After walking down the road for a while, Raegar and his eight friends finally appeared in front of the Willowbank gate. The sturdy wooden barriers, reinforced with iron, loomed tall, guarded by vigilant soldiers of the Dawnfirian Army.
'Using Aether Metal,' he mused, staring at the strong metal entrance. 'Must get attacked by hordes of monsters.'
He noticed the soldier's armor gleamed faintly under the afternoon sun, and their eyes scanned them with scrutiny. Raegar, clutching his weathered Academy Pass, stepped forward alongside his group.
The guards, recognizing the sigil of Drakenwood on the passes, exchanged nods before stepping aside, granting them passage as the commander spoke. ''Welcome first years, behave yourself, or the headmistress will hear about it.''
That's when the older man looked at him, only to go wide-eyed as he bowed his head respectfully. ''Young master Blackwood. It's an honor to meet a young man with such skill that it shooks the empress herself.''
