Mai bumps his shoulder with hers, light but deliberate.
"You gonna keep brooding like that, or should I grab a shovel and help you dig that hole deeper?" she teases, that familiar playful edge slipping into her voice.
Si-woo huffs out a tiny laugh and finally cracks a small smile, though he still didn't answer.
"Well, alright then," Mai says, straying from them," I'll see you later. Bye." She waves, her other friends following behind her.
Si-woo and Ha-yoon walk a distance from the academy when a heavy whooshing sound cuts through the air. They both looked up just as Lemmy came sweeping down from the sky, its massive shadow sliding across the courtyard like a living cloud. The beast lands with a graceful thud, wings folding as it kicks up a swirl of dust around them. Minho sits straight on her back, eyes sharp and focused.
"Ready for training?" he calls down.
Si-woo and Ha-yoon trade a glance.
Ha-yoon's grin flashes wide.
"Yeah, as long as Sergeant Ren isn't throwing me in bushes again," she shot back. "I'm still finding twigs in my uniform from last time."
Minho chuckles and tilts his head toward the rear.
"Same spots, you two. Let's go."
They climb up behind him, settling into the grooves they'd used dozens of times before. The wyvern lets out a deep, rumbling roar, then launches skyward with one powerful push. Its wings beat in a steady rhythm as they climb higher, the academy shrinking below them. Wind whips across their faces, tugging at hair and clothes. For a little while, Si-woo relaxes.
The royal palace of Seoul slowly appears on the horizon, its grand training grounds waiting somewhere behind the elegant spires. But as they got closer, the wyvern suddenly banked hard to the left, veering away from the palace entirely.
Ha-yoon leans forward, raising her voice against the rushing wind. "Hey, where are we going?"
Minho glances back, a small, excited smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Been wanting to show you both something special, Something foundational that'll matter in the near future."
The wyvern spirals down smoothly and touches down in the middle of a huge, open plaza. The second Si-woo's shoe hit the ground, and he realized the place from the geographic pictures he had read in the library—the intermediate academy of Seoul.
The campus sprawls across rolling hills, its buildings curving naturally into the landscape as the wind and earth themselves had shaped them. Tall, graceful structures of stone and crystal catch the sunlight in soft, shifting hues. Lush greenery lines the paths, and leaves flow in streams, drift lazily through the air, weaving between walkways like living ribbons.
Minho hops down and spreads his left arm wide, gesturing at the whole scene.
"Welcome to the intermediate academy of Seoul," his voice warm with pride.
"This is where you two are headed once you graduate from the young academy."
Si-woo and Ha-yoon stare around with wide eyes, taking it all in. The older students moving across the grounds carried themselves with a quiet, powerful confidence. The air around them seemed to flow differently, strong, steady, controlled.
Si-woo's chest tightens with a mix of excitement and nerves. Each of them looks like they belong here, like they knew exactly who they were and what they could do.
"This is where talented young fae come to advance their cultivation and choose a family," Minho starts walking, "They learn to push their abilities as far as they'll go. And today, you're going to see the utmost turning point in all of fae experiences: an awakening."
Ha-yoon's eyebrows shoot up, joy etching across her face, "Nice. An awakening...wait, can't that be dangerous?"
Minho gives her a calm, reassuring smile. "Not as bad as it may seem. Worst case, a few pebbles get kicked around and gusts of wind from the serein buildup. The staff and officials here have everything under control. In the instance something goes awry, immediate intervention occurs."
Minho leads them through the growing crowd toward a wide, cleared circle in the center of the grounds. A young fae girl stood inside it, her body already tensing with building power, raw energy pulsing off her in visible waves.
Si-woo and Ha-yoon find a good spot near the front, shoulder to arm as they watch, barely able to look away. The thought of one day standing in a circle like that, stronger, more capable, sends a rush through both of them.
Minho leans in between them, voice low and steady, "Awakenings can occur at any moment," he nods toward the girl in the circle.
"Sometimes it just happens without a hint beforehand, or a profound emotion acts as an activist for it. That's why students need to meditate every day to build up their serein purity and advance the process along. It's part of daily life at the Middle Academy."
Ha-yoon keeps her eyes locked on the young fae, watching the streams of wind swirl around her in slow, almost hypnotic patterns.
"So… how often does someone actually awaken?"
"Almost every day. The academy is built for growth. Students' hard work produces stunning results. It's not unusual to see a handful of awakenings in a single week."
Si-woo couldn't tear his gaze away from the glowing figure. The girl's fiery hair flares high. His own heart pounds in time with the building energy, and a thrill mixes with the awe.
He swallows hard. What is it going to feel like when it happens to me...or will it happen at all?
While the three of them watch from the side, a few older students spot them. A small group of Fae in crisp, royal blue uniforms, marked with the symbols of their level, wandered over with easy smiles.
"MINHO, SI-WOO, HA-YOON," a fae girl calls out.
"Oh, Hey Stess. Si-woo waves as she, Remedy, and Drui make their way over.
"Who?" Ha-yoon stares at the trio, confusion carving her face.
"Does your greed eat away at your memory too?" Drui asks, his grain colored eyes and purple hair walking up beside Stess.
"WHACK" Stess whips her hand at the back of his head, forcing him to his knees.
"Please ignore this quick-tongued, no-brained dunce, we've been trying to fix him for a while now," Stess says, bowing, her angel blond hair falling down her shoulders.
Si-woo looks up at Minho for his reaction, his eyes lost in the clouds.
"Mmm, some nice weather we're having, isn't it?"
Ha-yoon stares down at the dumbfounded face, rubbing the back of his head, " I guess I'll forgive his impertinence, just this once."
Si-woo and Minho try to stiffle their laughs.
Sapphire blue eyes peek up from behind Stess. "It's good to see you, Minho," Remedy says, her crystal blue hair tied back, showing her flushed face.
"You here to watch the awakening?"
Minho returned the smile and gave her a small wave, "Hey, Remedy. Indeed, I figured I'd give these two a glimpse of what they've got to look forward to once they attend this academy."
"Do you know her?" Si-woo asks Stess, pointing at the awakening fae.
"That's Ariel, an underclassman. She's part of the student council. She's very smart."
Drui slowly stands back up, " She's very much of a pain in my a-"
"WHACK"
This time, it was Remedy who hit him to the floor, "She's a good person and a good friend," she forced through her soft voice.
Realization hits Ha-yoons face, "Wait, where's that evil one, Dolly. I know she's around here, I can feel it."
Drui laughs loftily, now sitting on the ground, "Your doppelganger is scavenging the nearby food stands, she probably feels a competi-"
Drui looks up, spotting Stess's and Remedy's hostile faces looking down at him like sharks to minos, "um, I mean she probably feels you near y too because she also has great instincts...hehe,"
"That she does," Minho adds, scratching his chin.
"I'm so happy for Ariel, starting next term, she'll be a fifth echelon."
"Oh, that's right," Ha-yoon exclaims, "You're directly transferred to the fifth echelon when you awaken."
Stess nods, "Yep, not only that, you'll pick the family you'll join, get evaluated for your degree in toeju, and prepare for the midterms correlating to your family, it's a really big change."
