"Dragon-wing kingdom, after the great war between all the species of the world. It was created by the five heroes of humanity who walked the path of the ten gods. All the heroes of humanity departed from the kingdom into the unknown, never to be seen again. People believes that it was just a story created by the first emperor after the great war save his position"

Or so they say, chimes the young, sixteen year old girl in a maids dress. “What do you think, my lady?” The girl asked the one sitting in front of her with an bored expression.

“I think it's just a story, Mino” The girl says to mino, the maid.

The carriage they were riding came to a stop in front of a large silver gate. The carriage gate opens and they both step out. The school council came to escort them they walk in the student murmur seeing the girl with peculiar black hair and Emerald green eyes with the Council members. One of the council members speak up as they walk.

“We've been waiting for you, Lady Yuki. This is Anne" he points to the girl with bubbly pink hair, that is similar to her personality. "She will escort you to your dorm room. I Hope you learn diligently" The other members left. Anne turns to her, Showing her the way to her room. Since they were tired from the travel, they went to rest. There was some time before the start of the semester.

...———————...

"How intresting" A sketchy voice can be heard dimly lighted room. Shadow looms in the dark, a Women sitting in a chair looking at a magic crystal, clear as pure light. A man shivering in front of her, knelt down on floor in front of her. Two guards stand by her side.

”The little rat...was sent away, bh that Old ANNOYING Man.“ Her voice sound annoyed as she looks down at him, dangerously. ”And you couldn't even complete the job of poisoning that girls family“

The man face turns pale, his voice stuttering as he pleads. "No - My Lady, I-It's difficult to get close to the lady I-If you could give me one more chance! I'll-"

The women shouts ”silent, Throw this man away. I want no witness“ The guards take away the man, as he's dragged away, His pleading fade intk the distance.

"I will get rid of you, Yuke Nazuko and so will follow your family. Just you wait. The 'Crystal' will be mine MINE" That man was Never to be seen again

...——To Be Continued——...

...––Royal Academy, Dragon Wing Kingdom––...

The wind carried a crisp bite, signaling the end of summer as students poured through the towering gates of Rolal Academy. Golden banners fluttered above, bearing the sigil of a winged dragon—proud and untamed.

Nobles from across the Dragon Wing Kingdom and beyond gathered, each arriving in carriages bearing their family crests. Some hailed from ancient bloodlines that stretched back to the Celestial Age; others, from new nobility clawing their way up through valor or cunning.

Inside the Great Hall, chandeliers glittered with a thousand flames as the buzz of conversation filled the air. Students—dressed in uniforms embroidered with Academy insignias—stood in awe beneath the stained-glass dome.

All eyes turned to the stage as the headmaster appeared, accompanied by a figure whose very presence hushed the room.

Crown Prince Cain Tempest stepped forward.

He moved like a storm contained in human form—golden hair like streaked sunlight, deep blue eyes steady as the ocean before a tempest. Every line of his face, every movement of his body, spoke of discipline and command. He wore his crown not as an ornament, but as an extension of his very soul.

"This academy is a crucible," he began, his voice cutting through the hall like steel. "Only the worthy shall endure. Weakness is shed here, or it destroys you."

His words rang sharp, lingering in the silence that followed.

Later that night, the Moonlight Courtyard came alive with music and lanterns. The banquet tables overflowed with delicacies—roast wyvern, honey-pickled pears, dragonfruit tarts.

The top five students from the entrance exams were presented one by one.

Blair Auryn, with his blood-red hair and glacial expression, stood like a statue.

Prince Cain, now dressed in deep obsidian robes lined with silver.

Selene Rivira, regal and polished, smiled with her eyes alone.

Yuki Nazuka, a quiet girl with foreign features and unreadable intent.

And Haruka, a commoner whose name stirred whispers of surprise.

Iris found herself among the crowd, sipping from a glass of cider as her eyes landed on Yuki, seated alone beneath a blooming moonvine. With her striking silver hair and golden eyes, Iris was hard to miss—but she approached without ceremony.

“Hi,” she said, her voice warm.

Yuki looked at her for a breath of a second, then away. The silence stretched.

Iris tried again, unfazed. But before she could say more, Cain’s voice called her from across the court.

She gave a soft smile. “Bye, then.” And left. Yuki’s gaze never followed.

...——The Next Day——...

The first history lecture began in the early hours of dawn. The classroom, shaped like an amphitheater, held tiered seats and an enchanted blackboard that shimmered when used.

Students filed in, some eager, others bored, most bleary-eyed from the previous night’s festivities. Cain and Blair entered side by side—still commanding stares. Iris trailed behind them, sharp-eyed and alert.

She paused near Yuki’s desk but didn’t speak. Just as she was about to continue to her seat, she overheard hushed voices from the row behind.

“She tore up Lana Krist’s books,” one whispered.

“And ruined her alchemy kit. It was sabotage,” said another.

“I heard she even set fire to her practice robes last week. Lana’s scared of her now.”

