The sun is already up, golden rays spilled into Ereno's modest room; neatly kept, everything in its place. He had been awake long before the alarm even buzzed. In the bed next to his, his sister Eren was still wrapped tight in her blanket and sound asleep like a caterpillar.
Downstairs in the kitchen, Ereno moved silently as he started preparing breakfast while their grandfather is already at the table sitting, holding a steaming cup of tea, smiled proudly as he watched the boy work. He lifted his cup "I gotta tell you boy, your cooking gets better the closer you get to the academy." he said, tapping Ereno's shoulder with great happiness. Ereno just smiled slightly and kept setting the table.
A few moments later, heavy steps dragged down the hallway. Eren, half-awake and rubbing her eyes, appeared in the doorway, her hair messy and eyes still foggy.
"Huh... Ereno? You're up already? Did time freeze or something?"
Ereno shrugged and flipped to a note in his notepad:"You slept like a frozen zombie for 30 years."
He slid a plate of sweet pancakes in front of her, topped with honey and fresh fruits, alongside a cup of her favorite strawberry milk, Eren groaned as she sat across from him, chewing. "Hey!! I'm not a zombie... how can you say that to your own sister?" Then changed to softer tone, "Thanks for the food, though…"
After the last bite disappeared, Grandpa set down his cup and cleared his throat as he glanced at the calendar pinned on the wall. "Alright, kids, it's time for you two to pack your things and get ready."
"Oooh!! I'm getting excited, yaaay!!" Eren said, her eyes sparkling. "Ereno, imagine how many people we can meet and maybe even become friends with!" Ereno gave her a blank look, clearly not sharing the same excitement.
"Now, now, don't let your hopes get ahead of you," Grandpa said with a small sigh. "This exam is important; especially for you two. You need experience, and the best way to get that is by fighting opponents who are just as strong as you... or even stronger. That's especially for you, Ereno. I know how bored you get sparring with the knights I arranged."
"Hey, what about me?!" Eren protested with a frown.
Grandpa gave her a quick glance. "You're not as strong as your brother, but you're strong in your own way. Just be careful and try not to cause trouble."
"I'm not that weak, you know! And I don't cause trouble!" she said, puffing her cheeks while Ereno gave her a teasing smirk.
"Hey, don't make fun of me!"
"Alright, alright, settle down," Grandpa said, chuckling a little. "This exam isn't just any event. You'll be fighting real monsters. It won't be a walk in the park, so don't let fear get the better of you."
He hadn't shared all the details yet, but Eren still choked on her milk at the word monsters, while Ereno stayed calm and quiet as usual.
"Just remember what I taught you. It'll help if you find yourselves in real danger," Grandpa added. "Now go on upstairs and start packing. You've got six hours left before it all begins."
But the twins didn't move right away. Eren slowly stirred her milk with her finger, her expression shifting from cheerful to thoughtful. Ereno watched her in silence, his eyes drifting toward the clock on the wall.
Finally, Eren stood up, holding her cup as her wide, energetic smile faded. Ereno glanced at her, then at the clock again.
Six hours left… and it all begins.
Now in their room, just as they were about to start packing, Eren sat on the edge of her bed, the bag still open and empty in front of her. Her usual energy had faded, her fingers idly playing with the zipper. Ereno glanced at her from across the room. He paused mid-fold and walked over, crouching slightly so he could catch her gaze. With calm, gentle signs, he told her:
"Don't worry, sis. We'll be okay. We're in this together."
Eren looked up at him, her eyes softening. A smile tugged at her lips as she nodded. "You always know what to say, even when you say nothing." She nudged his shoulder lightly. "You know, sometimes I can't stand how cold you act. You're all 'hmm' and 'meh' and 'look at me, I'm so mysterious.'" She crossed her arms, mimicking his usual straight face. "But honestly? I wouldn't trade you for anyone." Ereno rolled his eyes playfully, then scribbled something on his notepad:
"That's because no one else would survive your loud mouth."
"Hey!" she laughed, lightly smacking his arm with a pillow. "Rude." But then she looked at him again as her smile softened. "Still... I know if anything ever happened, you'd be the first to stand by me. You always are."
