The sun blazed overhead, making the academy courtyard shimmer with heat. Most students clustered beneath the shade of tall trees, their voices carrying lazily on the warm breeze.
Lucy let out an exaggerated sigh, fanning herself with her hand.
"Why is the training so hard? We just got enrolled, and they're already trying to kill us."
Leon smirked, leaning back against the tree trunk. "That's because Aveon Academy is our competitor. The instructors don't want us lagging behind."
Owen, sitting quietly beside them, nodded faintly. Lucy joined him with another sigh, her cheeks puffed out in frustration.
Just then, Connor strolled over, tossing a small fruit into Leon's hands. Its skin was smooth and faintly glowing blue.
"Hey, man—this is Waleon!" Leon grinned.
Owen tilted his head. "Waleon?"
Lucy picked up the fruit gently, turning it in her palm. "It's cultivated in the underwater city of Aurora. The fruit holds fresh water inside. Very useful in deserts or places without rivers."
"Oh…" Owen nodded, but Leon immediately narrowed his eyes.
"What, Owen, you didn't even know this? Sometimes you really act like you've fallen straight from the sky."
Owen's face paled at the words. For a moment, he froze, unable to reply.
Connor quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, we've got another class today. Better not be late."
The group dispersed, heading back to their dorms to prepare. But Owen's feet carried him elsewhere.
He found himself in front of Edwin's chambers. The man sat calmly at a wooden table, eating as though the world outside were not full of chaos. His sharp eyes flicked up as Owen entered.
"Well, well. What a surprise. You're here instead of running laps. What's wrong?"
Owen hesitated.
The words caught in his throat before finally spilling out.
"Who… am I? What is this world? It's different—magic, monsters, people who fight like they're not even human. Wherever I go, things get messed up. I've tried to be normal, but I can't. Who were those men that attacked me last night? Why me? How did you know I was being hunted?"
His voice cracked by the end.
Edwin stayed silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on Owen. Finally, he spoke, his tone calm yet heavy.
"This world… you could call it a parallel one. And yes, Owen—it had to happen. You being here wasn't a mistake. I know it's hard, but you must endure. There is still time."
"But—" Owen began, but Edwin cut him off firmly.
"I understand you. I'll be there for you. You're not alone."
The words hung in the air like a promise.
Owen clenched his fists, then turned and walked away.
The arena was already filled with students when Owen arrived.
Connor waved him over, Leon standing beside him with arms crossed. "Took you long enough."
Owen joined them, his eyes scanning the other students. Murmurs filled the air, a mix of nervousness and excitement.
The noise cut off when the teacher entered.
A slim man with fiery red hair and golden eyes stepped into the arena, his presence sharp and commanding despite his lean frame. A smile tugged at his lips as he looked over the group.
"Hello, students," he said clearly. "My name is Van Knox. I will be your aura instructor."