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It’s a small story really, about, among other things:

* A fantastic kingdom
* A mage boy
* His loyal friends
* His friendly enemies
* Some unwitting civilians
* And quite a lot of magic
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[h2]Seraph Academy[/h2]

~ [@Rune_Alchemist] [@A Lowly Wretch] [@Pyromaniacwolf] [@Polaris North] [@Frozen0Titan] ~[/center]

Zauberheim.

A city known for a number of things, some little things that made profound differences. Raised on an elevated section of land, it's stone walls stood out majestically into the sky for every traveler who gazed upon them. Backed by dark mountains to the North it could even make a frightening vista for those who thought naught but ill for the inhabitants.

And if those were not enough, there were 3 gates any traveler had to pass through before getting into the kingdom proper, so everyone was checked 3 times over for anything and everything. There were very, very few that could pass through without inspection.

Yet the city was peaceful. It was the home of the benevolent Reinhardt von Zauberheim, Fifth Ruler of Razelia. Husband to Brunhilde von Zauberheim also known as the Luminous Queen, and father to young Lisianthus von Zauberheim and Lutz von Zauberheim, crowned Princess and Prince of the Kingdom.

Unlike other human nations, however, the von Zauberheim line decided they would have a little quirk in their kingdom; Razelia was home to Humans, Elves and Beastkin. It was certainly an idea that was unusual, especially letting the different groups of Elves to stay true to themselves, yet through his connections and reputation, King Reinhardt kept the most radical of naysayers at bay.

But now was not the time to dwell in such matters with future events in store, it was time once more for the Grand Academy Tournament. An event where the top students of Seraph Academy battled to see who truly was number one of their year. This year however, things would be a little different, for many a rumor had it that there would be outside participants partaking in the tournament.

The city itself was abuzz with talk and gossip about the tournament. The streets and buildings were decorated. Shops and stands sold Tournament-related merchandise. But all this paled in comparison with Seraph Academy itself. There was more talk and gossip. There were more decorations. There were more merchandise being sold though that one had little to do with those within the Academy.

Those who wished to participate had to register first and Seraph Academy had set up several large purple tents in their courtyards for this purpose. One would think there would be many that would sign up for a chance at glory and recognition and indeed there are, but even many stayed their hands for fear of failure and embarrassment. After all, it was guaranteed that the greatest magicians of Zauberheim and maybe beyond will be participating in the tournament. What could they bring that will match those giants?

But a select few people did not fear this. Perhaps they did, it just did not stop them. For reasons their own, they were in campus grounds in the northern courtyard, standing before the purple tents. They were here for the Grand Academy Tournament.