Halime nodded, asking Ella, “Do you want to come with me?”

The half-elf nodded in agreement, rising from her seat, and the energetic redhead, accompanied by her Drakeling, bounced beside Ella and Halime.

It resembled a tiny red and black wyvern the size of a crow who was just as energetic as the redhead.

His knowledge about them was limited, understanding them to be ambush hunters specializing in capturing small birds and ground-dwelling creatures.

Archer chuckled at the lively display before they hurried off. Turning his attention to Hemera and Leira, engrossed in their reading, he decided not to disturb them.

Instead, he refocused on the snake, inquiring, “What are you? Why does the human call you a Nightfang?”

A girl’s voice echoed in response, “They are our cousins. We look alike, but there are differences.”

He grinned before asking another question, “Why are you coiled around my neck? Are you not afraid?”

Adorned with violet eyes, the small black snake met his gaze before answering, “You mean me no harm. I can sense that you are a kind soul. I know that you will look after me.”

Upon hearing the little snake’s reassuring words, Archer couldn’t help but smile. His eyes, filled with warmth, examined the beast coiled around his neck.

She had beautiful black scales that glistened in the light and glowing violet eyes that radiated an otherworldly charm.

Two delicate horns adorned its head, and a razor-sharp that could easily slice through the skin.

The details of the snake’s appearance fascinated Archer, and the bond between them deepened as he appreciated the unique beauty of his newfound beast.

Following that, Professor Summerwild delved into the intricacies of caring for the chosen magical creatures, imparting knowledge to the students.

During this, the Owlbears returned to the domain after getting pampered for a while. Archer promised to visit them more which pleased the bears.

Archer asked the girls what classes they had and soon found out. Ella, Sera, and Leira had Spellcraft, while Hemera had Magic Combat. Archer, glancing at his schedule, he saw that he had Magic Fundamentals.

After that, he had a free period, followed by a Legends and Mysteries Exploration class, an intriguing subject he was eager to attend.

He had Three hours before his class. Archer decided to make the most of it by exploring the Western Wilds in the Summerfield Duchy.

Archer thought to himself. ‘This will be fun. I can fight strong beasts while recruiting them in the Monster Army.’

When he stopped thinking to himself, he got ready to head to the south and joined the girls in leaving the room.

After the group exited the class, Archer turned to Ella, expressing his intentions, “El, we’ll go on a date after college. We can explore Starfall if you want.”

Ella’s face lit up with a big smile, causing a ripple of envy among Sera, Hemera, and Leira.

Quick to reassure them, Archer added, “I’ll take Teuila and Sera out tomorrow and then the rest the days after to make sure everyone gets a date.”

The gesture brought smiles to the faces of the four girls, appreciative of the fair treatment.

However, Archer noticed a lingering sadness on Halime’s face. Hemera addressed him, “Are you skipping Magic Fundamentals, Darling?”

He nodded and shared his plan, “I’ll be exploring the Western Wilds down south, capturing some unique beasts for my army, and see if I can find some treasure.”

The unexpected revelation left the girls in shock. Sera spoke up before Archer could reassure them that he would be fine. ”What is the Western Wilds?”

Archer was about to explain, but Halime beat him to it. “The Western Wilds are a dense and perilous jungle, home to creepy beasts and cannibal tribes. Tales suggest an evil lurks within, though the truth remains uncertain.”

She described the thick foliage that made navigation challenging the mysterious calls of unknown beasts echoing through the jungle.

Halime’s words painted a picture of the wild picture of the Western Wilds. But that’s when she continued. “I’ve heard stories of adventurers disappearing without a trace in its heart, and the nearby cities and towns avoid it like the plague.”

That’s when Archer noticed Halime’s eyes reflecting a mix of caution and intrigue. “But I can’t say whether it’s simply folklore or something more. It’s a place shrouded in mystery, and many who have ventured in never returned.”

Archer and the girls listened with rapt attention. Ella turned to him, concern etched on her face. “You can’t go there. It’s too dangerous!”

He smiled reassuringly as he replied, “I won’t be going alone.”

