At the End of it All

Chapter 2 - The Monahan Academy

The ship didn't take long to arrive. Thanks to the academy's latest technology, it felt like a short trip towards the island. We didn't get out of the cabin assigned to us, but I would often gaze outside the window. Ethan had secretly brought us a few snacks from the palace, and we shared simple conversations about our expectations. Before we knew it, the island appeared on the horizon, and as the island loomed closer, its grandeur became increasingly apparent.

Even from a distance, the island was a sight to behold. The forests appeared as dense green patches, standing out against the deep blue of the ocean. Hills rolled gently, decorated with colorful wildflowers swaying in the wind. Mountains loomed in the background, their peaks disappearing into the clouds. Along the coast, sandy beaches met the sparkling blue waters. Amidst this natural beauty stood magnificent structures, blending seamlessly with the environment while exuding an aura of technological advancement. It was a place where nature and innovation coexisted in perfect harmony, creating a landscape that was both awe-inspiring and enchanting.

As the ship docked at the island's entrance, we could hear the bustling sounds of the famous welcome city, its modest yet well-developed infrastructure offered a warm embrace to newcomers. Ethan and I disembarked onto the welcoming shores of the port city. The air was filled with a palpable sense of energy as students, workers, and management personnel bustled about, each with their own role to play in the island's vibrant ecosystem.

While the butler led the servants to deliver our luggage to our dormitories, the academy's director sent us his aid to greet us at the front.

"Greetings, your Highnesses. I am Angelo Portland, the appointed aid of the academy's director."

"There is no need to be so formal with us, Angelo. Inside this academy we are nothing but students. If you and Reynald start giving us special treatment, others are bound to doubt our identity and figure out who we are." I crossed my arms and smiled gently while sighting.

"I apologize, your High... miss Alicia. If you and master Ethan would be so kind as to follow me, the director is waiting for you both at his office."

I looked over at Ethan as if to ask if we really needed to meet that old man, but he looked back at me and shrugged his shoulders, so we couldn't help it.

"Lead the way, but choose the longest route. We would like to take a look at the academy while we can." Ethan replied, and looked at me proudly like he wanted me to compliment him.

Portland directed us towards the teleportation device carefully placed within the port's city. And in the blink of an eye, an immense building appeared right in front of us, a magnificent castle-like structure standing proudly atop the water, its grandeur accentuated by the expansive bridge leading to its entrance. The building's imposing silhouette is reflected in the calm waters below, creating a striking visual contrast against the backdrop of towering mountains and lush natural landscape surrounding it. The castle's architecture exudes an air of regal sophistication, with ornate details adorning its walls and turrets reaching skyward.

I couldn't help being captivated by the installations. Everything was thoroughly and efficiently organized, the lively corridors were filled with chatter as the students arrived one by one, walking around excitedly for another academic semester.

The walls were delicately sculpted with patterns and adorned with paintings and hanging lights. You could see it is carefully maintained by how perfectly new everything looks even after so many years.

"Sir Reynald, I brought master Ethan and miss Alicia."

"If it isn't the two golden birds! Welcome, welcome! Come give this grandpa a hug~" Reynald looked very excited and quickly got up from his seat to greet us.