The training session had turned intense the moment it began. Ren and Gray seemed completely trapped, and all the students watching were convinced that both of them were about to lose.
Ren, refusing to back down, created a fire bullet and launched it toward Gray and the other boy. As they dodged, the boy with the sword suddenly grabbed his opponent's weapon with his other hand.
The entire class froze in confusion as both bullets streaked through the air. One bullet reflected back toward the swordsman, striking and destroying his crystal. The other bullet didn't reflect—it flew straight and struck the second kid's crystal dead-on. In a stunning moment, both of their crystals were shattered at once.
The watching students, who had been sitting on the ground, leapt to their feet in excitement. Cheers erupted, and many voices called out Ren's name, applauding the unexpected and thrilling finish.
But Ren didn't bask in the attention. Instead, he walked straight over to Gray and said with a grin, "Well done, buddy! I couldn't have done this without your help."
Gray didn't reply. He simply gave a faint nod.
Later, as the class ended and students left, it was Ren's turn to stay back and clean the training grounds. He completed the task silently, wiping sweat from his brow as the last rays of sunlight began to fade.
As he approached the academy gate, he was surprised to see Gray waiting there.
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Did you forget something inside?"
Gray shook his head. "No. I just wanted to say thanks—for choosing me as your duo partner. I know if it wasn't for you, no one else would've picked me. So… thanks."
Ren blinked, then smiled. "I didn't pick you out of pity. I chose you because I think your magic is more perfect than anyone else's. That's the reason."
Gray paused for a moment, eyes widening slightly, caught off guard by the sincerity. Then, in a quiet voice, he asked, "Can you teach me that bullet thing you did earlier? If I can learn that, I might become better… more useful in battle."
Ren nodded without hesitation. "Sure."
Gray added, "The academy's going to be closed for a few days. Why don't you come to my house? We can train together there."
Ren hesitated. "I… I can't. You're a royal, and I'm just a commoner."
But Gray waved the thought away. "Don't worry about that kind of stuff. Just come."
—
The next morning, Ren stood in front of the massive Walhawk Mansion gates. Towering pillars flanked the entrance, and a guard stood watch. Ren felt uneasy, unsure if he really belonged in a place like this.
But the guard stepped forward. "Are you Ren?"
Ren nodded. "Yes."
The guard gave a respectful bow. "Please come inside, young man. Master Gray is waiting for you."
Ren followed the guard through the outer courtyard. As they walked, he glanced around—taking in the vast garden, neatly trimmed hedges, and the impressive exterior of the mansion.
Eventually, the guard led him to a large open ground beside the mansion itself. In the center sat a white bench under a tree. Gray was sitting there, but when he saw Ren, he immediately stood and ran over to greet him.
Without wasting time, they began their training. Ren had brought his fake dual guns, loaded with practice rounds, to demonstrate more fire bullet techniques. He wanted to teach Gray as much as possible—how to fire, reflect, angle shots, and mix them with movement.
As the sun climbed higher, the training began in full force.
[At present time]
Gray and Ren clash with full dedication.
Gray, with his blades, swings slashes of mercury—each one sharp and fast. Ren deflects the mercury with his fists the moment it touches him.
A clean hit from Gray lands—a small splash of mercury sticks to Ren's hand.
Gray instantly takes control of it, locking Ren's hand in place. But as Gray moves to act—Ren melts the mercury with his fire magic.
Gray:
"Mercury Magic: Shot No. 1 – Ricochet."
A mercury bullet forms around his finger, aimed directly at Ren's head.
Gray fires. The bullet zooms forward—but Ren dodges it in time.
The bullet hits the wall—and bounces back at double speed.
Ren realizes it just in time and flips, delivering a fire-coated kick that redirects the bullet.
But it keeps bouncing—ricocheting toward Ren from every surface.
Ren dances through it—dodging with raw speed and physical precision.
Then—he stops. Standing still, eyes focused.
As the bullet comes screaming toward him—he draws out his twin guns, now covered in fire magic.
