The classroom fell into a tense silence as Nami and Chizuru's names appeared on the large floating screen above the training ground.They were the first pair to face the Trial of Harmony.
"W–wait, us?!" Nami stammered, eyes wide.Chizuru swallowed hard, clutching her chest. "We're... the first ones?"
Ryujin and the rest of their group looked equally shocked. But instead of panic, Kai leaned forward, giving a grin."Hey, relax. You two got this," he said confidently. "Just don't lose your mind. Focus on your magic, and everything will flow."
Ryujin stepped up beside Nami, lowering his voice so only she could hear."You're strong, Nami. You can do this easily. I trust you," he said with a calm smile. "Win this — and we'll hit your favorite matcha shop after school."
Her eyes lit up instantly. "Really?! Matcha?! Then I have to win!" she said, pumping her fists.
The group laughed, and the tension faded slightly as both girls walked toward the starting line.
Mr. Yamada stepped forward, hands behind his back. His voice echoed through the wide arena, amplified by reikon energy."May fortune favor the determined. The Trial of Harmony begins... now."
He raised his hand, and a magical gun formed out of lightning."Three... two... one... Go!"
Both girls sprinted forward the moment the gun fired. The crowd of students cheered as the two blurred through the first stage — climbing walls, dodging rotating pillars, sliding under burning hoops.Their coordination was seamless.
"They're fast," Brod muttered, eyes wide."Yeah," Kai said, grinning. "Guess all that early morning training pays off."
As they ran, Nami's thoughts were sharp and focused.We trained for this. We can't lose. We're not weak.Her dark aura shimmered faintly around her hands as she vaulted over the final wall.
Both of them cleared the first stage in just 45 seconds.
Now came the real challenge — the second level.
Two glowing circles appeared on opposite sides of the arena. A glowing orb floated in front of each.One orb needed to be infused with pure magic, the other with focused energy — both had to synchronize perfectly to unlock the exit gate.
The girls took their positions. Nami closed her eyes and whispered her chant."Dark Magic: Dark Blade!"A blade of condensed shadow appeared in her hand, humming with dark light.
Chizuru focused too, whispering, "Healing Magic: Healer's Rule."Soft green light gathered around her palms, glowing faintly.
As Nami prepared to strike, a flash of memory struck her — her father, Kinosuke Yamada, the Headfather of the Dark Magic Royal House, first in Japan's rankings."You're my pride," his deep voice echoed. "A Yamada never bends, never breaks."
She swung the blade forward toward the orb——but the sword shattered on impact.
"What?! No way!" she gasped.
The group watching from the stands froze.
Yamada-sensei's eyes narrowed, but he didn't intervene. Let's see how she reacts...
Nami clenched her fists, breathing deeply. I promised Ryujin matcha. I'm not losing now."Dark Magic: Dark Blade!" she shouted again, and this time, her aura surged with stronger intensity.She stabbed the glowing sword into the orb — it pulsed violently and accepted the magic.
Meanwhile, on the other end, Chizuru struggled. Every time she tried to stabilize her healing aura, it flickered and vanished.
Her mother's faint memory appeared in her mind — a smile, a lullaby. Then darkness.She clenched her teeth, tears forming. "Why can't I do it?" she whispered, her hands trembling.
Nami looked across the arena and shouted, "Chizuru! You're strong! You made it here for a reason! Remember Kai's words — don't lose your cool!"
Chizuru took a deep breath. I can do this. I'm not weak.She closed her eyes, and her aura burst into a radiant emerald hue."Healing Magic: Healer's Rule!" she chanted again, and this time, her magic flowed like a river into the orb.
Both orbs flared simultaneously — light exploded across the ground.The central gate cracked open, glowing brilliantly.
They sprinted forward, bursting through together — victorious.
As soon as they crossed the line, they hugged each other, both crying and laughing.
Ryujin's group erupted in cheers."Let's gooo!" Kai yelled, punching the air.Ryujin grinned, arms crossed. "Told you you'd do it."He ruffled Nami's hair. "Good job. I was sure you could handle it."Chizuru smiled shyly as the whole group congratulated them.
Mr. Yamada approached, arms folded, expression proud but calm."The time for your trial completion — four minutes, forty-five seconds. A solid performance. Well done."
Both girls bowed respectfully, smiling wide.
"Alright," Yamada continued, "now it's time for the next duo."
He conjured another set of 50 sticks and scattered them into the air. One by one, students picked theirs.
This time, two red sticks were drawn —"Konoha Shido and Gojo Ishikawa," Yamada announced.
Brod leaned toward Kenji. "Oh, it's that yellow-haired baddie."Kenji's grin widened instantly. "Oh, Konoha, huh? This is gonna be fun.""Who's Gojo?" he asked.Brod smirked. "My cousin. He's a wind user — and trust me, he's strong."
Down in the arena, Konoha and Gojo exchanged a knowing smile. Their eyes gleamed with mutual understanding — like they'd already planned something.
"Three... two... one... Go!"
Both sprinted forward — and the crowd gasped.
They blitzed through the first course in just 15 seconds.It was a blur of light and wind — pillars shattered, traps were dodged before they even triggered.
Yamada-sensei raised an eyebrow. "As expected. Light and wind — the perfect pair."
The two reached the second stage in record time. Without hesitation, Gojo raised his hand."Wind Magic: Tornado Ball!"A swirling green orb formed in front of him.
Konoha extended her arm, energy crackling."Light Magic: Thunder Spear!"A spear of radiant gold materialized, humming with divine energy.
They launched both attacks simultaneously. The orb and spear collided with the two magic gates, activating them in perfect sync.The gates blasted open with a burst of light —Trial Completed. Time: Two minutes, five seconds.
The crowd went silent for a moment — then roared in disbelief.
"Two minutes?!" Kai shouted.Ryujin smirked slightly. "Guess the competition's heating up."
Konoha and Gojo walked back to the group, both calm and confident, the light fading from their bodies.Yamada-sensei nodded approvingly."Excellent display of synchronization and control. That's what true harmony looks like."
Ryujin looked at his group, the corner of his mouth lifting into a small smile."Looks like it's our turn soon," he said quietly.The rest nodded, determination flashing in their eyes.
The Trial of Harmony had only just begun —and the storm that would shake the world of nobles was on its way.