"No…!!!" Shaun jolted upright, his heart pounding violently against his chest. His eyes snapped open, wide with terror, as if the nightmare still had its claws buried deep within him.
Morning sunlight yet to stream into the small room, to spill it's golden light across thin, worn walls. The shadows of the dream refused to leave. The bedsheet clung damply to his sweat-soaked skin as he gripped it tightly with trembling hands.
"Huff… huff… huff… What… what was that?"
His breath came ragged, his chest heaving. The echoes of screams and the glint of a blood-soaked blade still rang in his mind as vividly as if they had happened only seconds ago. Wiping his sweat-drenched face with the bedsheet, he muttered in a shaky voice,
"Was that… really just a dream? It felt… too real…"
He looked around desperately for reassurance. Relief washed over him as he recognized his own small, familiar room — the cracked wooden floor, the plain walls, the faint scent of smoke from last night's hearth.
And yet, the comfort was hollow. The first rays of dawn crept across the floor like reaching fingers, but they did little to banish the dread that lingered in the air.
"That shadow… those burning eyes… its sword dripping with blood… it was like death itself reached for me." Shaun buried his face in his hands, trembling. "These dreams… no, these visions… they're getting worse."
"Natasha… I couldn't save you…" The fragments of the nightmare replayed relentlessly in his mind — the marketplace in ruins, the bodies, Natasha's lifeless eyes. His voice cracked as tears welled up in his eyes.
A sob escaped him, raw and helpless. His chest tightened as if iron chains were wrapping around his lungs. "What if it isn't just a dream? What if… it's a glimpse of what's coming?"
His fists clenched tightly. His fear burned, but within it smouldered a spark of resolve. He lifted his head, eyes hardening with determination.
"No. I won't let it come true. I will become stronger… stronger than I've ever been. No one will hurt her. I swear."
The silence of the room answered him. Then, a faint sound — the creak of wood. Shaun turned, startled, and noticed a small tuft of brown spikes peeking from behind an old wooden chair. He leaned closer and asked with a touch of amusement, his voice gentler now,
"Hey… Rico? Is that you hiding back there?"
A tiny figure slowly crawled out. A boy of about four years old, clad in a light green yukata and brown shorts. His large brown eyes, filled with worry, gazed at Shaun.

"Big brother… are you okay?" Rico's little voice quivered. "You looked really scared. Rico was… worried about you."
"I'm fine, Rico. Don't worry." Shaun's tense expression softened at once. A weary smile broke across his lips.
Rico tugged nervously at the edge of his yukata. "Mama asked Rico to wake you. But when Rico came, you were saying things in your sleep. Then you suddenly yelled, and… it scared Rico. So Rico hid."
"Come here." Guilt flickered in Shaun's eyes. He patted the mattress beside him. Rico hesitated, then scampered up onto the bed, sitting close.
Shaun ruffled his little brother's hair and whispered, "It was just a bad dream. I'm sorry I scared you."
Rico tilted his head, eyes wide. "Really?"
"Really."
The innocence in Shaun's voice soothed Rico's heart. He brightened, bouncing lightly on the mattress. Then, with sudden excitement, he cried out, "Big Brother, lower your face!"
Shaun blinked, bemused, but leaned down as asked. Rico grinned mischievously, reached up with his small hand to cup Shaun's face, and pressed a quick kiss to his forehead.
Shaun froze, eyes widening, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. "Huh? What was that for?"
Rico puffed his chest proudly. "That's Rico's Go-Go Bad Dream Spell! When Rico has a bad dream, Mama kisses me, and poof! The nightmare disappears. So Rico did the same for Big Brother. Now your bad dreams are gone!"
A soft laugh escaped Shaun's lips. Warmth spread through his chest, dissolving the shadows that lingered. He ruffled Rico's spiky hair again, smiling more genuinely this time.
"Oh really? Then, thank you, Rico. Thanks to you, I won't have nightmares anymore."
"Yay!" Rico beamed, springing to his feet. With joyful steps, he hopped off the mattress and bounded out of the room, his laughter echoing like sunlight chasing away night.
As the door closed behind his little brother, Shaun touched his forehead again where Rico had kissed him. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes.
"Natasha…" he whispered softly, his heart tightening with both pain and resolve.