Minho's midnight eyes gaze back at Ariel, "You picked a good day. If I remember right, she's been pushing herself through advanced studies and training ardently this past month, meditating for hours every single day. Her connection with serein will be extraordinary."
A nearby girl with striking amber features chimes in, "Her energy's been building all week. We've all been on edge waiting for this. She's something else, even for a level four."
"Nobody aske-" Stess snatches Drui by the collar, stopping him mid-sentence. " I'm so sorry, we'd better go find Dolly before she does anything. Bye!" She drags Drui along the stone path through the crowd of students.
Si-woo and Ha-yoon giggle while waving back at Remedy as she follows after Stess.
"That boy really is something," Minho lets out.
"But he is skilled nonetheless."
Minho placed a hand on their shoulders, "This may be an unfamiliar environment right now, but one day soon, you'll be the ones standing here, getting ready for your own awakening. For now… watch and learn."
The anticipation in the air grew heavier as they all turned their attention back to Ariel. The whole space feels electric.
As the energy around her started to surge, Minho glanced at the two kids beside him, a knowing glint in his eyes. "If told her serein is blue, what can you conclude from that?"
The nature of her serein is calm, wise, and has depth." Ha-yoon answers without hesitation.
Si-woo adds, "It's mid-high purity grade level, the third highest purity grade."
"What of her flow?" Minho presses.
Ha-yoon nods, her gaze locked on the flow. "It looks...steady. Like a river. The energy pulses in time with her breathing, almost like they're in sync."
Minho smiled, clearly pleased. "Good. What you're seeing is the nature and concentration of her serein; though you can't see the color yet, you know of its nature. Remember, it comes in seven different hues, ranging from lowest purity to highest. Purple, red, orange, green, blue, yellow, and white or translucent. The lighter and more translucent it is, the higher the purity and clarity of one's path. The lower purity grades may have a less insightful path, but instead have more opportunities to use their impurities according to their techniques. If you're really gifted, those same impurities can give you control and abilities that someone with purer serein could never touch."
He nods toward Ariel, "Her light blue serein means she has excellent purity. Her growth will be swift as long as she works hard. You'll watch this spectrum change as people grow stronger," he added.
"But don't measure your own path too closely against hers. Serein reacts differently to every person's character."
They turned their attention back to Ariel as tendrils of serein began spiraling up from her body, growing brighter and thicker by the second. The air around her grows heavy, almost crackling with sparks. Everything felt as if it were holding its breath, waiting.
"Whoa.." Ha-yoon whispered, eyes wide. "It's beautiful."
"It really is," Minho agrees.
Then, all at once, the energy pulls together and bursts outward, sending a light gust of wind and pressure rolling across the area, strong enough that Si-woo instinctively took a small step back.
Ariel slowly opened her eyes. They glowed for a brief moment before returning to their normal state. She let out a long breath, a faint mist curling from her lips in the cool air. Cheers and applause erupt around her.
Minho claps along with them, smiling warmly, "Well done, Ariel," he calls out.
"That's what's waiting for you two one day. Just remember, your awakening will come when you're ready. In your time."
Ariel walks from the platform, still surrounded by her excited friends. She catches Si-woo and Ha-yoon's eyes and offers them a small, knowing smile.
Si-woo Ha-yoon grin at each other as Minho starts leading them away from the academy grounds, heading back toward the waiting wyvern. Students passing by kept offering Minho respectful bows and cheerful greetings, clearly showing how much respect he carried here.
They were almost at the wyvern when Si-woo suddenly felt a faint tingle at the back of his mind. A bold, warm voice brushes through his thoughts.
"I hope we get to meet soon, chosen one."
He freezes, the words lingering like an echo. His eyes urgently scan the crowd until they land on a tall, hooded figure standing at the edge of the gathering, half- hidden in shadow.
Even though he couldn't see their face, a familiar, warm feeling radiated from them, similar to Quorge's.
Si-woo blankly stares. Telepathy again? Must be a sprit, I do remember reading they often use telepathy due to their affinity for nature and psychic mana.) The figure holds Si-woo's gaze for a long moment, then turns and slips away, melting into the crowd as if they'd never been there. Si-woo blinks. Was that Oapa?
"Si-woo, come on!" Ha-Ylyoon calls.
Minho and Ha-yoon are already by the wyvern, waiting. He takes one last look at the spot where the hooded figure was before jogging over to catch up.
As they climb onto the wyvern, Si-woo couldn't hold it in anymore. "Minho," he asks hesitantly, "is there any way possible for fae or others besides sprits to talk to someone through telepathy?"
Minho stops mid-step, "Telepathy?" he repeats, turning to study Si-woo more closely.
Ha-Yoon, already halfway settled on the wyvern, shot him a confused look, "No, duh. What are you even talking about?"
Minho's expression turns thoughtful. He hesitates for a second, "With everything we've been studying lately... the biotechnology branch of the knowledge familia partnered with the rankers familia and has started developing mechanisms for telepathic operatives. It's new, and we still don't fully understand it, but the development is underway."
Ha-Yoon's eyes went wide. "Wait, seriously? So.. do you have a prototype of something?"
Minho pauses again. Then, without moving his lips, his voice suddenly echoes inside their heads, clear and calm.
"I do. But this is highly classified. You can't speak about this to anyone outside of here."
Ha-yoon's mouth falls open, pure excitement written across her face, "That's... that's amazing! She whispers.
Si-Woo stayed quiet as he climbed up beside them, his mind drifting back to the hooded figure and that warm, familiar presence. Chosen one? How important is Z to them?
...
In the weeks leading up to the mid-term placement tests, Si-woo and Ha-yoon spent most of their time in the rebuilt Seoul public library. With occasional banter, Ha-yoon would include herself.
Si-woo and Ha-yoon walk together toward the academy gates. The air is thick with anxiety and quiet determination as students mill around, dreading the midterm placement test. Just before Ha-yoon heads inside, Si-woo reaches out and rests a hand on her shoulder.
"Blessings, Ha-yoon," he says softly.
"Go on in, I'll be right behind."
She looks up at him, eyes steady.
"Blessings."
She takes a few steps, then pauses and glances back. A warm, genuine smile spread across her face, full of encouragement, affection, and a quiet confidence.
Something in Si-woo's heart warms at the sight of it. Her smile made the weight of his decision feel a little lighter.
He stays near the entrance for a while, lost in his thoughts, until a familiar hand suddenly grabs his arm. Mai stands beside him, eyes as bright as Queen Elaras.
"What are you waiting for? Come on!" she says, tugging him forward. Si-woo planted his feet and didn't move.
"I'm not going in," he says quietly.
Mai freezes mid-pull, her eyes settling as realization moves in. Her hand slipped from his arm.
"You worked so hard, though."
Si-woo looks up at the sky with resolve, "I'm just not ready. It doesn't make sense to force it when I know I need more time."
Mai's expression softens, worry flickering across her face. "You could've told me when we were studying together in the library." There was a hint of hurt in her voice, though understanding overtook it.
She steps closer, close enough that he could feel the warmth coming off her.
"Still… you'll get there. You've got more fight in you than you think."
