The shimmer of the green light slowly filled the entire hall.
At first, the magic in the air trembled, and even the texture of the floor seemed to soften.
The cut on Kael's brow vanished, the bruise on Vega's arm disappeared.
And a strange warmth spread through Aryel's heart—
as if her worries had been wrapped in an unseen, gentle blanket and put to rest.
Silence fell—breaths were held.
All eyes were fixed on that small body, the source of the light.
And then, suddenly… the light vanished. As if it had never existed at all.
Sera, her eyes half-closed, turned to Kaiser.
"T–Teacher… d–did I do it?"
Her voice still trembled, yet inside it carried a faint spark of hope.
Kaiser knelt down, swallowing hard. He was so astonished his voice barely came out:
"Yes… you did very well." He reached out and gently stroked Sera's hair.
At those words, as if they were enough, Sera's body loosened.
Her small frame slumped to her knees before him.
Her eyes closed, but on her face was the innocent peace only children carried.
She had fallen into a deep sleep.
Kael's heart clenched when he saw her collapse.
Without thinking, he rushed forward, kneeling as he gathered her in his arms.
"Sera?" he whispered.
Her tiny body still breathed softly, but her eyes remained shut.
Aryel and Vega hurried to his side.
Kaiser spoke, trying to calm them:
"Don't worry. She just used too much magic. It was too heavy for her body, that's all."
Aryel's eyes lit up with excitement.
"Her magic power… it's healing, isn't it?"
Her voice held both surprise and hope.
Kaiser nodded.
"Yes. And to be honest—it's one of the strongest healing magics I've ever seen."
After a pause, he added:
"If she learns to control it… she could become one of the greatest healers in the kingdom."
Kael looked down at Sera's face, murmuring:
"This tiny… wounded body… really carries so much power?"
His tone was filled with both awe and a protective anger.
Vega smiled faintly.
"That's so cool. From now on, she'll have a bright future waiting for her."
Yet his eyes still carried worry—caught somewhere between joy and unease.
Kaiser's expression grew serious.
"I hope so… But we must not forget: healing magic is rare.
And with hers being this powerful, not everyone who seeks her out will have good intentions.
For now, it's best to keep this power hidden."
They all nodded in agreement with Kaiser's words.
Aryel carried Sera in her arms, leaving the training hall with Kaiser.
Only Kael and Vega remained behind.
Neither spoke, but the tension between them sharpened the air.
Without a word, they resumed their sparring.
Their blows echoed like a new language born of that tension.
Kael tried to deflect Vega's sharp strikes guided by the wind,
but Vega moved so swiftly he seemed to vanish and reappear in the blink of an eye.
Kael lost his balance for a moment—unable to dodge the hit.
He fell hard, pain stabbing across his back and stealing his breath.
"Kael!"
Vega rushed to him in a panic.
"Are you alright? I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have struck that hard. Can you stand? We should get you to the infirmary!"
Seeing the worry on his face, Kael gave a faint smile—
as if the pain had already lessened.
"I'm fine. Just a scratch. And it's not your fault; I failed to dodge," he said with a teasing grin.
Vega fussed, tugging at Kael's clothes.
"Let me see. Where did it hit?"
Kael caught his trembling fingers, holding them still.
"I told you I'm fine. But since you're this worried, let's go to the infirmary. It'll ease your mind."
Then he suddenly smirked mischievously.
"Unless you plan to carry me like a princess… this isn't some secret revenge scheme of yours, is it?"
Vega looked offended for a second, then chuckled.
"Why not? You may be taller, but I'm strong enough to carry you."
Still, guilt gnawed at him inside.
"Next time, I'll be more careful. I really am sorry…" he whispered.
Kael's face grew serious.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"In a real fight, things like this happen every day. Isn't that why we train?
If you hold back because you're afraid of hurting me, we'll both end up weaker. Don't ever do that, Vega."
Vega lowered his head. "You're right…"
Kael quickly slipped back into his usual arrogance.
"I'm always right," he said with a shrug.
Vega rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.
With playful banter, they headed toward the infirmary together.
The tension between them had vanished completely.
They couldn't even remember why it started in the first place.
