The grand library of Serenwyn Magic Academy exuded an air of wisdom and mystery, its towering bookshelves brimming with tomes of knowledge accumulated over centuries.
As Ronan stepped inside, the scent of old parchment and ink filled his senses, momentarily grounding him in the stillness of the vast hall.
He had originally planned to seek out Ms. Amara, but a sudden urge to delve into the secrets of Strange Flames led him here instead.
An elderly librarian, a familiar figure with a warm, knowing gaze, looked up from his desk and smiled. "Ah, Ronan, long time no see. How have you been? What do you wish to learn today?"
Ronan returned the greeting with a respectful nod. Good afternoon, Sir. I'm well, though exhausted from physical training. I want to learn about Strange Flames."
The librarian's brows lifted slightly before he nodded. "Strange Flames... a rare and peculiar phenomenon. Did you find anything? Then it's best to inform academic authorities. Those are very dangerous."
Ronan shook his hands, "No, I just want to learn about it."
The librarian replies, "That's also good. Wait here a moment."
Ronan thought "that I'd better not mention it until I have a better understanding of what the Silver Flame is."
After a short while, the librarian returned, carrying a heavy leather-bound book with golden engravings. "This book contains knowledge about Strange Flames," he said as he handed it over.
Ronan took the book and settled into a reading chair. As he flipped through the ancient pages, his heart pounded when he found the section detailing Silver Flames.
Unlike beast flames, these enigmatic fires could not be absorbed into one's mana core. Instead, they coexisted with the user's natural flame, altering its properties in unpredictable ways.
His mind flashed back to that day, the moment the eerie silver flame had merged into his core. He clenched his fists, feeling a subtle yet ever-present shift in his mana since then.
Closing the book, Ronan exhaled deeply. There was still much to uncover, but now was not the time. After thanking the librarian and returning the tome, he immediately made his way to Ms. Amara's training ground.
At the training ground, the rhythmic sounds of crackling flames and rushing wind filled the air as students practised their magic. Usually, Elenor was the most disciplined among them, her fiery spirit unwavering. But today, she seemed restless, her movements lacking their usual precision.
Ms. Amara, sharp-eyed as ever, took notice. "Elenor, you're distracted. Is something wrong?"
Elenor huffed in frustration, crossing her arms. "Yesterday, Ronan and Tavin returned from their training, but Ronan didn't come to see me! I'm mad! When I see him next, I'll punch him in the face!"
Ms. Amara's eyes glinted mischievously, and she clenched her fists. "Oh? Ronan has returned, has he? Good. Good."
Serena, observing the scene with curiosity, muttered under her breath, "Is she angry for some reason?"
Just then, Ronan entered the training ground, his eyes scanning the area before landing on Elenor. "Hey, Elenor—"
Before he could finish, her fist connected with his face, sending him flying. "Agh! Not the face again!"
Ms. Amara crossed her arms, feigning nonchalance. "Our prince finally has time for us, hm? I thought he had forgotten we existed. Hmph!"
Serena's eyes widened at their reactions. "What's with them? Elenor talks to him like a sibling, and Ms. Amara speaks as though she's his kin. What exactly is Ronan's relationship with them?"
Elenor stomped over and grabbed Ronan by the ear, tugging mercilessly. "I'm angry you didn't come see me! Hmph!"
Ronan winced, flailing to free himself. "Ow, ow! Sorry, sorry! It won't happen again! And I have a gift for you!"
Elenor, still twisting his ear, narrowed her eyes. "What is it? And I don't want it."
"First, release me!"
"No!"
"Alright, alright! Here!" Ronan pulled out a shimmering flame orb, its flickering glow mesmerising.
Elenor gasped and let go, eyes locked on the orb. Ms. Amara stepped forward, her expression turning serious. "This is a rank-three Tailed Fox Flame."
Elenor turned to Ronan in disbelief. "Is this for me?"
Serena's mind raced. "Is he really going to give away such a rare flame without expecting anything in return?"
Ronan ruffled Elenor's hair with a gentle smile. "Yes, it's for you."
Elenor looked to Ms. Amara, seeking reassurance. The teacher nodded. "He's giving it to you, so accept it."
With a beaming smile, Elenor took the orb. "Thank you, Ronan!"
Ronan chuckled before turning to Ms. Amara. "My fire control has increased."
Ms. Amara asked, "Then show me." She pointed at a training dummy and said, "That's your target, attack with your flame magic and leave a lethal wound."
Ronan stepped forward, raising a hand towards a training dummy. Concentrating his fire mana, he formed a small fireball at his fingertip. As he intensified it, the air around the flame distorted, boiling visibly. With a swift motion, he fired it. The fireball shot forward, leaving behind a spiralling smoke ring before piercing through the dummy cleanly.
Elenor and Serena rushed to examine the damage, their eyes wide with awe.
Ms. Amara was surprised, "Good, good. Your fire control has increased as well."
Ronan nodded, absorbing her words. After a few more discussions, Ms. Amara finally declared, "That's enough training for today. We'll continue tomorrow."
Before he left, she asked, "You're coming tomorrow, right?"
Ronan grinned. "Yes, yes! I'll definitely come!"
With that, they all made their way back to their dormitories, ending the day with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for what lay ahead.