Challenges at the Academy

That morning, Elara woke up with a strange feeling. Although the sun had just risen and its soft rays gently penetrated the window, her body felt as though it had already gone through a full day of battle. She groaned softly as she stretched, recalling yesterday's grueling swordsmanship lesson and the adjustments she had to make with this new body.

"This is completely insane," Elara muttered as she got up from her soft bed. As Ryota, she never had to think about things like this. But now she was no longer just Ryota she was Elara von Edelstein, a heroine in a world full of danger and mystery.

After changing into her neat academy uniform, Elara walked to the dining hall for breakfast. Along the corridor, she saw other students busy with their preparations for the day. Some were chatting with their friends, while others hurried off to their respective classes. The academy buzzed with activity, and Elara had to admit that the atmosphere was very different from her monotonous daily life in the real world.

Upon arriving at the dining hall, Elara saw Seraphina sitting at one of the tables with her usual bright smile. In front of her was an array of delicious dishes that made Elara's stomach rumble, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since morning.

"Good morning, Elara!" Seraphina greeted cheerfully as Elara approached. "Come, sit down. I've already ordered breakfast for you."

"Thank you, Seraphina," Elara replied with a forced smile, still trying to adjust to the sudden warmth and friendliness. In the real world, Ryota rarely talked to others, let alone had a friend as caring as Seraphina.

Elara sat down and began to eat her breakfast a simple meal of toast with fruit jam, boiled eggs, and fresh orange juice. Though simple, it tasted incredible on her tongue, as if each ingredient had been carefully chosen to provide the best flavor.

"So, what are your plans for today?" Seraphina asked as she sipped her tea.

Elara pondered for a moment before answering, "I think I need to start learning more about this academy. There's a lot I don't know yet, and I want to make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes."

Seraphina nodded understandingly. "That's a good idea. There are so many secrets here, and sometimes even those of us who've been here for a long time don't fully understand everything."

After finishing breakfast, Elara and Seraphina walked together to their first class of the day magic theory. The classroom was located in one of the oldest towers in the academy, with stone walls lined with bookshelves and neatly arranged large tables. At the front of the class stood an old man with a long beard and a dark blue robe, waiting for his students to take their seats.

"Good morning, students," he greeted in a gentle yet authoritative voice. "Today, we will discuss the basics of elemental magic, specifically the light element."

Elara felt her heart race. Light magic was one of Elara von Edelstein's specialties in the game, but Ryota himself had never really delved into how that magic worked practically. This would be another test for her.

The professor began explaining the theory behind light magic how it relates to the energy of the sun and stars, and how it can be used to create illusions, heal wounds, or even attack enemies. Elara listened intently, trying to absorb every detail that might be useful.

However, as the lesson went on, Elara became increasingly anxious. How could she master this magic with a new body she didn't fully understand? She realized that she not only had to learn but also overcome the self-doubt that constantly haunted her.

As the lesson ended, the professor asked each student to try manipulating light energy using a simple spell they had been taught. Seraphina, who sat next to Elara, easily gathered a ball of light in her palm, making it shine brightly like a small sun.

"Here's how you do it, Elara," Seraphina said with a broad smile. "It's easy, see?"

Elara nodded and tried to replicate the same process. She gathered her strength, feeling the energy flow through her body, and tried to focus it all into her palm. However, instead of a perfect ball of light, what appeared was a small flash of light that quickly faded, barely visible.

Seraphina looked at her with concern. "It's okay, Elara. It's just a matter of practice. You'll master it over time."

Elara forced a smile, even though her heart felt slightly crushed. She felt as though she had failed at something she should have been able to do easily as Elara von Edelstein, the character she had played all this time.

After the class ended, Elara felt a bit down, but she didn't have time to dwell on it. The day was still long, and there were other lessons to face. She walked out of the tower, followed by Seraphina, who continued trying to cheer her up with lighthearted chatter about more pleasant things.

On their way to the next class, they encountered a tall young man with black hair and sharp eyes that seemed to burn like fire. He wore the academy uniform with a special badge indicating that he was one of the most talented students here. It was Leonhart Ravenscroft, another main character in the game.

Leonhart gave a slight smile as he saw Elara and Seraphina. "Ah, Lady von Edelstein. I heard you recently started your light magic lessons. How are you progressing?"

Elara felt a bit nervous, but she tried to remain calm. "There's still much to learn, Lord Ravenscroft. It's not as easy as I imagined."

Leonhart nodded with an unreadable expression. "No need to rush. Magic, like swordsmanship, requires time and dedication to master. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."

Hearing this offer, Elara felt a little better. "Thank you, Lord Ravenscroft. I'll keep that in mind."

After the brief encounter, Elara and Seraphina continued on their way. As they walked, Seraphina teased with a playful tone, "Leonhart seems very interested in you, Elara. Did you notice?"

Elara chuckled softly, trying to brush off the sudden awkwardness. "I'm not sure. But he does seem quite serious, doesn't he?"

Seraphina nodded with a smile. "Indeed. But don't worry, he's kind-hearted despite his somewhat cold demeanor."

The day passed with other challenging lessons swordsmanship, combat strategy, and the history of the magical world. Each class presented Elara with new challenges, but also opportunities to learn more about this world and how she could survive in it.

That night, after dinner, Elara returned to her dorm room with a tired body but a mind that continued to race. She sat at her desk, reflecting on everything that had happened that day. She knew she would have to train harder, not only to master magic and swordsmanship but also to find a way to escape this world.

Before going to bed, Elara opened the window and looked out at the academy courtyard, quiet under the moonlight. The stars twinkled in the dark sky, as if signaling that something big was coming. In her heart, Elara knew this was only the beginning. This world was full of mysteries, and she had only scratched the surface.

With renewed determination, Elara closed the window and lay down in bed, trying to strategize for the next day. She might feel trapped, but she also felt that a greater power awaited her here—something that could give her the answers she sought.

And with that thought, Elara fell asleep, ready to face the next day at the academy filled with challenges and adventures.