THE NIGHT BEFORE - AKI POV

Aki meticulously double-checks his satchel, ensuring that every essential item is packed for their upcoming grand adventure. Inside the bag, carefully organized, he stows away emergency rations, vital healing potions, a pouch of coins, bandages for unexpected injuries, compact sleeping bags, and spare garments. It's truly astonishing how all these necessities manage to fit within the confines of such a modest-sized satchel, but Aki's enchantments have bestowed it with the ability to hold far more than meets the eye.

This is not the first time Aki has inspected his satchel. For the past few hours, he has been consumed by anticipation, pacing his room, plotting out potential routes, and ensuring that they possess everything required for the upcoming adventure.

"Tomorrow," he whispers to himself, a thrill coursing through his veins. "Tomorrow is the beginning of our lives."

A few days ago, Aki graduated from the academy, earning accolades as one of their most exceptional students. Not only is he a skilled swordsman, but he has also mastered the mystic arts - an achievement few can claim. Yet, his journey was far from easy. Aki made numerous sacrifices, enduring sleepless nights and pushing his body to its limits. Apart from one person, he had little social interaction. In fact, some of his fellow students actively avoided him due to his intimidating determination - of which the source is known to everyone in the academy.

Aki did it all for that one person, the most important in his life. When he first enrolled at the academy, he boldly proclaimed, "I want to become a versatile swordsman and wizard, ready for any challenge on our adventure."

Content with his preparations, Aki stands up and walks towards the window in his dorm room. As he gazes fondly, It dawns on him that this evening will be his final night within the renowned Academy of Caesar, a place that has been his home for the majority of his existence - a sanctuary of study and rigorous training.

Situated near the zenith of one of the academy's imposing towers, Aki's room grants him an unparalleled vantage point, allowing him to survey and appreciate the expanse of the institution. The sprawling grounds unfold before his eyes, a tapestry of lush greenery and majestic trees that seem to whisper ancient secrets to the caressing wind. The academy itself stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the pursuit of knowledge and the thirst for exploration. Towering spires, intricately adorned with captivating carvings, ascend towards the heavens, encompassing vast libraries teeming with arcane wisdom—sacred repositories of ancient tomes and scrolls that safeguard the mysteries of long-forgotten realms.

Aki's gaze drifts downward to the bustling building in front of him, where hundreds of students can be seen entering and exiting. Every now and then, the windows of the building flash with bright lights. It is the celebration night for their batch of graduates.

Although Aki yearns to attend the festivities, he makes the difficult decision to prioritize his time on planning for the upcoming day. With a heavy heart, he smiles sadly, acknowledging that his presence would only dampen the spirits of some students who are celebrating. He is aware of how they perceive him—a cold and calculating individual with little regard for others. Except, of course, for one person.

As he thinks about her, Aki knows she is currently inside the building, enjoying herself with their fellow graduates. He uses Telepathic Bond and patiently waits for her to accept, then asks, "Are you still in there?"

After a few minutes, a beautiful and soothing voice echoes in his mind, "Yes! But I'm about to leave."

"Good. I'm going to sleep."

"Good night! I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Good night," Aki replies before the Telepathic Bond is severed.

Aki wishes he could spend more time conversing with her, but he wants her to have fun in his place. As a compromise, he simply waits for her, finding solace in the mere sight of her presence.

His spirits lift as he spots her emerging from the building - the most significant person in his life. A warm smile graces his face as he gazes at her.

It seems she has left the building accompanied by three female friends. A few moments later, Aki notices a man following them a few feet away. Strangely, the man's gaze seemingly directed towards Aki's dorm room, though he can't be certain. When she finally disappears from his sight, he closes the window curtains and retires to sleep.