The ballroom glittered as though the stars themselves had spilled into it.
From the high ceilings, chandeliers hung, scattering light across crystal walls in dazzling patterns.
Every corner shimmered in tones of gold and silver.
The tables were arranged in flawless symmetry, each adorned with elegant vases filled with fresh blooms.
Lilac, white, and golden-yellow flowers reflected both the grace of the night and the vibrance of spring.
The students' attire rivaled the splendor of the hall itself.
Some swept gracefully in dark, noble fabrics,
others glided in pastel gowns adorned with delicate yet bold details.
Jewelry, hairstyles, and tiny magical embellishments turned each of them into living legends.
The hall was wrapped in a strange duality: sorrow and joy danced together like partners.
Years of training had come to an end.
After four years, each was preparing to walk their own path.
And tonight was the shining celebration of that farewell.
From the balconies at the back of the hall, carried in by the evening breeze, whispers of students mixed with another sound: families. Mothers, fathers, siblings sat in the rows of seats—eyes filled with pride, faces marked by longing.
Today was not just a graduation; it was the first step into a brand-new life.
At one of the large tables in the corner, Kael and Vega were far too focused on their food. Kael had already devoured his third miniature but elegant dessert, while Vega sipped on fruit sherbet and idly poked at his slice of cake with a fork.
"The desserts are surprisingly good," Kael said with his mouth full.
Vega rolled his eyes. "The surprising part is that you can still be shocked while eating that much."
Sitting beside them, Maia crossed her arms and scolded the two.
"Really? Out of this entire night, your first priority had to be food? At least mingle a little, dance, get some air… do something!"
Kael raised his fork with a flourish. "I'd say this counts as a social activity."
Vega lowered his head and whispered, "Yes, I'm showcasing my contribution to society through desserts."
Despite Maia's grumbling, warmth and playful banter filled the air around them.
The table wasn't lively only because of them. Just nearby, families had gathered as well. Vega's mother, dressed in a graceful green gown, stood out with her elegance, while his father watched the hall with composed dignity, occasionally conversing with Kael's mother.
Kael's mother wore a refined yet striking deep red dress, smiling warmly as she sat with her eldest daughter. His father couldn't attend due to an important meeting, but his mother and sister filled the space of his absence with grace. The older sister, with her golden hairpiece and sharp eyes, looked very much like "a more mature version of Kael."
The two families already knew each other, so their conversations carried an easy familiarity. Laughter and short anecdotes from the past occasionally rose from their table.
Maia's family, on the other hand, was quieter. Her mother in a soft blue gown and her neatly dressed father with a glass in hand preferred to keep their conversations mostly among themselves, though their eyes often drifted toward Maia, smiling fondly at her cheerful demeanor.
Kael's gaze flicked briefly to the empty seat where his father should have been, but his expression carried no disappointment—just the look of someone long accustomed to such absences. Vega muttered under his breath, annoyed by his sister's constant nudges.
"One day they'll chain me up just to keep me out of trouble."
Kael chuckled. "Maybe you're already sealed by magic and don't even know it."
Vega rolled his eyes with mock disdain. "If that's the seal, it clearly isn't working."
When the grand doors of the hall opened, every eye instinctively turned.
Aryel… stepping in with a gown of white and navy, its elegant fullness flowing with lightness. Golden embroidery shone across her corset, while sheer sleeves drifted like mist over her arms. Her hair was gathered into a loose bun, and her calm blue eyes carried the same quiet resolve as always.
For a moment, the hall fell silent.
And almost every young man there shared the same thought:
"Could I dare ask her to dance?"
But none stepped forward.
For four years, Aryel had never opened her heart to anyone. She had never given false hope with a glance nor allowed anyone to draw closer. Asking her to dance… felt like reaching for the heavens.
She took her place at the family table by the grand windows. Her mother, Elyndra, drew attention with her graceful composure, while her father, Darius, spoke with his usual gravity. Little Sera sat with dangling legs, listening intently. Headmaster Callahan stood tall in his gray robes, continuing his address with calm dignity.
Elyndra gently stroked Sera's hair.
