About a week after the tournament, the graduation ceremony took place. Nearly every student had shown up, except Team Blaze. They were suspended and would be repeating their courses due to Alex Calding's actions. The rest of the team hated him for that incident.

During the graduation ceremony, each of the winning teams received medals that coincided with their final position. Mara and her teammates were so happy when they received their platinum medals. As for the rest of the teams, the chancellor handed out participation awards.

Later that afternoon, all the winning teams celebrated with an outdoor potluck hosted by each of their headmasters and the chancellor himself. There was a wide variety of selections, and everyone enjoyed each dish.

The girls returned to the House of Tides and began to pack their belongings, for they knew that their time at the Institute of Starter Wizards was up. They had grown stronger and stronger during their stay, and their skills would only improve in the future.

"We've made lots of memories here," Erika sighed, "but now it's time to leave this place behind."

"Just because we won't see each other," Dagmar added, "doesn't mean we can't stay connected."

"Don't forget to keep in touch with your big sis, okay?" Noelle winked at Mara.

"Uh, sure," Mara chuckled nervously. Then, the other girls laughed.

On the next day, the girls headed downstairs with their luggage and noticed Abigail standing before them with tears in her eyes. "I'm so proud of you ladies," she began. "You have all grown in many ways."

"It's only because we had the best headmistress," Noelle grinned.

"I think we will all miss you very much," Erika whimpered. Before she knew it, everyone hugged Abigail very tightly. She was greatly thankful to be blessed with such wonderful students. They all said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

Mara caught the next boat to Summer Hold and arrived just a few hours later. When she made it home, she found her uncle Lloyd and a few of her childhood friends standing next to the dining table adorned with a cake and some other food under a 'Congratulations' banner. "Surprise!" everyone shouted once they noticed her.

"Welcome home, Mara!" cheered Uncle Lloyd. Everyone crowded around Mara and congratulated her on her graduation. Mara was incredibly thankful for the praise.

"What will you do now?" asked one of Mara's friends.

"Well, I think I can contribute to making the world a better place," answered Mara. "I may have graduated from my wizard school, but my adventure has only begun. The world isn't safe with all of those criminals running around, and I vow to change that!"

Everyone clapped after the speech and began the festivities. Mara partied with her uncle and friends and enjoyed the company. She knew that her life wouldn't be easy from here on, but she couldn't just wait for a miracle to happen. After all, it was her decision to become a hero.