The morning sun gently lit the inner courtyard of Aezrith Academy, casting warm rays between the leaves. A fresh breeze drifted through, carrying the scent of wildflowers and dew-soaked grass.
Mechanical birds chirped cheerfully, as if welcoming the students who had just endured one of the toughest trials of their lives.
But today... there would be no magic lessons, no duels, no panicked shouting.
Today was simply a day to breathe again.
---
Medical Ward – 08:17 AM
Kael awoke with a slight heaviness in his head. Beside his bed, Irelith sat, holding his hand, asleep with her head resting on the edge of the mattress.
Kael blinked slowly, gazing at the peaceful face of his fiancée—something he hadn't seen for days.
"You're finally awake."
Irelith opened her eyes halfway, smiling wearily but sincerely.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Kael chuckled softly.
"Didn't I say it before? You're too beautiful. I'm completely captivated... my fiancée."
Irelith blushed slightly, then pinched his arm.
"Still joking, huh? Good. That means you're ready to help clean the academy gardens as punishment."
"Eh? That's cruel."
"Can you stand already?" she asked.
"Yeah, why not? I even feel like I could fight again right now."
"Hehe... that's good to hear."
At that moment, Kael stared at Irelith's face—so incredibly beautiful that he had to turn away, afraid he'd make a strange expression.
---
Academy Cafeteria – 09:40 AM
A few hours later, Kael's team gathered at the academy's open cafeteria. A long table was filled with light snacks, sweet bread, herbal tea, and laughter.
Leinhardt sat with a bandage around his head, eating as if injuries didn't exist.
"We lost, but hey... I got three extra cakes from Class B girls who said I looked cool during the duel."
Rose facepalmed.
"That's not an achievement. That's fan service."
Perona, sitting beside Rose, seemed calmer. She sipped her warm tea and said,
"But somehow... I don't regret it. Even though we lost, I feel like we've grown."
Everyone nodded.
Kael set his spoon down, looking at each of them one by one.
"You guys are amazing. This defeat is our stepping stone forward."
Then Irelith spoke, quietly but firmly,
"Yeah. Because of this loss, I'm going to train even harder."
Leinhardt leaned toward Kael and whispered,
"Careful, Kael. She's going to come back twice as strong—a real monster."
Irelith overheard and immediately smacked Leinhardt with a gust of wind magic.
Rose and Perona burst out laughing, while Irelith turned red.
---
Academy Courtyard – Late Afternoon
Near the central fountain, Kael sat on a stone bench. The evening breeze rustled his hair softly.
Footsteps approached.
Lancer appeared, calm as always, seemingly unaffected by the world.
But this time... something felt different.
He stopped in front of Kael.
"How's your wound?" Lancer asked without preamble.
"Ah, it's nothing. What about yours?"
Lancer nodded and sat on the opposite side of the bench.
"Just a few cuts... most of them thanks to you."
Kael glanced at him.
"Haha. I won't let my guard down next time, Lancer."
"I've never fought that hard before... not with someone my age."
"Same here," Kael replied. "Strange, isn't it? We went all out against each other... but now, I feel like I understand you more."
"Because we measured each other's strength. That's the best way to get to know someone," Kael said.
A brief silence fell.
Lancer finally spoke again.
"You're a worthy rival, Kael. I look forward to our future."
That moment almost flustered Kael—Lancer's face was so beautiful, he could have been mistaken for a girl. Kael smiled awkwardly.
"I look forward to it too..."
(He's dangerous. Why do I see him like a girl? He's a guy, Kael. Remember, you're still normal!) Kael thought to himself, flustered.
The two laughed softly—not letting go of their rivalry, but now wrapped in mutual respect.
---
Girls' Dormitory – Night
Irelith stood on the second-floor balcony, gazing out at the darkening gardens. Rose brought her a warm drink.
"You look down," Rose said.
"No. Just... strange. Usually, I'm the most ambitious. But today... I just wanted to sit beside Kael and enjoy the moment."
Rose smiled gently.
"Because you like him, Irelith. Not just as your political fiancé. But as Kael."
Irelith bit her lip, then nodded slowly.
"Yes. I'm starting to understand... he's not perfect. But he makes me feel like I'm not alone."
---
Academy Headmaster's Office – Midnight
In a secret chamber, the three top instructors of Aezrith Academy were discussing matters seriously.
"Lancer, Kael, Irelith, and Leon... the four have stood out since day one," said Instructor Elroin.
"But what's most surprising... is Kael's team chemistry. Even in defeat, they stayed united."
"We'll keep an eye on them. The next exam will focus more on tactics and coordination with upper-class students. Ready or not... they'll be thrown into reality."
---
Epilogue of the Day – Kael's Notes
Before bed, Kael opened his notebook and began to write.
Today, I lost. But I also won—won by discovering the meaning of friendship, trust, and feelings that are starting to grow without me realizing.
I don't know what kind of trial is coming next. But one thing's certain... I'm not alone.
And when that time comes... we will win. Not just because we're strong—but because we believe in each other.
