Eldryn Academy Of Elementals

The air in the Hall of Grandmasters was buzzing with restless energy. After weeks of grueling training, the challenge was finally on the horizon. Three days from now, they would face their greatest elemental weakness in a test designed by the Grandmasters themselves.

But before that, the Academy had given them something unexpected.

A holiday.

For one day, students from all five houses-including those in the Hall of Grandmasters-were free to visit Luthadel, the bustling port city just beyond the Academy's enchanted borders. Shops, street performances, seafood markets, and even a floating festival on the water-it was the perfect distraction before the trials ahead.

The announcement had barely been made before students were already talking excitedly, planning what to do with their rare day of freedom.

---

The journey to Luthadel was breathtaking. The path wound down from the Academy's towering cliffs, leading to a city that gleamed against the vast ocean. White-stone buildings with colorful banners lined the streets, and narrow canals cut through the city, where gondolas drifted lazily under elegant bridges.

As soon as they arrived, Mira, Aria, and Riven found themselves caught in the infectious energy of the place.

"Alright," Aria grinned, stretching her arms. "One day. No training, no Grandmasters watching, no fireballs flying at our heads. Let's enjoy this."

Riven smirked. "You say that now, but I bet by the end of the day, we'll still end up in trouble."

Mira chuckled, adjusting the satchel slung over her shoulder. "Then let's make sure it's fun trouble."

They wandered through the market district first, where vibrant stalls sold everything from enchanted jewelry to elemental-infused snacks.

Aria dragged them to a stall selling sparkfruit, a rare citrus that sizzled faintly with energy when bitten into. She handed one to Mira. "Come on, try it."

Mira hesitated before taking a bite-her mouth tingled as tiny sparks crackled on her tongue. "Okay, that's weird."

Riven, ever the risk-taker, grabbed two and stuffed them both in his mouth at once. His hair literally stood on end.

Aria doubled over laughing. "You look like you were struck by lightning!"

---

Their next stop was the floating festival-a collection of boats, performers, and food vendors drifting on the calm ocean waves. Mira marveled at the street magicians manipulating water into delicate sculptures, their hands moving like dancers as glowing jellyfish swam through the streams.

As they watched, a masked performer clad in red and gold robes juggled flames that shifted into the shapes of dragons. The gathered crowd gasped and applauded-but Mira stiffened.

There was something off about the way the fire moved. It wasn't just performance magic.

The flames flickered in a way that felt too alive.

"Hey," she whispered to Aria and Riven. "That guy-"

But before she could finish, the masked performer turned slightly, his glowing eyes locking onto hers.

A chill ran down her spine.

He smiled beneath the mask and tilted his head, as if recognizing her. Then, in a sudden burst of movement, he flicked his wrist and the flames vanished. Before Mira could react, he disappeared into the crowd.

---

Unbeknownst to the students, they were not alone in Luthadel.

Dark figures lingered at the edges of the city-never close enough to be noticed, but always watching.

They did not attack. They did not make their presence known.

They simply observed.

A hooded figure leaned against the railing of a high balcony, eyes following Mira and her friends as they laughed and explored the city. Another figure drifted through the crowds, careful to stay unnoticed.

A silent movements only a seasoned professor or a grandmaster can notice, but way too silent for students.

---

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival lights glowed over the water. Lanterns floated into the sky, their soft golden light reflecting in the rippling ocean.

Mira, Aria, and Riven found themselves sitting on a wooden dock, watching as students set paper boats afloat, each carrying a small candle-an old tradition for good luck before facing a challenge.

Riven nudged Mira. "You should make a wish."

Mira hesitated, then took a small candle and set it in the paper boat. She watched as it drifted out onto the water, the flame flickering.

What do I wish for? she wondered.

To pass the challenge?
To understand what's happening to me?
To be strong enough for whatever comes next?

She let the boat go, watching as the tide carried it away.

"Tomorrow, everything changes again," Aria murmured.

Mira nodded. "Yeah. But tonight-" She smiled. "Tonight, we celebrate."

And so they did.

---

The next day, the mood was very different.

The students were called to the Grandmasters' Arena, where the Grandmasters stood waiting.

The holiday was over.

The real test was about to begin.