The Shimmering Magi

Part 8

Duncan and Minerva were making their way back to the bedrooms after Minerva received treatment from the water elemental.

"I see you've met our newest member," Willow said as she approached them in the hallway.

"Yes, Madam Willow," Duncan replied.

"She's testing her control of elemental magic," Willow continued. "I would like you to assist her in learning more about Neptilius."

"With pleasure," Duncan agreed.

"Minerva, let magic guide you so that you can discover your path in the academy," Willow said. "Remember to focus and keep control of the water in your bedroom."

"Yes, Madam Willow," Minerva said.

After Willow left, Duncan looked at Minerva in surprise. "You could have told us this was your first day. You were lucky."

Minerva shrugged and smiled. "Sorry."

"Come on," Duncan said. "I'll take you to explore Neptilius."

Minerva followed Duncan as he led her through the corridors of the magic academy. They slid down slides and pools of water that connected the different floors. Minerva was amazed at the amount of water and how friendly the wizards were.

As they walked, Duncan showed Minerva the water sculptures and they laughed and had fun. Eventually, Duncan took Minerva to a quieter part of the school where the amount of water decreased. The white marble walls were stunning and there were smaller pools of water.

At the exit door of the academy, Minerva saw a garden on the other side that turned into a jungle. They walked side by side, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the jungle. The lush green trees swayed in the gentle breeze, and a rainbow of colorful flowers bloomed all around them. The sound of a nearby stream filled the air, and the scent of freshly blooming roses wafted through the air.

"This is the border between Neptilius and Irraria—the school of earth magic," Duncan explained. "The magic between the two creates this little jungle. We can see if our work as water wizards is balancing magic."

Minerva was in awe and understood more about magic and balance.

"Can we go there?" she asked, pointing to the garden.

"Let's go take a look," Duncan said, and the two of them walked towards the jungle that separated the wizarding schools.