The Academy of Magellan, a colossal structure of glittering spires and grand halls, stood proud against the skyline. The vast edifice of knowledge and power, it was the dream of every mage in the land. And for Russel Raymond, it had always been more than just a dream; it was his birthright.

The morning seemed ordinary enough as Russel stood amidst his peers, eagerly waiting for the assembly to commence. Dressed in the standard blue robe of the academy, his deep brown eyes scanned the crowd. Conversations echoed across the hall, and Russel felt a pang of pride being part of this esteemed institution. But the undercurrents of the day hinted that something was amiss.

Suddenly, the hall's double doors opened, revealing a stooped figure in a deep crimson robe. The murmurs died instantly. It was Master Eldric, the headmaster of the Academy. His presence alone commanded respect, but today, the gravity in his gaze seemed unusual.

"Students of the Academy," Master Eldric began, his voice reverberating in the silent hall. "It has come to our attention that a grave violation has been committed. A theft most vile."

The students exchanged uneasy glances. Theft in the Academy was unheard of, let alone one so significant that the headmaster would address it personally.

Master Eldric continued, "The sacred book of Eldoria, a tome containing our world's most potent spells, has gone missing."

Gasps of horror filled the room. The Eldoria was not just any book; it was a legacy, a symbol of the academy's greatness.

Russel's heart raced, unsure why he felt an ominous weight pressuring him.

The headmaster's gaze fixed on Russel, making his heart drop. "Russel Raymond, step forward."

As Russel walked to the front, the whispers grew louder.

"But he's a Raymond!"

Confusion, shock, and a hint of fear gripped him. He faced Master Eldric, trying to mask his bewilderment. "Headmaster, I have no knowledge of this."

"Your robe was found in the Eldoria's chamber," Master Eldric said coldly. "Explain yourself."

Russel paled, words catching in his throat. "I haven't been there, Headmaster. I swear."

Master Eldric's gaze didn’t waver. "Search his room," he ordered to two guards who instantly departed.

Russel felt the weight of hundreds of eyes on him. The Raymond family's decline was known, but this accusation could be their ultimate disgrace. The whispers now had a note of schadenfreude.

The minutes felt like hours. The two guards returned, one holding a familiar-looking tome. Russel's heart sank. It was the Eldoria.

"It was under his bed," the guard announced.

Russel stared in disbelief. "That's impossible! Someone planted it there!"

But his pleas fell on deaf ears. The evidence was overwhelming, and the academy's honor was at stake.

Master Eldric, his face etched with disappointment, declared, "Russel Raymond, for the theft of the Eldoria, and tarnishing the academy's honor, you are hereby expelled."

The hall erupted in murmurs. Russel stood frozen, unable to comprehend the gravity of what just happened. Aria, his childhood friend, looked at him, her eyes filled with tears. She seemed to want to say something but remained silent.

Russel was escorted out of the academy. The large gates that once welcomed him now shut firmly, signifying his exile. Outside, the real world looked bleak. Disgrace, humiliation, and betrayal loomed large.

He clutched the Dragon's Heart ring, a keepsake from his mother. It was supposed to be a symbol of hope, a beacon in dark times. Now, it was all he had left of his legacy.

The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the land. For Russel Raymond, the future had never looked more uncertain.

From a corner, a hooded figure watched Russel walk away, a sinister smile playing on their lips. The plot had worked. The Raymond name was tarnished forever. The real game was just beginning.

Chapter 2: Russel's Expulsion