Then the corner of her mouth twitched up into that familiar teasing smile. "Just don't fall too far behind, okay? I'll never let you live it down."
A small smile breaks through Si-woo's face. "I won't," he promises.
As Mai turns to head inside, she shoots one last look over her shoulder. Si-woo stays rooted in place, a new steadiness settling in his chest.
From a distance, Minho walks over and places a steady hand on Si-woo's shoulder.
"It's not about rushing to the top," he says calmly.
"It's about building a foundation so solid that when you're finally ready, nothing can knock you down. This is your journey. Walk it at your own pace."
Si-woo nods, the last traces of doubt fading. He steps back from the entrance as the heavy doors swing shut behind Minho and the other students. Today is my day, but soon it will be,... but until then, I'll prepare myself.
Before leaving the academy grounds, he stops by his homeroom teacher. The conversation is short; his teacher gives him an encouraging nod and tells him to use the time wisely. Waving bye to Ha-yoon, who had a knowing face, the weight falls off his shoulders, and Si-woo heads out on foot into the heart of Seoul.
It's a beautiful day today, isn't it, Lord? Si-woo muses as he walks through the crowded cobbled streets, buildings, and the wind carries snippets of everyday life. He wanders with his hands in his pockets, letting his mind drift as he takes in the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling town.
Pieces of conversation drift past him from market stalls and street corners. Fresh bread, laughing kids, hung in the air, though the recurring topic keeps being mentioned: the new Rankers' familia.
"It's about time," a gruff voice says. "If those beats from the anomalies keep spreading, our patrolmen would start to have a rough time."
"Maybe," a woman replies, shifting a bundle of herbs on her shoulder. "But Mutstushiro and his people… they're powerful. A little too intimidating, if you ask me."
"They've done more for our daily lives than most of us will ever know," another person cut in, defensive.
"Folks forget too fast. We need them."
Si-woo keeps walking, listening to the shifting tones: hope, unease, gratitude, suspicion. When the talk turned to the fae, the opinions grew even more complicated.
"Fae or Ranker, what's the difference?" someone muttered bitterly. "I hope their status doesn't go to their heads."
He takes it all in, letting the townspeople's fears and hopes paint a clearer picture of how much Seoul was changing. The arrival of the Rankers' family is shifting everything, causing uncertainty in the days ahead in Seoul.
Lost in thought, Si-woo slows his steps. I can't see how it would be a bad thing. Fae are almost nothing like humans. We're greedy and quick to change when obtaining power. But Minho and other higher-ups don't seem that way.
He presses on, the tide of murmurs following behind him.
While aimlessly wandering through the streets, he let the sounds and sights of the city remind him of the times with his family. His gaze lingers on shops, buildings, and mechanisms giving flight to advertising goods. The mechanisms use orichalcum, a metal that is highly valued for its serein conducting properties and other hidden qualities. But recently, I hadn't realized they had other applications beyond serein conduction.
His thoughts drift back to a recent conversation with Minho during training. They had taken a rare break, seated on a low stone wall, when Minho had pulled out a small piece of orichalcum and tossed it to him.
"Did you know we're currently using orichalcum to conduct special grade armor?"
Si-woo catches the stone and turns it over in his palms. "I was thinking Hemeraldo would use them for something like that, but special grade? I thought it was just for boosting unique abilities and channeling serein."
Minho nods, "It does both. But when you refine it without faults, it's durable, flexible, and as tough as adamantium. Not many people can work with it without harming themselves, or its properties, but the ones who can… their artistry is in a league of its own."
Si-woo keeps walking and passes shop windows filled with gleaming armor. Light dances across the polished surfaces, throwing off shifting iridescent colors.
One set in particular catches his eye, a sleek, layered suit with shimmering scale plates. I bet I could slay dragons with that on...although they don't have them here. A quiet thrill soars through him.
Lost in thought, he didn't notice the small shadow passing overhead until Z swooped down and landed lightly on his head.
Si-woo's eyes widen, then a genuine grin broke across his face. He reached up and gently patted the little creature's smooth scales.
"Hey, Z. Mssed me already?" he chuckles. He carefully adjusted the wyvern so it could perch more comfortably, wings tucked in tight.
Si-woo looks out over the busy streets of Seoul, "Things are different here, Z. Earth used to be more... lively. And Ha-yoon and I… we're the last ones left." His throat tightens, "That's a heavy thing to carry, isn't it? Gets lonely sometimes."
"People seem to know we've got some big destiny waiting. That's more pressure, Z. More than I know what to do with sometimes."
Z looks from over Si-woo's hair and tilts his small head, blinking at him with. Si-woo's thoughts drift to his mother.
"Pressure creates diamonds, my love," she whispered, fingers gently combing through his hair.
"The hard things you go through will shape you. As you follow Christ, his image will shine through you, even at your lowest. Your path will light the way for others like a light tower in a sea storm." She'd kissed his forehead, and in that moment her love had felt like the only sure thing in the world.
Si-woo's eyes sting. He blinks hard. "I miss them, Mom… Ye-jun," he murmurs, voice cracking.
A gentle nudge against his head pulled him back. Z pressed his little face against Si-woo's in quiet comfort. Si-woo smiles and lets out a soft laugh, reaching up to cradle the tiny wyvern.
"Thanks, buddy. I needed that."
He takes a deep breath and keeps walking, feeling steadier.
A sudden, heavy feeling rolls over him like a cold wave. Si-woo turns to see a tall figure approaching, each step radiating pure pressure. Mutstushiro. Those sharp black eyes lock onto him with unsettling focus. Light purple hair framed a face that showed no warmth at all.
Mutstushiro stops a few paces away and offers a thin, chilling smile.
"I don't believe I've properly introduced myself."
Si-woo feels Z's uneasy shudder on his head, the baby wyvern's body going tense. He reaches up to steady him.
"I'm Si-woo. It's a pleasure to meet a royal family headmaster," he answers, bowing.
Mutstushiro's eyes gleam as he leans in slightly, smile wide. "A true honor to meet one of the former proprietors of this land." His tongue flicks across his lips.
"That...your other must be taking the test right now. Why aren't you?"
Si-woo swallows, "I'm not ready yet...And we're still inhabitants of this land."
The smile twists into something colder, "Is that you truly think, boy?"
"Si-woo!"
A loud, familiar voice cuts through the tension. Hemeraldo comes striding up, his massive frame expressing an imposing figure. His wild brown mane and fiery orange eyes flick to Si-woo with a look.
"I've been looking everywhere for you, kid," the blacksmith booms, clapping a heavy hand on Si-woo's shoulder with exaggerated familiarity.
Mutstushiro's eyes narrowed, but Hemeraldo's commanding presence didn't leave room for argument. Si-woo lets out a small breath of relief as the big man starts guiding him away.
"I was in the middle of a conversation with the boy, blacksmith," Mutstushiro's voice lowers, revealing a dangerous edge, the eerie smile never leaving his face.
Hemeraldo's sun-orange eyes remain fixed, unmoving. He leans in slightly, towering over most but meeting Mutstushiro's presence head-on.
