The sky was clear over Aldaria, and the morning air carried that vibrant energy only the first days at an academy could provide. Logan, Blake, and Kassia crossed the central courtyard together, their uniforms impeccable and anxiety etched on their faces.
The Combat Pavilion, a circular structure of dark stone reinforced with silver runes, stood out among the Academy buildings. Its walls were high, and arched windows let in natural light, which mingled with the soft glow of magical lanterns hanging from the pillars.
Upon entering, the smell of leather, sweat, and mana hung in the air, mixed with the sound of lively conversations, nervous laughter, and the distant echo of blows against training dummies.
The space was large, divided into two main areas: to the left, the individual training zone, with magically reinforced wooden dummies, moving targets, enchanted weights; to the right, a circular arena with a reinforced floor, marked by glowing lines indicating duel or group combat zones. In the stands, students from other years were already settling in, eager to watch the day's exercises.
The group of friends approached the center of the arena, where they waited for the instructor. Professor Darius Morn was an imposing figure. A human man, athletically built, with tanned skin marked by scars, short black hair peppered with gray strands, and eyes as intense gray as storm clouds.
His posture was erect, his jaw square, and his expression hard, but there was something fair and honest in his gaze. He wore a dark tunic reinforced with leather plates and worn boots that spoke of many battlefields traversed.
"Silence!" Darius's voice echoed, cutting through the chatter. "Welcome to combat class. Here, titles, crests, and lineages are left outside. Here, everyone is equal before the challenge."
He walked slowly around the arena, observing each face. "The pavilion is divided into two areas. In the east zone, you will train individually: strikes, dodges, mana channeling. In the west zone, we will have duels and exercises in pairs or groups. Each part of the training requires discipline and mutual respect."
Darius raised his hand, and a bluish aura shone around his fingers. "Today, you will learn one of the most fundamental magics and abilities for any combatant:
He demonstrated the magic first. With a gesture, a translucent blue-toned shield materialized before him, growing until it protected him from head to toe.
"
Darius then closed his fist, and the shield dispersed into particles of light. "Now, the ability." He took a deep breath, and a blue sheen ran across his skin, making it look almost metallic.
"
He relaxed, and the sheen vanished. "Divide yourselves. Half of you will train the magic, the other half, the ability. Then, switch."
Logan, Kassia, Blake, and their friends—Elian, Nyx, Darian, and Lyra—gathered on one of the mats. The group was excited, but also nervous.
"Should we start with the magic or the ability?" Elian asked, already channeling mana in his hands. "Magic," Nyx suggested, her blue eyes shining with expectation. "I want to see who can create the biggest shield."
Blake was the first to try. He closed his eyes, concentrated, and murmured: "
Elian produced a wide shield, which vibrated before stabilizing. Nyx, with her elven grace, molded a thin, elegant shield, almost like a sheet of blue crystal. Darian, with his half-dwarf strength, tried to create a robust shield, but the magic flickered and dissipated with a pop.
"Don't be discouraged, Darian," said Lyra, producing a small but stable shield. "The secret is not to force it."
Logan closed his eyes, feeling the mana flow. He tried to visualize the shield, but instinctively felt the surrounding shadows wanting to mix with the energy. The shield that emerged was darker, with black veins, and quickly dissipated.
"It's okay, Logan," said Kassia encouragingly. "Try again, but don't fight what you feel."
"I know," he replied, frustrated. "But I want to do it the right way."
Meanwhile, Marcus Steelheart, on the other side of the arena, had already created a perfect shield and was helping other Eryndark classmates. The professor observed, nodding. "Very good, Steelheart. Control and focus. That's what I expect from everyone."
Soon, it was time to switch. Now, everyone would try channeling the
"Wow, Blake!" Lyra exclaimed. "That was incredible." "Thanks," he replied, smiling. "I think my weapons training helped."
Kassia took a little longer, but soon managed to reinforce the skin on her hands. The sheen was soft, but she felt her strength increase. "This is… strange," she murmured, flexing her fingers. "But it feels right."
Logan, on the other hand, had difficulty. Whenever he tried to channel the mana, the shadows within him responded, wanting to manifest alongside the blue energy.
The sheen on his arm was bluish, but with dark reflections, and the sensation was different from what the professor had demonstrated. "It's alright, Logan," said Nyx, noticing his frustration. "Maybe you just need to find your own way."
He nodded, determined to try something different next time. Professor Darius clapped his hands, gathering everyone to the center. "Fifteen-minute break. When you return, we will have paired combat for assessment. I want to see teamwork, strategy, and mastery of the techniques learned."
***
In the outer courtyard, the group gathered under a tree to rest. The sun filtered through the leaves, creating dancing shadows on the ground. "What did you think of
"Logan, you seemed distracted," Blake commented, concerned. "I'm trying not to let the shadows interfere," Logan admitted. "But maybe I should just accept it's part of me."
Kassia placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll find your way. And when you do, you'll be stronger than anyone here."
"I found it interesting how magic responds differently for everyone," Nyx commented. "My shield felt almost alive." "Mine just wanted to crush everything," Darian laughed, shaking his arm. "I think I need more subtlety."
The group laughed, relaxing a little before returning to the arena. They discussed strategies for the upcoming spars, each sharing tips and experiences. Logan, though still uneasy, felt grateful to have such loyal friends by his side.
***
Back in the arena, Professor Darius waited, list in hand. "Attention! The combats will be sparring matches only, to assess technique and control. No excesses. Be respectful of your classmates."
He began calling out the pairs. Kassia was the first of the group, facing a girl from Frostgard. Using
"Very good, Miss Grey," Darius praised. "Control and creativity. That's what we need here."
Blake was called next, facing a tall young man from Luminia. Blake used the
"Excellent application of technique and magic, Mister Frost," Darius said, satisfied.
Other duels followed: Elian, Nyx, Darian, and Lyra had varied performances, but all showed progress. The Eryndark students, as expected, won their matches easily, attracting looks of admiration and envy.
Finally, the professor looked at Logan. "Logan Black and Marcus Steelheart, to the center." The two approached, eye to eye, the tension palpable in the air.
"Hope you're ready to lose, Black," Marcus provoked, a cold smile on his lips.
"Only if it's to your ego," Logan retorted, lifting his chin.
"Don't think you'll be lucky again. Today, I'll show you how a true mage from Eryndark fights."
"You can try," Logan replied, keeping his voice calm, but feeling the blood pound in his temples.
Darius raised his hand. "Remember: it's just sparring. I want to see technique, not brutality. You may begin!"
Silence fell over the arena as everyone awaited the clash between the two rivals. The floor seemed to vibrate beneath Logan's feet, and he felt the shadows around him stir, eager to be called into the fight.
Marcus advanced first, fast and aggressive, conjuring
"Come on, Black, show me what you're capable of!" Marcus provoked, launching a quick strike that Logan blocked.
The audience held its breath, attentive to every move. Logan knew he couldn't afford to make a mistake—not here, not in front of everyone. He needed to find his balance, accept the presence of the shadows, but without letting them dominate him.
The duel was just beginning, but Logan already felt that, regardless of the outcome, something inside him was about to change forever.