Raphael sank into the armchair, its velvety depth embracing him gently. He covered his face with his hands and closed his eyes. What’s going on? Maybe this is just a dream? Raph, wake up… When he opened his eyes, he still saw the elegantly decorated office — high ceiling, wooden panels, carved furniture, and lots of books. In front of him, bathed in the daylight streaming through tall windows, stood a man in a well-fitted suit. He looked at Raphael with curiosity and something that resembled a kind smile.

  – Well then – he said, stepping closer. – Welcome to the Academy for all supernatural beings. I’m Professor Igneel. Now, could you tell me your name and species so we can assign you to the appropriate css?

  – My name is Raphael. Raphael Enan... – he hesitated for a moment.

  The professor raised an eyebrow slightly. For a brief moment, his gaze darkened with surprise, but he quickly concealed it under polite interest.

  – Fascinating name… and a very original surname.

  – Unfortunately, I don’t know what species I am.

  – How fascinating... A mysterious being, then? Don’t worry, my dear boy. We’ll soon find out who you are.

  The professor walked to his desk and took a small, shiny crystal orb from a drawer. As he handed it over, Raphael felt a gentle warmth radiating from the gss.

  – All right. What do I do now?

  – Hold the orb in your hand and close your eyes. Focus on your inner self — on your true nature. The crystal will react to your supernatural essence and reveal your species.

  Raphael closed his eyes, tension building inside him. He focused on himself. On something he felt deep down but couldn’t name.

  And then it happened. Inside the orb, something began to pulse — faintly at first, then more distinctly. When he opened his eyes, he saw the sphere glowing with a gentle but intense blue light. No images appeared — only a pure, pulsing glow that seemed to resonate with something within him.

  His eyes widened as he instinctively pulled his hands back, startled.

  – What is that...?

  Professor Igneel froze, staring at the orb in surprise. His expression changed — the smile disappeared, repced by a focused, almost mystical look. He was clearly analyzing what he had just witnessed.

  For a few seconds, the office was silent, broken only by the gentle pulsing of light. Finally, the orb slowly dimmed.

  – Interesting. That’s... a very unusual reaction – he said softly. – It doesn’t happen often that the orb responds with light alone.

  – I’m new to this world. Just yesterday everything was normal, and now… I don’t know what to expect. I understand there’s something inside me, some magic maybe, but I look like an ordinary human. What could I be?

  The professor received it with understanding.

  – That’s completely natural, Raphael. Many new supernatural beings feel lost and uncertain at first. You might be a rare case — a human with hidden magical abilities — or something even more unique. Didn’t your parents tell you anything?

  He leaned slightly in his chair, examining Raphael with a thoughtful look.

  – I don’t know my parents – Raphael added after a brief silence. – They disappeared under mysterious circumstances when I was little.

  A shadow of sympathy crossed the professor’s face.

  – Ah, I see. Your origin might be key in determining who you are. Many supernatural beings have unique heritages and bloodlines that shape their powers and identity.

  – I’ve suspected that. I just turned twenty-one, and the next morning I woke up here. I don’t know if I brought myself here unknowingly or if someone else brought me.

  Professor Igneel nodded thoughtfully.

  – Twenty-one years old and suddenly appearing at our supernatural academy... that’s quite the mystery. Your arrival could be linked to the awakening of your powers, or someone with great magical knowledge may have brought you here for a specific reason.

  Raphael nodded.

  – I’ve thought of that too. But how do I find out? For now, maybe you could show me around the school and tell me more about the supernatural world. And in time, I’ll discover who and what I really am — maybe even a hybrid.

  Professor Igneel smiled and stood up from his chair.

  – An excellent idea, Raphael. Let us begin this journey of discovery together.

  He walked over to the window and gestured toward the view beyond — a campus full of extraordinary buildings, gardens, and paths that looked like something out of a fairy tale dream.

  – Welcome to Amaltea Academy — a sanctuary for all kinds of supernatural beings.

  – Thank you for such a warm welcome, despite the unusual circumstances of my arrival – Raphael said, genuinely moved. – What should I do now? Could you show me around or maybe ask someone else to? Please forgive me if I’m being too forward or direct.

  The professor chuckled softly.

  – Not at all. Your directness is quite refreshing. I’ll ask one of our prefects to give you a personal tour. In the meantime, I’ll fetch you a school uniform. You can’t roam around the academy in your current clothes.

  – Oh! You’re right. What should I wear?