"We're a bit busy right now, Mutstushiro,"
Something in Mutstushiro's eyes flickers for a split second, and a dangerous silence falls over the space around them.
"Watch your tongue, blacksmith. You would dare address me in such a manner?"
"I call it as I see it," Hemeraldo replies, his words deliberately calm but carrying an unmistakable weight.
"Now leave!"
The two massive men stare at each other, the air tenses as their presence presses down on everyone nearby. Z jumps into Si-woo's arms, burying his face into his chest. The crushing weight of their combined power weakens Si-woo's legs.
Mutstushiro's smile twists into a cruel angle. He steps closer, face inches from Hemeraldo's.
"What are you going to do if I don't?" he whispers.
I...I can barely breathe, I need to get out of here. Si-woo forces himself to stay upright while holding onto Z.
Mutstushiro's eyes flick to a nearby building, then to Si-woo and his bond. He licks his lips, "The blacksmith thinks he's protecting a stranger," he sneers, "when he couldn't even protect his beloved." He lets out a cold, hollow laugh, sending chills down Si-woo's spine before stepping back.
Si-woo's jaw drops, then he looks around at the crowd. The older fae seem to be unbothered by the pressure, as some of the younger ones are passed out with their bonds, having just as much of a hard time.
Hemeraldo's jaws clench, his eyes narrowing. Si-woo could almost feel the heat radiating off him, as if the blacksmith's spirit was ablaze. The air crackles, the last thread of peace stretches out as devastation encircles them.
Mutstushiro turns away, his movements languid. Before jumping into the horizon, he casts a final glance over his shoulder. "Stay well and healthy, my young one," mockingly, yet carrying a hint of genuine intent.
Mutstushiro fades from sight, the oppressive weight lifts slightly, Si-woo lets out a deep sigh, realizing he'd been holding his breath.
Hemeraldo watches Si-woo carefully, then rests his hand on his shoulder, grounding him.
"Are you okay, boy?" His rough voice softens with concern.
"Yeah," he takes a full breath, his chest heaving.
"Although... I could barely stand."
Hemeraldo lets out a hearty, rumbling laugh that echoes off the buildings around them.
"You're built like a coffin ox, boy," he claps Si-woo on the back, loosening his grip on Z.
"I'm surprised you're still conscious. But be wary of that man. He's not himself these days."
Si-woo's brow furrows, "What do you mean? He wasn't always like this?"
Before pressing further, Hemeraldo's expression grows serious. Follow me to the forge,"
"It's not best to speak of private matters in public."
With that, Hemaeraldo guides Si-woo away. The walk is silent until they come to the doors of Hemeraldo's newly refurbished smithy. Pausing at the entrance, Si-woo is amazed by the structural difference of the one in Ondur. The exterior is more of an elegant touch by the fae's best artisans. Additional traditional craftsmanship mixes modern enhancements. Inside, an impressive array of weapons and armor presents itself in the dim light.
"I say it's grummy in here with all this new tech," Hemeraldo gazes at the armory on display.
"But it's a commendable land nonetheless."
Si-woo nods, looking towards the back of the smithy at the familiar fae at the counter. The craftsmanship is really unique and one of a kind. Thin, fine knitted linen and other unfamiliar items share a testament to the skill and dedication of their maker. Hemeraldo leads him downstairs to the forge, away from prying eyes and ears.
"It's good to see you, boy," Hemeraldo greets, sitting at his desk secluded from the work stations. He shoots a gaze at Z perched on Si-woo's left shoulder.
"And that bond of yours, too."
Z lets out a coo, nuzzling affectionately against Si-woo, "Thank you for earlier. But what did you mean, Mutstushiro's not his usual self? He hasn't always been like this?"
Hemeraldo nods as his expression darkens, "Straight to the point, then. Mutstushiro... he was once driven by a sense of duty, compassion, and admirable etiquette. But as time spent, he fixated on his ancestors' curse, and recently, the anomalies. His ambitions have twisted. Some suspect it could have been the social scrutiny that came along with his bloodline, though the effect is as if something has been injecting poison in his veins, drugging him down a lost, dreadful path."
Si-woo tilts his head in curiosity, "What curse?"
"Hmm," Hemeraldo scratches his beard contemplatively, "Well, I presume there would be no need for a foreigner to be informed of fae affairs...so be it, I will tell you."
"In the Mu era, the three guardians of Yohen: the white blood wyverns, Mu, and the sprits fought valiantly against a nefarious warmongerer with the name of Xexphin, and his overwhelming army: 'The lost Monarchs'."
"Oh yeah, I've read about this. Though I tried to find any books in the library to give me the names of the people in a lost monarch, but it seemed like all the authors were trying to avoid it." Si-woo says with uncertainty.
"They are." Heneraldo looks at Si-woo with eyes as heavy as boulders. Si-woo shifts uneasily in his seat.
" Listen, boy. Don't say that name carelessly out in public. Our ancestors and scholars have strived to erase the names of the evildoers from fae history. They can't, the horrific war has spilt too much innocent blood on the land, staining it and its people, leaving too much of a mess to ignore. Xexphin knew his fate was encroaching and his days in Yohen were numbered. One of his last feats was cursing Mutsusito's bloodline using a forbidden magic rule. Now every offspring of the Mustushiro bloodline means inevitable death among the two guardians."
" Magic? As in mana?" Si-woo questions," I didn't know there was such a thing as forbidden magic."
" Indeed, there is, it's another matter erased from the archives of Ondur, and a lesson that's taboo and futile to teach, for one has to be in tune with mana and have prehistoric knowledge of the sprits."
That's what makes sprits so special. One of the only intelligent beings to be able to use mana. Si-woo pets Z's Head in deep thought, forbidden magic must have deep Roots with the sprits...but what does Xexphin and the Lost monarchs have to do with it?
"Now, it may seem I'm also playing into the scrutiny of the rumors for Mutstushiro, but he and I have one thing in common in that we abhor pity, and so I believe that we judge by who we are now and not our past. You'd be smart to take into account, boy, that rumors can lead you to a place where you see only the flaws in the purest of people."
Silence hangs between them as Si-woo takes his words to heart, interrupted only by the faint clinking of metal from the smithy.
"On another note, I've been meaning to talk to you on other subjects," he says, his gaze flicking over to Z. "You and your whiteblood wyvern are destined to go beyond the heavens, to overcome and soar to new lands. So, I saught it unjust for only one of you to have armor. I'll create a custom armor set for Z when he's ready to be ridden."
Si-woo gasps in excitement, "Thank you, Hemeraldo, thank you so much! I always looked at the other wyverns and how some were armored, and others weren't. I can't wait to see what it'll look like on him."
Hemeraldo grins, the corners of his mouth twitching with a mix of pride and amusement.
"No need to get all sappy on me, boy. I do need to take a few measurements on this little wyvern of yours. I'll be borrowing him briefly,"
As Hemeraldo starts carefully measuring Z, who wriggles but stays mostly still, Si-woo's eyes wander over to a framed picture hanging on the nearby wall. It shows a more uniform Hemeraldo standing tall and proud beside a stunning fae woman. Her vibrant red hair looked as if it were glowing, catching the light like embers.
