Shion let out a breath of relief as he watched his first star shimmer brilliantly within him. Rising to his feet, he raised his sword to test the "Raindrop Technique" infused with the star's power. The blade gleamed, droplets forming along its edge, and with each swing they followed his motion like extensions of his will. Every drop struck its mark as if it were a piercing thrust. A nearby tree bore the deep scars of his strikes. Satisfied, Shion sat down once more, whispering to himself: Let's try again...
He focused on the Path of the Stars, attempting to merge his circle with the newborn star, recalling the writings from the Stellar Manuscripts. Slowly, the star began to revolve around his circle, tracing its path, until a silvery aura engulfed his body. The waters of the nearby river shifted toward him, drawn by the force. His circle shone, turning into a mixture of white and silver, glowing with a dazzling brilliance.
When Shion opened his eyes, he found himself at the heart of a swirling vortex he had not meant to summon. Extending his hand toward it, the whirlpool flared brighter. He muttered softly: "Star Vortex...". The silver current enveloped him as he took a few hesitant steps forward—before the radiance suddenly collapsed. His body fell heavily to the ground, breath ragged, his chest rising in desperate gasps.
I did it... but this is harder than I imagined. I need to build more endurance. Otherwise, I won't be able to take another step forward.
After some time, he managed to stand again and return home, choosing rest over further strain. Lying in his room that night, he reflected: The Stellar Manuscripts, combined with theoretical studies of circles, have forged a new formula. One that could take me to the sixth circle and sixth star. And with the second half of the manuscript, the "Stellar Summet Art", I might even reach the ninth circle, the ninth star... perhaps beyond. With enough time and effort, it's all within my grasp.
He sank into a deep sleep. By morning, he joined his mother for breakfast.
– "Mother, I'm heading out to observe Baro's entrance exam. Do you need anything while I'm at the academy?"
She smiled mysteriously.
– "Lindy mentioned that Sol has something to ask you, but she's too shy. Try chatting with her a little."
Shion tilted his head, puzzled by her smile, but nodded and left.
At Baro's home, he found Baro, his father, and Sol waiting.
– "You've come, Master!" Baro exclaimed with excitement.
His father bowed respectfully.
– "I heard you taught my son swordsmanship. Thank you for all you've done for him."
Sol blinked, baffled. Didn't Shion only teach him a few tricks? But she brushed it aside and said:
– "Well then, let's get to the academy!"
Through the teleportation circle, they arrived—and Shion was taken aback by the scene. Colorful banners waved, platforms stood decorated, and tables stretched for guests and spectators. The academy looked nothing like he had last seen it, not since his own fight for a place there.
Baro's father soon excused himself, weariness showing in his steps. Shion turned to Baro, who also seemed uneasy.
– "What's wrong, Baro? Surely you're not nervous about the exam?"
– "It's just, Master... Sol hasn't suppressed her aura."
Shion glanced at Sol, then narrowed his eyes as he focused. His gaze sharpened.
– "Sol, weak as your aura may be, you're still a three-circle Spirit Mage. For Baro, who's just a beginner, your aura is crushing. Hold it back."
Sol nearly fainted at his words. Weak? Everyone's been avoiding me since the first year, calling me cursed—and he says it's weak?!
When Shion bluntly told her that her aura was weak and hardly worth mentioning, Sole froze for a moment. Her heart tightened — she had spent an entire year suffering from people avoiding her, from the whispers that she was cursed. His words weren't exactly an insult, but rather a shock, one that left her unable to name her feelings: should she grieve because he didn't see her as terrifying like everyone else did? Or rejoice because, for the first time, she wasn't treated as a monster? Inside her, pain and relief intertwined, leaving behind a confusion she had never experienced before.
She didn't realize that Shion faced death's aura daily, something purer and far harsher than anything she carried. To him, her "ominous" aura was little more than a passing breeze.
Then he paused, frowning.
– "Wait... how do you even have an aura when you're a mage?"
Sol gave a faint smile.
– "That's what I wanted to discuss with you... but not now."
Together, Shion and Baro entered the academy grounds. Platforms filled the courtyard, where students—both current and aspiring—dueled one another. Each strike was not just to showcase skill but to shatter an opponent's confidence. The entrance exam had already become a battlefield of minds as much as blades.
Baro stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief, while embarrassment flickered across Shion's face. Sol quickly noticed and tilted her head with a faint smile.
"Is the competition too hard for you, Baro?" she asked.
But Baro shook his head innocently and answered aloud,
"No, I just never expected them to be this weak! My master told me the trial would be harsh and the opponents strong… but they're far weaker than I imagined!"
Shion felt the sting of shame heat his cheeks, his thoughts whispering: Back then, I had to burn every trick I knew just to scrape by, always a step away from death. But now… Baro could defeat them effortlessly. How pitifully weak I must have been.
