17 Prelude

*Its the 1st of April, 2024*

'The first shades of sunny lights started to appear in the midst of the darkest night.'

'Herald, standing so tall in front of this view, is ready for his life from now on.

That's what he thinks.'

'In his bag, he packed up only few clothes.

The academy must provide it's disciplines with that he said.

He also packed up his sketch book, his pen and his diary.

He was sure that such experience will make his hand eager for writing. It's the ultimate inspiration.'

'And so it was time to depart, he headed towards the promised place in which he'll meet Guiado.

Herald was there even before time, there was no one to be seen or felt in the whole place which is better, so nobody will interfere or notice.'

'Herald before leaving left two letters, one for Muruem and the other for Zobatch.

The one for Zobatch was to ask him to pay attention and take good care of his house and check on Muruem from time to time in his absence.

The other was... Well, we'll read it in another time.'

*6Am*

'It's time, Guiado appears!'

'But...

He's not alone, he's with 6 others...'

Guiado. "I hope i wasn't late."

Herald. "No, you weren't...

'As soon as Herald was going to comment on the presence of the others he noticed that one of them was none other than his brother, Oumad.'

Herald. "...OUMAD! What are you doing....

Don't tell me you were invited to join the academy as well!!!"

Oumad, with a smile in his face says "Yes i was, i didn't tell you because i wanted to keep it a surprise."

*They both hug.*

Herald then said. "..Who are the others Guiado?"

Guiado. "These are your Atlantean brothers and sisters, you'll get to know them more when we get to our destination."

'Herald then realized they were all offered the same thing as him.

It's almost like one of these drafts in the NBA..'

'Guiado then asks them all to touch him. all got closer to each other and did that.'

'They were taken in a trip inside the realm of space, every part of their body was surfing in the speed of light towards infinity. Herald could not explain what he felt during that.

In fact he never knew when it started or finished.'

'All 7 were dizzy when arrived. they took a seat without paying attention to where they were at that moment.'

Guiado. "Welcome to Koufonisi, the Atlantean Island."

'All 7 got up and started turning their heads in all directions, analyzing the place...

it was still very early, the sun was yet making its first steps towards the top.

The view was incredibly beautiful, for some of them it was their first ever of this kind.

All stood in awe and gazed at the long tropical trees and plants decorating the island, the beautiful pure sea water, shinning by the light light of the morning sun, looking like diamonds...'

'All of them forgot why they were even there, they just stood there speechless...'

Guiado snaps them out of it by saying.

"It is beautiful indeed. Us Atlanteans should always be beautiful. As God loves beauty. This is Koufonisi, the Academy's island. You all must be wondering where is the Academy in all of this. Well, look right there"

'Guiado points his finger on a big spot that looked empty of trees and plants, just sand and soil.. situated in the south edge of the island.'

'He then mumbled some words that no one could understand and slowly..

Something started to appear,

Something really big...

Bricks...

Walls...

Gates...

A Citadel....

It started to take a shape a bit by bit..

As if it was hidden by some sort of magic..'

'A minute later, the shape was completed.

It is a CASTLE !!!!'

'A Majestic castle built in a very ancient style, Herald concluded it is the Babylonian type of Architecture.'

'Everybody had his jaw to the ground..

The first to comment on this was a man with a very long hair tied in an ancient asian style

that of samurais. In fact he does look like one.. But like a modern version of it.'

"..I never thought i would live inside the manga i love the most..'

Herald hearing this quickly recognized which manga it is and said..

"...The Quincy's castle scene was just like this."

'Both made eye contact and nodding their heads, gave the confirmation to the other.

It was a surreal moment.'

Guiado. "This Castle called "The Luxic Paradigm Castle" is your Academy.

Here you'll be taught how to be the people you deserve to be.

It's going to be rough, even if it may not seem to be rough.

Everything has a price."

"As for knowing each other, i'll leave that for you and time.

Each one of you is a person of great caliber, i am sure you'll get along good and fast.

Head towards the Castle's main gate, situated on the other side.

You'll meet the 2 Majestic Guardians.

Farewell everybody."

'Not letting any time for someone to reply.'

*Guiado disappears*

'Leaving all 7 to gaze at each other awkwardly.'

A very strong built, really tall, dark brown skinned man was the first to say something.

"..Well, To start things the right way...

I think it is better to introduce each other before we make any steps forward.

Shall we?"