The sterile white of the academy's walls should've felt clean and comforting. Instead, my boots clicked against the marble floor like quiet accusations, echoing through the long hallway as Headmaster Evelyn led the way. Her presence was calm and casual, but I could sense the weight behind each step.
She hadn't said a word since calling for me. Only that "there was someone I needed to meet." When the door to the Headmaster's office opened, the lighting dimmed slightly. Not for ambiance, for privacy. She was already there, waiting.
Seated across from Evelyn's desk was a woman who bore the poise of a blade not yet drawn. One leg crossed over the other, head tilting on her gloved hand. Her uniform was wine red with bronze and leather accents. There was a slit on her chest that exposed her slightly. She looked regal yet ready for combat. Twin swords leaned casually against the wall beside her chair.
She had black wolf-cut hair with red highlights, wine-red eyes that complemented her outfit, and a small mole under her right eye. I could see her half-smiling, yet I couldn't read her expression. It's almost as if she regarded me not with curiosity but with a quiet evaluation.
I hesitated at the doorway, almost involuntarily. Her aura felt like it was drowning me just by being near her presence. Even with my combat experience, she left no openings for attackers.
"Before we begin... tell me, Daniel," Evelyn asks me as she moves behind her desk.
"When you feel it—
That part of you that doesn't feel like fire—
What do you think it is?"
My throat tightens—the flame inside me shifts.
"...I don't know."
"Good." She responds.
Evelyn finally sits. She then gestures to the woman sitting across from her.
"Then you'll learn. Starting now." Evelyn gestured, "Daniel Reyes. Meet Regalia Lionheart."
Lionheart... where have I heard that...?
Regalia inclined her head just slightly. "You've been reckless," she said coolly, her voice smooth as tempered metal.
"But not useless."
I blinked. "...Thanks, I guess."
Evelyn chuckled under her breath. "She means that as a compliment."
Regalia's expression stayed the same. "You fought the Reaper. Most would've died. You didn't, and you held it back."
My jaw clenched. "I didn't mean to—"
"That's why you're still alive," she interrupted.
There was silence, heavy and deliberate.
Then Regalia slowly rose from her seat, walking past Evelyn's desk until she stood before me. She was taller than I expected—not towering but commanding. She studied me, eyes lingering not on my face but on my forearms: the faint burns, the barely faded mark.
"You're not just fire," she said at last.
"You're something cursed. Something is trying to be human."
My fists tightened. "Cursed? What does that mean?"
She doesn't respond. Instead, she carries on.
"You survived an apex threat," she said bluntly.
"But your posture says you're still afraid of yourself."
"I'm not," I shot back, then paused. "...Maybe. I don't know."
"You don't. That's why I'm here."
I opened my mouth, but no words came. Something in her voice didn't allow questions—just orders.
Regalia stepped forward, stopping a foot in front of me. "You have power. You lack control. You fight without understanding what you are or what's inside you."
I felt my stomach tighten. "What's inside me?"
"That's what we'll find out."
Evelyn cleared her throat. "That's why she'll be instructing you tomorrow. As your new exclusive mentor."
I blinked. "Wait—what?"
Evelyn smiles sharply. "She'll teach you to master what you're becoming. Not just as a student, but as something more."
Regalia turns her back towards the window. "Training begins tomorrow evening. I expect you to bleed. I don't expect you to break."
"Wait," I blabbered. "Why me?"
Evelyn sipped her tea. "Because you're dangerous, Mr. Reyes. And frankly, I'd rather you learn how to use that danger properly... than pretend it's not there."
I swallowed hard. This wasn't about grades. This wasn't about school at all.
It was something more profound.
"Also," Evelyn added. "Keep this a secret from everyone. No one knows that Regalia's here save for some instructors."
"Dismissed," Regalia said sharply. She didn't even turn.
I felt disgruntled but turned to leave anyway. Before I stepped out, Evelyn added one last thing:
"Oh, and Daniel—don't take it personally if Regalia doesn't speak much about herself. The Lionheart family doesn't do 'personal.'"
I nodded and softly shut the door behind me.
The rest of my day passed like a blur through glass. I attended class, answered when called on, and even sparred in 'Physical Aptitude.' But my mind never left that office. Sub note: I also got a lot of stares. I think word spread about me getting escorted to Evelyn's office.
