The sun barely rose above the academy walls when students of Class 3A were called to the training grounds.
Rows of trainees stood in silence, each with a basic uniform and minimal gear — except for the rich ones, whose equipment gleamed like polished steel.
Aethera stood at the end of the line, arms folded, eyes steady.
Rio was beside him, yawning loudly. "Man, they couldn't even let us sleep in on the first day…"
Aethera didn't respond.
Before Rio could speak again, footsteps echoed. Instructor Kael Varin walked to the center of the training field.
"The academy is not responsible for injuries. If you cannot stand, you do not belong here."
Kael gestured toward the arena.
"First test — a one-on-one spar. Real weapons. Real injuries. Do not hold back."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Kael's eyes scanned the line. "Rio Kellan, step forward. You'll fight… Kaira Solari."
The class fell silent.
Even Rio blinked in disbelief. "Wait— her?!"
From the front, a tall, confident girl with silver hair and flawless features walked forward. Her boots clicked against the stone. Her eyes didn't even glance at Rio.
She formed a glowing magic shield around herself with a wave of her hand. The rich elite — a naturally powered hunter.
Kael gave the signal.
"Begin."
Rio dashed forward, using a burst rune under his feet. His blade clashed with her shield — and bounced off like a toy hitting a wall.
Kaira didn't move.
"Cute," she muttered.
With a flick of her hand, a concussive magic wave blasted Rio backward. He skidded across the ground and coughed, groaning.
Kael raised a hand. "Match over. Kaira wins."
The students whispered. Kaira turned away like it was beneath her.
Aethera narrowed his eyes.
Later, Kael called out again. "Aethera Luminari. Step forward."
A few students chuckled.
"Who's that?"
"The powerless guy?"
"He's going to die."
Aethera ignored them and stepped into the circle.
His opponent was a large, muscular boy who smirked. "Don't take it personally."
The bell rang.
The boy charged, swinging a giant club. Aethera barely dodged, feeling the wind rush past his cheek.
Another swing. Aethera rolled to the side.
On the third swing, something happened.
Time slowed.
The world muted. Aethera's eyes glowed faintly — just for a second.
He stepped forward and tapped the boy's wrist at the perfect angle.
The club flew out of the boy's hand and crashed into the ground.
Aethera's foot stopped just short of the boy's chest.
Silence.
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly. "Match over. Aethera wins."
Gasps.
Even Kaira looked up, surprised.
But Aethera's glow had faded.
He said nothing and walked back to the line.
Far above, hidden behind a tower, a shadow watched him.
It spoke in a voice only the wind could hear.
"Found you Aethera"
May be you are just trainee.
Who is that shadow and what following Aethera?
To Be continued....