When he opened his eyes, Selion found himself in the school infirmary. Sitting beside him was his teacher, looking tired but calm.
Selion's eyes searched his teacher's face, silently asking for answers. The silence didn't last long.
"You possess a very rare ability," the teacher said. "You have great potential, but your mana depletes quickly during combat. If you truly wish to become stronger, you need to learn techniques that consume less mana and constantly work to expand your mana pool."
Selion nodded. He was ready to walk this path.
That same evening, the teacher visited Selion's home. Sitting across from Zenith and Arthur, his expression remained serious.
"Your son's talent is at the level of a prodigy. This school can only take him so far. Once he graduates, I strongly recommend sending him to the Magic Academy in the city. That place is where his true potential can be awakened."
Zenith's hands trembled. Arthur remained silent.
But deep down, both of them knew: Selion's path had already changed. And this path would not be written in mere sparks — it would be etched in lightning.
The teacher took a sip of his tea, locking eyes with Zenith and Arthur.
"I know your family doesn't have many means," he said, gently but firmly. "But perhaps I can help. I have an old friend who's now a professor at the Academy. If I speak to him, he may be able to assist Selion greatly."
Zenith hesitated, then slowly shook her head.
"It's too early for such a decision... we still have three years ahead of us," she said. Arthur agreed.
But the teacher didn't back down. "Sometimes, an opportunity only comes once."
He finished his tea, stood up quietly, and left the house.
The next morning, Selion walked to school with Alice, just like always.
As they approached, an unusual crowd caught their attention. Students were gathered around a large banner pinned to the corner of the school building.
Selion and Alice pushed through the crowd to get a better look. Written in bold letters across the banner was:
"SPRING TOURNAMENT"
Murmurs rose among the first-year students. No one seemed to know exactly what it meant. Suddenly, a shadow passed over them. Looking up, they saw a figure standing atop the school roof.
It was the Student Council President. His sharp uniform fluttered lightly in the breeze, and his voice boomed across the courtyard.
"Hear me, first-years!" he declared. "The Spring Tournament is one of our academy's oldest traditions! It is a chance to test your strength and prove your potential. Those who join will fight not just for prizes, but for honor!"
Selion's heart raced. This was his chance to prove himself, to show his strength. Without hesitation, he ran to his teacher.
"How can I become stronger?" he asked, eyes burning with determination.
The teacher paused, then a familiar spark lit up in his gaze.
"Perhaps the time has come," he said. "There's a special training camp I run for a few carefully selected students. It's not an ordinary camp — it's a journey built for true warriors."
Selion didn't hesitate for a second. "I accept!"
That evening, he told his parents everything. Zenith and Arthur were surprised at first, but when they saw the resolve in his eyes, they agreed.
Selion packed his bag — a few clothes, a notebook, some dried fruits, and a small enchanted bracelet his mother had secretly tucked inside.
The next morning, under the first light of dawn, he walked through the school gates, ready for the training camp.
There was no turning back now.
This was the first great step in Selion's destiny.