Then, with a deep breath, he rose from the mattress and headed toward the bathroom, the day beginning but the weight of the dream still clinging like a shadow at his back.
**********
The steam, like a fading ghost, still clung to the air as Shaun stepped out from his bath. He grabbed his worn brown towel, rubbing it briskly across his damp hair before dragging it over his arms and chest.
Droplets slid down his skin and scattered onto the creaking wooden floorboards, glinting like tiny jewels in the pale morning light.
Barefoot, he padded back to his room, where the old wooden closet waited with a patient sigh. The hinges groaned as he opened it, revealing its modest contents.
His hand hovered for a moment before settling on the outfit his parents had given him just a week ago—his first real gift meant for today. A smile tugged at his lips as he carefully lifted it out.
The black vest was smooth beneath his fingers, a bold contrast to the crisp white gii that lay beneath it. White linings traced its edges, understated but proud.
He wrapped the padding around his waist and tied it snugly with a black sash, securing it as though fastening his resolve. Loose white trousers followed, comfortable yet formal enough for the occasion.

At the small desk, a comb sat waiting. He dragged it through his messy hair, taming the stubborn strands into something halfway respectable. He leaned closer to the cracked mirror nailed on the wall, studying the boy staring back. For a fleeting second, he thought he saw determination shining in those eyes—a reflection of the man he hoped to become.
Before leaving, Shaun turned back to the room. He folded the mattress and bedsheet with meticulous care, smoothing out every crease before placing them neatly in their corner. Only then did he step out, the soft creak of the floorboards greeting his steady pace.
His morning ritual was complete. Ahead, the scent of warm breakfast drifted faintly from the dining hall, guiding him forward like a beacon.
***********
At last, Shaun reached his destination. The hallway ahead glowed with the gentle morning light filtering through the paper-thin windows. The air still carried a hint of dawn's chill, mingled with the faint aroma of simmering food — a siren's call to his rumbling stomach.
In the kitchen, his mother, Sarah, hummed softly as she stirred a pot, her lavender gown swaying at her ankles, chestnut hair catching the light like burnished copper.

At the dining table, his younger brother Rico gleefully tapped a wooden spoon against the surface, creating his own rhythm between bursts of giggles. Their father, Sharek, watched with a gentle smile, pride hidden in his weathered eyes.

"Breakfast is ready!" Sarah announced, setting a heavy tray upon the table.
"Good morning, everyone." Shaun stepped in with a smile tugging at his lips, sliding into the chair beside Rico.
"Good morning, Shaun," Sarah replied warmly, placing porridge and tea before him.
"Morning, my son," Sharek added, his voice steady but his eyes aglow.
"Big brother," Rico piped up, his spoon clattering against the table as he leaned forward with curiosity. "Is today your first day at the big school?"
"Yes, Rico! And I'm so excited! My journey to becoming the World's Strongest Magus finally begins!" Shaun puffed his chest proudly, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Sarah's gaze softened, her lips curving into a tender smile, while Sharek's expression warmed with fatherly pride.
"I have no doubt you'll achieve your dream, Shaun," Sharek said, savoring a sip of tea. "It still feels unreal that my son is going to Silver Heaven Academy. To think you'll be the first magus in our family… now I can proudly boast that I am the father of a Magus."
Rico's eyes widened, his little legs kicking beneath the table in shared excitement, as if his brother's dream were his own.
**********
Nuzzle Village, their home, was a humble paradise nestled in Southern Silver Heaven. Cobblestone paths meandered through fields of golden wheat and plump pumpkins, where the wind carried whispers through the harvest and the skies painted themselves in hues of amber and rose.
Beneath the Wyvern Family's protection, the village thrived — home to some 3,000 souls. Ten aristocratic families stood at its core, with the Raidenrome family presiding as chiefs, their fortune and influence unmatched.
But among the sea of nobles and farmers, the Thunderhawk family was modest, and poor in wealth — yet rich in laughter and love. Sharek, a farmer who coaxed life from the soil; Sarah, the nurturing heart of their home; Rico, the boy of boundless wonder; and Shaun, the eldest, a boy with dreams larger than their farmlands.
**********
Several months ago, fate stirred. Shaun, bright-eyed and determined, passed the rigorous entrance test of Silver Heaven Academy — a place reserved for the elites, where only a handful of Commoners ever dared to tread. But the path to the academy was barred by steep fees, higher than the peaks of the Hima Mountains.