Meanwhile, Sol had heard Baro's words and gasped, her voice rising in alarm:
"Baro! Don't ever say something like that again. If the crowd takes offense, you'll make powerful enemies. You must keep a low profile, do you understand?"
"Ah… fine, Sol," Baro replied awkwardly.
Shion cut in, his tone steady.
"Baro, those people on the platforms might just be holding back. Be cautious—especially of…"
He pointed subtly at a few figures among the platforms, the ones he judged worthy of caution. But before he could finish, a woman's voice rang from behind him:
"Surely you know, as I do, that they're nothing more than obstacles to be brushed aside. You're giving them too much credit."
Shion turned to find a woman with brown hair and green eyes. Behind her stood a boy about Baro's age. His features were strikingly masculine despite his lack of beard or mustache, and his very presence was oppressive, as if the space bent around him.
The woman smiled and introduced herself.
"I am Vivi, mentor of that brat, Fiore. And I've noticed your boy might just be a worthy rival to him. What do you say we let them exchange a little experience?"
Shion's gaze shifted to Fiore, and an uneasy feeling coiled in his chest—something about the boy felt… wrong. But Baro broke the silence eagerly:
"Master, may I fight him?"
Shion nodded slowly.
"I don't object, but there are too many eyes here. I'd rather not reveal Baro's strength early—it could affect the competition later. Why don't we find someplace quieter?"
Vivi ignored him entirely, her gaze locking strangely on Baro.
"What did you just say? That man is your master, not merely your companion?!"
Fury flashed in Baro's eyes, but before he could retort, Shion stepped in calmly:
"And what's the problem with a teacher guiding his student? Isn't that what you're doing as well?"
Vivi gave a light laugh.
"I'm old enough to take on a disciple, with the experience to teach. But you… I doubt you've even turned twenty yet. Am I right?"
"Yes," Shion replied firmly. "I'm seventeen this year. But who ever said teaching depends on the years you've lived? It depends on skill, and on knowing how to shape a student—not the time you've wasted breathing."
Fiore's expression darkened at those words. His voice rose, sharp and commanding:
"You're a student of the academy too, aren't you? Then enlighten me, fellow student!"
He drew his sword, pointing it directly at Shion. Shion said nothing at first, while Baro rushed forward, ready to intervene—but Shion stopped him with a gesture.
"It's fine," Shion said quietly. "There's something I want to confirm."
He stepped forward, facing Fiore under the eyes of Vivi, Baro, and Sol. Drawing his own blade, he smiled faintly.
"Since you're the younger one here, I'll grant you the first strike."
The words hit Fiore like an insult. With a snarl, he lunged, his movements so fierce they tore the very air. Shion narrowed his eyes in surprise.
"Didn't I tell you?" Vivi said with a proud smile. "Fiore is a savage talent. He's stronger than most here—"
But her voice broke off. Shion had tossed his sword aside, stepped forward, and pressed his palm against Fiore's chest. The strike was light, almost casual—yet Fiore collapsed instantly, coughing blood onto the ground.
Baro, Sol, and Vivi's eyes widened in utter shock. None of them understood what had just happened. Shion, however, paid no attention to their astonishment. He walked straight toward Vivi, his voice cold as steel:
"Are you the one who taught Fiore that technique?"
The woman faltered.
"Ah… y-yes. It suited him, so I—"
"That technique was created for women only!" Shion's voice cut like a blade.
Fiore's eyes widened at the revelation. Shion continued, speaking slowly, every word deliberate:
"Some techniques can be practiced by anyone. Some spells are open to all sorcerers. But unique techniques… they are not for everyone. To some, they're a waste of years. To others, they destroy body and mind. This technique, in particular, was designed for women—for medical reasons, to cope with excess energy. Tell me, wasn't its creator a sickly woman overwhelmed by power beyond her control?"
Vivi's eyes widened in horror.
"Yes…" she whispered.
"And has a single man ever reached the fourth star through it?" Shion pressed. "No. Only women—and even then, barely, after years of suffering. Isn't that the truth?"
A shiver raced down Vivi's spine. How could he know all this? She didn't answer, but her silence spoke louder than words.
Then Shion moved, demonstrating several movements of the technique without even channeling aura. Vivi's breath caught; her eyes stretched wide in disbelief, almost madness. A technique she considered middling—at best a stepping stone to a mediocre swordsman—was being dissected and exposed by a boy who hadn't even reached twenty.
When he finally finished, Shion declared:
"That technique was never meant for combat, only as treatment for overflowing energy. It was designed for women who suffered from that curse. For men, it is poison. And yet… Fiore managed to reach the first star in it, without shattering his mind. That alone proves his talent."
He turned his sharp gaze on Fiore, still collapsed and stunned.
"That is why I intend to teach him a technique of my own. One that will actually strengthen him, instead of destroying him."