Regalia Lionheart... The name meant something to the instructors—I could see it in how they stiffened whenever they mentioned her. Some spoke of it like a myth. Others like a warning. But no one smiled when they said it. Now, she was going to train me. And for what? I didn't even know what I was.
I barely registered the bell ringing as the last class let out. Students filed out onto the sun-dappled courtyard, chatting about upcoming tournaments and team assignments. I moved through them like a ghost, avoiding conversation, keeping to the crowd's edges.
Eventually, I found Adrien. My best friend sat under an old, weathered tree near the backfield, where the school's noise faded into silence. Adrien had his notebook in his lap and his glasses halfway down his nose. He looked up at me as I approached.
"You look like someone punched your brain," Adrien said flatly, marking the page before setting the book aside. "Twice."
I dropped down onto the grass beside him, letting out a long exhale. "... You're not far off"
Adrien raised a brow. "Let me guess. This is about the Headmaster calling you in?"
I chuckled lightly. "Huh, so you heard?"
"Of course. It's the talk of the day."
I groaned. Nodding slowly afterwards.
"She introduced me to someone. A woman. Said she's going to train me."
Adrien leaned back against the tree. "That's... not weirdly ominous at all."
I chuckled under my breath. "Her name's Regalia Lionheart."
Adrien's face stiffened. "Wait—that Regalia?"
I looked at him with curiosity. "What?"
"You don't know, dude?" He questions.
"Sera's sister. That's her."
...Oh...
I brought my hand to my chin. "That's why it sounded familiar. Yeah, I didn't put it together that they were related," I finally said.
"She didn't mention it, and I, of course, didn't say anything."
Adrien was quiet momentarily, then muttered, "Probably for the best. That family looks like it eats awkward conversations for breakfast."
There was a quick pause.
"The Lionhearts have constantly been in the news lately—especially the father. He's a big political figure in Dalton." Adrien stated.
Adrien leans in to whisper to me despite us being the only ones around. "This is only a rumor, but I heard that Sera ran away from home to join the academy. A rebellious phase?"
I turn to him, smirking. "You serious? I don't think so... but then again... I don't know."
Adrien laughs. "Of course you don't, idiot. Sera wouldn't tell you her issues to someone she met just recently."
I shrug. "I don't know, man. Maybe she would love to trauma dump on me."
Adrien shakes his head while laughing. "When you wouldn't do the same?"
I couldn't help but chuckle as well. We returned to the main issue shortly after.
"...She looked at me like she already knew what I was or might be. Like I was something she needed to shape before it broke something."
Adrien tilted his head. "Did Evelyn say why?"
I shook my head. "No. Just that I'm 'dangerous.' And Regalia's here to ensure I don't... break."
Adrien frowned. "And what do you think?"
I looked down at my hands. I feel the marks on my palms covered by my gloves. "I think... I don't know what's inside me. But if someone like Regalia worries about it, maybe I should be too."
We sat in silence for a while. The wind brushed the trees, carrying the scent of ash from a nearby training pit. Eventually, Adrien said, "You're not alone, Danny. What this is—whatever they're trying to pull—you've still got me. No matter what you find out."
I gave him a slight nod, then glanced at him.
"Thanks. I needed to hear that."
Adrien pushed his glasses up and smirked. "Of course. Someone's gotta keep your ego from catching fire along with the rest of you."
I chuckled. "I'll try not to burn the tree down."
As the sun dipped lower across the academy skyline, we stayed there a little longer—two boys on the edge of something neither of us fully understood. But at least, for now, we weren't facing it alone.
The next day passed in its usual controlled chaos: lecture halls humming elemental theory, sparring rings crackling with dueling auras, and the cafeteria buzzing with the competitive rhythm of a hundred young mercenaries in training. But I wasn't listening to any of it.
My mind was a countdown clock, ticking toward sunset—my first real session with Regalia Lionheart. I could still hear her voice from yesterday. "You have power. You lack control." Yeah, no pressure. I cut across the training fields, dodging a group of lower-rank students practicing movement drills.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the stone pathways. It was also much colder than the previous days. I was almost past the garden walk—one of the few quiet places between buildings—when a voice called out to me.
"Hey, Reyes!"
I stopped.
I turned around to see Rhett, tall and confident. His sleeveless sparring jacket was slung over one shoulder, revealing lean, sharp muscle and a lazy half-smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I've been looking for you."
