The sun dipped low over Serenwyn Magic Academy as Ronan stepped off Leon's magical ship. The sleek vessel shimmered with a golden glow as it hovered just above the ground, then shrank and disappeared into Leon's ring with a soft hum. Leon smirked, lowering his hand.
"Thanks for the ride," Ronan said with a grateful nod.
"Don't mention it," Leon replied casually.
With farewells exchanged, Sylphie, Garrick, Darius, and Ronan headed toward their dormitories. Orin, Aria, and Leon walked in the opposite direction. The academy grounds were lively with students catching up after recent adventures. The soft breeze carried the chatter and laughter of their peers.
On the way, Aria's eyes flicked toward Amelia, who remained unusually silent. Her steps were hurried, and her expression tense.
"Amelia," Aria started, her voice low. "You should stop entangling yourself in unnecessary problems. Being on the wrong side won't do you any good."
Amelia's fists clenched at her sides. She bit her lip, the bitter memory of her humiliation on the battlefield still fresh.
"Forget how he humiliated me in front of everyone?" she snapped. "That's easy for you to say."
Aria's expression softened, but her tone remained firm. "That's not what I meant. Even I'd love to put him in his place, but you were in the wrong. You underestimated him. We can't justify our actions when we're not standing on the right side."
Amelia's glare faltered. After a moment, she sighed, her anger giving way to reluctant acknowledgement.
"You're right," she murmured. "Next time, I won't underestimate my opponent."
The next morning, the training ground was eerily empty. The rising sun cast a warm glow on the stone floor. Mr. Alden, tall and commanding, stood in the centre with his arms crossed. The usual chatter of students was absent.
Ronan approached, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"Good morning, Sir." He glanced around. "Why is no one else here?"
Mr. Alden's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Good morning, Ronan. I've given the others a break. Today, it's just you and me."
Ronan's muscles tensed slightly. The anticipation of a spar with his mentor sent adrenaline surging through him.
"Take your position," Mr. Alden instructed, his voice carrying both authority and pride. "Let's see how far your training has come."
Ronan nodded, immediately dropping into a defensive stance. The air around them crackled as their mana stirred.
With a devilish grin, Mr. Alden charged forward, his fist shrouded in swirling water mana. Ronan countered, his hands igniting with fierce flames. When their attacks collided, a burst of steam hissed into the air. The ground beneath them quivered from the impact.
"Faster, Ronan!" Mr. Alden barked, seamlessly dodging Ronan's next strike. "Your form is solid, but you're still holding back. Commit to your attacks!"
Sweat dripped down Ronan's brow as he adjusted his footing, responding to his teacher's words. Each exchange was faster, fiercer. His muscles burned, but he refused to slow down.
"Good!" Mr. Alden praised. "But you're predictable. Adapt!"
Ronan took a sharp breath, the crimson flames on his hands intensifying. He launched a Flare Burst, the explosive fireball roaring toward Mr. Alden. With practised ease, Mr. Alden summoned a Water Shield. The clash of elements created another wave of searing steam.
The mist thickened, obscuring the battlefield. Ronan used it to his advantage. Channelling his mana, he masked his presence, his footsteps silent.
"Impressive," Mr. Alden muttered, his voice tinged with amusement. "But you'll need more than that."
As the mist swirled, Ronan struck from the shadows, his Flame Fist aiming for Mr. Alden's side. But Mr. Alden, with the instincts of a seasoned warrior, twisted away, countering with a water-infused palm strike. The force sent Ronan skidding backwards.
"Don't get careless," Mr. Alden warned. "Again."
Determined, Ronan activated Void Overdrive. His form flickered, vanishing just as a torrent of water surged toward him. Reappearing behind Mr. Alden, Ronan unleashed a Firestorm Barrage—a relentless rain of molten fireballs.
But Mr. Alden was unfazed.
"Tsunami!"
The ground rumbled as a colossal wave surged from beneath him, crashing into the firestorm. The collision birthed a wall of scalding mist. Ronan, undeterred, formed three Clones. The four identical figures encircled Mr. Alden.
"Smart," Mr. Alden acknowledged. "Phantom Clones. Even my Keen Eye can't distinguish them."
Above, the sky roiled as Ronan summoned a final barrage of Flare Bursts. Mr. Alden responded with a summoning of his own. A massive sea serpent coiled around him, its translucent body shimmering with water mana.
Ronan's eyes widened. "What the hell is that?"
Mr. Alden's voice boomed, "Never lose focus!"
A massive blue magic circle appeared above. With a wave of his hand, countless water spears formed and rained down. Ronan twisted and dodged, but his Void Overdrive suddenly sputtered. His speed plummeted.
"Damn it!" Ronan cursed, summoning a Molten Shield. But the sheer force of the water spears shattered it, sending him crashing into the wall with a painful thud.
When the dust settled, Mr. Alden approached, offering a hand. "You must not rely on Void Overdrive too much," he advised. "It's a powerful skill; use this skill as a last resort."
Ronan, gasping for breath, nodded. "Understood."
Mr. Alden's smile was filled with pride. "You've made remarkable progress. Keep honing your skills, and one day, you'll surpass even me."
Ronan's chest swelled with determination. "Thank you, sir."
With that, Mr. Alden handed him a potion. "Heal up. You'll need it."
Ronan accepted it, the warmth of his mentor's approval lingering as he sat beneath a nearby tree to meditate, the weight of the battle already fueling his resolve to grow stronger.