The Augurium Academia

Two months have passed since the test in the Grootslang forest. It's also been two months since I last heard the voice in my head speak. When I got home, I tried to summon her but she did not respond. I expected her to communicate with me again the next day, but it's been months.

After that day, my training continues. Mr. Edwards accepted my apologies and began training me again with different kinds of knives and swords, which I found surprisingly fascinating.

Today is my first day of school, and my parents have asked me to meet them at my father's office after our breakfast. I had no idea what they wanted to discuss, but they said it was important, so I was intrigued.

When I opened the door to my Father's office, I saw my parents inside, patiently waiting for me. I entered and shut the door; their aura is so gloomy that it makes me nervous. I approached them and took a seat in front of my father's desk, facing my mother.

"What's with the serious faces?" I questioned, my brow furrowed.

My mother looked at my father signaling him to start the conversation. My father then cleared his throat and looked at me. "We know that you have been training for months. However, we are thinking of homeschooling you for a while just to make sure-"

"Are you worried that the Adbeels would try to capture me again?" I asked directly, and I saw my mom nod.

I sighed, "Don't worry, you said that the Academy is safe and well protected, remember? I'll be fine, I won't let them get me," I assured them with a smile.

I'm aware that they've been considering not sending me to the Academy because of the Adbeels for the past few weeks, but I'm not going to let those Adbeels scare me and take away my life again. I've been training myself for four months and I'm not going to let it go to waste.

Our hard work will pay off soon, I am going to end them.

My mother sighed and held my hands, "We are just worried about you because we know how difficult it will be for you to adjust to staying with the other Paragons and being with them the entire school year." she said, her eyes full of concern.

"Nothing will happen to me if I stay in our castle; I need to change; I want to become stronger, and I want to learn and understand more about us," I said, full of passion in my tone.

My father held my mother's left shoulder, "You heard her; let her do whatever she desires for her life." he said to my mom, and then looked at me. "Off you go, Sequoia." He said that made me smile.

Sequoia, Since my real name will also be used in the academy, I have come to accept it. Nyra, though, will always hold a special place in my heart. She's still going to be me.

I hugged them goodbye before leaving them inside. I want to be strong like them so that I can rescue my best friend and defeat the Adbeels. I know it will be difficult, but nothing will happen if I didn't do anything.

I walked towards my carriage outside the main hall and saw Mr. Amado beside it.

"Lady Sequoia, your luggage is already in the back of the Carriage." He said as he slightly bowed his head.

"Thank you, Mr. Amado," I said, and he opened the carriage door, and I went inside before he did.

The carriage began to move away from the castle. And for protection, guards are mounted on their horses behind us. I was just looking out the window, watching as we drove away from my house. Half an hour ago we've arrived in our town, where many people have gathered to pay respect to my departure. I waved at them through my window until we passed through the town.

My mother told me that this town is under our control, and we went here once a month to communicate with the locals; the people here are very respectful and lovely to us.

We were greeted by the forest after leaving the town. The Academy I will attend is said to be a forest-hidden school. It is sacredly isolated from humans or any villages and extremely secure, with powerful paragons erecting protective barriers. My father claims that the school is bigger than our castle and has the beauty of a myth.

I went to sleep first because our trip was said to be five hours long and I have nothing else to do.

I woke up when I heard Mr. Amado calling me.

"Lady Sequoia, we are here already," he said and went out.

I glanced out my window and didn't see a school or even a building. We're right in front of some large trees in the middle of the forest.

Mr. Amado opened my door, I went out and roamed my eyes around the forest. The dead leaves on the ground sway along with my hair when the air blows.

"Mr. Amado, I don't see any gate or school," I said, confusion visible in my tone.

Mr. Amado nodded, "It's because it's a sacred place, your highness. The barrier is only accessible to selected individuals. Just walk in the middle of those huge trees and you'll find your way into the Academy," he said, pointing to the two massive trees in front of us.

Even though I was still not fully comprehending what he was meaning to say, I nodded and took my luggage from him.

"I understand, I'll wish you a safe journey back to the castle." I said and smiled at him before walking away.

I was about to walk through the trees when he spoke, "Trust no one but yourself. Best regards, Princess Sequoia." he said, I turn around and face him

I smiled and nodded at him, "I will see you after 10 months, Mr. Amado." I turned away from him and walked through the middle of the two massive trees.

I felt as if I were being sucked in while walking, but I just kept walking until on my next step I was no longer in the forest.