With a subtle gesture, he indicated the snake girl, who displayed a surprised expression, causing Archer to chuckle.

Hemera spoke up, her tone more pragmatic, “Well, if he explores the outer jungle, I’m sure he’ll be fine. Plus, he can always teleport out of there.”

All the girls nodded in agreement, but Leira voiced her concerns, “I don’t think it’s a good idea, especially if it’s just the two of you. I heard the Headmistress is sponsoring a trip to the Savage Shores to explore the uncharted continent far to the southwest.”

Archer’s curiosity deepened upon hearing this, so he asked, “What else do you know, Leira?”

The cat girl shrugged before responding, “Not much. I know it’s scheduled after the Celestial Magic Tournament, and that’s all.”

Archer nodded before bidding farewell with kisses to the four girls as they departed for their respective classes, leaving only him and Halime standing there.

Archer turned his attention to the nervous snake girl and spoke, “Do you know where the Headmistress’s office is?”

The snake girl replied with a smile, “Yes. Do you want me to take you there?”

“Yeah, I want to ask about this unexplored continent,” Archer said as they walked.

As they made their way to the Headmistress’s office, Halime spoke, “I know some things about it, thanks to one of my mothers. Her family are explorers and travel all over.”

He nodded, expressing his interest. “Make sure you tell me when we’re on the road. I want to know all about it.”

She smiled. “Of course. It’s not far now.”

Archer and Halime arrived at the imposing door of the Headmistress’s office and raised his hand to knock.

However, before his knuckles could contact the door, they heard a voice behind them. “Oh, what brings a dragon and a snake on a search for a little ol’ witch.”

Turning around, they found Ophelia with a mischievous glint in her eyes. .

Archer chuckled at the playful remark and replied, “We’re here to seek some information about the unexplored continent, Headmistress. Halime here has some insights, and I thought it best to get more details from the one who knows it all.”

Ophelia’s eyes twinkled. “Ah, the unknown, my favorite subject. Well, come in. I can tell you what I know.”

The room was a spectacle of mystical wonders when they entered the office, with magical devices adorning every surface.

Crystals on the ceiling bathed the room in a soft, colorful glow. Bookshelves filled with Spellbooks and ancient tomes lined the walls.

In one corner, a cauldron bubbled with a nice-smelling concoction. A detailed carved desk at the room’s center held parchment, quills, and magical artifacts.

The desk doubled as a workspace and canvas for the arcane, adorned with magical diagrams and symbols.

Archer saw the older woman sit down before she started telling of vast landscapes adorned with majestic mountains.

She told them of dense jungles shrouded in fog-covered swamps home to enormous beasts that dwarf some dragons she’s seen.

Ophelia continued, her eyes alight with excitement. “Mountains that pierce the sky, jungles so thick that sunlight struggles to penetrate. But what truly makes these places extraordinary are the remnants of an old world, cities hidden amidst the wilderness as they were shallower by the surrounding jungle.”

Archer was captivated by the prospect of uncovering ancient mysteries. Ophelia continued, “These cities hold the secrets of a long-gone era. Some say they are filled with untold treasures, while others believe they harbor long-forgotten knowledge.”

When he heard this, his imagination ignited with the prospect of exploring such a rich and untamed land.

The allure of ancient cities hidden amid the varied landscapes promised adventure and the chance to unearth the secrets of a lost civilization.

Sensing his eagerness, Ophelia began to unveil the journey’s details. “The expedition to the uncharted continent will be a grand undertaking. But.”

She paused with a grin before continuing. “It’s not a venture to be embarked upon lightly.”

Archer leaned in, his gaze fixed on her, eager for more.

“The celestial magic tournament,” Ophelia continued, “is our qualifying event. The students who showcase exceptional skill will earn a coveted place on this exploration.”

She leaned forward, her eyes locking with Archer’s. “And, my dear, if you emerge victorious, you will secure one of those coveted spots.”

A surge of excitement washed over him. If he won the celestial magic tournament, he could prove his strength to the world and secure the chance to explore this new continent.

A

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