First Day at Aetheria

  Arvanya's POV:

  The moment I stepped into Aetheria Academy, it felt like stepping into a different world—a realm where reality blended with enchantment, and the air itself was charged with magic. The energy was almost tangible, humming around me like a current of pure anticipation.

  Students from every corner of the Elements Kingdom filled the halls, each one seemingly more eager than the last to master their elemental powers. The animated conversations and bursts of laughter created a symphony of excitement. I took a deep breath, the thrill of new beginnings mingling with a hint of nervousness as I adjusted to the overwhelming buzz of my surroundings.

  "Welcome to chaos!" Dante announced as he appeared beside me, his voice dripping with his usual dramatic flair. His red hair gleamed in the sunlight streaming through the high windows, practically making him look like a walking flame.

  "And this is just the first day," he continued with a mischievous grin. "Just wait until they start flinging fireballs around." He threw an imaginary fireball into the air, adding to the theatrical display.

  "Let’s not turn this place into a bonfire before I even unpack my books, please," I replied, raising an eyebrow at him. Dante and Nico—both fiery in spirit and quite literally, as fire dragons—were already attracting curious glances from students nearby.

  "Hey, if anyone’s setting anything on fire, it'll be me," Nico declared, puffing out his chest with mock bravado. "And trust me, it'll be a controlled burn."

  I smirked at his confidence. "Yeah, you say that now, but don’t come crying to me when the fire alarm goes off."

  Kai, our down-to-earth friend and the calmest of our group, chuckled softly, giving Nico a knowing look. "Just promise me you won't challenge any professors on the first day, alright? I’d rather not have to dig us out of detention."

  As he spoke, Sofia and Lila exchanged an amused glance, clearly enjoying the banter as much as I was. The two of them—my fellow water dragons—were deep in conversation, likely gossiping about their expectations for the academy. Sofia threw a nervous glance toward the Water Class building, a stately stone structure where we’d soon be expected to conjure waves and currents on command.

  "I heard Professor Aelric has a habit of tossing students into the pool without warning," Sofia whispered, her eyes wide with apprehension.

  Lila chuckled, nudging Sofia with her elbow. "Please, if that happens, just remember, I'll be the one floating gracefully while you're flailing around." Her laughter was infectious, and it felt good to be with friends who could bring a smile to my face no matter how nervous I felt.

  The academy grounds sprawled before us as we wandered through the courtyard, each section of campus dedicated to one of the four elements. The Fire Class’s training area was alive with fiery demonstrations and enthusiastic shouts. I could already picture Dante and Nico there, leaving a charred trail in their wake. The thought brought a grin to my face.

  Then there was the Earth Class, a space of serene beauty, where students stood calmly with their hands extended toward the ground, manipulating the earth as if it were an extension of themselves. Kai let out a theatrical sigh as he watched them lift rocks effortlessly. "And here I thought my biggest challenge today would be finding the cafeteria. Guess I’ll just have to make boulders float instead."

  But it was the Air Class that truly captivated me. Students hovered in the air, suspended by invisible cushions of wind, their robes fluttering like wings. The sight was graceful, almost peaceful—until one of them lost their balance and careened into a tree with a loud thud.

  "Solid five for form but a one for landing!" Nico called, clapping loudly as the embarrassed student scrambled to his feet.

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  Despite the laughter, a part of me grew anxious as I thought about our separation. Dante and Nico would face the challenges of the Fire Class, while Kai would explore the mysteries of the Earth Class. Meanwhile, Sofia, Lila, and I would be immersed in the Water Class, where we would learn to shape and control water.

  The morning sun hung low in the sky as we made our way to the Water Elemental classroom, its warmth teasing the air, promising an exciting day ahead. The academy felt like an entirely different world—a mix of magic, mystery, and a palpable energy that made every step feel significant. The walls seemed to hum with power, and I could sense the slight ripple in the air, as if the very stones underfoot were alive with the magic of the Elements.

  I caught glimpses of Dante and Nico, their fiery personalities already setting them apart from the rest of the students. They waved at us with enthusiasm before heading toward the Fire Class, where I knew they’d be embracing their inner flames. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Dante, probably already plotting how to light the room on fire with his reckless energy. Nico, always the joker, would likely be cracking a few jokes while secretly figuring out how to outsmart the flames with his quick wit and even quicker reflexes.

  Kai, on the other hand, was more subdued. As he glanced back at us with a small nod, I could almost feel the connection he had to the earth beneath his feet. I imagined he was already anticipating the grounding exercises in the Earth Class, where he would learn to manipulate rocks and soil with precision. He didn’t need words to convey his confidence; his quiet determination spoke volumes.

  As we approached the Water Elemental building, I glanced over at my friends. Sofia, ever the optimist, looked eager, while Lila’s casual stride suggested she was already comfortable here. But I couldn’t shake the unease swirling inside me. This wasn’t just any class; this was where I had to keep my powers under wraps. Not just water, but everything else I could control, everything that set me apart. Every breath I took felt heavier with that secret.

  Now, as I sat in my first Water Elemental class. The room was cool, filled with the scent of sea air, and the gentle sound of water trickling in the background—a constant reminder of the power we were here to wield.

  Sofia must have noticed my tension because she gave me a playful nudge, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Zoning out already?" she teased, a smirk on her face

  "Just… contemplating aquatic things," I replied, gesturing vaguely in the direction of Professor Aelric, who was demonstrating how to create a whirlpool in a small bowl of water.

  Sofia raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying my excuse, but she let it slide. We turned back to watch the professor, who was growing visibly frustrated with a student’s attempts to control his whirlpool. Instead of a calm spiral, the student’s water kept bursting into chaotic splashes, soaking half the class in the process.

  "Focus your energy into a spiral, not a splash!" Professor Aelric snapped, his tone filled with exasperation as he tried to regain control. It took every ounce of my self-control not to laugh as the poor student apologized, looking like a drenched cat.

  Outside in the hallway, I heard Dante’s voice ringing out, loud enough to be heard through the thick wooden doors. "You call that fire control? My grandma could do better, and she’s an ice dragon!"

  Nico’s laughter followed, and I could practically hear the collective groan of their Fire Class instructor as they dealt with Dante’s antics. Clearly, Dante and Nico were making their presence felt, whether the academy was ready for them or not.

  When the class finally ended, we regrouped outside. The courtyard was alive with energy as students poured out of classrooms, swapping stories of their first day.

  Nico and Dante spotted us and bounded over, both grinning like they’d conquered the entire academy.

  "So, how many times did you make your professor facepalm?" I asked, crossing my arms with a knowing smirk.

  "Oh, at least six," Nico replied, his grin widening. "We’re aiming for double digits by the end of the week."

  Dante gave him a playful shove. "And you should’ve seen the look on his face when I accidentally set the practice mat on fire!"

  I laughed, shaking my head. "Just try not to burn the place down before we’ve made any friends, alright?"

  "Where’s the fun in that?" Nico shot back, and we all burst out laughing, the sound filling the courtyard and blending with the chatter around us.

  Even though we would be separated in our elemental classes, the thought of being together in math, physics, and economics classes warmed my heart. It was reassuring to know we could support one another in subjects that required a different kind of strength.

  And with combat class waiting for us at the end of the day, I knew we'd have plenty of opportunities to prove ourselves—to our instructors and to each other.

  With each step through the academy's halls, I felt a little more at ease. Yes, challenges loomed ahead, and yes, I harbored secrets that needed to stay hidden.

  But with my friends by my side, even the toughest days would be filled with laughter—and the occasional overconfident fire dragon setting something ablaze.

  And maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to wield my powers without revealing the full extent of what I could truly do.