Students slowly began leaving the classroom.
This time, the noise was quieter.
More controlled.
"…Second place…"
"…Still lost though…"
"…Yeah… but that last clash…"
Kai walked through the corridor, Ray beside him.
The academy buzzed around them—voices, footsteps, distant sounds of training echoing through the structure.
"…So," Ray said, stretching his arms behind his head,
"…what now?"
Kai rolled his shoulder slightly.
A faint ache lingered.
"…Train."
Ray glanced at him, then laughed under his breath.
"…You're actually serious."
Ahead—
Rex stood near the exit.
Not waiting.
Just there.
As Kai passed—
Rex spoke without turning.
"…Next time… I'm not holding back."
Kai didn't stop.
"…Same."
They walked in opposite directions.
The air between them—
Unfinished.
Outside, the academy opened into a wide training field.
Students were already scattered—
Some practicing.
Some resting.
Some pushing themselves harder than before.
Kai stepped forward.
Stopped.
He raised his hand slightly.
Focused.
Mana…
A faint crimson trace formed.
Flickered—
Shook—
Then stabilized… just a second longer than before.
Then faded.
"…Still rough."
Kai lowered his hand.
Not frustrated.
Just thinking.
"…You're forcing it."
Kai turned.
Aeris stood a few steps away.
Still.
Calm.
"…And?"
A short pause.
"…You're using strength to control something that requires precision."
Kai narrowed his eyes slightly.
"…Then what?"
Aeris held his gaze for a moment.
"…Reduce output."
"…Refine flow."
Then she walked past him.
Just like that.
Ray blinked.
"…She just dropped advice and left."
Kai watched her go.
"…Yeah."
The wind passed through the field.
Light.
But cold.
Kai clenched his hand slightly.
50% isn't enough…
Control isn't enough…
A faint smile formed.
Next time… I'm not the one flying.
Across the city—
Ren leaned against the railing of a quiet street bridge, overlooking the dim glow of passing lights below.
Relaxed.
Like he had nowhere to be.
"…You're staring again."
A girl nearby looked away quickly.
"…I'm not."
Ren tilted his head slightly, amused.
"…You're bad at lying."
She scoffed, crossing her arms.
"…You always this annoying?"
Ren pushed himself off the railing, stepping a little closer—but still casual.
"…Only when I'm bored."
A small pause.
She hesitated.
Just slightly.
"…And now?"
Ren's eyes flickered with a lazy kind of interest.
"…Now I'm deciding if you're interesting."
She blinked.
Caught off guard.
"…You're unbelievable."
Ren shrugged lightly.
"…Yet you're still here."
For a moment—
Neither of them spoke.
Then she clicked her tongue.
"…You're trouble."
Ren smirked faintly.
"…Only if you come closer."
She rolled her eyes—
But didn't leave immediately.
Ren turned his gaze back toward the city lights.
Carefree.
Unbothered.
"…Guess we'll see."
Back at the academy—
The sun dipped lower.
Shadows stretching across the campus.
Inside a quiet office—
Instructor Darius stood still.
Straight.
Silent.
Across from him—
A man sat behind a wide desk.
Calm.
Composed.
Headmaster Alaric Voss.
His presence alone filled the room.
Heavy.
Controlled.
"…You observed them?" Darius asked.
A brief pause.
"…Yes."
Alaric's voice was low.
Measured.
"…One stands out."
Darius didn't need to ask who.
"…Kai."
Another pause.
"…And Rex."
Alaric's fingers tapped lightly against the desk.
Once.
Twice.
"…They lack control."
"…But not potential."
Darius nodded slightly.
"…They're still inexperienced."
Silence.
Then—
Alaric spoke again.
"…That is why they will not remain here."
Darius' eyes shifted slightly.
"…Sir?"
Alaric's gaze lifted.
Sharp.
"…Prepare them."
A pause.
"…For a field assignment."
Darius' expression tightened slightly.
"…Already?"
"…Yes."
Another pause.
He continued—
"…A high-tier F-rank hunt."
The air shifted.
Darius didn't speak immediately.
"…That level…"
"…Will push them."
Alaric said calmly.
"…Or break them."
Silence.
Darius straightened.
"…Understood."
As he turned to leave—
Alaric spoke once more.
"…Observe closely."
A slight pause.
"…Some of them may not return the same."
Outside—
The academy stood tall.
Unshaken.
Students laughed.
Trained.
Talked.
Unaware.
Of what was coming.
And far below that calm surface—
Something had already begun. 🔥
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