Ava led us through a soaring courtyard lined with marble pillars and arcane lanterns. The architecture felt like a Roman amphitheater set beneath the World Tree's massive canopy—columns carved with griffin motifs, pathways paved in pale stone that glowed faintly underfoot.
Ahead, Ava and Instructor Steven paused at the edge of an open plaza. Steven adjusted his glasses and offered a curt nod.
"Introduce myself properly—" he began, voice clipped. "I'm Steven. Pleasant to meet you both, Feng Jian and Maria Shulin. But our time is short tonight."
Maria and I bowed politely. Steven turned to Ava. "Ava, I trust you'll handle things. Remind Lisa to see Sora tomorrow to finalize her paperwork."
Ava smiled and inclined her head. "Understood, Steven. See you tomorrow." He vanished down a side corridor.
Ava faced us. "I'm Ava—Lisa's friend and classmate. She sent me to escort you here. Let's go."
She raised her hands in graceful arcs—an azure aura flared, and with a soft whoosh, Maria and I felt ourselves lifted off the ground. Shock widened Maria's eyes; I gripped my swords instinctively. Ava's deep-blue aura shimmered as she pulled us upward.
Below, the courtyard fell away. Floating dorm islands dotted the sky around us—some modest, some grand, but none matched the sprawling estate ahead. A vast island drifted in the air, crowned by a white marble mansion with gilded doors and manicured gardens.
Ava landed us gently on a path of glimmering tiles leading to the mansion's entrance. Over the gilded handles, a plaque read Rexford Mansion in ornate gold script.
Inside, two ladies stood waiting: Lisa, as elegant and composed as ever, and Rena, another of her classmates.
"Thank you, Ava," Lisa said quietly, her gaze steady. She turned to Maria. "Maria, how are you settling in?"
Maria curtsied. "I am… well, Lady Lisa."
Lisa offered a small smile. "No need for formality—just call me Lisa. Rena, Ava, show Maria to her room and give her the orientation overview."
Rena and Ava shared surprised glances—Lisa had not spoken to me once—and together they led Maria down a side stair. I watched as Maria disappeared around the corner, curiosity flickering in her posture.
Lisa and I stood alone in the grand entry hall, its vaulted ceiling carved with drifting leaves and feathers. Columns of white quartz framed the space; tapestries of Wind Dragon emblems hung on the walls.
Lisa's eyes softened. "So… after all these years, you have nothing to say? Just standing there?" she teased, voice calm but tinged with amusement.
I scratched the back of my head, uneasy. "Long time… why am I here again?"
She stepped closer, her heels clicking on the marble floor. "So you can speak," she replied, lips curving wickedly. "I was about to knock you out if you stayed quiet."
Her proximity was unsettling—and strangely familiar. I opened my mouth.
"Hey, Lisa—" Her name sounded strange on my lips. She tilted her head at me. "Feng," she said softly—my birth name, used by no one else. My heart skipped.
"Feng," she repeated. "Go take a bath. We'll talk afterward."
Before I could respond, she guided me toward a grand staircase on the right, leaving me no choice but to follow.
Up the stairs we climbed, the air growing quieter. On the landing, Ava and Rena passed us—they halted, their eyes wide as they realized Lisa was accompanying me. Neither had ever seen the cold, distant Lisa allow someone to walk on her right side, let alone alone.
On another wing of the Academy, Arthur fumed in a dimly lit chamber. He glared at a crystal ball that replayed our arrival at Rexford Mansion.
"So he knows Lisa," Arthur muttered, voice heavy with betrayal. He hurled the crystal ball against the wall—shards of glass tinkling across stone.
"I'll pay Lisa a visit tomorrow," he growled, eyes blazing. Surrounding him, his loyal understudents bowed anxiously, ready to follow his command.
Above, the World Tree's leaves rustled in silent anticipation. The real trials had only just begun.
End of Chapter 22