A little over ten days later.
As the ocean gradually disappeared from view, land slowly emerged in the distance, easily visible to Arthur and the others.
"Are we almost there?"
Looking at the land in the distance, Arthur wondered.
The other apprentices stood quietly beside him. When they saw the land, excitement showed on their faces.
Cheers rose behind them. Some apprentices celebrated in hushed voices, and a flurry of noise spread through the group.
"This is only our first stop."
Behind Arthur, Andrew beamed. "Once we reach land, we'll still have to travel some distance before we get to the places where the Wizard Organizations recruit apprentices."
"Then we'll have to go our separate ways." A woman's voice suddenly spoke up, tinged with sadness.
Arthur looked to the side and saw a red-haired girl in a long red coat slowly approaching from afar.
She wore a smile. She was much better than she had been at first. Though her expression still seemed stiff, it had at least gained some nuance. Now she gazed quietly at Arthur.
"Which Wizard Organization are you planning to join?" she asked casually as she came to stand beside Arthur.
"I'm going to the White Stone Tower. I have some relatives studying there, so they can look after me."
Andrew gazed at the distant continent as he spoke.
"I'll probably go to Chira House," Sisti added.
"What about you, Arthur?" They looked at him curiously.
Apprentices from wizard families like theirs already had their paths arranged, since relatives had entered those Wizard Organizations in the past. Most of them would join a particular wizard academy.
"I still need to look around," Arthur said with a smile after thinking it over.
"You haven't decided yet?"
Andrew looked surprised. "I suppose that makes sense. With your aptitude,