Chapter 21: Early Bird Sebastian

A new day unfurled its possibilities, and in the quietude of dawn, Sebastian stirred. His eyes opened, greeted by the obscurity that lingered in the room. With purpose, he unfolded his lean frame, methodically arranging his belongings. The impending winter, a tempest on the horizon, loomed large—just two days distant. Sebastian's practiced routine included a momentary stretch, a brief respite before the challenges of the day.

In the dimly lit dorm room, his companion Darwin remained deep in slumber. Sebastian's footsteps, calculated and measured, carried him outside. The frigid air greeted him, a harbinger of the biting cold that would soon intensify.

The campus, draped in early morning stillness, unfolded before Sebastian's gaze. The tranquility was punctuated only by the howling wind, a force that seemed to carry whispers of the approaching winter tempest. Sebastian, with his youthful vigor, had matured prematurely due to life's hardships. Yet, amidst the adversities, an opportunity arose to bring improvement to both his life and that of his father, Gerald.

Sebastian's upbringing was etched in the companionship of Gerald, a father of whom he had grown fond. However, the whereabouts of his mother remained a shadowy mystery. Gerald, a man of few words on the matter, veiled the details with silence. Inquisitive, Sebastian sought answers, but the subject was deftly sidestepped. Deciding to abandon his queries, Sebastian focused instead on supporting his father through the enigmatic tapestry of their existence. Even the extended family, if they existed, remained an enigma to Sebastian—a puzzle piece missing from the mosaic of his identity.

As Sebastian embarked on his journey as an arcanist, a cascade of thoughts enveloped him. The future, a nebulous expanse, beckoned with both promise and uncertainty. The mastery of arcane arts was not merely an academic pursuit but a means to forge a path in a world laden with questions. The horizon of possibilities seemed vast, yet the answers to the most personal queries—about his mother, his extended family, and the intricacies of his own identity—remained elusive, shrouded in the mist of the unknown.

In the early hours, Sebastian opted to venture towards the canteen in search of sustenance. Though lacking his NCP, the canteen offered free meals, albeit with a noticeable deficit in nutritional value. In contrast, the NCP-paid options not only tantalized the taste buds but also boasted ingredients crafted from arcane spices and arcane best meat, promising a richer and more fulfilling dining experience.

En route to the canteen, Sebastian's path intersected with that of a captivating woman in her late twenties. Her cascading locks, loosely flowing, added to her allure, and an ethereal light seemed to accompany her presence.

Upon encountering her, Sebastian couldn't help but speculate that she might be one of the prospective teachers. The stringent policy against non-personnel entering the school without prior approval made this assumption seem reasonable, especially given the early hour for any visitor.

Respecting her beauty and status, Sebastian greeted her with a courteous "Good morning" and a subtle bow. The woman, acknowledging Sebastian's early rising, responded with a nod, appreciating the politeness embedded in his demeanor.

Sebastian, seeking to articulate the serenity he felt in the surroundings, explained his presence. The woman, perceptive to the arcane, deduced his Level 6 Arcane power. Impressed, she inquired about his identity.

"I'm Sebastian from Whitewood," he responded, straightforwardly revealing his name and place of origin.

Recognition dawned in the woman's eyes as she exclaimed, "So, you are the young wizard." Sebastian, momentarily puzzled by the term, scratched his head in contemplation, curious about the implications of being labeled as such.

The interaction, however, was fleeting. The woman bid Sebastian a brief farewell, and he continued his journey to the canteen. As he navigated through the corridors of the school, thoughts swirled in his mind—of magical potential, unknown expectations, and the peculiar designation of "young wizard" that now seemed to precede him. 

Navigating through the canteen, Sebastian found himself in the section adorned with a spread of simple, mundane fare – a tableau of offerings that included bread, porridge, and boiled chicken eggs. It was a culinary landscape that seemed to belong to the realm of the ordinary, a stark contrast to the mystique and allure of arcane ingredients.

Inside the canteen, the ambiance mirrored the early hour. A sense of solitude prevailed, and amongst the limited occupants, Senior Brother Amadeo stood as the culinary guardian, overseeing the comings and goings of the students who ventured in to serve their own meals. The canteen, typically bustling during peak hours, now bore a tranquil demeanor, offering a canvas of quietude for the early risers.

However, a distinct contrast awaited Sebastian in the adjacent food section, where a different scene unfolded. Here, arcane culinary delights were on display, and amidst the gastronomic spectacle, four individuals sat partaking in the mystic feast. Recognition flashed in Sebastian's eyes as he identified Archie, the guide from the previous day's tour, and Senior Sister Debi, who had made the proactive approach to the Whitewood newcomers.

Debi, ever warm and welcoming, called out to Sebastian, inviting him to join their table. The genuine warmth in her gesture resonated, and Sebastian reciprocated with a sweet smile and a wave.

As he approached, Archie, with his characteristic casual demeanor, remarked on Sebastian's early rising. In the world of academia, where schedules often dictated the rhythm of life, Sebastian's early wake-up was met with some surprise.

"Sebastian, my man! Up with the larks, I see. Did you cast a spell for the early bird charm?" Archie quipped, a playful glint in his eye.

Sebastian chuckled and ride of Archie's joke, "No spells involved senior brother, just a habit from helping my father with firewood back in Whitewood."

As Sebastian approached the table, the exchange of introductions unfolded, an intricate dance that would acquaint him with the diverse personalities shaping his academic journey.

"By the way, Junior Brother, meet Senior Brother Jared and Senior Brother Ashton," Archie declared, prompting Sebastian to stand up and offer a courteous bow. The gesture, a fusion of formality and respect, echoed the traditions ingrained in academic culture.

"Hello," Sebastian greeted, a touch of humility evident in his voice.

Archie, ever the playful spirit, decided to inject a dose of light-hearted banter. "Senior Brother Ashton here heads the Student Council, the one with the most seniority," he teased "and oldest", accompanied by a mischievous twinkle in his eye. This provoked a gentle, mock smack from Ashton, who seemed to embrace the jest with good humor.

"Oldest? What do you mean?" Ashton retorted, a hint of mock indignation in his tone. The banter unfolded like a well-choreographed comedy, each participant playing their part with finesse.

"Why, isn't it true?" Jared chimed in, adding to the playful atmosphere with his own witty remark. Debi, perhaps more accustomed to the dynamics of the group, simply shook her head with a knowing smile. In this exchange, the camaraderie among the senior brothers became palpable—a blend of amiable connections and a hint of sibling teasing.

"And this is Senior Brother Jared," Archie continued, shifting the spotlight to the next character in this academic ensemble. "He leads the council for guardian exploration." The gravity of the title hinted at the responsibility Jared held in navigating arcane landscapes, uncovering the mysteries that lay beyond the veil of the known.

Sebastian, still finding his way in this new world, absorbed the nuances of this introduction. The dialogues, a mix of wit and camaraderie, provided a glimpse into the personalities that would shape his academic journey. Each character, with their unique role and playful banter, contributed to the vibrant tapestry of this academic microcosm. As Sebastian settled into his seat, he realized that beyond the formalities, a rich world of relationships, humor, and shared adventures awaited him in this extraordinary journey through the arcane halls of knowledge.