"From now on, I'll be the one teaching this little girl how to use her healing powers," she said softly. "When she's older, if she wishes to join the academy, of course we'll support her. But for now… she'll be safer with us."
Sera looked up at her, startled, as Darius placed his large hand over her tiny one.
"I've gained a second daughter," he said, eyes filled with warmth.
Sera blinked in surprise, lips parted in shock. Then she glanced at Aryel beside her, at the kindness in these strangers' eyes. A warmth spread through her chest. She felt safe. She felt… loved.
Headmaster Callahan smiled faintly. "I'm grateful you're taking her in. I'll entrust her to you. But…" He turned to Sera, adding gently, "You may visit us anytime, Sera."
The little girl beamed, wrapping her small arms around Aryel's arm as if she belonged there.
At that moment, three familiar figures approached the table.
Maia, hands on her hips and a mischievous grin on her lips, spoke up:
"Aryel, come on! Aren't we going to dance? If you wait any longer, these two," she tilted her head toward Kael and Vega, "will eat the entire hall empty. They won't even have the strength left to stand, let alone dance!"
Kael cleared his throat, while Vega lowered his head in embarrassment. Both glanced at Aryel's parents out of the corner of their eyes, clearly trying to regain composure.
Her father was the Captain of the Holy Knights—one of the most trusted and revered protectors of the realm. Her mother, Elyndra, was not only a powerful sorceress but the most skilled healer alive. Aryel's lineage stretched directly to the royal family itself. Their presence commanded respect, not only through their power but through their bearing. For Kael and Vega, standing before such a family—even as usually confident youths—was enough to rattle them.
But Elyndra's gentle smile eased the moment. "Don't worry, children. Youthful energy begins at the table, but it continues on the dance floor."
Kael and Vega nearly blurted out, "Yes, ma'am!" but instead exchanged a glance and stifled a laugh.
Aryel carefully placed Sera's hand into Elyndra's before rising. She lifted her skirt lightly and bowed her head.
"All right, I'll come. But only one dance."
Kael, in his white and crimson suit, looked every bit the fairy-tale prince. The cut of his attire was sharp, accented by a golden brooch at the collar. His tousled red hair had been neatly swept back, his posture radiating both rebellious confidence and aristocratic poise. Eyes from across the hall followed him, though he seemed not to notice—or not to care.
Vega carried his own distinct grace. His suit of green and black reflected both his affinity with nature and his refined demeanor. The shoulders of his jacket bore star embroidery, subtle symbols of his wind magic. His golden hair had been combed back neatly, and his green eyes gleamed like gemstones beneath the hall lights.
Maia, second only to Aryel in catching the crowd's eyes, wore a striking crimson gown. Its neckline framed her shoulders, while faint glittering patterns along the skirt shimmered as she walked. Her long, wavy scarlet hair flowed freely, a delicate ornament glowing at her forehead. She gathered her skirt slightly and approached Vega, tilting her head with a playful smile.
"You should count yourself lucky to have such a beautiful partner, Vega," she said with teasing elegance.
Then, her gaze drifted away. For a fleeting moment, her lively expression faded, replaced by a quiet yearning.
"Ahh… if only Nathan were here," she murmured. "To see me like this…"
Her voice was soft, but everyone who heard could feel the longing in it.
Vega smiled faintly. His sincerity could be read on his face. He reached out and held Maia's hand, bowing his head politely.
"Of course… I feel lucky to have friends like you," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
"These four years have been wonderful with you… I hope we'll always be together from now on."
His cheeks were slightly flushed. But his eyes were bright enough to tell everything he wanted to say.
Maia raised her arms and spun lightly, her skirt swirling around her like a wave.
"For a month I've been both studying for exams and training constantly," she said in a dramatic tone. "Now I've earned the right to have fun. Come on, let's dance!"
Vega laughed and followed her lead, taking Maia's hand as they began walking together toward the dance floor. The lights glimmered gently above them, parting a path as they passed through the crowd.
At the same time, Kael stood before Aryel, holding out his hand to her. His wrist, tied with a ribbon matching his outfit, was extended gracefully, and a hidden smile played beneath his brows.
"Will you dance with me?" he asked, his voice soft yet unwavering.