Si-woo hesitates for a second, then says quietly, "I don't mean to pry, but-"
"That's Iyani," Hemeraldo cuts in gently, the warmth in his voice laced with sadness.
"My wife. We were together for hundreds of years....Still surprises me she stuck around so long. I was a real mess back then, troubled, hot-headed. She was the one who finally put a collar on the beast in me."
His smile slowly fades, a faraway look settles in his eyes. "She served in the royal family's military guard. Fierce as they come, and noble to the core."
He pauses, lament pressing down on him. "One day, a horde of beasts came tearing through the outer forests right up to the borders of Ondur. We managed to drive them back… but it cost us. More than I ever wanted to pay."
He looks away from the picture, focusing on Z's tiny scales instead. "She's a hero. My hero. Fought for things worth dying for." He swallowed, " Those savage beasts that roamed Yohen played no favorites when it came to destruction and discord."
Si-woo reached over and rested a hand on the big man's hairy arm.
"I'm sorry."
Hemeraldo gave a slow nod, pulling himself together. "Hold the people you care about close, kid. The road's ugly sometimes. But true love comes from fighting for those worth dying for."
Z presses against Hemeraldo's chest with a soft, rumbling coo. The blacksmith's face softens a little. He scratched under the wyvern's chin, the hint of a smile breaking through.
He goes back to adjusting his measuring tools on Z, then glances at Si-woo.
"You're not taking the test this year, are you?"
Si-woo shook his head. "Not yet. I'm… not ready."
"Nothing wrong with that, son, better to wait than charge in half-arsed. Raw ore doesn't make a blade on its own. You've got to temper it right."
Si-woo smiles, "You'd know all about tempering."
Hemeraldo's deep laugh rolls through the workshop like thunder. "Damn right I do." His thick fingers clap on Si-woo's shoulder. "You're not the only one who's waited. Even the best weapons start as lumps of nothing. Your time'll come. Just make sure you're sharp enough to cut through whatever's waiting when it does."
Si-Woo nods, the words settling somewhere solid in his chest.
"Thanks."
Hemeraldo waves it off. He finishes his notes and gives Z one last gentle pat. "All set, little one." The wyvern chirps happily. The blacksmith straightened up and gave Si-woo a bear hug.
"Good seeing you, boy. And tell your sister I said blessings."
"I will."
Si-woo stepped out of the smithy feeling lighter than when he'd gone in. He wanders the busy streets of Yohen for a while with Z perched on his head, letting the noise and smells wash over him. "Had no idea he'd been through all that," he murmurs, reaching up to stroke Z's side, "She must've been something else."
...
Back at the academy, Ha-yoon and Mai are just coming out the front doors. Ha-yoon looks wiped out, shoulders slumped. Z launches off Si-woo's head and lands on hers with an excited trill. She lights up instantly, laughing as she steadies the little wyvern.
"These exams get brutal the higher you go," she groans, but she was grinning.
Mai gives a tired smile. "I'm pretty sure I didn't do so well on the Hoken section."
Ha-yoon stuck her hand out toward Si-woo, eyes sparkling with greed. "Cakes. Now. I'm running on fumes."
Si-woo smirks and keeps one hand behind his back for a second just to mess with her. She practically shrieked, "Give me the cakes, I need the nutrients!" He and Mai crack up. He finally hands them over. Ha-yoon snatches most of them like a starving animal and shoves one in her mouth immediately.
Mai took one more delicately, nibbling while she looked at Si-woo. "So what'd you do all day?"
"Went to see Hemeraldo."
Both girls stared at him.
Mai's eyes went wide. "Wait, really? How did you find him?"
"Well, I didn't find him, he-" He pauses, noticing a little smear of pink frosting on Mai's cheek.
"Hold still."
He steps in close and brushes it away with his thumb. Mai froze. Her face went bright red, and for a second, she couldn't hear anything except her own heartbeat.
"Haha," a nervous laugh escapes her mouth, completely failing to sound normal, as she looks anywhere but at him.
"All clean," he says, his tone indifferent, flashing an easy grin.
Mai manages a stiff little nod, her heart hammering so hard she was sure it showed. "Th-thanks," she stammers, forcing the word out. She risks one quick glance at him, but Si-woo had already turned away, completely oblivious, already calling out to his sister.
"Ha-yoon," he starts, then stops short when he sees the icing smeared across her face. "Don't move."
Ha-yoon hisses like an angry kitten protecting her last bite of cake. In seconds, they were tangled up in a wrestling match. Si-woo tries to wipe her face while she squirms. Z flits between them, cooing happily, and Mai couldn't help doubling over in laughter, too. The warm chaos of it all melted some of the tension in her chest, at least for the moment.
...
Four days later, the mid-term placement results are finally posted. On the walk to the academy, Si-woo notices Ha-yoon fidgeting more than usual. Even though there's no reason for me to be here, she basically beat me awake.
Inside the hall, Ha-yoon's little group of friends cluster around her, all of them jittery. Mai drifts off to chat with her own circle, while Si-woo turns his attention to the front, scanning for the announcers.
The ceremony starts with Sir Cleft, the student advisor, and Princess Deane announcing the scrolls. The first echelon scroll unfurls first. Sir Cleft reads off the scores.
Si-woo murmurs to himself. "Average looks like about seventy-nine."
The third echelon comes next, sparking cheers and loud chatter from the kids who'd made it. Si-woo watches with a quiet smile, already imagining his own turn someday.
Then the second echelon scroll opens. The whole hall went almost dead silent. Si-woo held his breath. Princess Deane steps forward, beaming.
"Congratulations to the top three students of Level 2, who not only scored the highest in their class but also high enough to advance to the third echelon. Please celebrate with me, Mai, Ha-yoon, and Sol, each with an impressive ninety-five. A historic achievement in all of academic fae history."
The hall explodes with applause and shouts. Si-woo's chest swells with pride as he watches Mai and Ha-yoon light up. Jared stands off to the side as usual, arms folded, face like stone, even when his entourage tries to congratulate him. Si-woo almost walks over, but a teacher's voice cuts through the noise: those advancing to the third echelon will have two academy day breaks to prepare."
Ha-yoon comes barreling toward him first, eyes sparkling.
"I did it!"
She threw her arms around him in a quick hug. Mai was right behind her, grabbing Ha-yoon's arm with a huge grin.
"We need to pack!"
The two of them rush off together, buzzing with excitement, leaving Si-woo standing there with a strange mix of pride and quiet longing in his chest.
Before he could linger on it, Sol strode past and shot him a condescending little smirk before disappearing into the crowd. Si-woo lets out a long breath. Guess I'll be finishing the year as a second echelon greenie by myself. He squares his shoulders and heads to the entrance of the academy.
He walks to a sidewalk bench, it's going to be a bit different without them here...a bit...lonely. He bites his fingernails, frustration and resolve twisting together. I'll catch up. I will.
"Can you believe it? That Ha-yoon human girl, Sol, and Mai, everyone's calling them geniuses."
A snicker. "And then there's Ha-yoon's brother… kind of a disappointment, huh? Can't even keep up."
