One week later at the Plaza of Beginnings…
The sun was about to set on the horizon, and the sky was in a deep shade of orange and purple.
The entire student body of Brynhildr Academy was present in the plaza.
Even the Professors, as well as the other staff members, were present to witness the graduation of the Fourth Year students. Sёarᴄh the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
Professor Rinehart, who would first give a speech, looked at everyone with a smile on his face.
He could see several of the students already crying and hugging their seniors, who would soon graduate and leave them behind.
Soon, his calm and powerful voice reverberated in the surroundings, making everyone look in his direction.
"The Plaza of Beginnings is the place where everything begins," Professor Rinehart said. "It is the place where the First Years are sorted to their respective manors, which will become their home during their time here in the academy.
"And although today, your beloved seniors will give their final goodbyes, it is not the end of everything. It is just the start of a new beginning, which will allow them to embark on the next part of their journey in life.
"I want all of you to know that no matter where you go after leaving the gates of the academy, this place will always be your second home. So, everyone, don't only send off your beloved seniors with tears.
"Send them off with smiles, for they will still be around, and the chance to meet is always a possibility. So, without further delay, let me call upon the Head Prefects of Each Manor to come to the platform, to give their Manor Mates their speeches."
Henry, Reina (Terra Manor), Eren (Jaeger Manor), Arthur (Eques Manor), and Axel (Schwartz Manor) went up to the platform and gave their final speeches one by one.
Contrary to the smiles that Professor Rinehart asked everyone to show, sounds of crying and bawling spread in the surroundings.
Professor Barret only smiled as he nudged his friend with his elbow.
"Nice try," Professor Barret.
"I swear, each year feels like we're hosting a contest for which Manor could cry the loudest." Professor Rinehart shook his head helplessly.
As each Head Prefect bid their goodbyes, the crying only became louder.
Finally, it was Henry's turn to give his speech.
"The other Head Prefects have already said what I wanted to say, so I will not repeat them," Henry said with a smile as he scanned the faces of everyone. "Actually, a week ago, I said my goodbyes to my Manor Mates, and after a tearful session, all of us decided to have a party.
"I suggest that all of you do the same today. Just don't overdo it because we don't want to get in trouble on our last day of school, right?"
Some of the students nodded their heads because they thought that this was a good idea.
"Just like what Professor Rinehart said, this is not a goodbye. We will just go on ahead of you guys, and the possibility of us meeting again certainly exists. My advice to everyone is just to enjoy your academic life. Study hard, train hard, and pursue your dreams and aspirations.
"We may have different manors, and some may even think that we are all rivals. To a certain extent, this is true. However, if you think that the relationships between the manors are just that, then you're missing something very important.
"Terra Manor is the place where those who wield the magic of Nature and Healing gather. I'm sure that many of you have been sent to the infirmary during this school year. The ones who took care of you are none other than the members of Terra Manor.
"They're the ones who grew medicinal plants and other herbs that can treat diseases and other health issues you might have during your stay in the academy. So, even if you think of their manor as your rival, that doesn't mean that your relationship with them must always be of rivalry.
"Schwartz Manor specializes in Dark Magic. If there are any students who can cure curses and similar maladies, you will definitely find them there.
"When you go out for missions, Eques Manor and Jaeger Manor are good places to look for party members. They specialize in fighting, scouting, as well as exploration. Having one or two of them in your party will definitely go a long way."
Henry paused for a while as his gaze landed on his Manor Mates.
"And last, but not the least, is Dud Manor," Henry said with a smile. "In terms of magic, they might be the last people whom you would want to be in your party. When it comes to fighting, they're also not the most dependable party members.
"They cannot heal your injuries or remove the curses placed on your body. They don't excel in scouting and exploration because the majority of them are mediocre at best."
"You bastard! Stop badmouthing our manor!" George shouted in anger, making the other members of Dud Manor also raise their voices to complain. "How can I show my face as our Manor's Head Prefect next year if you are throwing dirt at my face? Have you no shame? Are you even human?!"
Seeing this scene, the tearful atmosphere lightened a bit, making some of the students break out in smiles, giggles, and laughter.
Henry also couldn't stop himself from chuckling because of George's antics.
After regaining his composure, the Head Prefect of Dud Manor continued his speech.
"Since we are the most mediocre students in the academy, we often feel jealous of the abilities of the other Manors," Henry stated. "It is to be expected since we are in a Magical Academy, yet our magic is faulty at best. Even so, what we lack in magic prowess, we make up for in other ways."
"You got that right, punk!" George shouted, making the members of Dud Manor shake their heads helplessly.
"So, I hope that you guys will take care of them as well," Henry ignored George and glanced at the other Manors. "I already said many things, so I will offer you my last words."
The Head Prefect of Dud Manor paused for a bit before looking at his Manor Mates.
"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary," Henry said. "I'll see you all outside the gates of the academy."
Henry bowed and was given a thunderous applause by the students of the academy.
Professor Rinehart smiled because he liked Henry's speech more than the rest.
"Thank you, Head Prefects, for your wonderful speeches," Professor Rinehart said. "Everyone, raise your wands."
Everyone, including the Professors, raised their wands and smiled at each other.
"Let's send off everyone like we welcomed the First Years when we started this school year," Professor Rinehart declared as he pointed his wand toward the sky.
"Lux Principium!"
"""Lux Principium!"""
The sky was filled with colorful fireworks of different colors.
When Ethan entered the academy in the past, he could only look in awe at this amazing scene.
But now, he was one of those people who had the power to send his own colors toward the sky, mingling with the colors of the other students.
This spell, performed by hundreds of Wizards and Witches, formed an Aurora Borealis that danced in the heavens, illuminating the world.
With this, the school year of Brynhildr Academy officially ended, and the start of a new adventure would finally begin.