Finn stepped out of the bustling train station, blinking against the glare of the midday sun. The heart of the city stretched out before him, a blend of towering glass spires and bustling streets that hummed with life. Hover trains whizzed behind and above on elevated translucent tracks, and pedestrians navigated the sidewalks, their conversations blending into a low, constant murmur.

  For a moment, Finn stood still, trying to take it all in. His heart pounded with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. He hadn’t been to a place like this before—or had he? A feeling of déjà vu crept in once again. Maybe he had seen these scenes in pictures online?

  Yeah… that must be it, he reassured himself.

  Shaking off the odd sense of familiarity, he glanced down at his wrist and tapped his watch. The sleek interface lit up, and a small holographic menu hovered above it. Finn swiped through a few options before selecting Transport. The watch chimed softly.

  “Destination?” an automated voice asked.

  “Magyo Academy!” Finn replied, his voice tinged with enthusiasm and excitement.

  Moments later, a hover taxi descended from the sky, its chrome frame gleaming with magical runes that pulsed faintly under the sunlight. As it landed, the doors slid open with a soft hiss, and Finn stepped inside.

  Sinking into the soft leather seat, he let out a relaxed sigh and made himself comfortable.

  The door closed, and the taxi soared into the crowded skies of the magic capital. Finn leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the view.

  Towers and spires passed in a blur, while enchanted billboards displayed moving images of famous mages and academy alumni. Finn’s anticipation swelled. He was finally on his way to Magyo Academy.

  Only twenty minutes later, the hover taxi began to descend. Finn’s excitement dimmed for a moment, replaced by a twinge of nervousness. As the vibrant skyline gave way to sprawling greenery, he leaned closer to the window, marvelling at the sight below.

  The Magyo Academy campus stretched out like a living painting, its buildings an elegant fusion of ancient stonework and modern magical enhancements.

  Surrounding the campus was a vast magical garden, a spectacle of shimmering trees and vibrant, shifting flora. Streams of crystal-clear water wove through the landscape, crossing under arched bridges and pooling in serene ponds that reflected the sky like mirrors.

  Finn’s breath caught. He had seen pictures of the academy online, sure—but this felt more than familiar. It was like returning to a place he’d known intimately, though he couldn’t explain why.

  Finn was left with no time to think as the taxi landed smoothly on one of many circular platforms made of white stone, each etched with the academy’s emblem—a radiant sun encased in a ring of stars. As the door slid open, Finn paid the fare, then hesitated for a second before stepping out.

  “Welcome to Magyo Academy,” a soft, melodic voice greeted him. He turned to see a projection hovering above a nearby pedestal—a robed figure with indistinct features, hands raised in a welcoming gesture.

  “Please proceed through the garden to the main gate,” the figure continued. “Your journey begins here.”

  Finn nodded and began to follow a winding path through the garden, joining the flow of other students.

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  Each step revealed more wonders: butterflies with iridescent wings fluttered between the glowing blossoms, while small, luminous creatures peeked from the underbrush, their curious eyes tracking the newcomers.

  Despite the beauty, a gnawing doubt began to creep into Finn’s mind. He glanced at the other students around him. Many of them carried themselves with an air of confidence, their fancy clothes and accessories marked with crests and sigils of noble houses or powerful mage families. Their conversations hinted at legacies, famous mentors, and elite training.

  Finn swallowed hard. Compared to them, he felt out of place. He wasn’t a noble or the heir to a great magical lineage. He didn’t have years of private tutors or rare artefacts passed down through generations. Who was he to stand among them?

  His steps faltered slightly as the weight of his self-doubt pressed on him. But then he clenched his fists and forced himself to keep moving.

  It doesn’t matter where I came from, he thought. I’ve made it this far, and I’ll prove that I belong here.

  By the time he reached the towering gates of the academy, he had steeled his resolve. The gates loomed ahead, flanked by intricate statues of legendary mages. Beyond them, a large courtyard was bustling with students, all gathered beneath a floating banner that shimmered with golden letters;

  ‘Welcome, Initiates of Magyo Academy’

  Unfortunately, a long queue had already formed at the gates. Even two days before the official opening, the academy grounds were packed. Students from every corner of the world had come, their voices blending into a symphony of anticipation.

  Sighing, Finn stepped forward into the line— queuing was a unique way to start his magical journey, at least.

  The queue moved slowly, but surely, as Finn tried his best to wait patiently.

  After what felt like an eternity, he finally reached the front of the queue. A tired-looking clerk sat behind a glass window, her eyes dull with exhaustion.

  “Name?” she asked flatly, barely looking up from her holographic screen.

  “Finn Travis,” he replied, forcing a confident smile.

  The clerk tapped her screen, her movements quick and practised. After a moment, a small slip of paper emerged from a slot beneath the window.

  “Your identification badge,” she said, her tone dry. “It’s your key to everything here. Lose it, and you’ll pay a hefty fine.” She lowered her voice. “Not that someone like us can afford it.”

  Finn winced but nodded, taking the slip. “Thanks,” he muttered.

  The clerk managed a faint smile and gestured for him to move along. “Welcome to Magyo Academy.”

  Finn turned away, holding the slip up to examine it. Both sides were blank. His brow furrowed. A blank piece of paper? He thought, frustration bubbling up. How is this supposed to be my key?!

  Finn racked his brain. A test? It would make sense. Everything about this academy screamed prestige after all. Let me try this.

  Gripping the slip tightly, he focused his mana, channelling it into the seemingly blank piece of paper. Nothing happened.

  Nothing happened?! Finn thought to himself in confusion.

  He furrowed his brows and tried again, this time channelling more of his mana into the card. The moment his energy flowed through it, the slip began to glow softly.

  Intricate black runes emerged along its edges, replacing the stark white with complex patterns that pulsed faintly. A small emblem materialized in the top left corner—a radiant sun encased in a ring of stars, the academy’s crest.

  Finn watched in awe as more details etched themselves onto the slip. His name appeared first, followed by his birthday, place of origin, magical status, and even a section labelled titles.

  The transformation was mesmerizing. The slip, once thin and fragile, now had a weight and sturdiness to it. Finn instinctively knew that it was nearly indestructible, imbued with powerful enchantments.

  He turned it over in his hands, marvelling at the craftsmanship. So this is my identification badge… he thought, a sense of pride swelling in his chest.

  Finn slipped his newly acquired identification badge into his breast pocket, its reassuring weight pressing softly against his chest.

  Finn moved forward as the towering gates began to part with a low, resonant hum, revealing the courtyard beyond. Finn stood motionless for a heartbeat, his chest tightening with a mix of exhilaration and fear. This was it. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, the weight of his dreams and self-doubt pressing against his chest.

  Whatever problems or challenges awaited him, he was ready.