It's another bright warm day at the island of Halipawa, after a good night's rest, this time in the luxury suites of the inn, they make their way up north by horse. The warm breeze makes it a comfortable trip, it's warm year round at Halipawa, thanks to the southern desert winds from the Sanora desert, which carry heat all the way to the island.

  They have rented some horses and the trip should take a mere half a day.

  I already spoke with the ferryman this morning, Kilian says, riding upfront. He knew exactly who I meant, he says not many tall blonde northerners come here so he stood out like a sore thumb. He said he ferried my brother across to the east, where he was going to visit the city of Sassafreud. Tomorrow evening he will make the trip again and we can join him.

  Alright, sounds like a plan then, Ennius says, he's riding at the back of the group with Kiki and Cici next to him.

  After a while they make it to the school of light. It's a large building complex, there's dorms, a small temple, and a school area. The buildings are made of beautiful marbled white, and because of the lack of wear and tear you can tell it was fairly recently erected. Kiki speaks, these were built recently, tolerance of magic users has become more widespread with the expansion of the Arcana kingdom, and it's no different here. This is the first magic school of light. Young recruits from wealthy families come here to practice light magic to become healers, which will ensure them a bright future either inside or outside of the military. They're also thinking about opening a school for water magics in the south of the island, Cici adds.

  It's quite expensive to take lessons here, are you guys sure that you have enough money?

  Money shouldn't be an issue, Alina remarks, with her nose high in the air.

  Cici and Kiki are from a wealthy family but it still pales in comparison to the Blauwald fortune.

  An old man wearing bright white robes greets them. Welcome to the first college of light, we have prepared a special lesson for princess Alina. We are honored to have a royal guest attend our lectures. My name is professor Illuminus. No doubt that's not his real name, but it fits perfectly for someone teaching light magicks.

  By the way, what are we going to do while Alina takes lessons? Foley asks.

  Let's take a tour and look around, it's quite interesting don't you think? Amaru suggests.

  Foley sighs, he should've just gone to the beach. He's not interested in magic or spirituality.

  First they have Alina demonstrate the spells she already knows. She casts her defense barrier, which is comparable in strength to those of an intermediate light mage, and her healing spells, which are almost at an advanced level. But the professors are shocked to learn she hasn't learned a revival spell. This spell can revive a recently deceased person and bring them back to a healthy state. It is of course of vital importance for any aspiring light mage. As such they decide they will focus all their efforts to teach her that spell, and give her extra scrolls so she can continue to practise her revival magic after they leave. After all, a single day of classes isn't enough to master such a powerful spell.

  During the break period professor Illuminus and Alina rejoin the group for some snacks.

  By the way, this girl over here, is she a magic wielder?

  He points at Mona, who positioned herself furthest away from the professors in an attempt to hide herself.

  I uhhh... I had a private tutor teach me Arcane magic, my family is quite rich. She quickly makes up a believable back story to hide that she escaped from the Arcana forces.

  Not as rich as my family though, Alina adds, fearing damage to her status as the richest person in this vicinity, something nobody else cares about.

  Could you show us some spells, I'm sure our students would love to see different kinds of magic at work.

  I really.. I don't know if that's a good idea, Mona says. She doesn't want to show off, she doesn't like being the center of attention, especially not since she has to keep a low profile anyway being an escapee.

  I suppose I am asking for a lot. Magic is not easy and energy intensive. If you show us some spells we will give Alina our most recent educational material, it's supposed to be for advanced next year students only, but you can have an early copy.

  Can't I just buy it? Alina says. This is next level material, normally I wouldn't share it no matter the price, we had to painstakingly craft these spells ourselves, you could republish it for massive profits in other areas, it's the result of state of the art research.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Come on Mona, show them some spells.

  I really don't want to, please. But Alina grabs her hand and drags her forward, sure she will join.

  Okay well what type of magic do you specialise in.

  With a very soft voice Mona says "Arcane magics"

  What, I couldn't hear you? She said arcane magics Alina adds, she's good at teleporting and combat.

  Okay then well let's have a small skirmish, you can go all out, we have expert healers, so no matter what you throw at me I will be fine.

  After a few short moments they gather at a small stadium in the school's yard. Professor Lumius and Mona stand at the center. Mona looks very out of place in her dark purple robes with runic symbols, with her deep purple staff.

  Okay Mona, attack me with everything you got.