For a moment, his dreams threatened to crumble beneath the weight of gold. But his parents, unwilling to see his fire extinguished, made a sacrifice: mortgaging part of their land and treasured heirlooms to the Village Chief. Out of love and faith, they carved the way forward for their son.
Overwhelmed by their sacrifice, Shaun swore to honour them. He would not simply study — he would excel. He would rise to become a magus strong enough to bring pride and prosperity to his family, to lift their name among those who once looked down upon them.
In this world where magic was wealth, where sorcery dictated status, such a chance was not just rare — it was destiny. And Shaun Thunderhawk, with his parents' faith at his back and his own burning resolve at his core, was determined to seize it.
**********
"Oh, Sharek! You're making him blush," Sarah playfully nudged her husband, her lavender gown brushing softly as she shifted in her seat. Taking a sip of tea, she turned to Shaun with a smile brimming with affection.
"But your father is right, Shaun. We're so proud of you, sweetheart."
Shaun's face warmed, his blush deepening as pride and resolve mingled within him. He rubbed the back of his neck, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father. I promise I won't disappoint you. I'll fulfill your dreams and become a great magus."
"Ha-ha! That's my boy!" Sharek declared, flashing a hearty thumbs up. Little Rico bounced on his chair, eyes sparkling like stars.
"Big brother is awesome! Rico wants to go to the big school too! And become a strong magus like a big brother! Can Rico visit you at the big school?" he asked, tilting his head, curiosity bubbling in his voice.
"Perhaps one day, when you're older and learning magic too," Shaun chuckled, ruffling his brother's spiky hair. "One day you'll join the academy just like I did. Who knows? You might even surpass me as a magus. I have faith in you."
"Yes! Rico will!" Rico puffed his little chest with pride, his smile radiant.
Sarah watched them, her heart swelling with love. For a moment, the room glowed brighter than the dawn outside, filled with warmth and laughter.
"More porridge, Mama!" Rico slammed his spoon against the table.
"Goodness, Rico, that's already your third. Eat slowly, sweetie," Sarah laughed softly and refilled his bowl.
"He takes after his old man," Sharek chuckled, ruffling Rico's hair. "A growing boy needs his fuel." Then he turned to Shaun, his eyes narrowing in thought.
"Shaun, shouldn't you hurry a little? She'll be waiting for you, and it's almost time."
"Ah! You're right!" Shaun's eyes widened as he hurriedly stuffed a spoonful of porridge into his mouth.
"Cough! Cough!" He choked, pounding his chest.
"Shaun!" Sarah rushed to his side with a glass of water, rubbing his back until his coughing subsided. Her smile had melted into pure concern.
"How many times must I remind you not to rush? Take your time."
"Sorry, Mother," Shaun mumbled, flushing crimson.
Sarah's eyes darted to Sharek, narrowing. "And you—don't encourage him."
Caught, Sharek raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. My bad."
The tension dissolved, replaced by the soft clatter of spoons. After a moment, Sharek leaned forward, his tone thoughtful.
"Shaun… about your journey to the academy. It seems exhausting. Your mother and I were considering arranging a dormitory stay closer to the academy."
Shaun paused, gaze lowered, his fingers fiddling with his vest. "That sounds amazing, Father… but wouldn't it cost a lot?"
Sharek and Sarah exchanged a quiet look before Sharek nodded.
"It would, yes. But for your education, it's worth it. We can do this much for you."
Shaun's eyes softened, though something deeper flickered within. He shook his head gently.
"No… I'd rather stay here, with you and Mother. I'll manage the travelling."
Silence fell. Sarah's eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth. "Shaun…"
"I know you mortgaged the east field… and Mom's jade necklace," Shaun continued quietly. "You've already sacrificed so much for me. It wouldn't be right to ask for more. I don't want to be a burden."
A hush filled the room, heavy with emotion. Sharek swallowed hard, pride swelling in his chest.
"You've grown into a fine young man, Shaun," he said hoarsely. "Of course, you have our blessing."
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I'll work hard. I promise," Shaun smiled, resolute.
But Sharek's smirk returned just as quickly. He adjusted his glasses with a mischievous glint.
