finally clawed my way into the academy? Or is she just curious about my sudden appearance? Either way, I'm too tired to explain.

As I close my eyes, Fiona's voice softens. "You should get some rest. There's an evening ball later to welcome the new academic year."

The evening ball. Right. I almost forgot about that. It's the academy's way of introducing students from all grades, a tradition meant to foster camaraderie and rivalry alike.

"Thanks, Fiona," I mumble, already half-asleep.

I let exhaustion take over, knowing I'll need all the energy I can muster for tonight. The evening ball will be my first step into the academy's social web-and maybe, just maybe, I'll catch a glimpse of the infamous Carsien Solara.