Since its opening, it had been accessible to everyone, and for those who couldn't afford it, the state provided financial aid thanks to the funds from the Legendary Raid in the name of Dav De Lion.
Many students moved to Sicily to attend it.
Even among Dav's companions, not all were Italian, but they had learned the language over time.
Elysia was Swiss.
Fin, an Irishman, had enrolled in the Academy by his father’s decision, a noble merchant.
Leo, a Frenchman, had grown up in Italy after his parents moved there, running a small bakery to afford his education without state aid.
Cedric, a Spaniard, had learned Italian at his father's insistence so he could remember his mother, who had died when he was still a newborn.
Leona and Lucas, the newcomers, were American.
The Academy required mandatory English and Italian courses, essential for anyone aspiring to become a hunter, politician, or merchant.
Narrator: In the following days, students trained with determination before Dav even arrived.
Sweat and willpower filled the air.
Leona and Lucas watched the scene, puzzled.
Why were mages using swords instead of wands or staffs?
Fin approached them with a sly grin.
Fin: Don't just stand there. If he finds you like this, he'll get mad!
[Lucas and Leona, full of confidence, replied smugly.]
Lucas: Our uncle would never hurt us.
Narrator: Fin looked at them with pity, as if their souls were already destined for the afterlife.
He prayed for them.
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When Dav entered the arena, he saw everyone training hard—except for the two newcomers.
Lucas: (confidently) We want real training, Uncle!
Leona: (shouting) I agree!
[Dav stared at them with a demonic glare as a magic circle appeared above them.]
Dav: (menacingly) Let’s play a game...
If you can complete ten laps around the entire arena without getting hit by my circles, I will grant you the privilege of living and forget your arrogance, brats.
[Lucas laughed.]
Lucas: We’re not little kids who believe in this stuff, Uncle! Hahaha—
[Suddenly, Leona tackled him, pushing him away.]
Leona: (yelling) Idiot! Didn't you see that circle above you?!
Narrator: The other students continued training, not sparing them a glance, as if their fate had already been sealed.
Lucas and Leona, now terrified, started running.
Lucas: (screaming in despair) Damn it! These circles are following us!
Leona: (shrieking) AHHHH! Get your dumb ass away from me! Don’t slow me down!
[Dav, sitting in the stands, watched the scene with amusement.]
Dav: (thinking) I wonder if they’ll manage to complete ten laps, hahaha.
[From above, the Director chuckled while enjoying a sandwich.]
Director: Poor kids, hahaha. Seems like everything is going well, I suppose?
The tournament is approaching... I wonder if Leo will manage to participate.
Dav: (confidently) Who knows? Maybe yes, maybe no.
[The Director nodded, taking another bite of his sandwich.]
Director: Miss Iris told me to remind you that she needs to go shopping on Sunday.
If you can help her...
Dav: (with a hand on his chin) I remember perfectly, haha.
(thinking) I wonder if Leo and Fin are actually reading their books…
[The Director observed the students with pride.]
Director: They've improved.
Their strikes are stronger and faster than a few months ago.
Endurance is their strong point.
[Then, he stood up, stretching.]
Director: Well, I’ll go back to my office to finish signing the endless paperwork.
See you at lunch.
[Dav nodded, his gaze turning serious.]
Dav: (thinking) It’s time, Elysia... I’ll make sure you get it too.
Dav: (shouting) Go clean yourselves up and head to the cafeteria, brats!
Lucas: (exhausted) I’m done… I can’t feel my legs anymore…
(relieved) At least the circle stopped.
Leona: (walking) I’m going to wash up and then eat…
Narrator: As they left the arena, they saw Dav sitting in the stands with a triumphant smirk.
His gaze clearly said: I hope you’ve learned your lesson now.
Narrator: Dav introduced the two newcomers to the rest of the group.
Leo, Elysia, and the others welcomed them, but Lucas and Leona still felt out of place.
Iris served them food with a kind smile, gently ruffling their hair.
Leo and Elysia made sure to include them in the conversation.
Leo: So, how’s America? What’s the weather like over there?
Elysia: What do you like? What don’t you like?
Narrator: Slowly, Lucas and Leona began to feel less out of place.