Miss Eira ended the ceremony with a clap. "You have all done well. Rest now. Tomorrow, your real training begins."
As the students began walking out of the glowing chamber, whispering among themselves, a shadow stretched across the crystalline floor. From it, a figure emerged—a tall man cloaked in flowing black robes, his eyes sharp like blades of silver. It was Master Arven.
Miss Eira turned quickly, startled. "Don't do that again, Arven," she said, placing a hand over her heart.
Master Arven didn't reply. His voice cut through the air, serious and cold. "Why did you lie?"
Miss Eira stiffened. "About what?"
"Don't play dumb," he said flatly. "You know what I'm talking about."
Miss Eira's tone shifted, a slight tremble of anger in her voice. "What do you want me to do? Break the heart of a kid? Tell him that no matter how hard he tries, he might never awaken a power?"
Arven's gaze didn't waver. "It's better than lying. He will learn the truth eventually."
"Then let him learn it later," Miss Eira snapped. "For now... let him believe."
Without another word, Master Arven disappeared into the shadows, vanishing as quietly as he had come. Miss Eira stood alone for a moment, her fists clenched, before turning and retreating silently to her room.
Back at the camp, the mood had shifted. Students sat around low fires, some chatting, others lost in their thoughts. The echoes of their newfound powers still lingered in their minds.
Near one of the tents, Akari crossed her arms and remarked sharply, "Someone here's still completely useless."
Haruto stepped in immediately, his voice tense. "Do your own work."
Before the tension escalated, Kaito placed a hand on Haruto's shoulder. "I need some air," he said quietly, then turned and walked away.
Haruto opened his mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. He watched Kaito leave in silence.
Not far behind, Yuna had been watching from a distance. Her brows furrowed as she quietly followed Kaito.
Kaito wandered through the edge of the camp, eventually reaching a large boulder near the river. He climbed it, settling down with his arms wrapped around his knees. The breeze carried the scent of fresh grass and damp stone. Stars had begun to appear above the treetops.
Why am I the only one without a power? The thought gnawed at him, heavier than the weight of the world they were trapped in.
A soft voice broke through the silence. "Are you okay?"
Kaito turned slightly. It was Yuna.
"Yeah," he said flatly.
Yuna stepped closer. "I know you're worried."
He didn't reply.
"Don't worry. Miss Eira said you can awaken it with hard work and strong will."
Kaito nodded slowly. "I know… but the way she said it… I have some doubts."
Yuna frowned. "What doubts?"
Kaito shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just… wondering."
She looked at him, worried. The usually calm, quiet Kaito seemed fragile in that moment, like the smallest gust could break him.
"You should go back to camp," he said gently. "Let Haruto know I'm sleeping. No need to worry. I'm not hungry."
Yuna hesitated. "Let's go for dinner."
"I'm not in the mood," Kaito replied.
Yuna looked at him for a moment longer, then nodded. "Okay," she said quietly, and turned to walk away, glancing back once before disappearing into the night.
Kaito remained on the rock, alone beneath the starlit sky, his thoughts heavier than ever.
End of Chapter 18