The Next Day – Late Afternoon
The sun was starting to dim. In the sky, shades of orange and purple blended, creating a warm yet calm atmosphere. In the academy's main courtyard, students gathered on stone benches, the damp green grass soft beneath their feet.
Casual chatter spread—about duels, losses, victories, and... a bit of teasing.
---
Academy Garden – After Light Training
Leinhardt twirled a wooden staff in his hand, pretending to be a hero.
"If it wasn't for that twisted ankle, I swear I could've taken on Lancer one-on-one."
"Oh yeah? Then why did you trip over a tree root, huh?" Rose cut in, arms crossed.
Perona chuckled.
"Even I, while injured, helped you back up, Leinhardt. What excuse now?"
"My talent's just too heavy. Gravity pulled me down first," Leinhardt replied.
Laughter erupted.
---
Academy Hallway – Irelith and Yurei
Not far from the garden, Irelith walked down a hallway toward the library. At the corner, she bumped into Yurei, one of Leon's teammates.
"Irelith," Yurei greeted, stopping.
"Yurei," she replied, slightly surprised.
They were quiet for a moment before Yurei said,
"You're strong. Even Leon admits it."
"That's nothing compared to Lancer," Irelith replied flatly.
"Lancer... isn't normal. He's too strong. Even the king considers him a hope for the kingdom. But I think... you carry a burden no one else does."
Irelith looked at him for a second, then smiled faintly.
"Maybe. But I also have someone I don't want to lose."
"Kael?"
"Yeah."
At that moment, the two continued their talk about the upcoming exams and agreed to study together occasionally, sharing knowledge on advanced magic.
---
Cafeteria Back Room – Leaked Gossip
In a corner of the cafeteria, two upperclassmen were chatting while eavesdropping on some rumors.
"I heard... that kid Lancer was invited to join the elite class, but he refused."
"No way. Why?"
"They say he's only interested in one thing—defeating Kael."
"Crazy. But if he's that focused... then that Kael kid must really be a threat."
"Didn't Lancer already beat Kael in the last exam?"
"Only because Kael let his guard down," someone at a nearby table replied.
"Besides, if Lancer's teammate hadn't activated the pillar... Kael might not have lost at all."
---
Break Room – Team Lancer
In one of the resting rooms, Lancer sat with Lints, Yuki, and Taylor. This time, they weren't talking about strategies or duels—but food.
"I still don't get why none of the food here is spicy," Taylor complained.
"Because we're not on a battlefield," Lints answered calmly.
Yuki folded her arms and yawned.
"But one thing's clear—we all know which team gave us the most trouble during the last exam."
"Kael's team," Lancer answered without hesitation. "They weren't just solid... they knew how to use teamwork. If Iruma hadn't activated the pillar, it would've been much harder."
Iruma chimed in, "They just underestimated me. They didn't really pay attention to what I was doing."
Yuki and Taylor replied at the same time, loud and in sync:
"It wasn't them underestimating you! Your presence is just too thin! We didn't even notice you were right next to us!"
Lints nodded slightly.
"That's what made us dangerous in the last exam."
---
Open Field – An Unexpected Meeting
In the back field, Leon was training alone, ice magic covering his hands. He was sweating, his expression serious.
Kael approached silently.
"No rest yet? The next exam's still two months away."
Leon stopped.
"That defeat... doesn't sit well with me."
Kael walked beside him.
"I know. But defeat... leaves room to grow."
Leon glanced sideways.
"You're good at saying stuff like that."
"Because I've lost a lot before."
Leon chuckled—his first since the exam.
"We'll meet again in the next exam, Kael."
"You can count on it," Kael replied firmly.
---
Girls' Dormitory – Night
In the dorm room, Rose, Perona, and Irelith gathered, sipping warm tea.
"So… when are you and Kael getting married?" Rose suddenly asked.
"WHAT?!" Irelith nearly choked.
Perona burst out laughing.
"Come on, you're already engaged, romantic, and obviously care about each other. Just waiting for the flower ceremony now."
"There is no ceremony!" Irelith protested, cheeks flushed. "At least... not yet."
---
Secret Scene – Northern Ice Hill
While laughter and peace filled Aezrith Academy, far from the city center, snow continued to fall endlessly.
Atop the Northern Ice Hill, two figures stood facing each other amidst a snowstorm.
One wore a long black cloak with the Rynthier family emblem on the chest—Lilia, Kael's personal maid and shadow guardian.
Her opponent was a mysterious man with white hair, his face partially hidden by a magical mask.
The wind roared with snow and ice, but they stood firm.
"The young master predicted you'd come here. So don't think you can escape him. He's not someone you should underestimate," Lilia said coldly.
"Is he ready to face what's truly happening in this world? And do you know why he sent you after me? Because he knows what he'll face if I get away," the masked man replied.
"This is troublesome. A barbarian like you chasing me this far. Otherwise... I would've already killed your young master."
"If you lay a finger on him... I'll destroy you. With these hands."
The man smirked.
"Interesting... Let's see how deep your loyalty to him really runs."
At that moment, black and white magic lights burst forth—and the battle erupted—splitting the night and opening the next chapter of an even greater story...