Si-woo's jaw tightens. He stares down at his black, sleek shoes, trying to block them out, but the words stick. They're not wrong. The thought stings, but he shovs it down deep.
A few days later, Minho threw a small celebration at home for Mai and Ha-yoon. The house fills with laughter, clinking glasses, and warm chatter. Si-woo smiles through it all, genuinely happy for them.
The rest of the school year flew by in a blur of study and training. Si-woo pushes hard and finishes his first year as a second echelon greenie. Meanwhile, Ha-yoon, Mai, wrap up their third echelon year with plenty of praise, with them moving on as a third echelon senior, and Sol onto the intermediate academy as a Fourth echelon greenie.
Summer break crept closer. The academy grew quieter as students made plans. Si-woo stood at the edge of it all, eyes bright with fresh determination.
...
Si-woo and Ha-yoon head toward the training grounds, the summer sun beaming through the sky. Ha-yoon drags her feet, groaning. "Ughhh, my tummy hurts…"
Si-woo smirks. "Maybe we should sign you up for yoani cake rehab."
"But it was my birthday yesterday!" she protests, grinning.
"I had to celebrate properly!"
He shook his head, glancing at Tik and Tak by her side. Her bonds have been around her more often, especially the spade wolves that keep nudging her arm. She is growing so fast.
Minho's voice cut through the air. "Today we're testing what you've been learning, Si-woo."
He turns to Ha-yoon, "Go find your usual partner."
She sighs dramatically, "Master, when will I finally get to use my grimoire?"
"You're nowhere near ready," Minho says firmly.
Ha-yoon rubs her stomach one last time, groaning, then trudges off toward another arena, still looking determined despite the complaints.
Si-woo tilts his head. "So… what's different about today?"
Before Minho replies, a shadow sweeps over them. Si-woo glances up just in time to see Mai descending from the sky on her bond, an impressive brown Onyx. The creature circles once with graceful ease before landing. Mai hops off lightly, and the Onyx launches back into the air without a sound.
She rolls her eyes with a fond little smile. "Big baby," she mutters.
Si-woo stares, wide-eyed, "I've only ever heard you talk about your bond before. Seeing an Onyx up close… It's something else."
Mai's face lights up, "Quincy's always been shy. That's why most people never get to see one from his family."
"It's good to see you," Si-woo says.
"You too," she replied softly, her eyes lingering for a brief, comfortable moment.
"Ahem," Minho clears his throat,
"Let's be attentive, today you will use whatever preferred weapon, I'll be spectating closely. The spar will end when Whomever submits first."
Si-woo's expression hardens with focus as he draws Eternity. The kunai's blade catches the sunlight, gleaming sharply. Mai is no ordinary opponent. I know she's incredibly skilled, and as the next prophetess, she fights with total concentration, breathing.
He grips the hilt tighter. I've seen the way she spars in class; there's a reason why she's known as the strongest in the academy.
Minho tosses Mai her spear. She caught it in one smooth motion, and just like that, her whole presence changed. The light in her eyes becomes sharp and unwavering.
She drops into a low, balanced stance. "Let's learn from each other today,"
Si-woo nods, mirroring her stance, heart beating faster. Minho's voice cut through the air.
"Begin!"
Mai has the clear advantage with her spear's reach. I have to close the distance if I want any real shot. It won't be easy, but if I can get inside her guard, my close combat might give me an edge.
He takes a deep breath and activates wistful halo, letting his serein flow out like a light mist around him.
Mai leaps forward with precise, powerful thrusts. Si-woo weaves and dodges, the airborne energy helping him glide just out of reach. One thrust still grazed his shoulder, leaving a shallow cut. As she lands, she spins into a fast three hundred and sixty degree sweep. He hops back quickly to avoid getting knocked off balance.
Sweat beads on his forehead. He wipes it away and grins.
Her serious expression cracks for a second, replaced by a competitive smile.
He seizes his chance and pushes forward, trying to slip past her spear's range. Mai's eyes widen in surprise at his speed, but she reacts instantly, launching a strong kick at his stomach. For a split second, it looked like it worked, until Si-woo caught her leg in a firm grip.
Without hesitation, she jumps lightly and fires off a second kick with her free leg. Si-woo barely dodges it. The moment she lands, he spots a small opening, a faint glow near her abdomen. He lunges.
A sharp crack rings out as Mai flips her spear and slams the wooden shaft into his temple. Pain explodes through his skull. He stumbled back, vision blurring, one hand clutching his head.
Mai steps away, breathing hard but steady.
"You're impressive, Si-woo. But don't forget… I'm not an easy opponent." There was real admiration in her voice.
Si-woo steadied himself, smiling through the ache.
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
"Good. Then prepare yourself, I'm going all out now."
She vanishes.
Si-woo's eyes darted left, right, up, too late. Mai appears behind him in a blur and drives a powerful kick into his side. The force sent him tumbling across the training platform until he skidded to a stop.
Before he could push himself up, the tip of her spear hovered at his neck.
"That was great, Si-woo," she says warmly, though her weapon stayed perfectly still.
He groans, then let out a breathless laugh.
"Yeah… it was."
Mai offers her hand and pulls him to his feet. For a moment, they just look at each other, breathing hard, sharing that quiet respect fighters get when they push each other.
Minho walks over, nodding approvingly, "Well done, both of you. Your sharp instincts and innovation led you to close the distance to better your playing field. Solid work."
"Thanks, master, but… is it really okay for Mai to be training here with us?"
Minho gave a small shrug. "Normally? No. But I bring students here occasionally to avoid drawing attention. Mai's no exception."
Minho steps closer and gently presses his hands over the cut on his shoulder. A soft glow appears, and soothing warmth spreads through the wound. Si-woo watches in quiet awe. Healing with that kind of precision… it really was on another level.
"Mai will be your occasional sparring partner going forward. Keep growing. When you hit the fifth echelon, we'll determine your official proficiency rank. These sessions will be the crux for your rank."
Si-woo nods, eyes clear and bright.
Just then, one of the soldiers approaches Minho, looking equal parts amused and tired. "Sir…Sergeant Ren sent me to tell you Ha-yoon threw up again."
He pointed toward the next platform, where a messy puddle was clearly visible. A second later, Ha-yoon came jogging over with her bonds trailing behind her, grinning brightly.
"I feel way better now! Let's keep going!"
Si-woo let out a long, suffering sigh, "I knew this would happen…"
The soldier crossed his arms. "I'm not doing anything until that's cleaned up!"
Ha-yoon completely ignores him and runs straight to Mai, throwing her arms around her in a big hug.
"Mai! Hi!"
Mai laughs and hugs her back while the soldier throws his hands up, muttering how it's his fifth time he's had to clean up her vomit.
"Glad to see you, Ha-yoon. Looks like you are always quick to recover."
"Yup!" Ha-yoon nods with way too much energy, "Just had to get that out of my system!" She glances over at the soldier cleaning up the mess.
"Sorry about the mess!"
Minho watches with a mix of amusement and long-suffering patience. He pointed at the globe on the platform.
"Ha-yoon, go help clean up your incident before we keep going."