  The professor walked to a wardrobe in the corner of the office. He opened it and pulled out a set of dark blue robes with silver embroidery and a matching cloak.

  – Here you go. This is the standard uniform for new students at Amaltea Academy.

  He handed him the garments. Raphael accepted them with reverence, almost ceremonially.

  – Thank you so much! They’re beautiful, and I already feel like part of something special.

  Raphael put on the robes he had received from the professor. They fit perfectly, as if they had been tailored just for him. The dark blue fabric flowed gracefully over his frame, and the silver embroidery shimmered subtly with every movement.

  Professor Igneel nodded in approval.

  – Now you truly look like a student. I’ll summon the prefect who’ll guide you through the school.

  – Thank you.

  A few moments ter, a gentle knock sounded at the door. The professor approached and opened it slightly. Standing in the doorway was a tall, slender girl with long silver hair. She moved with a grace that made every motion feel like part of an elusive ritual. Her piercing blue eyes were fixed on Raphael with clear interest.

  – Ah, just in time – the professor said with a smile. – This is Era, one of our prefects.

  – Hello, Era. My name is Raphael, nice to meet you – he said, smiling softly.

  – Likewise – she replied politely, though her gaze didn’t lose its intensity. – When we heard about the mysterious new student who appeared out of nowhere, everyone was quite curious.

  She nodded and extended an arm toward him. Her eyes wandered over his face with evident interest.

  – Shall we begin the tour? – she asked, offering her arm.

  – It would be an honor.

  They left the office and walked down one of the long hallways. The walls were adorned with portraits of former students and masters, interspersed with mps made of milky gss glowing with a soft light. The students they passed gnced at him with curiosity — some whispered among themselves, others simply smiled in a friendly way.

  She showed him cssroom after cssroom, each one with its own magical atmosphere. Potions, spellcasting, transmutations… The names sounded like something out of a fantasy book.

  – This pce is truly amazing – Raphael said quietly, gazing around in awe.

  – Isn’t it? – Era smiled gently. – The Academy has existed for centuries, and every corner holds a story. You could study here for years and still keep discovering new things.

  They passed more cssrooms — one filled with vials and beakers, another arranged in semicircur rows with a board covered in calligraphed runes, and a third where objects floated mid-air, moving to an invisible rhythm of magic.

  Eventually, they reached wide balcony doors leading outside. From the terrace, there was a view of the gardens and beyond — a forest with trees bearing golden and orange leaves.

  – Would you like to see the infamous Whispering Woods? – Era asked.

  – Oh! Absolutely! I love mysteries. And on the way, you can tell me why it’s infamous?

  Era raised her eyebrows and ughed softly.

  – The Whispering Woods were enchanted to whisper secrets and hidden truths to those who truly listen. But be careful — it might reveal things you’re not ready to hear.

  They exited the school building. Era led him along a path bordered by tall trees and glowing nterns. The forest seemed to draw them in like a magnet.

  The closer they drew to the Whispering Woods, the more everything around them seemed to grow quieter — not from absence of sound, but because the forest demanded attention. A gentle wind stirred the canopy above, carrying whispers that weren’t quite words but still made Raphael’s skin tingle.

  At the very edge, the trees loomed — tall and ancient, their trunks twisted into impossible shapes, some hollowed like doorways, others split with glowing lines that pulsed faintly with magic. Roots tangled over the ground like sleeping serpents, and overhead, branches intertwined into natural arches, as if forming a living gateway.

  They stepped under the first arch, and the world changed.

  The air grew cooler, thicker. It smelled of damp earth, crushed herbs, and something strangely electric — like the aftermath of a thunderstorm. The forest floor was carpeted with moss that glowed dimly underfoot, and between patches of it grew spiny blue ferns and round, velvet-petaled flowers that shimmered faintly with each breath of wind.

  Strange bushes dotted the path — some bearing fruit that glowed from within, others covered in web-like fiments that vibrated as if plucked by invisible fingers. Tiny flickers of light hovered above them — not fireflies, but something more ethereal. They moved with purpose, always at the edge of vision.

  A thick silence surrounded them now — reverent, almost sacred. Raphael gnced at Era. She hadn’t spoken in a while, letting the woods speak instead. He felt watched, but not threatened. It was as if the forest itself was sizing him up, testing him... remembering him.

  A thick-barked tree with three twisted limbs stood like a sentinel in their path. Its leaves shimmered gold and red, and Raphael could’ve sworn they rearranged themselves when he wasn’t looking. Somewhere in the distance, a low melodic hum echoed — neither bird nor beast, more like an echo of something ancient.

