Disclaimer: Aside from my characters here, I own nothing. XD
Prologue I: The Headmaster's Decision
Deep within the enchanted halls of Arden Academy of Spellbinding, where the very air shimmered with ancient magic, Headmaster Belisarius Evermere stood before an enormous crystal ball, its swirling mist reflecting the vastness of possibility. His long, midnight-blue robes flowed like a living shadow, and his piercing gray eyes bore the weight of centuries of magical tradition.
At his feet, perched atop a floating golden pedestal, was his trusted companion—a black-furred Nyxgriff named Muffin, a mystical creature resembling a cross between a cat and an owl. Its glowing violet eyes gleamed with wisdom as it flicked its feathery tail.
"You wish to select students again, Headmaster?" Muffin purred, tilting its head.
Evermere folded his hands behind his back, his voice a low rumble. "As tradition dictates, the academy must welcome a new class of young spellbinders. This year shall be no different. We will take the finest magical prodigies, those whose lineage is—"
"Predictable," Muffin interrupted, flexing its claws. "Year after year, we select from those already born into magic. Yet, there is a world beyond ours—a world that does not believe. Imagine what might happen if magic were introduced where it is most absent."
Evermere's expression darkened. "You propose we seek students from the mundane realm? The world of nonbelievers?"
Muffin's tail swayed as it continued. "If they are taught well, they may one day return and rekindle magic where it has been forgotten. A risk, perhaps, but also a grand opportunity."
The headmaster exhaled slowly, considering the idea. It was unorthodox and risky. But magic was meant to evolve, not stagnate. If properly trained, these outsiders could become the very key to magic's resurgence beyond Arden's borders.
With a decisive nod, he stepped toward the crystal ball and raised his hands. Deep violet energy crackled between his fingertips, spiraling into the orb's depths. The swirling mist inside began to shift, revealing images of a faraway world—Earth. A world that dismissed magic as nothing more than fiction.
"Then let us see," Evermere murmured, his voice laced with intrigue. "Who among them is worthy?"
With a final gesture, the crystal ball pulsed with power, its magic stretching beyond realms, seeking the unsuspecting souls who would soon receive an invitation to a destiny they never imagined.
As the swirling mist inside the crystal ball cleared, a series of names and images flickered into view—twelve individuals from Earth, unaware of the destiny that had just been set in motion.
Evermere observed them closely, his sharp eyes scanning each face. Muffin purred, flicking its feathery tail as it perched on his shoulder.
"They are an interesting bunch, aren't they?" Muffin mused. "Each one different, each one unaware of the magic they may soon wield."
Evermere nodded, his expression unreadable. "Potential is only the first step. Talent alone does not guarantee greatness. When they accept the invitation and arrive at Arden Academy, only then shall we test them. Only then will they discover what kind of magic they are destined to hold."
With a final pulse of magic, the crystal ball released its energy, sending enchanted invitations across dimensions, each one seeking its intended recipient. Their ordinary lives were about to change forever.
The Twelve Novices
Arwen Geladriel – The Photographic Memory Marksman
Dwayne Rutherford – The Magnetizing Perfectionist
Faith Carrington – The Golden Musician
Faye DeReux – The Soi-Disant Astronomer
Hanson Laurent – The Gearheaded Pianist
Jeraline Drixina "Jaydee" Juniper – The Rebellious Misfit
Lee Chang – The Judgmental Critic
Mary Grace Salac – The Timeless Diva
Naomi Dwyer – The Arrogant It-Girl
Xian Augustine – The Keen Fencer
Yuju Jang – The Masquerading Persona
Zahir Heussain – The Bribing VIP
Oh no, I'm starting a thing again, haha. I know I said I would get the Act II finale done first but I wanted to get this up before I forget the idea lol. I've always loved Wizard101 so the inspiration with the theme made it obvious. XD
Also Muffin was literally inspired by Feline's Discord pic. You can sue me for that, lol.