She lets out a dramatic groan, "Ugh, yes, Master." With a wave, she calls her spade wolves over. The two of them came bounding up, tails wagging, ready for the best game ever. What followed was pure chaos, wolves splashing water everywhere on the soldier, sliding around, making the cleanup twice as messy as it needed to be. Sergeant Ren stayed at a distance, watching with a hint of amusement.
Mai covered her mouth, laughing quietly as she watched.
"You really do turn everything into an adventure, don't you?"
Ha-yoon slightly grins while scrubbing the platform, her wolves tilting their heads curiously beside her.
"It all happened so fast...it was out of my hands."
Ha-yoon jumps up triumphantly. "All done! Can we train now?"
Minho sighs. "Indeed. Ha-yoon, back to your partner. Si-woo, take a breather with Mai before you two pick up again."
As Ha-yoon ran back to her station, she shot Mai a quick wave. Mai and Si-woo look at her with a small smile, a remedy in the light-hearted chaos.
...
The new school year settles over the academy, and chatter and nerves energize the Young Academy of Seoul. Si-woo stands with Ha-yoon and Mai during the opening assembly, the massive hall buzzing with chatter. The student advisors went over expectations, new rules, and what the year would demand of them.
Upon ending, the group exchanged quick goodbyes and encouragement before splitting off toward their different sections. Si-woo couldn't ignore the quiet twist in his chest. They were all moving up to third echelon senior classes while he stayed behind in the second echelon. It stung more than he wanted to admit.
He slips into his new classroom and picks a seat in the far back corner, good view of everything, less chance of being noticed.
In intermediate hoken language arts, the whispers around him quickly turn serious. Students were talking about the wars spreading through the Eastern Isles and the terrifying new magics cropping up. Chaotic serein fluctuations reaching past the oceans to Seoul. Another mentioned how the head of the Economic Familia has banned all travel outside Seoul.
A chill settles down Si-woo's spine. The world outside is getting darker, and even Seoul is tightening its walls. I wonder if the seven are even the same anymore.
His thoughts drift while the chatter dies down. Will I ever get to see the other countries outside of here? And if so, what would be left of them...
The teacher walks in, a sturdy woman with neatly pinned-up blond hair and a warm, confident presence. She smiles at the class. "Welcome, second echelon seniors. I'm Mistress Firn. You should be proud to have made it here. With seniority comes bigger responsibilities and tougher challenges."
Si-woo drifts to the outside garden fields and the animals upon them.
"Before diving into the lesson," she adds, "One friendly reminder: the pre-midterm placement test is in three months. Give it everything you've got. With high risk, there's high reward; don't treat it leisurely."
Three months. The words lit a quiet fire in his chest. I've spent all of the summer grinding, studying late into the night, training whenever, kidnapped wherever. But I somehow found a way to balance it all.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about King Morey and Minho. They weren't blood, but they'd become family all the same. Morey with his quiet support in the hardest moments. Minho with his strict, steady guidance that pushed him to be better every single day. Ha-yoon and Mai, too. They were his people now.
I'm not going to let them down.
Si-woo takes a slow breath, clenches his jaw, and focuses on the teacher as the lesson begins.
...
The academy grounds are rampant as students gather for the midterm placement test results. Si-woo walks between Mai and Ha-yoon, each step feeling heavier than the last.
Ha-yoon's shoulders slump, "I know I didn't do so great… No moving up for me, huh?"
Mai nods, her usual brightness dimmed.
"Same here. I'm not expecting much; third echelon tests are something else altogether." She glances at Si-woo. "What about you? How do you think you did?"
Si-woo shrugs, keeping his face neutral, "Better than the pre-test I took as a greenie… but we'll see."
The tension thickens as they walk into the academy. Si-woo pauses.
"I'll meet you guys in the hall. Gotta use the restroom real quick."
"Don't take forever," Mai says as she and Ha-yoon walk further in.
Si-woo steps into the restroom. The sound of dripping water echoes off the walls as he washes his hands, trying to steady his nerves. When he looked up in the mirror, another figure entered behind him.
Jared Sols lackey he left behind.
Jared's cruel brown eyes gaze into him through the reflection and doesn't waver as he walks closer. Neither of them spoke. The silence is suffocating.
"Didn't think you'd show your face today," Jared sneers, his voice low and taunting.
Si-woo met his gaze evenly, taking his time wiping his hands on a paper towel, "Why wouldn't I? We're all here for the same thing."
Jared takes another step closer, closing the distance between them. "You think you're something special, don't you? ere going to fill in for Sol since his time is too important for you. Don't even worry about the test results, lets g have some fun together."
Si-woo stares up at him. Jared is tall, burly and imposing, his brown hair catches the harsh bathroom light. His dirt brown eyes storms fiercely, like a mud puddle that swallowed up every uncareful being. Every look from him felt imposing.
Jared bore his eyes deeper, taking in Si-woo's tense frame, "It's cute you're still trying." He lets out a low chuckle that echoes off the tiled walls. Without waiting for an answer, he turns and strides toward the door, his posture filled with confidence and superiority.
Si-woo let the words roll off him on the outside, keeping his face calm as he's always done with their barbs. But the second the door swung shut behind him, the mask slipped. He stares at his own reflection in the mirror, doubts creep in, slow and nagging. Have I done enough? What if all this effort still isn't enough? The thought tightens around his chest like a band, making it hard to breathe.
He stands there longer than he meant to, lost in the spiral. The dripping faucet kept time like a metronome. Eventually, he shook his head hard, straightened his shoulders, and forced himself to move. Not today, his mother's voice rings through his head, You've worked too hard to let him get in your head.
Stepping out into the hallway, a faint shiver ran down Si-woo's spine. He pauses, then glances to his right, where the nurse's office sat tucked away. His eyes widen a little when he spots Nurse Lila's head poking out from around the corner. Her expression strange, hesitant, almost calculating.
Her light green eyes lock onto him, weighing something. Si-woo freezes, afraid she might snatch him up like she usually did when he was hurt. For a heartbeat, it looked as if she might step out and say something. Then, just as quickly, she ducks back inside.
He breathes out slowly, disregarding the encounter. Still, an awry feeling stuck with him as he made his way toward the main hall where the rest of the students were.
The closer he got, the more something felt off. Why is the hallway so quiet? When he reached for the door, it suddenly flew open. Mai and Ha-yoon rush out, their faces frantic.
"Let's go!" Ha-yoon exclaims, grabbing his arm.
"Where have you been?!" Mai demands, taking his other hand.
Before he could even get a word out, they were dragging him inside. The silence hits him like a wall. Hundreds of eyes turned his way the moment he stepped into the hall. Si-woo blinks, confused, until his gaze lands on Jared near the exit. Jared shot him a venomous glare, clicked his tongue loudly, and walked out without another word.
"What's goi-" Si-woo starts, but the words die on his tongue as he notices the large, floating scrolls, each one listing placement test scores by echelon.
Mai and Ha-Yoon finally let go of his hands. Si-woo's heart hammers as his eyes scan the second echelon rankings. There it was, his name at the very top. Si-woo: 100%. The number seemed to glow brighter than anything else on the scroll. His breath caught in his throat. Is this real? A perfect score?
