The light of dawn bathed Etheria in hues of gold and rose, casting long shadows from the trees that lined the edge of the student encampment. As the twin suns rose higher in the sky, a soft bell chimed magically through the camp, rousing the 15 students from their slumber.
Today marked the beginning of their training.
Miss Eira stood at the center of the clearing, her emerald cloak fluttering in the breeze. Her voice was calm but firm. "Today, your true training begins. Master Arven and I will oversee every step."
She looked around and frowned slightly. "Now... where is he?"
Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind roared through the clearing. A swirling vortex formed just beyond the treeline, kicking up dust and leaves like a miniature tornado. From its center, a figure stepped forth, calm amidst the chaos. His long coat flapped behind him like a storm-born banner, and his silver staff pulsed with faint blue light.
Master Arven had arrived.
"First lesson," he said without preamble, his voice deep and commanding, "is not about magic. It's about the body. If your body can't bear the weight of your mana, then you are nothing more than a candle in the wind."
He paced in front of the group, eyes sharp. "You'll start with physical training: running—nonstop—until your lungs scream. Then core conditioning. Afternoon will be meditation. You will grow your mana through will and discipline. Thirty minutes from now, meet us at the base of the mountain. If you're late, you run again."
As he turned, the students looked at each other with a mixture of dread and determination.
"Dismissed," Miss Eira said with a small smile.
The students scattered back to their camps to prepare. Eira approached Arven and crossed her arms. "Where have you been this time?"
"Scouting," he replied.
"Scouting who?"
"No one important," Arven answered, but his gaze drifted to the distant cliff.
Unseen to Eira, the memory returned: standing on the edge of the cliff the night before, Arven had looked down upon Kaito, sleeping alone on the rock beneath him, his face troubled even in rest.
Now, in the present, Arven shook the thought away. "We have work to do."
"Agreed," Eira said, concern in her eyes.
The sun had risen higher by the time the students reassembled. The earth beneath their feet rumbled suddenly. Birds scattered into the sky as the ground shook. It felt like an earthquake.
They rushed toward the mountain, and there they found Miss Eira and Master Arven waiting calmly.
"Was that... you?" one student asked, eyes wide.
"A simple spell," Arven replied with a shrug. "Earthquake magic is useful when you want attention."
Haruto and Yuna were still missing.
Back at the cliffside, Haruto had found Kaito perched on the same rock from the previous night, staring silently into the distance.
"Kaito! Let's go. Everyone's waiting," Haruto called out.
Kaito didn't move. "There's nothing for me to do there. You go."
Yuna stepped forward, frustration flickering in her voice. "If you can't do anything, at least show up. Don't hide."
Kaito didn't answer.
Yuna narrowed her eyes. "Come on, Haruto."
Haruto hesitated, casting one more glance at his friend. Then he followed Yuna back.
When they reached the mountain, the clearing was empty.
"Where is everyone?" Haruto asked, scanning the treeline.
"They were just here," Yuna replied.
Then, as if forming from the mist itself, Master Arven appeared.
"You're late," he said plainly.
"We were at the cliff. We tried to bring Kaito," Yuna explained quickly. "But he refused."
Arven's expression didn't change. "He will come when he is ready. Don't worry about him. You two, follow me."
They followed Arven into the side of the mountain—or so it seemed. As he passed through the rock face, the stone shimmered like glass, revealing a hidden path beyond it.
Yuna gasped. "What is this place?"
"An illusion," Arven said. "A spell woven by the first mages. From the outside, this appears to be a normal mountain. But within... lies your training ground."
As they stepped into the heart of the mountain, both Haruto and Yuna froze in awe.
The ceiling was open to the sky, allowing golden sunlight to pour in. A gentle river flowed through the glade, cascading into a waterfall that splashed into a crystalline pool. Water droplets hung in the air, catching the light in brilliant rainbows. Strange, beautiful birds fluttered among the trees, their feathers shimmering like gemstones. Near the water, large majestic creatures—resembling horses but covered in light-blue fur and trailing luminous manes—grazed peacefully.
"Whoa..." Haruto whispered, stunned.
Yuna looked around with wide eyes. "It's beautiful..."
As they walked deeper, they joined the rest of the class, who were equally mesmerized.
"This will be your sanctuary and your crucible," Eira announced. "Within these walls, you will learn. You will struggle. And you will grow."
One student raised a hand. "Master Arven, how long will we be training here?"
"Until you stop being children," he answered bluntly.
"What if we fail?" another asked.
Miss Eira stepped in gently. "You will not fail. You may stumble. You may fall. But failure only comes when you stop rising."
Their words settled over the group like the first rays of dawn.
The students spread out, taking in the wonder around them. Some dipped their hands in the water. Others marveled at the glowing plants. Yet amidst the joy, a shadow lingered in the hearts of Haruto and Yuna.
Kaito was not there.
And though the day had begun, something about the wind whispered that darker trials were coming.
End of Chapter 19