---
Time moved quietly, like falling leaves in Fleedorb's endless seasons.
Three years passed.
Ryu, once a rough 15-year-old boy from the Rainforest, now stood as a young man—stronger, sharper, and more composed. He was 18 now, and one of the most well-known names in the academy.
Not because he was flashy. Not because he boasted.
But because he simply never stopped.
Now at the 5th Stage of Mob – Master Class, Ryu had firmly etched his place into the records of Von Advocate al Mi. Among all students aged 18 to 20, he ranked 2nd in the entire academy.
Only one person had stood above him from the beginning—
Reina Avaleon.
---
Reina had always been different. A noble by blood, but not arrogant. Focused. Disciplined. Her control over internal energy and elemental harmony was precise—almost artistic. Where Ryu's path was carved through grit and labor, hers was forged through relentless refinement.
Yet despite that difference… they became friends.
Rivals, yes. But also companions in growth.
Over the years, their relationship grew naturally. Sparring partners. Study mates. Even occasional silent walks on school grounds late at night when neither could sleep.
They didn't speak of dreams—they both had none.
But they understood each other.
---
Ryu's Stats at 18
Mob Stage: 5th – Master Class
Internal Energy Control: High-Advanced
Body Strengthening Arts: Mid-Tier Mastery
Sword Art: Polished Mid-Level
Mob Rank (18–20): 2nd
Overall Physical Strength Rank (All ages): Top 5
---
On a crisp morning near the edge of the academy's private mountain trail, Ryu stood atop a stone platform. His shirt clung to him with sweat, steam rising from his skin.
Reina approached, wiping her hands with a silk cloth.
"You've gotten stronger," she said simply.
"You've said that every few months," Ryu replied, breathing lightly.
Reina smiled. "Because it keeps being true."
They stood in silence for a while, overlooking the Fleedorb cityscape from the high cliffs of the school.
"Two more months," she finally said.
"Until graduation," Ryu answered.
Their time at Von Advocate al Mi was nearing its end.
They had come far. From different lands, different pasts, yet ended up walking shoulder to shoulder.
"You'll probably be offered a role in one of the Seven Guilds," Reina said.
Ryu didn't answer immediately. He stared off into the wind.
"I haven't thought about that."
"You never do," she chuckled. "But whether you want it or not, they'll notice you. Master Class Mobs at your age are rare. Especially those without family names."
"Still not enough to beat you," he said with a glance.
Reina turned toward him, a small smirk on her lips. "Yet."
---
Back in Their House – Later That Day
Mina, now 16, had indeed awakened. She was a Stage 2 Mob – Trained Class, focusing on spiritual sensitivity and support arts. Her progress was steady, and her control over low-tier barrier formations was surprisingly good.
She was popular in her own right—known for her kind demeanor and calm strength. But more than anything, she was known as Ryu's sister—though not by blood, they were inseparable.
She had cooked stew that night.
"Eat up before it gets cold," she said, placing bowls down.
Ryu sat across from her, a towel still over his shoulders from training.
"Thanks."
"You're looking tired lately," she noted.
"Too much sparring," he replied.
Mina tilted her head. "Or too much time with Reina?"
Ryu glanced away.
Mina just grinned.
---
That night, under the stars of the Eastern Continent, Ryu sat on the rooftop of their house, arms resting over his knees.
Three years ago, he was just a boy working hard labor in a town most people had never heard of. Now, he was recognized in one of the safest, most advanced continents in the world.
Not because of ambition.
Not because of destiny.
Just because he kept going.
He didn't want much from life. He wasn't aiming for the top.
But looking back… he had already climbed further than most ever could.
And something told him—
This wasn't the end of his path.
It was just the beginning.
---
To be continued..