Sunday began without any loud noises or pressing matters.
Garry, for the first time since joining the academy, slept as long as his body needed. He didn't wake up slightly before dawn, didn't go through spells in his mind, and didn't have any stress. When he finally woke up, sunlight had already spread across the stone floor. It was warm and made the dust in the air visible.
He stayed still for a bit, listening to how quiet it was.
...That felt good.
After eating breakfast, he went back to his room and found Acarme sitting on his bed with his eyes closed, back straight, and breathing slowly. Mana was flowing around him in a subtle way that Garry had learned to notice: a light feeling in the air, a sense of movement without anything actually moving.
Hey, Garry said as he tightened his boots. Come train with me today.
Acarme didn't open his eyes. Train with you?
Yeah, Garry said, unable to hide his excitement. I've got some new moves. I figured I'd show them off.
One eye opened.
...New moves.
Garry nodded confidently. You'll see.
Acarme got up, stretching his arms and shoulders. Okay then. If you want me to beat you so badly, let's go.
They went to the first-year training area, a big, open space with strong ground and low stone walls. Even on a day off, it was busy. Some students were training by themselves, repeating the same actions over and over. Others were fighting each other, laughing between hits. The sound of magic hitting stone was always there.
They found a quiet spot near the edge.
They both warmed up without talking, stretching their legs, rolling their shoulders, and loosening their wrists. Garry felt good, rested, and sure of himself in a way he hadn't since arriving at the academy.
Alright, he said, stretching his arms up until his back popped softly. I'll show you something cool now.
Acarme smiled a little. We'll see about that.
Come at me when you're ready, Acarme said, getting into a relaxed position.
Garry didn't wait.
He ran forward, putting one hand on the ground as he moved. The earth slowly responded, rising up suddenly and unevenly under Acarme's feet.
Acarme's eyes got wider for a moment.
Then he smiled.
With a quick flick of his hand, a gust of wind hit Garry on the side. It threw him off balance, stopping his movement just long enough for Acarme to step in and punch him in the shoulder.
Haha, Acarme said. Still a newbie.
Garry stumbled back, laughing anyway. Again.
He charged forward again.
This time, he created a small bump of stone near his own feet, making it obvious. Acarme saw it right away and sent another gust of wind—
—but Garry didn't step on it.
Instead, he lowered himself, letting the wind pass over him. Then he jumped forward and threw a strong punch.
Acarme twisted out of the way at the last second, feeling the punch brush his sleeve.
Oh man, Garry said, grinning. I thought I had you that time.
You almost did, Acarme said.
His face became more serious.
I guess I need to try harder.
This time, Acarme moved like the wind.
He didn't just dodge, he seemed to slip around, appearing in front of Garry one moment and behind him the next. Garry tried to follow him, but the distance kept changing.
Suddenly, Acarme kicked Garry's left leg out from under him.
He fell hard, losing his breath.
Acarme offered a hand. Why don't you try using a weapon?
Garry took his hand and stood up, brushing dirt off his clothes. I was thinking the same thing.
Then he stopped, still watching Acarme's movements. By the way... how were you doing that?
Doing what?
Moving like that, Garry said, amazed. You were in front of me, and then suddenly you weren't.
Acarme shrugged. Wind.
Still crazy.
There's also a secret, Acarme added with a smile.
Garry narrowed his eyes. Tell me.
No.
Garry laughed. Fine. I'll make my own killer move.
Killer move, huh, Acarme said. Call it whatever you want.
They went to the weapon selection room.
The weapon room felt different when Garry walked in.
It was quieter than the training area, but not empty. The air smelled like metal mixed with something old, residual magic that stayed on the stone and steel after years of use. Light came in through small, high windows, shining on polished blades and making the worn weapons look even older.
Rows of racks lined the walls, filled with all kinds of weapons.
Swords of every length and weight. Spears made with dark wood. Heavy maces, thin rapiers, practice swords, and strange weapons that Garry didn't recognize. Some looked new, others looked like they had been used many times.
Garry took a slow step forward.
...There are a lot, he said.
Acarme leaned against the wall casually.
Well? What do you think suits me? Garry asked, already knowing the answer.
Acarme shrugged. You'll know when you touch it.
Garry nodded and went to the racks. I'll take a sword, he said. I practiced back in my village. A friend's uncle taught us—he worked as a guard.
Before he could grab a sword—
Something moved.
A small black owl landed silently between Garry and the weapons. Its feathers were smooth and still, and its eyes were like stone.
Garry jumped back. Woah, what is that?
Acarme laughed, bending over slightly. That's the one who gives out weapons.
You could've told me! Garry said, his heart racing.
If I told you, Acarme said, still laughing, this wouldn't have been funny.
The owl tilted its head, making sharp, precise movements.
State your reason.
I'm here to choose a weapon, Garry said, feeling small in the room.
Identification.
Garry raised his palm.
The owl hopped forward and brushed its feathers against the mark. A small pulse of mana passed between them.
Approved, the owl said. Choose what suits you.
Without another word, it flew away through an open window, disappearing into the light.
That thing is creepy, Garry said, rubbing his palm.
Acarme grinned. You get used to it.
Garry turned back to the racks.
One sword caught his eye.
It wasn't fancy. The blade was straight, and the handle was smooth from being held so much. Not too long, not too short—just right. When he picked it up, it felt like it belonged there.
I think this one, Garry said.
Acarme nodded. Looks like you.
As they left the room, Garry felt confident again, holding the sword at his side.
Now, he said with a grin, I'll show you who's boss.
They bumped into someone at the door.
Sorry, sorry, Garry and Acarme said at the same time.
Wait.
A girl with red hair stood there.
Garry blinked.
Isn't she...?
He remembered her from his first class. He had barely looked at her then.
Acarme smiled. Can we help you?
The girl didn't speak.
She walked past Acarme and stopped in front of Garry.
Before he could react, she took his hand.
Her fingers were cool.
She put a folded pink cloth into his hand and then ran away without looking back.
Garry stood there, shocked.
Acarme stared at him.
Slowly, he smiled.
What? Garry said, his face turning red. I don't even know her name.
Really? Acarme said, sounding amused.
The rest of the day went by easily.
They trained some more. They went to the market. They ate well. They laughed.
When Garry returned to his room that night, he was still excited from earlier.
He headed to the bathroom.
As he turned the corner, he heard laughter, carefree.
...Did you see his face?
...He didn't even say anything.
...So easy.
Garry stopped.
The voices came from a group of girls standing by the wall.
The red-haired girl was among them.
Garry didn't move.
He didn't get closer, and he didn't leave.
He started to understand, and it felt heavy.
It wasn't kindness.
It wasn't romance.
It was a joke.
He gripped the cloth in his pocket.
After a moment, he finished quietly and went back to his room without a word.
He sat on his bed, practiced controlling mana, and let the rhythm calm him.
He fell asleep late that night.