Iris turned sharply. “You don’t know what you’re saying. Rumors aren’t truth.”

The group fell silent as Iris faced them. Even without a noble title, her closeness to the crown prince made her words weighty.

“It’s not just rumors,” one girl murmured. “Lana’s never caused trouble before. And this... just seems like a pattern. You should stay away from Yuki, Iris. She’s... unstable.”

But Iris said nothing more. The teacher had entered.

He was a tall, lanky man with parchment-stained fingers and a robe embroidered with constellations. He scribbled two words on the board in golden chalk:

...‘Ancient History’...

“Today, we begin with the world before the Imperial Era,” he said. “Before kingdoms, before calendars as you know them, there was only the Celestial Cycle—the Year of the Gods. A time when divinity walked the land.”

He explained how time had once been guided by the Saint—blessed by all twelve gods—who created the foundation of magic and society. After the Saint’s disappearance and the devastation of the Great War, most of that knowledge was lost.

“Only fragments remain,” he said, holding up a faded scroll. “And only a handful of people can still read this ancient script.”

He turned to Cain. “For the royal family, it is a requirement.”

A silence followed. Then the teacher added with a grin, “You may think this class will be dull, but hidden in these texts are secrets that shaped our world—and perhaps threaten it still.”

As he passed by Iris’s desk, he glanced at the margin of her open notebook and paused—curiously eyeing the line she had doodled:

...“Many unsaid secrets keep all nations asleep nightly.”...

A strange phrase. And yet... perhaps not meaningless.

...——To Be Continued——...

Hey there these are:

Question for the Reader:

Power may shape kingdoms, but whispers shape people. Who do you think is telling the truth—Lana, with her gentle reputation, or Yuki, shrouded in silence? And how do you decide what’s true when no one is willing to speak plainly?

BTW I've hidden my name in the Novel, Lets see whi can find it although it is not so difficult, i will rise the difficulty with each answer.

Hint:

Initials can be deceiving. 🗝️

And tell me if i should put these in author note, thiugh i doubt it will fit

...——Later That Same Day——...

During the midday break, sunlight filtered through the Academy garden’s flowering treetops, casting dancing shadows over mossy cobblestones. The air was sweet with the scent of blooming hydrangeas, and the faint hum of gossip and laughter floated on the breeze.

Iris spotted Yuki sitting alone on a stone bench, her posture quiet, gaze fixed on something far away. Without hesitation, Iris skipped—yes, skipped—down the path, the silver strands of her hair catching in the light like wisps of cloud.

“Hi!” she chirped brightly, standing in front of Yuki with her hands clasped behind her back. No reply.

Unfazed, Iris plopped down beside her, kicking her legs slightly as they dangled from the bench. “It’s such a nice day, don’t you think? The flowers are all blooming, the sun is warm, and look!”—she pointed excitedly—“That bee’s got little pollen socks on his legs!”

Yuki didn’t even glance. But Iris simply giggled and continued, “You must be new, Lady Yuki. This place—Royal Academy, you know—is the biggest and most prestigious in the whole kingdom! Maybe even the world. Some people say it’s where legends start!”

Still silence. But Yuki didn’t walk away either. So, naturally, Iris took that as a sign of budding friendship. Over the next few days, Iris shadowed Yuki like a curious kitten—poking her head around corners, appearing at her table at lunch, offering her snacks (and occasionally throwing candy at her when she wouldn’t take it).

Even Cain, the Crown Prince himself, noticed—and was not amused. He watched Iris drift away from his side again, practically glowing as she chased after her new quiet fascination. Cain’s brow twitched. “She’s forgotten I exist,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

...——Magic & Alchemy Lecture Hall——...

Today’s class buzzed with energy. The grand lecture hall, lined with arcane diagrams and glass cabinets of glowing herbs, filled quickly. Students whispered excitedly as Cain, Blair, and Iris entered—only to head straight for the seats behind Yuki.

Gasps and raised brows rippled through the room. The Crown Prince, abandoning his usual front-row throne, now sat next to a girl with no title.

“Has Iris finally lost it?”

“Is she following that silent girl again?”

“Look at Cain’s face—he’s going to explode.”

The instructor, Professor Helbor, clapped once, voice gravelly and stern. “Group announcement. You will form teams of five—permanent until semester’s end. Choose carefully. Dismissed.”

The room erupted into motion. Iris bounced to her feet. “Yuki! Lady Yuki, please join us! You’re super strong, I just know it. We’d be amazing together!”

All eyes turned to Yuki. Most students eyed her with suspicion or kept their distance entirely. Yet after a moment of hesitation, she gave a small nod. “Alright.”

From behind, Cain mumbled darkly, “Annoying...”

Blair, ever the instigator, patted Cain’s shoulder. “Aw, jealous she didn’t ask you first?”

Cain didn’t reply—just radiated silent fury.

“We’re still short one,” Blair added.

Before they could scan the room, a soft voice piped up behind them. “Um... Your Highness, may I join your group?”

