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A new day had arrived.
With the cheerful chirping of birds, the bright sun overhead, the gentle breeze drifting through the spirit forest behind the house, and the lively chatter of people in the streets near the academy, Louis slowly opened his eyes.
"Ah… it is so calm here."
He turned toward the window and gazed at the bright blue sky and the endless sea of vegetation stretching beyond the horizon. It was nothing like the capital, where icy walls stood surrounded by barren wasteland. Before his mother fell into her slumber, a beautiful forest had thrived here. He still remembered it clearly.
But that forest, seemingly tied to her health, had slowly withered away. It was devoured by wild Entities and Magic Beasts over the years, leaving behind a depressing wasteland.
Louis glanced to the side and found Mirai sleeping soundly. A little drool escaped her lips, yet she looked utterly adorable. And truly beautiful.