  Mona hesitantly throws forward a weak, slow moving arcane bolt. The professor easily blocks it with his simplest light barrier. The crowd is amazed, but professor Lumius isn't. Come on now, I can tell you are going easy on me. You think that just because I'm an old man you should hold back? Give me everything you got.

  I don't really want to fight you, Mona says. She feels very uncomfortable already, the thought of harming this old man in front of all his followers and friends makes her cringe.

  Well alright then, then I'll have to force you to defend yourself.

  Professor Lumius starts citing a long spell and raises his staff in the air. Then a beam of sunlight from the sun focusses on his staff and strikes forward at Mona's location, she instantly teleports away, having anticipated the blast.

  What the hell, she predicted the blast, Foley says, feeling cheated, he doesn't like the thought of Mona being so strong. Mona starts reciting another spell and purple geometric seals appear around the professors ankles, locking him in place, but before the seals have finished materializing she throws an arcane blast next to the professor, who reflexively tries to dodge it, but due to the arcane seals trips over himself and falls to the ground. His staff rolls away and Mona floats it to her side of the stadium, effectively disarming the professor.

  Wow, incredible. I was no match for you. I surrender. All the students and other professors start clapping.

  It's not really a fair fight Mona says, light magic is mostly defensive. Arcane magic is far better suited for combat. And I can tell you haven't fought many mages before, because if you kept moving I wouldn't be able to seal your ankles.

  That is true Mona, I've only fought other light mages. Our only offensive tools are light blasts and blinding auras. Your magic is so powerful, it's almost like you're from the Arcana military forces. I was expecting you to just know a few illussionary spells, what else have you got?

  Ha-hahaha, Mona laughs nervously. Then she turns to Kilian and makes a face that suggests she wants to get out of here as soon as possible.

  Ehh, Mona is only an intermediate Arcane mage, and battles tire her out very easily, she really needs to rest now, Kilian says, hoping to save her from any further demonstrations.

  Hmm not a lot of stamina I suppose, perhaps that is their weakness, professor Luminus contemplates. Well I made a promise, here is the first edition of our special textbook. It contains extra material on strengthening your light barriers, and a special spell we call radiating light that can blind enemies. There's also a chapter on thoroughly healing broken limbs, something most healers struggle with.

  Ennius takes the moment to take to the center of the stadium and he starts playing some tunes, with Kiki and Cici as back up dancers. The crowd is entertained. Amaru decides to take this moment to talk to the aspiring light mages and learn more about them. He approaches a student on the side of the tribune, so, what is it like studying light magic?

  I really don't know, I don't really pay attention, I just came here because this is on Halipawa island.

  Oh okay then, I'll try someone else. What made you interested in studying light magicks?

  Eh, I just came here because my friend wanted to study here. I don't really care about light magic, to be honest, I'm probably going to drop out soon. Okay, alright then..

  He tries a third student.

  What made you decide to join the school of light?

  Well it's located on Halipawa island, so I thought there'd be lots of partying!

  Amaru sighs.

  After the break is over, they spend the rest of the day practising more light magicks, and they spend the night recovering in the empty dorms.

  The following morning they leave early to make their way back to the ports, but Kilian spots something in the air.

  Hey look over there, that bird is carrying some sort of item.

  Oh that's my pet bird Avias! Finally! I wonder why it took so long.

  The raven lands on Desdemona's right shoulder, but just barely, the string and attached jar covered in brown paper as well as the letter in its claw make the landing more difficult than usual. Desdemona starts reading the letter. Then her hands start shaking. Then her entire body starts shaking. What's wrong Mona? What does it say? Alina asks her. But she doesn't reply and slowly whilst shaking releases the jar from the attached piece of string and unscrews the lid. She takes a peak and then instantly drops the jar and falls to her knees. She starts crying. WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS! She yells. Desdemona falls to her knees and covers her eyes with her right arm, tears fall to the ground. The jar falls on its side and brown slimy liquid leaks out of it. A feeling of dread and emptiness enters her. Everything she lived for is now gone. What happened? Killian remarks. Zad grabs the scroll from her hand and reads it aloud: "Your shameful betrayal of the Arcana kingdom, your unit, and your family has consequences. Your family was likewise displeased with your disloyalty. We give you the opportunity to look them in their eyes one more time" Then he picks up the jar. Oh god, there's eyes in here on pickled water. Alina runs over and puts her hand on Desdemona's back. They killed my family. They're all I had. They didn't have anything to do with this