“Ah, my dear students!” Ozwell Puzzlereign spread his arms as if welcoming an audience to a grand performance. “Welcome to Fairmagic, where spellcraft is both an art and a science. A delicate waltz between mind and will, where the simplest gesture can unravel the mysteries of the universe.”
He clasped his hands together, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Or, if you’re unlucky, it might just set your eyebrows on fire.”
Rune snickered beside you. “Well, at least he’s honest.”
Ozwell continued, pacing leisurely through the classroom. “Magic is a living thing, unpredictable and boundless. It does not obey the laws of man, but it does listen to those who understand it. Here, you will learn how to command it with precision, to shape it with your will. But first—theory.”
He clapped his hands, and the sigils on the floor glowed brighter for a brief moment.
Fibble groaned. “Wonderful. Another lecture. Maybe I’ll just fly myself out of here.”
The class proceeded with Ozwell detailing the principles of spellcraft—no incantations, no grand gestures, just pure understanding and control. He wove his words like a storyteller, keeping most students engaged despite the subject matter being purely theoretical. Even Rune, who tended to fidget during lectures, seemed attentive, though his tail twitched restlessly behind him.
By the time the class ended, the afternoon sun had begun to dip lower in the sky. With the last of their lessons complete, it was time to explore the clubs.
The courtyard had transformed into a bustling fairground of banners and booths, each showcasing different clubs. Students clustered around tables, some demonstrating their activities while others called out to potential recruits.
“Alright,” Rune stretched, surveying the array of clubs. “Where to first?”
Before you could decide, Elric appeared beside you, holding a neatly folded pamphlet listing the clubs. “I believe we should start with the sports clubs,” he suggested.
The first stop was the Cheering Club, where a lively group of students practiced synchronized routines. At the forefront stood Tressari Manarah, a student from Ebony Sands with a skin of a beautiful dark chocolate color and the brown hair in a thick and long afro style, and beside him, Chester Marroway, who was practically vanishing and reappearing between formations, the way his ginger hair were stylized reminded of cat ears, but he was clearly human.
“The Cheering Club is not just about enthusiasm,” Tressari explained in a serene tone. “It’s about precision, discipline, and lifting the spirits of our fellow students.”
Chester grinned, leaning lazily against a post. “And causing just a little bit of harmless chaos along the way.” His grin lingered, feline and playful.
Fibble eyed the performers with a flat look. “Yes, excellent. Let’s spend our time flipping in the air and screaming motivational nonsense. That’s bound to save the world someday.”
Elric seemed intrigued, and Rune nodded in approval. “Dancing’s fun, but I’m more of a painter than a performer.”
Tressari nodded. “The Art Club might be a better fit for you, then. They have a booth somewhere.”
They passed by the basketball club, giving it little more than a glance. As they passed, Fibble ruffled his feathers. “Ah yes, the noble art of chasing a bouncing orb. Truly, an intellectual pursuit.”
Then they arrived at the Horse Riding Club. The air smelled of hay and leather, and standing at the forefront was Minwoo Kinsei, his presence dignified yet warm. His sharp gaze immediately flickered to Rune’s tail, and though he maintained a neutral expression, there was an unmistakable wariness.
“Horses startle easily,” Minwoo said, his tone carefully even. “Your tail might make them nervous.”
Rune shrugged. “Goblins don’t ride horses anyway. Their backs aren’t built for it. We ride cattle.”
Elric, ever observant, crossed his arms. “Even so, I’m not interested in joining a club where the leader holds prejudice against fellow students.” He tilted his head slightly. “No offense.”
Minwoo hesitated before bowing slightly. “I meant no insult, and I apologize if it came across that way. I only meant to be cautious.”
Rune waved him off. “No harm done. You’re not wrong about the tail.”
Fibble clicked his beak. “Riding giant, unpredictable creatures with a mind of their own? I see no possible way that could go wrong.”
The next stop was the Exploration Club, where they were immediately greeted by a familiar face. Gael Lumenspring beamed at them, his dragon-like features making his presence both imposing and regal.
“Good to see you all again,” Gael greeted warmly.
Beside him stood a tall, quiet student with deep blue hair, webbed hands and shimmering teal eyes.
“This is Marinus Tideshade, our club co-leader,” Gael introduced. “He’s the Dormleader of Everswell.”
Marinus inclined his head in greeting but remained silent.
Gael continued, “The Exploration Club is one of the oldest clubs here. We plan hikes, expeditions, and study flora and fauna. We explore Etherealis Isle, but sometimes, with the right teleportation permissions, we travel beyond.”
Rune’s ears perked up. “Sounds fun, but I’ve been exploring since I could walk. No need for a club to do it.”
Elric visibly shuddered. “Sleeping outdoors? Hiking through forests? No, thank you.”
Fibble let out a dramatic sigh. “Wandering into unknown territories, possibly getting lost, and sleeping on the ground? How could anyone resist such a luxurious lifestyle?”
Gael laughed. “It’s not for everyone. But if you change your mind, you’re always welcome.”
As they said their goodbyes, the sun hung lower, painting the sky in soft hues of gold and violet. With a handful of clubs still left to explore, their journey through Fablewood Academy had only just begun.
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