  From time to time, Raphael had the strange sensation that eyes were watching him — not from the path ahead, but from above. Tiny glints, like reflections, seemed to flicker high among the branches or deep beneath the thick bushes. He couldn't tell whether it was just tricks of the light, but the feeling lingered.

  As they continued walking, small creatures occasionally darted out from the undergrowth, startled by their steps. Some rustled through fallen leaves, others zipped by in the distance — quick fshes of fur or wings, gone before he could focus on them. The forest felt alive in ways beyond nature, as if it was observing and reacting to every motion they made.

  Then Era finally spoke.

  – Do you feel that? – she whispered. – It’s not just magic. It’s awareness. The forest remembers. And if it chooses to, it will speak. Sometimes it shares ancient prophecies… other times… darker truths.

  Raphael looked around cautiously. This was definitely no ordinary forest. Every leaf seemed to move with intention, and the wind sounded more like whispers than rustling.

  Suddenly, Era stopped. Her expression grew serious, her eyes focused on an invisible point among the trees.

  – What is it? Did you hear something?

  – Shhh... – she raised a finger to her lips, closed her eyes, and listened intently. A moment ter, her eyes flew open.

  – He’s speaking – she said softly. – To you.

  – To me?

  – I hear a name whispered. Yours. And something else. It sounds like… a riddle.

  – What is it? I can’t hear it...

  She closed her eyes again, concentrating. Then she spoke with eerie crity:

  'The key to unlocking the hidden blood,

  lies within the one called Raphael’s flood.'”

  Raphael frowned.

  – "Flood"? What does that even mean?

  Era sighed quietly, as if trying to find the right words.

  - A flood... usually symbolizes something powerful and typically refers to an overwhelming surge or abundance. Combined with 'hidden blood,' it might refer to your heritage — deeply dormant, but incredibly strong. Something that could awaken and consume you.

  Raphaels listens stunned as Era continues.

  - This riddle suggests you may have an ancient, powerful magical heritage that’s been hidden or dormant. Discovering it could greatly enhance your abilities, but it might also bring unwanted attention and challenges.

  – I don’t know whether I should be excited or terrified.

  – Perhaps a bit of both – she said gently, pcing a hand on his shoulder. – Discovering such a legacy might empower you… but it might also draw attention. And not always the kind you’d want. But one thing is certain — you’re here for a reason.

  – I understand. I hope that during my time here, I’ll uncover my past and find out who I really am.

  At that moment, something caught his eye.

  – Wait! Do you see that?

  A strange leaf floated above the path, slowly spinning in the air as if drawn to him. It was bck, yet shimmered with every color — like a Dark Goldstone, the gemstone he once saw at a mineral exhibit in the Pace of Culture and Science.

  Era fell silent, observing the phenomenon.

  – That’s a Moonlit Nightshade leaf. It only appears when a being of extraordinary power is near. It chose you.

  Raphael shivered slightly, eyes locked on the spinning leaf.

  – Wow. That’s incredible. But I think I saw something… or someone… far beyond the trees...

  Era turned slowly. Her expression immediately grew serious.

  – Yes. Something is there. Watching us.

  After a moment, her voice dropped to a whisper.

  – Whatever it is, don’t look it in the eyes. Some entities in this forest can’t bear direct eye contact.

  – All right. I think we’ve had enough of the forest’s hospitality. Can we go back now? Come to think of it… I’m pretty sure I saw dark hair… I’m almost certain.

  – Yes, let’s go back – Era said. – Don’t look back. Walk slowly. I’ll be right beside you.

  They turned and made their way toward the school. Era kept her hand on his shoulder, guiding him through thickening underbrush. The forest seemed to close in around them again, shadows stretching behind them like they were following.

  At one point, Era leaned slightly toward his ear.

  – Raphael… I don’t want to arm you, but… we’re being followed. Whoever it is moves too quietly for a human. And... something about the way they move feels disturbingly familiar. Do you trust me?

  – Yes… I think I do.

  – Stay close to me. Don’t stop.

  They quickened their pace. The shadows thickened, trees tightening around them. Suddenly, Era stopped abruptly and pointed ahead.

  – Look!

  From among the trees, a silhouette emerged. Vague, cloaked in shadow. Its face couldn’t be seen, but its gaze — invisible, yet unmistakably present — pierced through him with a terrifying intensity...