One Month Before the Academy Competition
The training grounds of Serenwyn Magic Academy thrummed with energy. In the crisp morning air, the scent of damp earth mixed with a sharp hint of burnt ozone as students practised spells and honed their combat techniques.
With the Academy Ranking Tournament approaching, ambition burned hot. For many, this competition was more than just a title—the top twenty students would earn a coveted chance to enter the Dimensional Rift, a place steeped in ancient power and overflowing with high-density mana.
But for Ronan, excitement was far from his mind.
Nearly four months had passed since the ambush on Felix's team. The Guild and the Academy had initially proposed a joint investigation, but the Luminal Covenant rejected the offer outright. Mr. Felix wasn't just an instructor—he was one of their own.
"We will punish those who dare to attack the Luminal Covenant," their representatives had declared.
The Guild and Academy had little choice but to concede. The Covenant's power was simply too great. Some called their stance arrogant, but none could deny their authority. In the end, the investigation was left entirely in their hands.
Afternoon - Mr. Felix's Office
A soft knock broke the silence. Mr. Felix looked up from his desk, nodding to Roderick before calling, "Enter."
A masked man stepped in. Cloaked in darkness, his presence exuded silent authority. Without a word, he placed a sealed letter on Mr. Felix's desk.
"I will take my leave," he said, voice low and emotionless. Then he turned and vanished, closing the door behind him.
Samantha, watching from near the bookshelf, narrowed her eyes. "Was that a Shadow Force agent?"
Mr. Felix broke the seal and scanned the letter. "Yes," he replied grimly.
As he read, his expression tightened. A long silence filled the room before he finally looked up at Roderick and his team.
"The attackers from Whispering Woods..." he began, his voice carefully measured, "...have been eliminated by the Luminal Covenant."
Roderick stiffened. "They found them?"
Felix nodded. "They were part of an organisation obsessed with magical experimentation. Those strange crops we found were just one part of it. And the man we fought... the one whose power I couldn't gauge..." He tapped the letter, letting out a mirthless chuckle. "He was a Master Tier Nine magic user."
The room fell into stunned silence.
Lyra gasped. "Master nine? We barely survived that fight. If he had gone all out…"
Roderick clenched his fists. They all understood. That fight could've been their last.
"The Covenant tracked down every part of their network and dismantled it," Felix continued. "Whatever they were planning is over."
He placed the letter on the desk and sighed. "The same report has been sent to the Guild and Academy."
Roderick nodded. "Understood. We'll take our leave."
As they exited, Lyra blew out a breath. "Damn. That was a lot to take in."
Trying to lighten the mood, she nudged Samantha. "Want to go shopping? I need to pick up my armour. We can grab food after."
Samantha gave a small smile but shook her head. "Not today. I need time to think."
Lyra didn't press her. "Alright. Just don't shut yourself away."
They parted ways, each lost in thought.
Sunset Reflections
West of the academy, a mountain overlooked the land in solemn silence. Samantha often came here when the weight of the world grew too much. Today, something had pulled her back.
She walked the familiar path, conjuring a gentle glow in her palm. It flickered like a hesitant thought.
"Why are humans so ruthless?" she murmured bitterly. "Is power really worth so much blood?"
Memories surged—the masked man and his lifeless puppets. Anger and sorrow churned within her. She clenched her fist, snuffing the light.
As she neared the cliff, she paused. Someone was already there.
Ronan.
She instinctively stepped back, behind the rock wall. A small fire orb floated around him as he meditated, shadows dancing across his face.
Then he moved.
Flames burst into his palms as he launched into combat practice. Every strike was sharp, each motion fueled by precision and determination. Sweat glistened on his brow, his breathing growing heavier.
Eventually, he dropped to one knee, panting.
He glanced at the empty water bottles lined beside him. "Need to bring more next time," he muttered.
A bottle appeared before him.
"Here. Take this one," said a familiar voice.
Startled, Ronan looked up. Samantha stood there, her gaze calm.
"When did you get here?" he asked.
"Just now. Want to keep training?"
Ronan shook his head. "Nah. Here to watch the sunset?"
He shifted, making room. She sat beside him.
They watched the sun dip below the horizon.
Ronan glanced at her. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," she replied.
He took her hand gently. "Aren't I your little brother? You can talk to me."
She chuckled. "You're too young to understand."
"You're in your mid-twenties. Not eighty."
She flicked his forehead. "Don't mention a lady's age."
He grinned. "Then tell me."
She hesitated, then spoke. "What is the point of power? Is it for fame? For a legacy? Or for protection?" Her voice dropped. "We keep striving, but we hurt even our own."
Ronan grew serious. "Still thinking about that puppet master, huh?"
She flinched.
Ronan stood, placing a hand on her head. "You sound like a kid."
She blinked.
He turned to the sky. "Everyone has a different reason. Some seek glory. Some want to survive. Me? I want to protect what I love."
He continued, voice steady. "Without power, we can't protect anything. There's no absolute right or wrong. Just perspective. If you want to stop the bad guys, get strong enough to do it."
Samantha listened quietly.
He smiled. "Maybe someday you'll really be our little Goddess of Light."
He flicked her forehead and held out his hand.
"Sun's down. Let's go."
She took it. "Hmm. Let's go."
As they walked, she asked, "How's training for the competition?"
"Top ten? Maybe fifteen?" he replied.
She laughed. "Good enough. Don't push too hard."
"Yeah, yeah."
Together, they vanished into the night, their burdens a little lighter.