On the other side, a silver-white spacecraft cruised smoothly through the stars.
Inside, the layout was much like it had been on the way here. Apprentices from different star regions and civilizations had been assigned to separate rooms.
They were all outstanding students who had passed the freshman assessment. Their respective envoys had teleported them aboard, and their next destination was the true location of the Terra Academy.
The cabin lights were soft. Most of them sat quietly by the windows, gazing out at the boundless sea of stars and waiting to see their final destination.
Suddenly, a dignified voice rang through the spacecraft. It spoke unhurriedly, with the composure and pride of someone long accustomed to a position of authority.
"Students, the academy lies just ahead. Everything you went through earlier was part of the Terra Academy's freshman assessment. Your results will count toward your credits. And now—welcome to the Terra Academy!"
"Finally, we're almost there...?"
The Blue Star group crowded around the porthole, unable to hide their anticipation.
They looked outside and saw an enormous lake spread across the land ahead.
It lay like a mirror upon the earth, perfectly still, reflecting the sky's colors: a boundless, deep blue, so beautiful it took their breath away.
Three islands lined up across the lake, stretching into the distance. Boats crisscrossed the water between them, leaving thin white trails in their wake.
As the spacecraft descended, the scenery on the islands came into sharper view. Rows of ancient-looking buildings clung to the slopes, with upturned eaves and dark tiled roofs nestled among lush green trees.
Countless figures walked about and gathered there. The place was bustling and full of life.
The outermost island looked especially like a thriving little city.
"The Terra Academy was once called the College, and it