Chapter 719: A New Beginning
Chapter 719: A New Beginning
Ethan stood with his Manormates in the Plaza of Beginnings, where his adventures in Brynhildr Academy started.
Luna and Lilian were standing beside him and holding his hand. They had arrived last night and were too tired from their journey to do anything but sleep.
However, the two looked energized and very excited as they chatted with Ethan and George about the possibility of having a new member in Dud Manor this year.
"While it's not impossible, there are times when Dud Manor doesn't receive any new students at the start of a new school term," George explained. "Not all Duds have the guts to apply to an academy of Magic because of discrimination.
"Fortunately, that mentality has changed a bit, especially after Ethan joined us last year—but he's an exception. I think unless someone from Dud Manor becomes the next Fortis Dud, our future members will still face dark and difficult times."
Ethan and the other members of the Dud Manor all nodded their heads at the same time.
Lilian wasn't supposed to be part of Dud Manor, but because she was poached by Professor Rinehart and Professor Barret, she was given preferential treatment and was allowed to stay in the Manor of her choosing.
At that time, the young lady was pursuing Ethan, so she didn't bat an eye and picked Dud Manor even though she wasn't a Dud but a very talented Witch.
"Still, I wonder what the Pillars will be like," Luna commented. "Only powerful Witches and Wizards are allowed to become the Pillars of the academy. Each slot is gained through a recommendation, and there are only five of them every year."
George nodded. "That's right. Last year, it was the Professors who performed well in the academy that were allowed to choose the five Pillars. Professor Ophelia was one of them. But this year, she won't be participating because she already participated last year."
The chattering of the students around them quieted down quite a bit when they saw the Professors walk onto the stage in the plaza one by one.
When Ethan's gaze landed on Professor Rinehart, he was once again reminded of the time when he accidentally rode the wrong train and appeared in Brynhildr Academy.
"Welcome to the start of another enchanting school year at Brynhildr Magical Academy," Professor Rinehart's magnified voice spread throughout the entire plaza.
"It is with great excitement and pride that I stand before you today, ready to embark on a new journey filled with wonder, discovery, and the art of magic.
"To our returning students, welcome back! Your presence is the lifeblood of our academy, and your continued growth and achievements are a testament to your dedication and the spirit of magic that thrives within these walls.
"To our new students, we extend a warm welcome. You are about to join a world where the impossible becomes possible, and where your unique talents and aspirations will find a home.
"This year promises to be a spectacular one, with new spells to learn, ancient mysteries to unravel, and boundless opportunities for magical mastery.
"Our esteemed Professors have prepared an array of courses that will challenge your minds, ignite your imaginations, and hone your magical abilities.
"Magic is not just about wielding power. It is about understanding the delicate balance of the world around us, the importance of intent, and the strength of character.
"As you delve into your studies, remember that true magic comes from within. It is the courage to try, the wisdom to learn from mistakes, and the heart to use your powers for good.
"As we begin this new school year, let us embrace the magic that lies within each of us. Let us be bold in our pursuits, kind in our actions, and united in our quest for knowledge and mastery.
"Here's to a year filled with wonder, growth, and magical achievements. Welcome back, and may your journey be as magical as your dreams!"
Professor Rineheart then raised his wand and pointed it at the sky.
Ethan, who already knew what was going to happen next, summoned his wand and pointed it at the sky with the rest of the students in the academy.
"May the flames of Magic burn forevermore!" Professor Rinehart declared.
"Lux Principium!"
"""Lux Principium!"""
Everyone in the academy, including some of the First Years, shouted alongside each other with their wands pointing at the sky.
Soon, countless rays of light with different colors burst forth from the tips of their wands and shot to the sky.
A fireworks display that resulted in a magical aurora appeared in the sky of the academy, making everyone smile, happy to experience this yearly tradition.
As the magical aurora continued to dance in the sky, Professor Rinehart's voice once again reached everyone's ears.
"We will now start the sorting of the First Years," Professor Rinehart announced. "However, we will first introduce the Five Pillars of the First Years, who will usher in a new era in this academy."
Professor Rinehart smiled mischievously as he waved a wand, creating a magical door beside the Appraisal Stone, which would tell the new students what Manor they would be staying at in the academy.
A young man with black hair and green eyes emerged from the portal and faced the student body with a confidence that exceeded his years.
(E/N: It seems that Thirteen has crossed worlds.)
"Heath Wykers," Heath said. "It's a pleasure to be here."
After giving his introduction, he moved to the side to allow the next First Year to pass through the magical door.
This time, a red-headed teenage boy with blue eyes emerged from the door.
"Lennox Sparks," Lennox stated. "The Strongest Pillar of the First Years."
Lennox's declaration made everyone look at him with great curiosity, but he ignored everyone and stood beside Heath, whom he ignored completely.
"We got some fiery ones this year, eh?" George chuckled.
"Strongest Pillar of the First Years?" Noah smirked. "This guy just painted a big red X mark on his forehead. It seems that his year will truly be an interesting year."
The magical door glowed faintly, and another boy emerged from it.
He had short blonde hair and gray eyes that stared at everyone with an anxious expression on his face.
"M-Marvin Nightstalker," Marvin stuttered before bowing his head. He then hurriedly stood beside Heath because Lennox scared him.
Once again, the magical door glowed faintly, and another person came out of it.
A beautiful girl with long blue hair and blue eyes faced everyone with a faint smile on her face.
Although she was only twelve years old, perhaps the youngest student in the history of Brynhildr Academy, everyone at the scene believed that she would grow up to be a beauty who would cause the downfall of nations.
A little flying squirrel sat on her shoulder, waving at everyone in the surroundings.
While the guys were enamored with the girl's beauty, the girls were charmed by the adorable squirrel who looked extremely fluffy.
"Joanne Gremory," Joanne said with a confident smile on her face. "I look forward to spending a year with everyone here in the academy."
A resounding cheer reverberated in the surroundings after Joanne introduced herself.
Heath and Marvin both looked at her with reddened faces, while Lennox rubbed his chin and gazed at Joanne with great interest.
Ethan, on the other hand, blinked once then twice as he looked at his sister, who noticed his gaze and winked back at him, making all the guys look at Ethan, whom they didn't know had an extremely cute little sister.
"Did you know about this?" Luna asked with an amused smile on her face.
"No," Ethan replied. "I thought that she returned to Caer Wydion with mother."
Ethan knew that this was not the right time to ask his sister anything, so he simply watched as she stood beside Marvin, which made the poor boy's face turn a shade redder.
Suddenly, the magical door shone one last time, and a young lady stepped out of it, which made everyone freeze after seeing her.
The enchanting young lady with long brown hair, hazel eyes, and a smile that seemed to captivate everyone's hearts, bowed to everyone in greeting.
"Hecate Magdar," Hecate said, making Ethan and Joanne feel as if something was tugging into their heartstrings as they stared at the unfamiliar lady who somehow felt very familiar to them.
It was as if they were looking at someone very precious who had crossed time and space just to be with them one last time.
"It's nice to be here. I hope that we all get along."
Hecate's gaze briefly landed on Ethan for a split second before she walked toward the other Pillars of the First Years.
She didn't know that, at that exact moment, a certain Princess' visage overlapped with her face for a brief moment, making Ethan's heart suddenly skip a beat.