"By the way, I heard Natasha will be joining you at the academy… eh, son? Strength isn't just about power, but about responsibility. You've got someone precious to protect too, haven't you?"
"Someone precious?!" Shaun sputtered, spraying milk across the table in shock.
"Yay! Milk shower!" Rico clapped, bursting into laughter.
"Shaun! What dreadful table manners!" Sarah scolded, though her eyes betrayed a fond amusement as she cleaned up the mess.
"Cough—cough! Father, please! It's not what you think!" Shaun stammered, his face redder than the morning sun.
"Not too young at all," Sharek mused, ignoring Sarah's disapproving glare. "We married young, remember? And Natasha's a fine girl. She'll look after him, like you've always looked after me."
Shaun fidgeted, tugging at his vest. "F-Father…"
Sarah sighed, shaking her head, though a wistful smile softened her lips. "You and your teasing… Now eat, everyone, before the porridge gets cold. Shaun, dear, hurry, or you'll be late for your first day."
"Right, Mother!" Shaun replied, cheeks still glowing as he shovelled porridge into his mouth.
**********
The Thunderhawk family finished their breakfast in peaceful silence, broken only by the gentle clinking of spoons against bowls.
At the doorway, Shaun bent to adjust his sleek black leather shoes, then slung a simple cotton sack over his shoulder. Inside rested his journals, an inkwell, and—most precious of all—a small wooden carving of a phoenix, worn smooth with age. Natasha had given it to him on his last birthday, calling it a charm to guide him through trials yet unseen.
"Be safe, dear. Make new friends and study hard," Sarah said softly, ruffling his hair as if he were still her little boy.
"Make us proud, son. Your mother and I believe in you." Sharek's large, calloused hand rested firmly on Shaun's shoulder, steady and reassuring.
Shaun straightened, his resolve gleaming in his young eyes. "I won't let you down, Mother. Father."
"Big brother, will you teach Rico magic when you return?" Rico asked, bouncing on his toes, eyes wide with admiration.
Shaun's lips curled into a playful grin. "Of course. Once I become the World's Strongest Magus, you'll be my first apprentice."
Sarah laughed gently, her heart brimming with pride. "My little mages in training."
"Just try not to blow up the academy on your first day, eh?" Sharek winked, his grin betraying his attempt at seriousness.
Shaun chuckled, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Father. Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, Father. Bye, Rico."
"Bye-bye, Big Brother!" Rico waved both hands enthusiastically, nearly toppling over from excitement.
Sarah and Sharek raised their hands in farewell, their eyes shimmering with tears and pride as they watched their eldest son. With one last look at the home that had shaped him, Shaun reached for the handle. The worn wooden door creaked open, and the morning light spilled in, golden and inviting.
He stepped through, leaving behind the warmth of his family and into the vast unknown— the first page of a new chapter in his life.
**********
The wooden door groaned shut behind Shaun, its echo lingering like the closing of one chapter and the quiet opening of another. His heart raced with a mixture of excitement and unease. Taking a steadying breath, he lifted his gaze to the dirt road stretching ahead—a path shimmering with the promise of adventure.
Just then, a flash of yellow stirred at the edge of his vision. By the village gate stood a girl about his age, her brown ponytail swaying gently in the morning breeze. She wore a yellow hanfu that caught the sunlight like spun gold, her hands folded neatly behind her back.

"Good morning, Shaun!" she called, her voice carrying the warmth of familiarity. Her smile lit her face, and her grey eyes sparkled with cheer.
"Good morning, Natasha," Shaun replied, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he scratched the side of his face, unable to hold her gaze for long.
A breeze swept through the fields, stirring the wheat and carrying with it the sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine.
"Ready for our first day at Silver Heaven Academy?" Natasha asked, shifting the strap of her leather sack over her shoulder, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Yeah… I guess so." Shaun's grip tightened on his own sack. With a playful grin, Natasha turned, her hanfu tassels fluttering behind her as she set off at a lively pace.
"Well then," she called over her shoulder, her voice bubbling with excitement, "let's go!"
Shaun laughed softly, the nervous weight on his chest easing as he hurried to catch up. Side by side, the two friends walked out of Nuzzle Village, their steps light and hopeful, carrying them toward the bright dawn of their new journey.
**********