On an autumn morning in Ikelite, as last night's violent storm gradually faded away, dawn slowly drew back the curtain on the horizon.
The city's buildings were covered in droplets left by the rain. Under the sunlight, they became countless crystal-clear gems, glittering brightly.
The sunlight slanted down onto the red-brick teaching buildings of Iketerite Academy, and the edges of the light looked especially warm.
"Iketerite Academy really is the best. There's nothing to worry about here."
A young man in a black classical suit walked along the school's tree-lined path. His face looked slightly tired, and he held a cup of coffee and a morning newspaper in his hands.
He looked completely harmless, without even the slightest trace of magical energy. However, the Cross Holy Radiance on his formal suit's buttons and collar was enough for any resident to guess that he was a high-ranking member of the clergy.
The walkways of Iketerite Academy were covered in damp fallen leaves. The autumn leaves had already begun turning red, and the rain made them look even more vivid. Every step produced a soft crackle, as if it were autumn's melody.
Loren made his way toward the main building of the Sage Institute. Along the way, he saw ancient buildings that had weathered countless storms. After the rain, the red-brick walls looked deep and textured, with every brick bearing the traces and stories of time.
On the lawn before the Sage Institute Ancient Tower Library, several parrots hopped around searching for food. From time to time, they stopped and looked up, becoming part of the scenery alongside the passing students.
"Today will be another day full of hope."
Loren thought to himself.
Before long, Loren arrived beneath the main building of the Sage Institute.
He pushed open the heavy solid-wood doors,