The Legend of Marvin

In a magical continent named Ravhessia, magic was considered an art practiced by many. This land was home to numerous fantastic creatures. Five legendary mages existed, regarded as the greatest of their time for the feats they had accomplished throughout their lives. But today, four of them had passed away. The last of the five still alive was Henry Marvin.

The Arvendell Academy of Magic, the most prestigious institution in the Kingdom of Valdrith, was a place where magical prodigies were trained to become the future protectors of the realm. However, one student stood out from his talented peers—but not for the right reasons: Richard Marvin.

Despite coming from the renowned Marvin family, Richard was considered one of the academy's most mediocre students.

His magical talent seemed nonexistent, and rather than focusing on his studies, he preferred playing pranks on his teachers, especially on his homeroom professor, Matthieu Roger.

The latter, exasperated by Richard's relentless mischief, constantly reprimanded him, yet the young man always found a way to push his buttons even further.

— "Marvin! Another one of your foolish tricks!" Matthieu yelled, discovering that his desk was covered in a fine explosive powder that burst each time he touched it.

— "But professor, I was just testing a new energy dispersion spell," Richard replied with an innocent smile.

Richard was not alone in his antics. By his side, his two best friends, Tristan Reynauld and Larry Anderson, shared his daily adventures.

Tristan, a young man with messy hair and sharp eyes, excelled in elemental magic. His keen mind and sharp humor made him a loyal friend… but sometimes an unbearable one.

Larry, on the other hand, was a towering figure with a kind heart. Unlike Tristan, he preferred physical combat, combining it with enhancement magic, making him a formidable fighter.

Together, they formed an inseparable trio, often at the center of the academy's wildest rumors.

That day, however, a new rumor spread through the halls. An imperial princess was set to join the academy. According to some sources, she was Elisabeth Dreks, daughter of Emperor August Beran Dreks himself. Her arrival was seen as a major political event aimed at strengthening ties between the Dreks Empire and the Kingdom of Valdrith.

— "Do you think it's true?" Tristan asked, curious.

— "I don't know, but if she's as noble as they say, she probably won't handle our jokes very well," Richard replied with a shrug.

At that moment, the grand hall doors swung open, and a young girl with long red hair and piercing green eyes entered the room. Her regal posture and imperial attire commanded respect. All eyes turned toward her, fascinated by her majestic aura. It was indeed Elisabeth Dreks.

She walked with grace, offering each student a flawless smile. She seemed to master the art of etiquette perfectly, slightly bowing at every greeting, instantly earning the students' admiration.

— "So, that's her..."

Richard observed the scene with a skeptical expression. She seemed almost too perfect. Always smiling, always polite… It felt to him like she was wearing a mask, like she was just a well-crafted facade.

— "I've seen hypocrites before, but this is another level," he muttered to Tristan.

— "Tsk, Richard, you always have something to say… I think it's impressive. She's an imperial princess, after all. Of course, she's flawless in public."

— "Flawless? She's just way too smooth for my taste," Richard scoffed, crossing his arms.

Richard was unimpressed. Sitting at the back of the class with Tristan and Larry, he watched the scene with a raised eyebrow.

— "Tsk… Does she think she's at a royal ball?" he murmured to Tristan, who nudged him to keep quiet.

The lessons began, and soon, Elisabeth proved to be a brilliant student, answering every question with confidence. Her impeccable manners and seemingly flawless attitude started to irritate Richard.

— "She's playing the perfect little princess. I bet she thinks she's better than all of us," he grumbled to Larry.

Then came the practical magic exercise. Their homeroom professor, Matthieu Roger, asked the students to demonstrate their abilities. When Richard's turn came, he tried to summon a blade with his forge magic, but the weapon appeared only half-formed before shattering instantly.

An awkward silence filled the room. Some students exchanged amused glances, while others, like Tristan and Larry, sighed, clearly used to this kind of scene.