Ereno didn't reply in signs or notes this time. Instead, he reached out, gently fixed a strand of her hair that had fallen into her face, and gave it a playful flick while glancing at her with his soulless eyes; Eren startled in surprise, then smiled "You okay? That's the softest thing you've done all week."
Then, with a rare, quiet grin, he pointed at her open bag, as if saying "Get to work, slowpoke."
Eren huffed, mock offended, but the mood had already lightened. She grabbed a few clothes, tossing them into the bag with extra flair. "Fine, fine, let's get ready for this exam of despair."
Ereno didn't show it, but that warm moment stayed between them. And as they packed, side by side, their usual rhythm returned, quiet, and full of the bond that only twins like them could share.
Just as Eren zipped her bag shut, the door creaked open and Grandpa popped his head in."You two done playing around in here?" he said, his voice warm and teasing.
He stepped inside, ruffling Eren's hair with one hand while placing the other on Ereno's shoulder. "No matter what happens," he said, "don't forget who you are… and don't forget you've got each other. That might just be your secret weapon in this exam."
Ereno gave a faint smile, keeping his usual calm in place, while Eren laughed."Just don't judge our methods, old man!" she chirped.
Grandpa smirked. "Just don't pack your nerves in there too. I know how you get nervous girl, but you'll do fine. I can feel it."
"Aww, being soft all of a sudden?" she teased.
"Bah," Grandpa grumbled as he turned toward the stairs. "Just finish packing, you bratty twins." And as he started heading down:
"Six hours, kiddos. Don't make me come back up here with a sword."
The door clicked shut behind him. For a moment, the twins looked at each other then broke into loud laughter. The tension had lifted, replaced by a shared, comforting calm.
Just as the twins stepped outside, bags slung over their shoulders, they were greeted by the shine of a carriage waiting at the gate. It wasn't like the ones you'd see in old books, this one had the crest of the academy carved neatly on its side, and the gold-lined edges glinted under the morning sun, with two powerful horses that stood proud, their harnesses etched with faint glowing symbols.
"Whoa..." Eren's eyes sparkled as she ran ahead a few steps, inspecting the carriage like a curious cat. "This is way cooler than I imagined!"
Ereno followed calmly behind while he raises an eyebrow at the sight, then gave a quiet approving nod. Grandpa chuckled as he stepped out behind them as his hands tucked behind his back. "Well, you've got a royal ride now. All of the students got one, guess the academy wants to impress now."
The coachman standing tall, tipped his hat politely. "Miss Eren, Master Ereno. Your carriage is ready."
Ereno nodded to him as a way of thanking the coachman, while Eren puffed her chest playfully. "Yup, that's us. VVIP treatment, huh?"
Grandpa placed a hand on both their shoulders, pulling them closer, gently, "Remember. This isn't just about magic or tests. It's a chance to learn, to grow... and to prove to yourselves who you really are."
Eren smiled wide, but her eyes softened. "Don't worry, Gramps. We'll be fine."
Ereno took out his notepad and held it up, the message scribbled neatly:
"We'll make you proud."
Grandpa read it, then smiled. "You already do, kid."
The coachman opened the door. Eren climbed in first, looking around the inside with wide eyes. Ereno followed quietly, giving one last glance at Grandpa, who gave them a small wave. "Six hours of nerves and excitement," Grandpa muttered with a smirk. "Let's see how they handle it."
As the door closed behind them and the carriage began to roll, Eren peeked through the window to take a last look to a village they lived they're entire lives in. "The academy's going to be full of weirdos," she grinned, "Think we'll find any normal friends?"
Ereno smirked slightly and held up a new note:
"Define normal."
The carriage door stood open, its velvet interior bathed in morning light. The twins had already climbed inside, their bags tucked neatly by their feet. Eren leaned halfway out, resting her arms on the edge of the window, while Ereno sat silently beside her, watching.
Grandpa stood just outside, arms crossed, that familiar stern-but-soft look painted across his face.
"You sure you packed everything?" he asked, eyes narrowing at Eren like he already knew the answer.
"I triple-checked!" she replied, puffing her cheeks. "Okay... maybe double-checked. But I got the essentials! Snacks, clothes, and this..." she held up a tiny stuffed creature with a crooked horn.
