House of Phloria Ernas, a week after Lith had left the academy.

After Headmaster Linjos gave the announcement about all the academy’s activities being suspended, the students were left with two alternatives. Remain in the castle and self study, or return to their homes.

The Professors were busy helping with Kandria’s situation, either by providing materials, magic ingredients or searching for Manohar, but the academy would remain open.

Its size was the same of a small city, many clerks and their families lived there, just like most of the kitchen personnel. Several students were orphans or had complicated family situations, hence once admitted, the academy would be their home until graduation or expulsion.

It was one of the reasons that galvanised all those of humble origins to give their best in their studies, to the point of overcoming their limits. Once in the academy, they would never again fear cold, hunger or the abuses from their relatives or caretakers.

For them bullying was a small price to pay, because at least in their rooms they were kings and queens. Before departing, Yurial had offered the girls hospitality in his home for as long as necessary, but they had politely refused.

Time, stress and the growth spurt had brought him to bloom as a man. Whenever he wasn’t focused on his magic studies, Yurial would hit on girls, jumping from one to another like a bee dancing among flowers.