Elisabeth, who had been watching from her seat, smirked before speaking in a cold tone:

— "Pathetic. So this is a Marvin? A failure who tarnishes his family's name?"

A murmur spread through the class. Some students looked surprised, while others seemed eager to see Richard's reaction.

A deep anger welled up inside Richard. Clenching his fists, he turned to her and shot back:

— "And what about you? A hypocritical princess who acts all perfect in front of everyone but looks down on those she deems unworthy?"

— "I'm not acting. I'm simply well-mannered—unlike you," Elisabeth retorted, crossing her arms.

— "Well-mannered, my foot! It's easy to smile at everyone when you're born with a golden spoon in your mouth. But deep down, you're just a snob who thinks she's above us!"

— "I am not a snob. You say I was born privileged, but let's be honest, so were you. You were born into a family glorified for your grandfather's achievements," Elisabeth replied with a satisfied smirk.

The classroom erupted in whispers. Some students exchanged nervous glances.

Tristan muttered, "Oh boy… He's going too far…"

Larry simply shook his head as Matthieu Roger, fed up with their argument, slammed his magical staff on the table to restore order.

— "Enough, both of you! Richard, Elisabeth, to the headmaster's office, immediately!"

Richard and Elisabeth shot daggers at each other before storming out, both equally furious.

A New Path

In the headmaster's office, the tension remained thick. As they stepped inside, the headmaster fixed them with a stern gaze.

— "Richard Marvin, due to your unacceptable behavior and lack of respect toward an esteemed guest and your professors, you are suspended from the academy for one week."

Richard simply shrugged and smirked.

— "Well, looks like I get a vacation."

Several professors gasped at his insolence. The headmaster clenched his jaw and replied in a chilling tone:

— "If you continue down this path, Marvin, I doubt you'll have a future here."

As for Elisabeth, she lowered her head slightly before speaking in a calm voice:

— "Sir, I share responsibility for this argument. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I'd like to apologize."

The headmaster sighed but did not punish her, considering her apology. Richard, however, had expected this special treatment and wasn't surprised. He left the office, casting one last mocking glance at the furious headmaster.

One week passed. During his suspension, Richard trained at the Marvin estate alongside Tristan and Larry, trying to improve his forge magic—with mixed results.

As he struggled with his training, a deep voice suddenly interrupted him:

— "How many more weapons do you plan to break, Richard?"

Richard froze and turned slowly.

His grandfather, Henry Marvin, had finally returned from his long journey.

And Richard knew… he was about to have a very long conversation that could change his destiny forever.

In Henry's office, the atmosphere was heavy. The old man stared at him for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

— I heard about what you did at the academy, Richard.

Richard's expression changed immediately. He lowered his eyes slightly, preparing for a scolding.

— Arguing with the imperial princess, disrespecting your professor and the headmaster… I always knew you were troublesome, but this time, you've crossed the line.

Richard grimaced but tried to keep his composure. He shrugged.

— Well, I guess I'm not as impressive as the legendary Henry Marvin…

Henry stared at him in silence before sighing again. His gaze held a hint of disappointment, but also something else… a trace of contemplation.

— You still have a lot to learn, Richard. But I won't let you turn into just another troublemaker. Starting tomorrow, we're resuming your training. Seriously, this time.

Richard opened his mouth to protest, but his grandfather's stern look silenced him immediately. He knew there was no escaping it.

— I'm disappointed, Richard. Not just by your behavior, but by your lack of effort. If you're this mediocre, it's not because you lack talent, but because you refuse to take things seriously.

Richard looked away, slightly offended.

— Easy for someone as incredible as you to say…

There was a silence. Henry sighed once more before placing a hand on his grandson's shoulder.

— Being a Marvin isn't about talent, it's about commitment. Think carefully about what you want to become, Richard.

Richard didn't respond immediately. For the first time in a long while, he truly felt confronted with himself…