The rhythmic sound of carriage wheels echoed through the forest, growing louder as the magical vehicle made its way toward a steep cliff.
"Um… why are we heading straight toward the cliff, sir?" Sam asked, trying to hide the nervous edge in his voice.
The driver chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough, Mister Samuel."
Sam had read about the Academy—how it was located high above the earth, built upon an artificial floating island sustained by ancient magic. But even with that knowledge, flying off a cliff wasn't exactly comforting.
His heart pounded as the edge of the cliff came into view. The driver grinned through the reins. "Look forward to it, haha!"
This is how I die, Sam thought, gripping the seat tightly.
The carriage charged full-speed toward the cliff—and instead of plummeting downward, it soared forward.
With a flash of light, the majestic white horses sprouted glowing magical wings. The carriage lifted, slicing through the air and climbing higher and higher into the sky. The cliff disappeared beneath them.
Sam, who had instinctively shut his eyes, slowly opened them—and gasped.
Endless blue stretched in every direction. The sky wasn't just beautiful; it was surreal. Clouds drifted lazily below them, and the wind rushed past the carriage like a whisper from another world.
"How's the view, Mister Samuel?" the driver called back.
"I thought I was going to die," Sam replied, still half in disbelief.
They flew for several minutes at high speed before a vast silhouette emerged in the distance. A massive island, suspended in the sky, slowly came into view. On it stood structures so grand and elegant they resembled palaces, with intricate towers, glowing runes, and city-like districts surrounding a colossal central building.
"There it is," the driver announced with a touch of pride. "Mystoria Academy."
Sam leaned out the window, his eyes wide. "It looks like a dream… I still can't believe I'm actually going to be part of this."
Meanwhile, within Mystoria Academy…
A luxurious study room, filled with towering bookshelves and floating scrolls, sat nestled in one of the academy's highest towers. Papers and reports cluttered a large oak desk near the window.
A serene yet powerful voice echoed through the quiet room.
"Hm. Someone just crossed the barrier."
Moments later, the door creaked open, and a man stepped inside. "Ma'am, the special student is about to arrive."
"I know," the woman said calmly without turning around.
"Any instructions, Headmaster?" the assistant asked.
The woman seated at the desk was none other than Riena Ravenblake, the Headmaster of Mystoria Academy—and the most powerful magician in the world.
Her long white hair shimmered like snow, her eyes as blue as the open sky. She was breathtaking—an ethereal beauty with an aura of strength that made even her presence feel magical.
"He's special. Take care of him… properly. Understand?" she said coldly.
"Yes, Madam," the assistant replied, bowing respectfully.
As he turned to leave, her voice rang out once more.
"Wait. As soon as he sets foot on Academy grounds, bring him to me directly. I'll handle it personally."