The morning sun in the capital of the Astra Kingdom shone brightly, radiating warmth wrapping the entire complex of the Royal Astra Magic Academy.
Unlike ordinary days filled with exam tension, the sound of chalk scratching on the blackboard, or hurried footsteps toward lecture halls, today the academy atmosphere felt so vibrant, colorful, and full of joy.
Today is the opening day of the annual Academy Festival—a grand celebration where the academy opens its gates wide to city residents, high nobility, merchants, and students' families to see firsthand the works, magic experiments, and creativity exhibitions from every batch.
Along the main road of the academy complex, rows of Young Scholars and students set up various decorative booths.
There was an herbal potion exhibition booth emitting the fragrant aroma of lavender and mint flowers, an optical illusion show booth based on mana light dazzling young children, and a traditional culinary booth guarded directly by first-year students.
Blue and gold royal emblem flags fluttered magnificently at every tower corner, blown by a breeze bringing lively laughter and cheerful chats.
Amidst that crowd, Erin walked slowly along the main trail.
The official blue-colored professor robe she wore was adorned this time with a silver star of honor brooch newly presented by the academy council board for her dedication during teaching.
Her blue hair was neatly untied, and her yellow eyes looked around with a faint smile implying peace.
As a first-year class professor, Erin had the responsibility of ensuring all her students participated well in this festival without causing chaos.
She walked toward the basic magic practice exhibition area managed by class 101.
Arriving there, the atmosphere around the booth looked very busy and filled with curious visitors.
Leon Arven stood in front of the exhibition table wearing a group leader badge, welcoming guests with a friendly smile far from his past arrogant impression.
He patiently explained the working principles of mana reflector crystals to a group of young noble children listening in awe.
On the other side, Serena Rose looked busy arranging stacks of group research notebooks on the training forest flora ecosystem, while Kai Renford stood near the energy stability magic demonstration device, helping channel backup mana to keep the light experiments shining brightly without fluctuation.
Seeing the compactness and maturity of her students from a distance, Erin's chest felt warm.
Children who once had doubts, fears, or arrogance had now grown into responsible and confident teenagers.
"It seems your disciples are working very well, Professor Erin," a soft voice greeted from her side.
Erin turned and found Professor Selene, the magic history teacher known to be calm and graceful, standing holding a cup of warm herbal tea in her right hand.
"Yes, they have worked hard over the past few months," Erin replied with a friendly smile to her fellow professor.
"Seeing them smile and enjoy today is reward more than enough for all the exhausting class hours."
Professor Selene nodded in agreement, her eyes also watching the visitors' cheerfulness around the booth.
"By the way, have you heard the news about the guest of honor arriving today?" Selene asked in a slightly whispered tone.
Erin frowned slowly. "Guest of honor? You mean high officials from the royal palace?"
"Not just ordinary officials," Selene continued seriously.
"It is rumored that several members of the high magic council from the central capital are making a secret visit to our academy during the festival. They want to review the new curriculum and evaluate some strange phenomena related to mana flow instability in the northern border region."
Hearing those words, a glimmer of thought flashed across Erin's mind.
Mana flow instability?
That phenomenon instantly reminded her of the ancient notes inside her mother's box—notes discussing other dimensions, magic anomalies, and the reason behind her uniqueness of having *Spell Transfer* ability.
Before Erin could ask further, loud and boisterous noise suddenly sounded from the direction of the academy's western main gate.
The crowd of visitors who had been laughing happily suddenly fell silent, making way as several people hooded in thick black robes with grand magic council emblems walked into the festival area.
The festive atmosphere suddenly turned tense within seconds.
Professors near the location immediately stopped their activities and prepared to welcome those important guests.
Amelia, the Academy Principal, walked quickly from the main building with a very serious facial expression, welcoming the grand council entourage in the middle of the courtyard.
Erin stared sharply at one of the hooded men leading the entourage.
Even though the man's face was covered by a shadowy hood, Erin felt a strange yet very familiar vibration throbbing deep within her own mana core—a mysterious resonance as if calling her soul from the past.
This lively academy festival, behind all its laughs and colors, seemed to hold a grand secret preparing to unfold.