**Chapter 58 – The Journey to the Academy (Part 1: Day 1)**
The carriage departed at dawn, the magical horses gleaming in shades of silver and gold under the rising sun. Saint Lunalie Orphanage was left behind, small and silent in the forest, but with the promise that they would return. Inside the carriage, ten hearts beat together: the eight children and Lysithea (going as mother and primary support), plus Tomas, the merchant who insisted on traveling with them "for protection" (and curiosity). Elara, Mirella, and Graciela had left the week before to take the teachers/cooks test, leaving the orphanage protected by Lunalie's magic. The trip to the capital would take five days—dangerous forest, bad roads, bandits, and magical beasts. Teleportation existed only in major cities, and the orphanage was in the middle of nowhere, on the border between the Mixed Kingdom of Aetheria and Lunalie's neutral territory.
**Day 1 – Rain and First Tests**
Heavy rain fell from the moment they left, turning the road into thick, slippery mud. The dark gray sky seemed to press down on them, cold drops drumming on the carriage canvas like impatient fingers. The carriage got stuck in the first hour, wheels sinking up to the axles, wood creaking in protest. Tomas cursed the gods under his breath, but Astrid (half-orc) jumped down without hesitation, boots sinking into the mud up to her ankles. She grabbed the back of the carriage with both huge hands, muscles bulging under green skin, and pulled with brute force. A wet sucking sound echoed as the wheels came free, everyone laughing soaked, water streaming down their faces. Lysithea hugged Astrid tightly: "My strong warrior, you saved the day!"
They camped early, near a fast-running stream. Kuroe lit a magical fire with runes that didn't go out in the rain—purple flames dancing without smoke. The smell of burning wood mixed with wet earth filled the air. Group hug under the carriage canvas, thirteen bodies pressed together, shared warmth against the cold. Joker whispered to Harley: "First day… and it already feels like an adventure." Harley laughed softly, resting her head on his shoulder: "And we haven't even killed anyone yet. Tomorrow we'll see." Marina released warm steam to heat the air inside the canvas, forming small clouds that floated like dreams. Lysithea told a short story of Lunalie to calm everyone, her voice soft as music. They slept squeezed together, warmed by the steam and love, the sound of rain like a wild lullaby.
(to be continued…)