Schillian played with Lila in the streets. She still looked concerned about what had happened, but Schillian smiled and told her to be happy instead — he'd been given a chance to study at the Magic Academy.Lila's face lit up with a sweet smile. "I'm proud of you," she said, "I want to go there with you someday."
"You will. When the time comes." Schillian puts on a serious face. Lila blushes and punches him in the face.
Inside the inn, the innkeeper, along with Schillian's parents, Millian and Seralla — listened to Alira as she explained what had happened at the Council.Karshen wore a flat expression, but deep down, he was proud — even if still worried. Seralla, on the other hand, showed every emotion on her face: from fear, to sadness, to joy.
As Alira was about to head back to the council office, she saw Schillian again, playing with Lila near the inn.She gave him a soft smile. "Your training starts tomorrow," she said.
That night, Schillian lay in bed, staring up at the night sky through his window. A full moon bathed the room in silver light.
Sage himself, huh… But for what?" he wondered.He still didn't know anything about "The Sage" or what it meant to become one. From the books he read, the sage is the most important person in the Arcane Council and there can only be one.
Little did he know, it was all he'd ever wanted — the title of the top magician, a being with profound understanding of Aether and its harmony with nature. The thought gave him a headache. So, he rolled over and let sleep take him. Tomorrow was coming.
The next morning, Alira arrived early at the inn. She spotted the family hard at work cleaning up the building. Seralla handled most of the work — cooking, scrubbing — while Schillian helped wherever he could.
Alira sat at a table, quietly watching from a distance.
"Miss Alira! Welcome!" Schillian greeted her brightly.In an instant, Seralla served her a hot cup of coffee.
Alira blinked in surprise. "Was this made with fire magic?" she asked.Seralla nodded. "Yes, I used fire to heat the water. I'll leave you two now," she said, and returned to the bar to continue cleaning the tables.
After a few sips, Alira stood up.She took Schillian with her into the forest.
"Is it finally time to train, Miss?" Schillian asked eagerly.He was full of ambition — even if it was just the basics, he couldn't wait. He was still a child, after all.
Meanwhile, in the center of Emberfall, Head Mage Arshen stood silently, observing the hearthstone.