Grandpa let out a breathy chuckle. "Good to know your priorities are still in order."
He turned his eyes to Ereno next. "And you…" His voice dropped slightly. "Watch over your sister. I know I don't need to say it, but... I will anyway."
Ereno gave a faint nod, his gaze steady, and for a second, just a flicker, his fingers moved to sign, I always do.
Eren caught it and smiled.
"You two stick together, alright?" Grandpa added, stepping forward. His hand landed gently on the carriage door. "You've got more strength in your bond than most people have in swords or spells. Don't waste it."
Eren's smile shook, just for a second. She reached out and grabbed Grandpa's hand. "We'll come back stronger, you'll see."
"I know you will," he said, holding her hands tightly before letting go.
The driver cleared his throat politely.
Grandpa stepped back. "Alright... go on then. Before I change my mind and drag you both back in for another round of training."
The door shut with a soft thud.
Through the window, Eren waved until the house was out of sight, Ereno didn't wave. But as the wheels began to roll, he rested a hand over his chest, just once and closed his eyes.
Goodbye didn't need to be spoken to be felt.
The gentle creak of the carriage wheels blended with the rhythmic clop of the horses' hooves as they rolled down to the Aurelia academy. Inside, the air was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of fabric or the soft creak of wood; Eren pressed her face to the window, wide-eyed as the trees and fields slipped by like scenes from a moving painting. "Can you believe this is actually happening?" she murmured with a voice filled with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Ereno sat across from her, his bag neatly tucked beside him. He didn't respond with signs or notes this time, just a calm look, watching her with the same indifferent, relaxed gaze he always had. But even that was enough. Eren smiled, understanding him without needing words.
She leaned back in her seat with a quiet sigh. "I wonder what kind of people we'll meet. Maybe we'll finally find someone who can beat you in a fight... though I doubt it."
Ereno shrugged slightly, then pulled his notepad and scribbled: If they can, they better not touch you. He slid the note toward her.
Eren grinned, hugging the message to her chest like a little treasure. "Protective big brother mode activated. You know i love that."
Outside, the road curved gently into a denser patch of forest, and the soft rustle of leaves filtered in through the small window slit. The world felt big, new, and filled with the unknown. But inside the carriage, it was warm. Familiar. Safe... for now.
The soft rumble of wheels against dirt echoed faintly in the distance. At first, it was barely noticeable. But as time passed, the sound grew clearer, accompanied by the rhythmic clatter of hooves striking the ground. Eren pressed her face against the window, squinting ahead.
"…Do you hear that?" she mumbled, her breath fogging up the glass.
Ereno, leaning quietly in his seat, tilted his head slightly. His sharp eyes locked on the horizon just as the first shape began to appear through the trees, a dark silhouette rolling across the path in sync with the sound.
Then another.
And another.
Soon, carriages began to fill the road. Some were fancy, with shiny wood and golden crests. Others were plain, but all of them had students inside, just like them. The horses trotted proudly, their steps steady and strong.
The coachman glanced back with a small smile."We're almost there," he said. "The academy's not far now."
Eren turned to Ereno, eyes wide. "They're really all students… like us."
Ereno nodded, his gaze still fixed outside, quiet but focused.
Eren mumbled, almost to herself, "Yeah… I hope they're good people."
Ereno turned his head slowly, his eyes catching hers. Without a word, he reached out and gently tilted her chin up, making her look at him. His touch was soft, his eyes calm and silent, but filled with meaning.
She looked into them and smiled faintly, a little reassured. "I know, I know… You'll be there. We'll handle it like we always do."
The carriage bumped slightly, the sound of wheels on stone growing louder as more carriages came into view outside the window. The coachman called back, "We're getting close now! Academy's just over the hill!"
Eren peeked out the window, eyes widening. "There's so many of them… Look, Ereno! All these people… they're all like us. I mean; not exactly like us, but…" Her words trailed off.
Ereno gave a small nod and scribbled briefly in his notebook before handing it to her: "Don't worry. If they're not good people, they'll wish they were."
Eren blinked, then laughed. "That's so you. Cold, but somehow comforting."
She leaned back beside him, her head gently resting on his shoulder. "No matter what happens… let's stick together."
"I just hope... things won't change too fast"