For the next few days, Ronan focused entirely on strengthening his soul power. His days were filled with intense meditation and training, his resolve unwavering. At the same time, the Flamecrest family competition loomed ever closer—a prestigious event that many aspiring flame users eagerly anticipated.
Lyra approached Samantha with a concerned look.
"Did you ask Ronan?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity. "If he wanted to participate? The reward is perfect for flame users. He shouldn't miss such an opportunity."
Samantha gave a small nod, her expression calm. "Yes, I asked him. He said he didn't want to participate."
Lyra frowned, frustration flickering across her face. "Why? That's ridiculous! He's going to miss a great opportunity."
A familiar voice from behind them chimed in with a sardonic tone.
"I thought you didn't want Ronan to participate in the competition."
Lyra turned swiftly, recognising Kael's presence. His piercing gaze held an accusing glint.
"Kael? What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded, her voice firm.
Kael's lips curled into a mocking smile. "What, you don't know? Didn't you order Oliver to warn Ronan to stop hanging around Elenor?"
Lyra's eyes widened in shock. "What? I never said anything like that!"
Kael's gaze remained unwavering. Though his anger was palpable, he remained composed. "I sincerely hope it has nothing to do with you."
Lyra instinctively turned toward Samantha, searching for confirmation. But Samantha shook her head, her voice calm but resolute.
"Don't look at me like that. I have no idea what happened."
Before Lyra could respond, a cheerful voice interrupted the tension.
"Good morning, everyone!"
Selena approached with a bright smile, though it quickly faded as she noticed the heavy atmosphere.
"Did I interrupt something? You all look so serious."
Kael crossed his arms. "Perfect timing, Selena. You can answer better than any of us."
Selena blinked, confused. "Answer what?"
Lyra turned to her. "What exactly happened between Ronan and Oliver?"
Selena's face darkened slightly. "Samantha, did Ronan tell you anything about it?"
Samantha shook her head. "No, he didn't mention anything."
With a sigh, Selena explained. "Oliver warned Ronan to stay away from Elenor, and they ended up arguing. Things almost escalated, but Orin intervened. Before leaving, Oliver claimed he was acting on your orders, Lyra."
Lyra's hands clenched into fists, disbelief evident in her eyes.
Selena continued, "When I tried to clear the misunderstanding, Ronan simply said he had no interest in Flamecrest family politics. He even defended you, saying you didn't seem like the kind of person to give such an order."
Kael's voice was laced with restrained bitterness. "Maybe it's for the best that he doesn't get involved with the Flamecrest family. He won't owe us anything."
Lyra opened her mouth to protest, but Kael cut her off.
"Anyway, he's not coming to the competition."
"Then where is he?" Lyra asked.
Samantha answered, "Yesterday, Ronan left for the Ruins of Aerion."
Kael nodded. "Darius and Garrick needed a specific monster's core. Ronan was accompanying them."
Far from the academy, Ronan, Sylphie, Darius, and Garrick made their way through the dense forest that surrounded the Ruins of Aerion. The towering trees loomed above them, their ancient branches whispering with the wind.
Sylphie spoke, her tone light. "We're about thirty kilometres from the ruins."
Ronan made a quick hand gesture. "I'll share my perception skills with you all."
A subtle wave of mana spread from Ronan, and within moments, Darius's eyes widened in awe.
"Wow," Darius exclaimed. "It's more powerful than before."
Ronan nodded. "I've upgraded my Keen Eye skill. Now I can see around thirty-five meters ahead, and those I share it with can see up to twenty meters."
Garrick grumbled playfully. "Now I regret not learning this skill."
Ronan chuckled. "To upgrade it further, I'll need to venture into the Corrupted Zones in the Dimensional Rift. But until I reach the Master's level, it's not an option. And even then, there's no guarantee I'll succeed."
Darius nodded in understanding. "High risk, high reward."
"Exactly," Ronan replied. "But the mana consumption has reduced, so that's a plus."
They continued their journey, carefully concealing their mana presence. The air was tense, thick with the distant hum of latent magical energy.
Suddenly, Ronan stopped, raising a hand.
"Wait," he whispered. "There's something ahead."
He expanded his vision further, and his brows furrowed.
"Aria, Amelia, Orin, and Leon," he said. "They're fighting monsters, but Aria and Leon are badly hurt."
Sylphie's eyes flashed with concern. "We should help them!"
Ronan grasped her wrist, his expression stern.
"Not yet," he cautioned. "There are three men concealing their mana and observing the fight."
Darius's jaw tightened. "Bandits or Assassins?"
"No idea," Ronan said. "Let's move closer, silently. Be ready to act."
They advanced without making a sound, the forest offering its shadows as cover. As Aria and the others slew the last of the monsters, their exhaustion was evident. Leon barely had the strength to remain standing.
Suddenly, several knives shot through the air with deadly speed. Leon and Aria, though aware, were too weak to defend themselves. In a desperate attempt, they shielded Orin and Amelia with their bodies.
But before the knives could strike, thick vines erupted from the ground, forming a protective dome. The blades embedded themselves into the vines, unable to penetrate further.
"Sylphie," Aria murmured, recognising the magic. A gentle warmth washed over her, healing her wounds.