Beginning of the Journey at the End of Time

Eden in the Snow World:

In Eden's dream, he finds himself once more in the endless, snow-covered world. A sudden pang of panic seizes him as he gazes around, disoriented, unsure if this strange, icy realm is just a fragment of his imagination or a real place he once walked. The silence feels oppressive, almost as if the world itself is holding its breath.

After a moment of wandering, his eyes land on the familiar ice sphere, its ethereal glow cutting through the pale, frozen landscape. He remembers the world of Ozlin and realizes with a jolt that it wasn't just a dream; it was something real, and he has returned. Slowly, memories of how he got here begin to piece together.

Images of the previous night come back to him: the boy named Gray, the one with the sharp gaze and piercing questions, not to mention his warrior-like physique.

A wave of embarrassment rises in Eden as he recalls his own awkwardness during their encounter.

I remember learning to sense mana... then getting hungry and eating that berry… then going to find more food. He sighs. But my body started feeling dizzy, and I fell from a tree. After that, Gray came—probably because of the noise. The first time I saw him, there was golden energy radiating from him, especially around his heart, surrounded by thousands of threads. Eden frowns. I think that's why I trusted him and made him follow me around like an idiot. And then, I started blabbering nonsense… and he punched me. I fell with one punch and fell asleep.

He finds himself strangely fascinated by the memory—but more than that, he's embarrassed, filled with an awkward sense of regret.

He wonders how he can return to Gray's world, but before he can finish the thought, the ice sphere begins to release energy that shapes into words:

Your companion will wake soon, and you should as well.

Eden's thoughts jump to the Kelpie, but before he can say anything, the space around him shatters, and he's pulled back into wakefulness.

The snow and ice blur, and Eden opens his eyes to the faint light of dawn breaking above him. He blinks, adjusting to the world around him, and realizes he's back in the forest, lying under a towering tree. Something glints above him—a dagger buried in the tree trunk, its handle just within reach. Draped over him is a heavy black coat, shielding him from the early morning chill.

A mix of awe and gratitude fills Eden as he takes in the sight. Quickly, his eyes fall upon a crumpled piece of paper stapped in a tree trunk by a dagger. He snatches it up and reads:

---

**"You idiot, don't eat anything you find lying around. I have urgent business in the Dwarf Kingdom, so I can't waste my time on an idiot like you. I have a hunch that you're also going to Arch Academy, but more importantly, you're not from here.

Keep my coat and dagger safe. They're more important than your life, so don't even think about losing them. Return them to me when you reach Arch Academy.

Gray"**

---

Eden can't help but feel a mix of anger and amusement as he crumples the paper into a ball and tosses it aside.

"What the hell is wrong with him? Why can't he just mind his own business and stop interfering in mine?" Eden shouts. But then his face darkens, a trace of worry clouding his mind. What does he know? Could Gray have figured everything out? If he does… Eden's fists clench slightly. This could be trouble.

Taking a deep breath, Eden rises to his feet and reaches up to retrieve the dagger from the tree. It's a simple weapon, but its weight feels reassuring in his hand. He studies it for a moment, the cool metal giving off a subtle gleam. Guess I'll need this, he thinks, tucking it into his belt.

Next, he picks up the black coat Gray had left him. It's large—definitely oversized—but surprisingly comfortable, its thick fabric wrapping him in warmth. Despite its size, it feels like a shield against the world, cozy and protective. He allows himself a small smile. Guess this idiot did at least one useful thing.

Turning his attention to the Kelpie's ice sphere, Eden steps closer, his gaze steady. His expression grows serious as he reaches out and touches the sphere, feeling its cold, smooth surface under his fingers. If my "companion" is waking up… then I need to be ready.

He closes his eyes, taking a steadying breath, and focuses inward. I need to get stronger… to survive here and find out the truth. With that thought, he begins to practice sensing mana, reaching out for the threads of energy around him.

---

Meanwhile, on the Floating Island above Arch Academy:

The Headmaster of Arch Academy stands by a wide window, his gaze fixed on the sprawling campus far below. The floating island offers a vantage point over the entire academy, surrounded by the vast sky and occasional drifting clouds.

A quiet knock sounds, and a woman enters.

"Headmaster," she says, with a respectful bow. "The preparations for the new academic year are complete. The entry cards have been safely delivered to the most promising young candidates. All that remains are the students on watch duty and the examination instructors. Whom would you like to appoint?"

The Headmaster chuckles lightly, turning to her with a gleam in his eyes. "Send Miss Zayneb Vermillion's team for watch duty. And as for the examiners… as always, the freshman teachers. I'm sure they would be curious to meet their future students."

The woman nods. "If that's your decision, I have no objections."

A moment later, before she can respond further, a magical force envelops her, and in the blink of an eye, she is teleported down to the island below.

With a sigh, she mutters, "It wouldn't hurt to give a warning before teleporting someone…"