With perfect aim, he shoots—meeting the mercury bullet mid-air.
Both collide—and an explosion follows.
Gray whispered:
"Shot No. 2 – Scatter Rain."
A rain of mercury begins to fall—every drop striking the floor with dangerous impact.
Several bullets hover above Ren—falling fast.
But he forms a blazing flame shield above him—blocking the incoming bullets.
He's fully focused—maintaining the shield against the barrage.
Gray:
"Shot No. 3 – Piercer."
Mercury collects tightly on Gray's index finger. He fires.
This time—it's too fast. Ren can't dodge.
The shot pierces straight through his head.
Blood spills out.
But Ren doesn't fall. He's still standing—still laughing.
Ren:
"You're really as pathetic as you were back then, Gray. Even with a new magic—still this weak?"
"Now what? Gonna blame this magic too for making you weak? Like you did with your reflection magic?"
Gray, still pointing at Ren, slowly lowers his arm.
Gray:
"I guess you're right. It's not about magic making someone powerful or weak. It's about will, skill... and above all—practice."
He draws his twin blades again.
Gray:
"So... I guess you're indirectly asking me to kill you with my pathetic magic, huh?"
Ren laughs again.
In a flash—they clash once more.
Blades meet raw fists engulfed in flame.
With every swing of Gray's blades—Ren is forced back, countering with his fire-coated fists.
A heavy punch comes toward Gray's stomach—
—but Gray uses his blade and reflection magic to send it right back.
Ren is thrown back—smashing into the wall.
[Sense of dawn and Tracey fighting the Hollowborn]
Dawn, wielding her iron rod, spins in a wide circular motion—striking down Hollowborns one after another.
Beside her, Tracey and Ashenfang unleash waves of flame magic, pushing back the advancing enemies.
But the hall grows even more congested, as twenty more Hollowborn emerge from the nearby room at Ren's command.
Dawn tightened her grip on the iron rod, eyes narrowing as the wave of Hollowborn approaching towards her
Dawn:
"They're not slowing down..."
She twirled her rod again, this time striking the ground with force—causing a burst of water magic to shoot out beneath the enemies' feet, making them slip and stagger. Without pausing, she swung upward, the rod crashing into a Hollowborns chin and sending it flying.
Tracey dashed forward, a low growl escaping his throat as his arm transformed—furred and clawed like a beast.
Ashenfang, roaring beside him, expelled a cone of fire that engulfed several Hollowborns.
Tracey:
"Back to back, Dawn!"
She spun toward him and positioned herself against his side just as a Hollowborn leapt from above. Tracey caught it mid-air, slamming it into the wall with beastly strength. He then followed with a punch glowing red-hot—fire magic bursting from his fist.
dawn:
"More coming from the left!"
The trio turned. All the Hollowborn surrounded them and now approaching towards them—faster, more aggressive.
Dawn raised her hand, water surging from her palm.
Dawn:
"Water Art: Twin Currents!"
Two spiraling waves shot forward, crashing into the cluster and pinning them against the walls. She followed with a leaping strike, slamming her rod down and cracking the floor.
Tracey howled—his flames glowing—then leapt into the air and spun, landing with a flaming axe kick that sent shockwaves down the hall.
Tracey:
"I'm not letting any of you past us!"
But still—the Hollowborns kept coming.
Their eyes now glowed deeper. Their movements faster. Their hunger stronger.
The monstrous Hollowborn roared—and in response, every other Hollowborn around it unleashed their magic at once.
Blades of wind slashed from one side. Spears of ice rained from above. Crimson fireballs, jagged rock spikes, crackling lightning—all surged toward the trio in a synchronized assault.
Dawn gritted her teeth, summoning a water barrier. Tracey growled, flames bursting around his body. Ashenfang lowered his stance, ready to shield them.
But the magic storm was too fast. Too much.
In that split second—everything blurred.
The combined wave of destruction raced toward them—blinding, deafening, inescapable—
—and just before it hit...