I raised an eyebrow. "You need something?"
Rhett tilted his head slightly. "Not needed, just curious. You've been under a lot of eyes lately—mine included."
Rhett smirked. "You did well in our co-op trial. And that Reaper thing? Heard whispers. You held your own against it... and then some."
How are people finding out about this stuff?
I looked away. "I had help."
Rhett stepped closer, tossing his jacket aside. "Maybe. But you flared. Hard. I want to know what that felt like. See it up close."
I blinked. "...You want to spar?"
"Not out of disrespect," Rhett added quickly. "Just interest. You've got something burning in you. I want to see if it's real... or just rumors."
I glanced toward the far end of the field. The training courtyard where Regalia said she would meet me was just a few minutes' walk. I looked back at Rhett—at the casual readiness in his stance, the glint of challenge in his posture.
Regalia's voice rang through my mind once more. I could practically hear her say, 'I'm not ready,' but another voice, this fire in my chest, was telling me otherwise. I sighed. "Fine." I rolled my shoulders.
"We've got to make this quick. I'm in a hurry."
Rhett grinned. "Perfect."
We moved into a grass clearing nearby—flat, open, and just far enough from the academy buildings to avoid catching a crowd. I exhaled, heat beginning to gather in my palms. Rhett crouched slightly, hands at the ready, a pale green shimmer of Wind element already brushing his arms.
"First strike wins?" Rhett offered.
I smirked faintly. "Try not to get burned."
Rhett's eyes gleamed. "Was hoping you'd say that."
The wind kicked up as we took positions. The golden hour light shimmered between trees, casting moving shadows across the gates. Rhett's body shifted first. Light on his feet, knees bent, wind swirling faintly around him, his element buzzed with subtle precision—he was fast, strategic, and trained.
I stood still, fire beginning to pulse beneath the surface of his skin. It wasn't unstable yet, but it cracked along my wrists and spine like it was itching to be let loose.
"Ready?" Rhett asked, sliding into a low stance.
I nodded once. "Yeah."
Then, Rhett moved first.
A blur of wind and motion. He disappeared and reappeared to my left, throwing a palm strike—I ducked, sliding under it and launching a flame-punched sweep. Rhett leaped back, wind cushioning his escape. I followed, heat trailing from my steps.
"Nice reflex," Rhett said between exhales. "Not what I expected from a guy who walks like he's carrying guilt in both hands."
I narrowed my eyes. "You talk too much."
I threw both arms forward—twin arcs of fire spinning out like serrated crescents. Rhett vanished again, the wind spinning him sideways through the gap. He reappeared above, twisting midair, sending a slicing gust of air downward.
I raised a flame barrier, and the gust bounced off with a sharp crack. The grass around us scorched in patches, its edges curling to ash. We circled each other again, slower this time. My breath was steady, my fire crackling, but held in check. Rhett's eyes glinted with surprise—and something else. Respect.
I rolled my wrist, letting a flame spin around my fingers like a yo-yo. "Eh, I'm working on it."
We clashed again, Rhett vanishing and appearing at my flank, a wind blade flicking from his fingers like a whip. I ducked again, slamming my fist into the ground, and sent up a wall of fire and dirt. Rhett jumped clear—but just barely.
I lunged forward. Rhett twisted his heel, kicking up a burst of wind. The gust launched us both in opposite directions. We landed hard, skidding through the grass. Sweat on our brows—Breathing heavily. Sparks are still flickering at our fingertips.
We stood. Neither of us had landed a hit yet. Rhett chuckled, shaking his head. "So that's why Evelyn's watching you."
I raised an eyebrow. "She is?"
"I'd bet my rank she is," Rhett affirmed. "And I can see why."
Just as I was about to respond—
A sharp gust of wind hit us both. But it wasn't from Rhett. It was heavier. Controlled and carried by something colder. We turned toward the source. It was Regalia. She stood just beyond the trees, arms crossed, twin blades on her back. Her expression was once again unreadable.
"That's enough," she said coldly.
Both of us stiffened like soldiers caught horsing around by the general.
Rhett's eyes widened seeing who the woman standing before us was. He straightened, brushing dust from his shoulder. "Sorry, ma'am. Just getting a feel for—"
"I wasn't talking to you," she said flatly.
