Curse of Lysertis

And so, the inevitable had arrived. The days of waking up early, getting ready, and—most importantly—studying had officially begun.

Moro Academy had a long-standing tradition of holding a "Welcome Day" on the first day of the academic year, both for returning students and first-years. The academy itself was located just outside the borders of Archoville, but the city was so vast that even students living within it had to take a train to get there. The railway extended across all of Lardoria, making stops in various regions before arriving in Archoville.

All students, regardless of whether they lived in the city, were required to stay in the dormitories. That was the rule. But no one really complained about it, because the academy provided top-tier accommodations. In some cases, the dorm rooms were even nicer than the apartments students lived in outside of school.

Adam started getting dressed. He stood in front of the mirror, sizing up his school uniform. To be fair, it looked quite good—not surprising, considering that Moro Academy was the most prestigious of all magical institutions. The uniforms were tailor-made, and measurements were taken every year to ensure that students didn't outgrow them.

But Adam never dressed as formally as the other students.

Besides, the heat outside was unbearable. There was no way he was going to dress "by the book."

He adjusted his clothes in the mirror, though, as always, he didn't put much effort into looking fully polished. His appearance didn't concern him much. He looked decent enough, but his uniform was wrinkled, something he didn't care about in the slightest.

Grabbing his suitcase, he stepped outside, locked the door behind him, and turned the key until he heard the satisfying click. Then, without a second thought, he set off toward the train station.

The streets were bustling with energy and chaos. Parents were saying goodbye to their children, some offering final words of encouragement, while others wiped away tears. Many students had their luggage floating beside them, their suitcases levitating effortlessly—a great trick for those who preferred to avoid carrying heavy loads.

Adam walked through the streets, observing everything. Unlike most years, no one paid him any mind on the first day of school. Everyone was too busy with their own affairs, which, honestly, was a relief.

He passed a section of the city that resembled a carnival. Music filled the air, people danced, vendors handed out food, and the atmosphere was lively. Adam simply strolled through, unaffected by the festivities.

Not a single person gave him a second glance.

"Maybe this uniform really does make me blend in?" he mused.

It might have seemed reckless to take such a crowded route, but the festival was actually the fastest shortcut to the station. Adam had no interest in wasting time.

When he finally arrived at the train station, the train had yet to arrive.

The platform was packed with students and their families. Some were hugging, others chatting animatedly, making the most of their final moments before departure.

Adam glanced at his watch and murmured:

"Hmph. Should be here soon. Guess I'll wait."

All the benches were occupied, so he had no choice but to stand. Instead, he sat down on his suitcase, resting his arms on his knees as he watched the crowd.

He recognized a few familiar faces from his class.

"Where's Hanabi? I wouldn't mind seeing her right now." he thought.

Adam drifted into thought, completely tuning out the world around him. His mind was still stuck on what had happened at the hot springs.

"Thanks to Charlotte, I'm never going to the hot springs again."

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice when someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder.

Adam jumped in surprise, his body tensing. He spun around and found himself staring at an equally startled Fubuki.

"What's wrong?" Fubuki asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"You scared the hell out of me." Adam exhaled, pressing a hand against his chest.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. You looked really deep in thought… I shouldn't have startled you like that. Sorry again!"

Fubuki suddenly bowed sharply in apology.

Adam blinked in confusion at the unexpected formality.

"No, no, it's fine. Lift your head."

Fubuki straightened and, as he did, his eyes focused on Adam's face.

"You have green eyes. I didn't notice the first time we met."

"And you don't have dark circles under your eyes anymore. The springs are helping?"

"Yeah, quite a bit."

Fubuki did, in fact, look much healthier—his complexion brighter, his posture less exhausted.

"But how are you going to keep up your treatment once classes start?" Adam asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"I won't." Fubuki replied simply. "I'll just rely on herbal medicine and potions. It'll be fine, so don't worry about me."

Adam studied him carefully. Despite the reassuring words, Fubuki still had that same warm smile on his face.

Before Adam could say anything else, the sharp whistle of a train pierced the air, followed by the rhythmic clanking of wheels on the tracks.

The station grew livelier as students moved closer to the platform. The train rolled in, its metallic exterior glinting under the sun before it slowed to a halt.

From each carriage, conductors stepped out, gesturing for students to pass them their luggage.

Adam and Fubuki headed toward the train, only to find themselves pushed into the middle of a chaotic rush. Students hurried to claim their seats, some saying teary goodbyes to their families, others sprinting to catch the train at the last second.

Some entered calmly, while others shoved their way in with desperation.

Adam and Fubuki finally reached a conductor, handed over their suitcases, and boarded the train in search of a free compartment.

They found one.

The interior was cozy—a small table in the center, cushioned seats on either side. Adam dropped into the left seat, while Fubuki took the right.

Outside their compartment, the hallway was still bustling with movement as other students searched for seating.

The station was gradually emptying as families remained behind, watching their children disappear into the train.

Adam observed the scene through the window, his expression softening with melancholy.

He wished someone had come to see him off too.

Wished someone would have hugged him, cried for him, told him how much they'd miss him.

Fubuki noticed the distant look in his eyes and snapped his fingers in front of his face.

Adam blinked, snapping back to reality.

"What's up with you?" Fubuki asked, tilting his head.

"Nothing, I'm fine. Just thinking."

Adam turned back toward the window.

A few minutes passed.

The conductors boarded, the train doors slid shut, and with a loud hiss, the engine released pressure.

Then came the deep blare of the train whistle.

Adam felt the subtle jerk as the train began to move.

Outside, people waved at the departing students, some even running alongside the train for a few moments before stopping.

Adam leaned away from the window, stretched out on the seat, and closed his eyes, one arm resting behind his head, the other leg bent at the knee.

Fubuki had been quietly watching him the entire time.

Then, after a moment, he asked:

"Where are you from, Adam?"

"Here. I was born in Archoville."

Fubuki's eyes widened in surprise.

"Right in Archoville itself?"

"Yeah. What's so shocking about that?" Adam asked, lifting his head slightly.

"Your accent—it's not from here. It sounds more like an Eldorian accent. I thought you were from Eldoria."

Adam exhaled, dropping his head back onto the pillow.

"My dad was from Eldoria. He was the one who taught me how to speak. That's probably why I sound like that."

After a brief pause, Adam glanced at him and asked:

"And you? You're from the East?"

"Yeah." Fubuki nodded instantly. "I'm from a small village called Hatsubushi. It's in Seisei no Okoku, one of the kingdoms that make up the Eastern Empire."

Adam raised an eyebrow.

"Wait. Albert said you were his son, but he looks like a Northerner."

Fubuki chuckled.

"That's right. My father's a merchant. Twenty years ago, he traveled to my village. That's where he met my mother. I don't think I need to explain the rest." He smirked.

"No, no, I'll spare myself the details."

Adam waved a hand dismissively, but then something clicked in his mind.

"Wait. Where's your mom? I didn't see her at the hot springs."

Fubuki's expression shifted.

Adam immediately regretted asking.

"Sorry. If it's personal, you don't have to answer."

Fubuki's signature warm smile returned.

"It's alright. Thanks for understanding. But yeah, it's personal."

A comfortable silence settled between them, filled only by the soft rhythmic clatter of train wheels against the tracks and the distant murmur of students talking in other compartments.

Thirty minutes later, Adam drifted into sleep, while Fubuki remained by the window, gazing at the scenery passing by.

The train continued its journey, making occasional stops at stations to pick up more students.

An hour passed.

The final stretch of the trip had begun.

A few more minutes — And they would arrive at the academy.