The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered gently through his bedroom window, grazing his face and waking him from a restless sleep. Noroko opened his eyes slowly, a heavy weight pressing on his chest as the memories of yesterday's confrontation flooded back. He pulled on his academy uniform and descended the stairs with hesitant steps, the rhythmic clinking of utensils echoing from the kitchen.
Minahoke was busy arranging plates on the table, the sweet aroma of freshly baked cake filling the room. Noroko approached his mother and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm sorry, Mother... I'm sorry for how I acted yesterday. I was just—"
She cut him off with a warm smile. "No need to apologize, my dear son. I know you didn't mean it. Now, sit down. I've made your favorite cake."
As they sat together, a shadow of sadness crossed Minahoke's mind, unspoken. Naza... Noroko... I know you want the truth about your father. But I haven't lost hope that he, or your older brother Shira, might return. Please, give me a little more time. When the moment is right, I will tell you everything.
She poured him tea just as a knock sounded at the door. Noroko stood up, his mouth still half-full. "I'll get it! It must be Nihi."
"Don't forget your books and your lunchbox!" Minahoke called out as he hurried to the door.
He opened the door while tugging on his shoes. "Good morning, Nihi."
"Good morning," she replied briskly. "Hurry up, or we'll be late."
"Alright, alright!" Noroko groaned, closing the door behind him.
As they walked toward the academy, a light breeze ruffled Noroko's hair. Nihi leaned in closer, her voice low. "Tell me the truth... you're still thinking about that new student, Aldo, aren't you?"
Noroko hesitated. "Yes. I feel like there's something behind him—something he doesn't want anyone to know."
Nihi sighed, clasping her hands behind her head. "That's just your usual curiosity. My advice? Leave it to those with authority. Not every secret is ours to uncover."
Noroko offered a thin smile, but his gaze remained distant. "I know... but sometimes I just can't ignore my gut feeling."
Before she could respond, they spotted Mizra walking out of a grocery store with a small bag, his eyes widening with surprise.
"Noroko! You're actually on time!" Mizra laughed. "This must be your doing, Nihi."
Nihi pointed at his bag. "Tell the truth, Mizra—you stopped to buy sweets again, didn't you?"
The trio continued through the bustling city streets until the massive gates of the academy loomed ahead, the golden Mikano emblems shimmering on the walls. There, leaning against the stones, Bringo was waiting.
"You're late, you slackers!" Bringo said, straightening up. "Let's go. We have training on new techniques today."
The Training Grounds
The courtyard was swarming with fifth-year students from both the noble and common classes. The air was thick with the sound of clashing wood, hushed whispers, and the sharp commands of instructors. Today's focus was on advanced Mikano techniques to increase combat efficiency.
The noble students were particularly enthralled by the performance of a boy named Valric Montres. Even Alique was watching. Valric stood in the center of the grounds, his black hair gleaming and his sharp features looking as if they were carved by a master sculptor. He possessed a lethal, calm aura that drew every eye.
"Oh my god..." whispered Carly, a noble student. "Even the way he stands looks like a masterpiece."
Alique raised an eyebrow, feigning indifference. "Hmm... he's fine. Nothing special."
But internally, her heart was racing. Something in his confident smile made her want to scream an admission she wasn't ready to face, yet her pride kept her tongue tied.
Instructor Edward stood before the ranks. "I want every student to show me what you learned yesterday!" his voice boomed, silencing even the birds on the walls.
As Noroko prepared for his turn, the main gates swung open. Headmistress Larin entered with quiet, commanding confidence, followed by her deputy, Kiva.
"I have an important announcement," Larin said, her eyes scanning the crowd. "Next week, we will go on a reconnaissance expedition beyond the kingdom's borders. The goal is to test your skills and qualify you for real field missions."
Kiva stepped forward with a map scroll. "The route will take us through the Neron Forest, south of our beloved kingdom. It will last three days. Prepare yourselves well; this is no picnic. It is survival training in real conditions."
Excitement and nerves rippled through the students. Noroko felt a strange surge of curiosity—as if this journey would open a door to something much larger.
After Hours
When the final bell rang, Noroko began slowly packing his books. A movement in the corner of the classroom caught his eye: Aldo. He was leaving with unusual haste, his shoulders hunched and his eyes scanning the hallway to ensure he wasn't being followed.
Noroko's interest piqued. Where is he going in such a rush? ignoring the voice of caution in his head, he threw his bag over his shoulder and followed. His friends called after him, but he shouted back quickly: "I remembered something important! I have to go, see you later!"
As he moved away from the academy, the atmosphere grew eerily quiet. The wind carried yellow leaves that danced around his feet before drifting toward the distant forest. Shadows stretched across the ground like black arms, and the sky began to wear the veil of sunset.
Aldo's silhouette was fading in the distance, but before Noroko could close the gap, he stopped dead. He heard rapid movement—whispers mixed with low, cruel laughter. Four men emerged from the trees, their faces half-hidden by tattered scarves, their eyes gleaming with greed.
"Ha... isn't this one of those little Mikano Academy brats?" one said in a hoarse voice. "Looks like luck is on our side tonight."
They didn't wait. They moved like wolves circling prey. Noroko took a deep breath and opened his palm. A vortex of air gathered around him.
"[Wind Mikano: Vortex of Annihilation!]" he cried, thrusting his hand forward.
A lethal spiral of wind tore toward the enemies, but these were seasoned bandits. They read his movements with ease. One managed to grab his arm while another landed a heavy blow to his stomach. Noroko fell to his knees, gasping for air. A man loomed over him, raising a rusted sword ignited with Fire Mikano.
The finishing blow was about to fall.
But before the blade could strike, a searing crimson flash cut through the darkness. Tongues of flame exploded from the trees as Aldo appeared, his eyes glowing like burning embers.
"[Fire Mikano: Spears of Flame!]"
Aldo didn't waste words. A whip-like wave of fire coiled around one attacker and slammed him to the ground. He moved with a speed Noroko couldn't follow; flames danced around him, lighting up the terrified faces of the bandits before he cut them down one by one. Within seconds, only glowing embers remained on the dirt, along with the groans of the defeated men.
Aldo approached Noroko slowly, his voice low and as sharp as a dagger.
"What are you doing here? Were you following me?"
"I... I just..." Noroko stammered, his heart hammering against his ribs.
Aldo's eyes flared with intense anger. "If you want to stay alive... stop following me. Or I will be the one to end your life, you brat."
With that, he turned and vanished into the shadows of the forest, leaving behind only the scent of ash and rising smoke.
Noroko stood there, watching the spot where Aldo had disappeared. He knew, deep down, that this was only the beginning.
That day... I realized that whatever Aldo is hiding is far greater than anything I could have imagined.