He jerked back, cold sweat running down his face.
I swallowed hard. I felt her gaze return to me.
"You're late," she said to me.
"I—I was—"
"Wasting time," she cut in. Her eyes flicked to Rhett. "With someone who fights like he's auditioning for an audience."
Rhett blinked, taken aback. Okay—ouch."
"Your timing was good," she added, this time to me. "Your decisions were not."
I lowered my head. "Yes, ma'am."
Regalia turned, already walking. "If you still want to be trained, follow me."
She didn't look back.
I gave Rhett a brief nod. "We'll finish this later."
Rhet snapped out of it and grinned. "Damn right, we will."
Then I took off after her, heat still in my blood—but now it was tamed by something sharper than fire.
Discipline.
—————————
The training grounds Regalia led me to weren't part of the public arenas or standard student practice fields. This was deeper into the estate, guarded behind old archways and high walls cloaked in moss and history: no crowds, no watchers, just Regalia and me.
I entered the clearing, my steps quiet on the stone tiles scorched with faded impact marks from battles past. The air here felt... heavier. Regalia stood in the center, her cape removed. Her normal regal but combat-ready outfit flourishes with the wind. Her swords rested in the dirt beside her, unused for now.
"Took you long enough," she said without turning.
I nodded. "I said I would be."
"Then take your stance."
I hesitated for a moment. Are we jumping straight in? No lectures, no warm-ups? Just immediate combat? I slipped into my standard stance—one foot forward, palms heating.
Regalia glanced over her shoulder. "Wrong."
"What?"
"That stance's built for raw aggression. You're not stable enough for that yet. You flare like a fuse with no control."
I could feel my brow twitch. "So what do you want me to do?"
Regalia turned fully, eyes cold but not cruel. "Adapt or lose."
She stepped forward in a flash—no warning, no count. Her palm struck toward my chest. I reacted just in time, throwing up a flame between us. It wasn't enough. Regalia's hand pressed through the fire effortlessly. I realized her steel element; by then, it was too late.
Her body hardened at the moment of impact. Her open palm strike knocked me back hard, sending me skidding across the tile. I coughed out in agony. However, no blood came out. She held back.
"Your flame is passionate," she said, walking toward me slowly. "But undisciplined. Fire is not rage, Daniel Reyes. It's focus."
I growled, pushing up onto one knee."You're not even using your swords."
Regalia stopped two meters away." Why would I need them?"
My eyes narrowed, fire dancing across both arms." Then I'll give you a reason."
I surged forward. This time, I didn't go for a fireball or a reckless swing. I planted low, faked a strike, and then pivoted, bringing my elbow toward her side. Regalia blocked with the flat of her arm, Steel reinforcing the impact. But her eyes narrowed.
He adjusted... Good...
She struck again, forcing me to block, dodge, and roll. Every move felt like I was dancing on the edge of a blade. That's when I realized. She wasn't teaching me; she was tempering me. After several back-and-forth exchanges, my body heaved with each breath. Heat pulsed at the edges of my vision.
And then—I faltered.
Just once.
A brief flicker of emotion surged through my chest—panic, frustration, doubt—and that was when it happened. My flame turned darker. A streak of black crept into the violet around my arms as I swung. The air around my fist cracked like glass under pressure. Regalia's eyes sharpened immediately. She stepped back, not out of fear, but precision. She caught my wrist mid-strike and twisted. The flame died instantly. I gasped, dropping to one knee.
"...That wasn't normal fire," she said, her voice no longer cold, just curious.
I looked up at her, confused. "What...?"
Regalia hadn't released her grip on my wrist yet. "You lost control. But not the way most students do. That energy—it wasn't just raw. It was corrupted."
I stared at her, stunned.
Her eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you're hiding, Reyes," she said, releasing me. "But it's not just fire. And if you don't figure it out... it will kill you."
I sat there, heart pounding. The dark edge of my flame. The mark on my palm sometimes pulsed when I was angry. The heat that never felt entirely my own. Regalia turned away, walking toward the edge of the arena.
"Training's over for today."
I stood up shakily. "That's it?"
"For now."
She stopped in the doorway. "You have potential," she said without turning. "But power without identity is just a weapon waiting for someone else to wield it."
Then she left. I stood alone in the arena, a single ember drifting from my shoulder and vanishing into the dark. For about a week, I continued with this training.