The Shadow Order Book 4

Chapter 5: The First Date

The next morning, Seraphina, Arthur, and Kael made their way down to the training school to meet the potential new students. The air was cool, but the energy around the school was bustling with excitement. Students lined up, eager to impress, while the staff bustled about, setting up training stations and organizing the day's activities. Seraphina, with her silver hair pulled into a tight braid, looked calm but determined as she surveyed the group.

"Today's going to be a busy day," Arthur said as he gestured to the crowd. He and Seraphina shared similar sword techniques, relying on mana to enhance their abilities. It was no surprise that Arthur was the perfect substitute for her during her absence.

Seraphina, glancing at the students, nodded. "I won't be able to stay long this time. I have to return to Arcane Academy, but I'd like to show them the basics of my swordplay before I go so they can start working on it."

Arthur smiled. "I'll be here to help refine their mana control. It'll be a good method until you graduate."

Throughout the day, they sorted through the chaos of eager applicants and curious onlookers. One by one, Seraphina demonstrated her techniques, cutting through the air with precision, her movements as fluid as the mana she controlled. Kael watched as she effortlessly commanded the room, each slash of her blade leaving the students in awe. Arthur took turns showing the students how to use mana to enhance their abilities, carefully instructing them on how to balance strength and finesse.

At midday, Kael found himself organizing equipment while Seraphina and Arthur moved between groups of students, offering pointers. Seraphina's sword flashed in the sunlight as she walked a few of them through basic footwork, her voice steady but encouraging. Meanwhile, Kael managed the logistics, directing students to the right places and helping with various exercises.

As the day wore on, Kael found himself sparring with a few of the more advanced students, while Seraphina watched closely, offering tips when needed. The students were determined but still had much to learn, and Kael was more than happy to offer guidance. By the late afternoon, the trio had managed to cover a lot of ground, setting the foundation for the new school.

"Well, that was tiring," Seraphina sighed as the last of the students began to file out for the day.

Kael wiped his brow, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I'm pretty tired."

Arthur clapped both of them on the back. "Good work, both of you. Tomorrow, we can start interviewing the students properly."

Seraphina smiled but looked at the sky. "I won't be able to stay for that, but I'll leave it to you both."

Arthur nodded, glancing toward the palace. "I've got some work to do at the palace tonight, so I'll make a move first."

"Thanks for today, Arthur," Kael said, shaking his hand.

"Of course," Seraphina added with a warm smile. "See you soon."

Arthur waved them off as he headed toward the palace, his steps quick and purposeful.

As the evening settled in, Seraphina turned to Kael. "So, what should we do now?"

Kael paused, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Well... we could go out to town."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Like a date?"

Kael fumbled for a response, his face flushing as he struggled to answer. "I... uh, well... I didn't mean..."

Seraphina laughed at his nervousness. "You're so easy to fluster, Kael." She moved closer and hooked her arm through his, a playful grin on her lips. "This is a date, alright? I've never been on one before."