Nina Rowan, a six-affinity mage, enters Asterfall to become the greatest healer, but her light magic is dismissed. When she's attacked by Livia Vale, a housemaster takes her in as a bonded prodigy. Can Nina prove that healing magic is power before her enemies strike again?
Leon Arden of House Valiant, bringing our new junior for the Thousand Step Trial. The Chancellor's orders are clear. Anyone from House Valiant goes straight to You're Gale Rabbit. Eat up. You'll need your strength for all those stairs. How did Leon know I wanted Gay Rabbit? It smells incredible, though.
Thanks, Leon. Mmm! This is so good! You like it? I love it!
If you want Gale Rabbit this good whenever you like, climb hard and make House Valiant famous across the Academy again. Deal! I'm going all the way to the top. You, a worthless little healer, think she can reach the top?
Red hair, crimson blade, that's Saren Hale, the Blazing Blade, Stormgwyd's senior prodigy and one of Asterful's top ten prodigies. They say Sorin is already a late fifth-ranked bladecaster. He came with Livia today.
Is he here to avenge her and go after that third-ranked light mage from House Valiant? Everyone knows Sorin dotes on Livia. Of course he's here for revenge. With his temper, that little light mage is finished.
You again. What do you want now? To watch you humiliate yourself. Nina, you're a Lightmajor who thinks she can conquer the Thousand Step Trial.
Please, you're way out of your league. Funny, you're the one who keeps coming after me. Sorin is here today. I'm going to kill you and settle yesterday's score. Leon! How dare you bully Livia!
Everyone treasures their junior. You let Stormglass pick on ours. Why can't I pick on Leon is amazing. Dean Hawthorne, correct me if I'm wrong. Under Academy law, anyone who deliberately kills a bonded protégé loses every rank and is expelled from Well, the rule does say...
So, are you two planning to test that rule? Leon, you coward. You've never dared draw your blade in a duel. So now you hide behind Academy rules The rules also say a student must pass 700 steps before becoming a bonded proper J She's a worthless light healer. Does she deserve that title? Don't judge me when you know nothing about me
How do you know I can't clear 700 steps? You think this is a staircase the pressure multiplies with every step you You? Forget 700. Reach 300 and I'll admit you're impressive. Then let's make a bet.
If I reach 700, you get on your knees, apologize and admit you're the useless And if you don't, then you can do whatever you want with me. Deal.