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Aether Chronicles: Birth Of A Legend-Chapter 131: Willowbank Bakery
Zahara was staring at the northern city that she had heard much about from the talkative Julian, and she learned that the Vaelthrone Family controlled the Western Lands, prompting her to think about the handsome, white-haired boy who helped her a year ago.
'What was his name? Haegar? No its Reagar Blackwood,' she mused with a smile. 'I wonder if he got into any of the academies? Rumors say he vanished after the Aether Test.'
Following that, Baldwin called for her. ''Darling! Come on, only a few more hours until we're at Brightwater. We need to pick up stuff for the town, so I'll book a carriage to the academy for you.''
''Yes, Father,'' she replied, climbing back in and traveling along the Kingsway.
Sometime later, the gates of the city appeared in the distance. Their carriage didn't have to wait thanks to the permission the empress gave them when she joined the imperial project to help up-and-coming mages from the border regions.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the road to Willowbank Village, Zahara's father secured the carriage. The path was safe for travel now. Stepping outside, she met Baldwin's gaze, and the older man pulled her into a tight embrace.
''My dearest daughter,'' he said softly, voice thick with emotion. ''I'll miss you terribly. Write to us often, and I'll send gold coins to your school account each week, but more importantly, show all those people what you can do and make us proud.''
Zahara nodded with a big smile. ''I will, Father, don't worry. I will get stronger to help the town the next time the Southern Giants attack,'' she declared.
The two men noticed the fire in her eyes, making them nod proudly as Baldwin. ''That's a daughter of the Ashbournes, just like your brother Vincent. Now go conquer Drakenwood and become like the Witch of the West, who is the empire's best healer.''
Following that, Zahara said her goodbyes and started traveling toward the academy along the road that was being lit by the morning sun. While sitting in the carriage, she spotted a lone tent sitting away from everyone.
'Why is that student alone? Isn't he worried,' she thought.
Moments later, the Drakenwood Academy appeared, and the sight amazed her as the carriage stopped just outside. Zahara got out and was met by an older woman whose expression changed when she saw her.
A smile appeared as she introduced herself. ''Morning, Miss Ashbourne. I'm Headmistress Corinne Von Hohenstein. I'm glad you chose to attend my school. Nurse Kitsunia will be a great help to you.''
''I hope so,'' she replied with an excited expression. ''I can't wait to learn here. The Duke told me so many good things about this place.''
The headmistress laughed at this. ''Yes, Tyrone Sunfire. A wild child, but was a good student if I remember correctly.''
Zahara watched the older woman shake her head, continuing. ''Let me take you to the tests. If a formality to find out what class you'll be in.''
She nodded as the two of them entered the testing grounds, as a massive explosion rocked the place. This surprised everyone around them, causing the headmistress to look at her. ''One of the students must have gone over the top with their Aether.''
Following that, Corrine
stuck by her throughout the tests for a few hours while muttering about a student she kept missing. This caught Zahara's attention, prompting her to question. ''Who is this person? He seems to be one step ahead of us.''
''It doesn't matter,'' the blue-haired woman dismissively said. ''Let's take you to the Eastern Griffin Tower and get you a room with the other Triarchs.''
Zahara grew curious. ''How many students can use three elements this year?'' she asked.
''There are eight altogether, but some have yet to turn up,'' Corrine responded. ''Not all the professors know until we organize the timetables.''
Moments later, the two of them walked through the schools gardens which looked peaceful compared the deadly south. While doing that, the older woman turned to her. ''I bet it's different being so far north. Must be different compared to the borderlands.''
''You're right,'' Zahara answered. ''When we reached Dunmara, things changed, and the land became more dense with farming villages, towns, and cities.''
''The people are less friendly?'' Corrine inquired.
She nodded with a confused expression. ''In the villages, yes. They seem not to like outsiders.''
The older woman giggled at her words before revealing. ''Well Willowbank and Brightwater love Drakenwood. You'll be able to explore both on Dark Days, maybe you can try the Brightshakes that have become famous throughout the north.''
''Brightshakes?'' Zahara muttered.
Corrine quickly explained. ''It's a milk drink that a previous student created while at the school. She married another pupil and settled down in the village, the place is called Willowbank Bakery, it's a favourite spot for the children.''