Aryel did not hesitate. She smiled, reached out, and placed her hand into Kael's palm.
The moment they stepped onto the dance floor, the hall fell silent. The lights turned toward them. Aryel's dress shimmered like a rippling ocean, while Kael's stance beside her carried the air of a true knight.
All eyes were on them.
But one pair of eyes, from the shadows at the edge of the crowd, was locked on them.
Serin, standing a little away in the hall, watched from between the columns. Her hands clenched into fists, her head bowed slightly. How many times had she looked at Kael like this… How many times had she tried to reach him, waited for a smile?
But Kael had never once turned to look at her.
And now he had asked Aryel to dance. In front of everyone. The hope inside Serin flickered like a final spark. "Maybe… maybe tonight is my last chance," she thought. "Maybe I can find an opportunity."
She couldn't give up without fighting until the end—at least once, she had to dance with him.
This scene felt like a transitional moment, where emotional unraveling began, tensions between characters eased, yet inner reckonings surfaced. To enrich it with description, inner voice, and emotional rhythm, we can gather it like this:
When the song slowly came to an end, Aryel and Kael stepped off the floor, preparing to return to their places.
At that moment, Lorin gently parted the crowd and approached Maia. He pulled his hand from his pocket, his gaze soft but tinged with a clear unease as he sought her eyes.
"Maia…" he said quietly. "For the sake of all that time… will you dance with me?"
A brief silence fell.
Maia tilted her head slightly, averting her gaze. Memories of what they'd been through together flooded back: regrets, unfinished words, half-formed feelings.
"Sometimes," she thought, "there's no meaning in ending badly. After graduation, our paths might cross again. This could just be a gentle closing of an unfinished chapter."
"All right," she said at last. Her voice was not without feeling, but no longer fragile either.
A faint relief crossed Lorin's face. Together they turned once more toward the dance floor.
Just then, Vega approached Aryel. He bowed politely in a graceful greeting.
"This time I want to be the one to invite you to dance," he said.
Aryel smiled. "With pleasure."
As the two of them walked lightly toward the floor, the crowd's attention shifted back to them. Aryel's graceful steps and Vega's gentlemanly demeanor gently revived the mood of the hall.
While everyone on the dance floor had found a partner, Kael remained alone at the side. His eyes followed Aryel as he drew in a quiet breath. He was about to sink into thought when a voice from behind pulled him back to reality.
"Will you dance with me, Kael?"
That voice… it was Serin.
Her tone hovered between despair and excitement. Her eyes looked at Kael's face with hope, yet within them lay a quiet acceptance whispering that she already knew his answer.
Kael paused slightly. Part of him didn't want to dance, but another part… dragging out this uncertainty was worse. Perhaps this could be a chance for one final conversation.
"Fine, let's dance," he said at last. He held out his hand to Serin.
Serin's face lit up faintly at once. Her long, pale yellow-toned dress sparkled under the hall lights. The lace details merged with the elegant fabric draping from her shoulders. Her hair was carefully braided, her light makeup unable to conceal the excitement on her face.
She placed her hand into Kael's palm. And together, they found a place among the other couples. A strange unease filled Kael inside. He was dancing, but something felt out of place. His eyes involuntarily drifted toward the floor, to Aryel and Vega.
Vega was smiling. A faint tightness gripped Kael's heart. Even he didn't quite know the reason. It just felt as though… in some way, what he was doing was wrong. And tonight, he didn't want any misunderstandings. Just as he was lost in thought, Serin's voice pulled him back to reality.
"Kael… after graduation, I want to keep seeing you."
The words echoed in Kael's mind. His eyes widened. Without thinking what to say, he spoke, his voice soft but clear:
"I'm sorry, Serin… I don't feel the same for you as you do for me. To be honest, I tried. But… it's not working. I don't want to string you along."
A dullness flickered in Serin's eyes for a moment. Her throat tightened. Yes, she had expected this answer… but facing it was something else entirely. Still, she tried to preserve her pride. She only looked at Kael. No tears, no reproach. Just… a weary silence.
The dance went on, but not even the rhythm of the music could mask the tension between them anymore.