Lady Lana Krist stood there, fingers twined nervously, a hesitant smile on her face. Her soft eyes sought Cain’s.

Cain’s gaze turned icy. “Given your… history with Lady Yuki, I think it’s best—”

“Lady Lana!” Iris gasped, spinning toward her like a child meeting a fairytale princess. “You have water magic, right? That’s so cool! You’d be perfect! Say yes!”

The tension cracked like ice under sunlight.

Cain stared at Iris, incredulous. “Iris—”

“We’ll be the strongest group ever!” she declared, twirling with excitement.

Blair stifled a laugh. “You’ve lost control,” he whispered to Cain.

Cain groaned into his hand.

...——The Next Morning, Breakfast Hall——...

The five of them sat together at one of the long tables. Plates clinked, students stared.

Cain was clearly suffering.

“I suggest we introduce ourselves properly,” Iris said between bites of buttered toast. “Group bonding time!”

Cain slowly set down his fork like it offended him. “I am Crown Prince Cain Tempest of the Dragon Wing Kingdom. Address me accordingly.”

“Formal much?” Blair muttered.

“I’m Blair Auryn,” he added. “Just Blair. Please.”

“I’m Iris!” she beamed. “Lover of sparkly mushrooms and sleepy foxes! Your turn, Yuki!”

Yuki spoke quietly. “Yuki Nazuka, of Pandora Kingdom. I don’t mind being called Nazuko.”

Lana, who had barely touched her tea, said softly, “Lana Krist, daughter of Count Krist.”

“Perfect!” Iris clapped. “Now that we’re all official frien—”

“We’re late,” Blair interrupted flatly.

Iris pouted. “But I didn’t get to tell them about my beetle collection...”

...——Alchemy & Magic Class——...

The students filed into the lecture hall with a nervous buzz. Word had spread quickly: Today, the legendary Lambert Circle mages were visiting. Every student sat up straighter. Master Kyle, an imposing figure with steel-gray eyes and a robe lined in celestial thread, stood at the front like a mountain. His presence was serene but commanding—like a still lake that might become a storm at any moment.

His gaze swept the room, quieting even the loudest whispers.

“We begin,” he said, voice calm but firm. “Place your hands upon the orb. Affinity first.”

One by one, students stepped forward.

Cain’s hand touched the orb, and it erupted in radiant gold. Murmurs spread, but no one was surprised.

Yuki’s was a cool, even blue—mysterious and stable.

Blair’s burned vivid red, flickering like firelight.

Lana’s glowed with forest green edged in soft violet.

Then came Iris.

She bounced forward, practically skipping, and placed her hands delicately on the orb. It gave off a faint shimmer—barely more than a sparkle.

A few students stifled chuckles.

“Aw,” Iris said, tilting her head, “it's a little sleepy today.”

Cain covered his face with his hand.

Then came Haruka. Silent and reserved, he stepped forward and laid his hand on the orb.

The reaction was immediate—dark energy surged from it, black streaked with violet, humming with something otherworldly. A hush fell across the room like a dropped curtain.

Master Kyle raised an eyebrow, but said nothing.

“...Is that even a known element?"

"..That’s not normal.”

“Is that void magic?!”

“He might be stronger than the Crown Prince...”

Iris leaned toward Cain and whispered, “He’s like a haunted gemstone! Maybe smoky quartz?”

Cain muttered darkly, “I’m going to set something on fire.”

“Huh?” she blinked. “You said that out loud.”

He looked away. “Forget it.”

Master Kyle stepped forward. The orb dimmed behind him as he addressed the class again.

“Magic affinity is only a glimpse,” he said, voice even. “Raw potential is not mastery. Control, understanding, and teamwork will determine your success here.”

He waved his hand, and papers fluttered down onto each table—one per group.

“For your first major evaluation,” he continued, “each group will receive a unique magical ingredient. You will study its properties, test its behavior, and produce one of the following: a potion, a charm, or a compound with practical use. All must be documented in a report.”

He paused just long enough for the gravity to settle.

“You have one week. No changes in team members. No substitutions. No excuses.”

Students around the room immediately broke into whispered strategizing.

Iris raised her hand with visible excitement. “Um! Master Kyle—can ours sparkle?”

A few students snorted.

Cain groaned audibly.

Master Kyle tilted his head slightly. “If the magic demands it,” he said, “then it will. But sparkle is not the goal, Miss Iris. Usefulness is.”

Iris beamed. “What if it’s usefully sparkly?”

He didn’t smile—but his eyes, sharp as ever, twinkled just slightly. “Then surprise me.”

Cain banged his head lightly against the desk.

Blair leaned over and whispered, “I like him.”

Master Kyle’s gaze swept the room one final time.

“Begin.”

...——To Be Continued——...

🪄 Question for You, Readers:

If you were in Iris’s group and got to pick the magical project—

💡 Would you aim for something powerful?

✨ Or something sparkly and fun like Iris?

And... how would you deal with someone like Cain breathing down your neck the whole time? 😅

Let me know below—Team Sparkle or Team Strategy?