The journey had been long, filled with adventure, bonding, and the occasional argument. Zen, Lyra, and Kien had come a long way since they first met, each of them growing and changing. But now, as they neared the gates of Eboncrest Arcanist's Academy, their paths began to diverge.
The Parting
Kien, the ever-dutiful older brother, stood apart from the two, his face set in a serious expression. Lyra's usual cheer had dimmed, a rare sadness settling in her eyes. She glanced over at Zen, but before she could say anything, Kien spoke.
"Lyra, it's time for me to head back to the estate," Kien said, his voice firm yet gentle. "I've been away long enough, and there are responsibilities I can't ignore."
Lyra immediately protested, her voice filled with concern. "But Kien, what about Zen? What about the academy? You're not going to leave me now, are you?"
Kien's expression softened, but only slightly. "I'm not leaving you, Lyra. You're more than capable on your own. And you've found what you wanted, haven't you? This academy is the place where your future lies. My future… is elsewhere."
Zen could feel the quiet tension between them. He'd always known that Kien was protective of Lyra, but it seemed that this was the moment when their paths had to diverge. It was a bittersweet moment for them both.
Lyra stared at Kien, her voice quiet as she responded. "I understand, Kien. I'll be okay… but I'll miss you."
Kien gave a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'll miss you too. Just be safe, and promise me you'll take care of Zen."
Zen, sensing the gravity of the situation, nodded. "I will. Don't worry."
Kien gave one last, lingering glance to his sister before turning his back and walking away, leaving Lyra standing there, watching him go. She didn't speak again, but Zen could feel the weight of her emotions.
"Well, it's just you and me now," Lyra said after a long pause, her voice a little lighter now, though still tinged with sadness. "Let's get you into that academy, Zen. You're going to make it. I know it."
Zen nodded silently, feeling both a sense of resolve and uncertainty. They had one more goal to accomplish together—the academy.
- - -
The Streets of Grandovale
After their parting, Zen and Lyra continued their way through the streets of Grandovale, the grand city where the academy was located. It was a bustling metropolis, the kind of place where anything could happen. Magic hung in the air, and the streets were filled with people from all walks of life. Lyra walked beside Zen, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She had her own goals in mind, and she didn't share them all with Zen. Little did he know, Lyra had also come to Grandovale for the academy.
It wasn't just Zen who had dreams of studying at the prestigious institution; Lyra, too, was hoping to gain admission. But unlike Zen, she came from a noble family—though not one of great power or wealth. Kien and Lyra's family was noble, but their status was more a matter of tradition than real strength. Their family didn't have the influence or resources that some of the more powerful families enjoyed, but the title of nobility still opened some doors, even if they weren't the grandest.
As they neared the academy's towering gates, Zen's heart began to race. This was it. The moment he had been waiting for. His fingers tightened around the straps of his bag, and he looked over at Lyra, who had grown quiet. There was something different in her demeanor now, something Zen couldn't quite place. But he didn't have time to think about it.
They reached the entrance, and Zen approached the guards standing watch, his mind set on asking for entry.
- - - -
The Rejection
Zen stepped forward, his heart pounding in his chest. The grand gates of Eboncrest Arcanist's Academy loomed ahead, and the guards stood imposingly in front of it, their eyes scanning the approaching students and visitors.
He cleared his throat and, with a quiet but determined voice, spoke to one of the guards. "I've come to apply to the academy. Can you let me in?"
The guard, a tall man with a stern expression, eyed Zen from head to toe. He didn't even bat an eyelash as he responded. "You're not even from a noble family, are you?"
Zen hesitated. The words stung, but he had expected as much. He could feel Lyra standing behind him, but her presence didn't seem to make a difference.
"I still want to try," Zen said, his voice stronger now.
The guard snorted, crossing his arms. "Aren't you a bit too bold? This academy only admits those with the proper connections and status. If you're not a noble, you won't be allowed to apply. Now turn around and leave."
Zen stood there, his expression unreadable. He wasn't about to give up so easily, but the guard's words had stung. He turned around, walking away slowly, but his thoughts were racing. He wasn't ready to give up. He couldn't be. Not now.
- - -
The Unexpected Encounter
As Zen walked away, his heart heavy, he felt a familiar weight on his shoulder. Lyra, still quiet, had followed him, but now something in her expression had changed. She didn't say a word as they wandered through the bustling streets of Grandovale.
That was when they encountered something unexpected.
Out of nowhere, a young man, seemingly in his late teens, stepped into Zen's path. He was dressed in the colors of the academy—evidently a student—and had a cocky grin plastered on his face.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" the young man said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Another wannabe trying to get into the academy? You really think you can just walk in?"
Zen didn't reply. His calm nature kept him from reacting, but Lyra, standing beside him, bristled. She could sense trouble before it even began.
The young man smirked, clearly enjoying the tension. "What? No words? Maybe you need a little lesson in humility." He raised a hand, and before Zen could react, a burst of magic shot toward him.
Zen moved swiftly, his training kicking in as he dodged the spell and closed the gap between them. The boy wasn't prepared for someone who could react so quickly. Zen drew his sword in one fluid motion, and the young man's smug expression faltered.
"You think you can fight me?" the boy sneered, but he took a step back, clearly wary of Zen's skill.
Zen didn't say a word. His focus was razor-sharp, his sword gripped firmly in his hand. He moved in, striking once, then twice. The academy boy barely had time to react. The fight ended quickly, with Zen disarming him and leaving him on the ground, breathless and defeated.
The crowd that had gathered around began to murmur, surprised by Zen's swift victory. Lyra's eyes were wide, but a hint of pride flickered in her gaze.
Zen turned to Lyra, his expression calm as always. "Let's go."
- - -
The Realization
As they walked away from the defeated student, Zen couldn't help but wonder how things would unfold now. He had proven his skill, but the road ahead was still unclear. The academy gates had rejected him, but his actions had spoken volumes. Whether he would gain entry or not remained uncertain.
But Zen was determined. He wouldn't give up. Not now, not ever.
He would find a way in, even if it seemed impossible.