At last, Serin broke the silence with her own hands:
"Thank you for dancing with me, Kael. I knew I would be rejected… but I didn't want to accept it. I'm sorry for forcing you."
And suddenly, with a graceful yet decisive motion, she released Kael's hand. She swiftly left the floor, vanishing from sight.
Kael was left standing alone in the middle of the floor. People kept dancing, the music still played… but in that moment, it was as if the world around Kael had fallen silent.
The first to notice his loneliness were Vega and Aryel. They broke off their dance and exchanged a glance. Then, without a word, they turned toward Kael.
When Kael lifted his head, he saw his two friends appear beside him. They asked nothing. They said nothing.
Together, the three of them left the floor.
As they moved away from the dance floor, silence still reigned. A light breeze spread through the hall, while the candlelight brushed softly across their faces.
The first to break the silence was Kael.
"I turned Serin down," he said quietly, his voice tired but steady.
Vega paused for a moment, then turned to fix his gaze on him.
"Are you sure? You might regret it later."
Kael shrugged. "I won't regret it. I don't think I'll ever feel anything for her."
Vega thought for a moment, then asked:
"Wouldn't you want to be in a relationship?"
When Kael answered, his voice was deeper:
"I would. But I want to be with someone I'm in love with."
Then he turned to Vega, raising his brows slightly as he asked:
"You're telling me this, but… you don't have a relationship either, do you?"
Those words caught Vega off guard for a moment. He averted his eyes, not knowing how to respond.
Aryel, a little behind, listened silently to this dialogue. The truth in Kael's voice and the confusion in Vega's gaze made her smile.
"This matter is theirs alone," she thought. She quietly turned back and walked toward her family's table.
Behind her, Kael and Vega seemed lost in their own world. Their laughter, their looks, their words… it was as if they had cut off ties with the outside world.
The ball had ended without incident.
By morning, everyone had packed their belongings and was ready to bid farewell to the academy. The breakfast hall had become the place where all the students gathered one last time. The tables were not as crowded as usual; there was weariness in everyone's eyes, a faint melancholy.
Maia, her eyes brimming, was stuffing food into her mouth quickly, as if not wanting her tears to show.
Vega was quieter than usual; he kept spinning his fork in his hand, focusing on nothing.
Kael, meanwhile, was just stirring the food on his plate, staring only at what was in front of him. The silence had become suffocating.
After looking at everyone's state, Aryel took a deep breath. She thought someone had to be the one to break this silence.
"I know you're all very sad," she said in a gentle yet strong voice. "Graduating doesn't mean we'll be separated from each other. A month from now we'll all meet again and set out on many adventures together. Leaving here isn't an end, it's a new beginning."
Her words lightened the gloomy air at the table, if only a little. Eyes turned to her. Aryel's smile was sincere and full of hope. One of them had to voice this feeling, and Aryel had done it.
Now everyone had gathered at the great gate of the school. The students, as if packing the memories of the last four years into their backpacks, were saying goodbye by hugging each other. Some embraces were brief, others came with tears.
The morning sun struck the front of the school building, the stone walls gleaming as if dusted with gold. In the air lingered both sorrow and the scent of a new beginning.
Headmaster Callahan stood right in front of the gate in his gray robe. Beside him were the other teachers… their faces carried pride, their gazes a bittersweet joy. They bid farewell to each student one by one, sending them off with a few heartfelt words.
Since Vega's and Kael's families would be heading in the same direction, they were preparing to set out together. This meant both of them would gain a little more time.
Aryel, Maia, Kael, and Vega stood a few steps behind the gate, looking at each other one last time. For a moment, silence wrapped around them—not a sad silence this time, but a deep and safe one.
Aryel placed her hands on her hips and smiled. "See you in a month at the Orven Guild," she said.
Kael nodded. "I might join you a little later, there's a ritual I have to attend."
Maia sniffled and giggled. "As long as you come, a little delay is no problem."
Vega looked at each of them in turn, his eyes slightly teary but still smiling. "I'll miss you so much."
Four hands met in the middle at once. One last squeeze. One last look. One last smile.
And then, one by one, they walked away.
Behind them was an academy carrying the memories of four years… and before them, a brand new life waiting to begin.