''I'll try it,'' she answered, looking forward to the drink.
Following that, Zahara spotted the tower that was twice the size of the boys but wasn't as tall. She paused, her breath catching as she gazed up at a magnificent tower. Its stone gleamed in the light, adorned with vines and flowers that spiraled toward the sky.
The tower stood proudly overlooking the school's beautiful garden, its base twice as wide as the boys', but not too high. Below, the garden buzzed with life. Girls lounged on soft blankets spread across the emerald grass, their laughter mingling with the hum of conversation.
Some read books, their heads bent over pages, while others sketched the blooming roses and lilies that framed the pathways. A few tossed a colorful ball, their movements light and carefree.
Female professors walked through the scene, their robes swishing. One, with silver hair pinned neatly, paused to discuss a monster sketch with a student, her voice warm and encouraging.
Another, carrying a stack of scrolls, nodded kindly at a group of girls debating a philosophical point about the origin of the worlds Aether and where it came from. Zahara shook her head and followed Corrine stopped.
''First years are housed in Dragon and Griffin Towers,'' the older woman explained. ''Second and third years reside in Hydra and Wyrm Towers, while fourth years stay in Eldertree Tower to the west.''
Zahara nodded, taking the papers. ''Choose your lessons,'' Corrine suddenly said. ''I need to help the other seven settle in, but I'll return soon.''
''Thank you,'' she replied, clutching the forms.
Once the headmistress vanished with two girls, Zahara settled into the Common Room, spreading out the forms on a table. After thoughtful consideration, she selected Healing, Potion Brewing, Dungeoneering, and World History, subjects that sparked her curiosity.
Forms completed, she wandered the expansive room, marveling at the towering bookshelves lining the walls. Clusters of cozy couches were scattered about, with stairways branching off to the girls' dormitories and other student areas.
She sat down with a book about Griffin Tower, engrossed in its pages while awaiting the headmistress. A woman approached, her dark green and blue eyes standing out against her professor's robes.
''I'm Professor Silvershade,'' she said with a warm smile. ''A pleasure to meet you, Zahara. I'll be guiding you in mastering your Earth and Water elements. If you're a dedicated student, we'll make great progress together.''
Zahara couldn't help but respond. ''Thank you for the kind words, Professor. I look forward to your classes.''
The headmistress returned, gathering her completed forms. She then led her up the tower to her room, a cozy space with a stunning view of the Black Forest stretching beyond the school walls.
''Get some rest and I'll deliver your timetable,'' Corrine revealed with a smile. ''I won't be long.''
Following that, Zahara relaxed for a few hours until the students were summoned to the Common Room, and all the first years appeared as professors handed out their timetables for the term.
When the headmistress gave her one, she checked over it and was surprised.
[Zahara - Class S]
[LIGHT DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[Aether Fundamentals]
[Lunch]
[Healing]
[World History]
[Dinner]
[Free Class]
[WATER DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[Combat Magic]
[Lunch]
[Dungeoneering]
[Free Class]
[Dinner]
[Potion Brewing]
[WIND DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[World History]
[Lunch]
[Aether Fundamentals]
[Combat Magic]
[Dinner]
[Free Class]
[EARTH DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[Dungeoneering]
[Lunch]
[Healing]
[Potion Brewing]
[Dinner]
[World History]
[CHAOS DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[Aether Fundamentals]
[Lunch]
[Combat Magic]
[Potion Brewing]
[Dinner]
[Healing]
[FIRE DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[World History]
[Lunch]
[Dungeoneering]
[Healing]
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[Dinner]
[Combat Magic]
[LIGHTNING DAY]
[Breakfast]
[PT]
[Aether Fundamentals]
[Lunch]
[Potion Brewing]
[Free Class]
[Dinner]
[Healing]
[DARK DAY]
[Rest Day]
''Looks like I'll be busy this year,'' she muttered.
Following that, Zahara continued to read in the common room until she noticed a group of noble girls giving her strange looks thanks to the simple dress she was wearing, prompting her to think. 'Not my thought we come from a small town.'
They continued to allow her to return to her room and couldn't wait to start classes tomorrow morning, as her first class was P.T, which helped mages improve their bodies with exercise.