Princess Deane's voice rings out from the front of the stage. She stands there with her usual regal presence, her white-silver hair shimmering under the lights, a warm smile on her face.
"Let's give special recognition to the first student to ever score a perfect 100 on a placement test, the first ever to advance two echelons," she announces, her voice clear and commanding.
"Si-woo."
The room explodes into applause, cheers, and stunned murmurs. Si-woo's face burns hot. Mai nudges him with a proud grin while Ha-yoon practically bounces with excitement, clapping wildly. felt strangely distant, like he was floating outside his own body. He had actually done it. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt truly seen.
The cheers kept rolling as Ha-yoon rushed forward and threw her arms around him in a tight hug.
"It's about time, bro!" she said, her voice thick with real affection.
Mai steps up next, more composed but no less proud, and pulls him into a warm hug of her own.
"Congratulations, Si-woo," she whispers.
His heart swells. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this much love and pride coming at him all at once, from his friends and from the entire hall. But as he soaks it in, his eyes drift to the next scroll. Third echelon rankings. There they were: Mai at 84% and Ha-yoon at a solid 89%, both near the top of their list. Si-woo's smile grew even wider. His pride in them matches his own joy. He congratulates them both with big, heartfelt hugs, "You guys did so well, too, both of you are top of the rankings." They laugh as they tease each other about the scores.
Mai chuckles softly at his enthusiasm. "You get to move on to the Intermediate Academy of Seoul now, as a fourth echelon senior."
He nods, a brew of joy and anxiety stirs from within. Jumping two echelons...I can't even begin to imagine what this is going to look like, it's...thrilling.
Princess Deane's voice cuts through the noise again. "Alright, be mindful of your actions for the next few days away from the academy. Blessings to you all."
She turns her gaze directly to him, warm but serious. "Si-Woo, please come see me after."
He nods, a little startled but honored. Whatever she wanted to talk about had to be important. For now, though, he had to focus on stepping into this new chapter.
As students started leaving the academy, Ha-yoon tugs at his sleeve, "I'm really proud of you," she says softly, her usual sarcasm replaced with genuine warmth.
Mai gave him a sly grin, "Don't get too comfortable. You've set a new standard, now others will hold you to it."
Si-woo chuckles nervously and rubs the back of his head.
"No pressure, right?"
The three of them shared a brief, easy laugh before parting ways. Si-woo watches Mai and Ha-yoon head toward the grand doors, their easy camaraderie making him smile.
When the hall finally emptied, and the excited chatter faded into quiet echoes, Si-woo stood there alone for a moment, just breathing. The reality of what had happened still hadn't fully sunk in. A perfect score. Advancing two echelons. It felt surreal.
With one last deep breath, he made his way toward the stage where Princess Deane was waiting. Whatever came next, he was ready to face it, one step at a time.
Princess Deanes grace effortlessly flows as her silver-white hair catches the light, casting a soft iridescent halo around her. Her bluish-green eyes sparkle with pride, locking onto him.
"Si-woo, my love, you've done something truly extraordinary today."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Si-woo bows respectfully.
"Many students have come through these academies over the many years, but not in my lifetime have I observed any fae score a hundred. A perfect score… It speaks volumes about your dedication, your resilience, and that sharp mind of yours. Don't brush aside your hard work. Take dignity in what you've accomplished."
Si-woo felt heat rise in his cheeks under her steady gaze, "I couldn't have done it alone. My sister, Mai, and those kidna- I mean seniors- who've supported me along the way, they're the reason I made it this far."
A warm smile spreads across her face, "Indeed. Humility, humbleness is your nature, your mother was truly a phenomenal woman then. Since you're advancing, moving straight into the intermediate Academy of Seoul, where the fourth and fifth echelons reside, you should know it's going to be a much tougher environment. The challenges there will push you harder than anything you've faced before. But I truly believe you're ready for it."
Si-woo nods. The intermediate Academy. I've thought about that place for so long, ever since seeing that awakening with Minho.
"The next couple of days are for preparation," Princess Deane continues, pack your things, tie up any loose ends here. This move is your first authentic step into your bright future."
"I'll do my best, Princess. Your guidance and faith have led me this far."
She reaches out, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "Remember, this is only the beginning. The road ahead won't be easy, but you've already shown you have what it takes. Your new uniform and equipment will be sent to your home. And Si-woo?"
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Her smile softens, exerting a gentle, motherly warmth, catching him off guard.
"Blessings"
He swallows hard, throat tightening with emotion, "Blessings."
With a final deep bow, Si-woo excuses himself and steps out of the hall. The soft murmurs of the remaining students fill ls the corridor as his mind spun with thoughts of the new academy, the bigger challenges waiting for him, and the people he'd be leaving behind.
Nurse Lila suddenly appears in the main hallway, stepping right in front of him with her arms crossed and a beautiful, soft smile on her face.
"I knew you could do it," she pulls him into a firm, heartfelt hug before he can react.
Si-woo stiffens, surprised by the burst of affection. But the familiar scent of her herbal salves and the comforting warmth of her embrace quickly broke through. His jaw clenches, then, before he could stop them, tears start to form.
"I… I didn't think-" he starts, voice shaky.
"You worked so hard, Si-woo," she pulls him back just enough to look him in the eyes. Her light green eyes sparkle with affection as she reaches up and brushes a tear from his cheek with her thumb.
"You've become so much stronger, smarter, wiser. The Lord will never give you something you could not withstand."
Her words decorate a desolate space in his heart.
"Thank you," he whispers, barely audible.
She gave his shoulder a gentle pat. "Go on now. I'm sure your sister and friends are waiting to celebrate with you. Remember, if you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open. No matter where you are."
Si-woo nods, emotions still swirling, but his heart feeling noticeably lighter, "I won't forget."
Nurse Lila steps aside, watching him go with that same soft smile. As he walks away, he hears her murmur quietly to herself, "That boy's going to do great things."
He wiped the last traces of tears from his face, her words echoed in his mind, and he strengthened his resolve.
By the time Si-woo steps out of the academy with his bag slung over his shoulder, the atmosphere around him has shifted. Fae students lingering in the entry hallways turn to look as he passes. Some watch with open curiosity, others with clear admiration.
"Is that him?" one whispers loudly enough for him to catch.
"Yeah, that's Si-woo. The kid who got a perfect 100,"
A group of girls giggles as he walks by. "Si-woo and Ha-yoon are basically the Prodigy Twins now," one says.
Si-woo's steps falter for a second. He glances around, catching glimpses of their pointed ears and radiant features. The whispers followed him like a soft current. Prodigy twins? Is that what they're calling us now?...kind of flattering and uncomfortable, I'm not sure I like labels or titles hanging over my head though.
"Guess you've made quite the impression," a senior student smirks as he passes, clapping Si-woo on the back.
Si-woo offered a polite smile and kept walking, though the weight of everyone's expectations settled a little heavier on his shoulders. He appreciated the recognition, but he knew titles like that came with pressure he wasn't entirely sure he was ready for.
It's not just about proving myself anymore; it's about showing everyone that Ha-yoon and I are more than some title. We're ready for whatever comes next.