The training grounds of Solareth Academy echoed with the sound of clashing mana.
Stone platforms stretched across the vast arena, each marked with glowing sigils meant to protect both students and spectators. The air itself seemed alive, heavy with anticipation.
Professor Kaelthas stood at the center, his voice calm yet commanding.
"Today is practical combat," he announced. "You will fight until surrender. No killing intent."
Students quickly formed lines.
Akira Kuroya stepped forward in silence, his hands in his pockets, eyes steady. Across the arena, Rin Amane adjusted her stance, her expression focused but calm.
Akira's Match
Akira's first opponent charged the moment the bell rang, launching a crude blast of fire.
Akira moved effortlessly.
A gentle current of wind carried him aside, and with a simple wave of his hand, a narrow flame struck back—precise, controlled.
The opponent collapsed, stunned.
One by one, challengers stepped forward.
Lightning, earth, water—none of it reached him.
Akira used only wind and fire, never more, never less. Each fight ended quickly. Each victory was clean.
Whispers spread through the class.
"He's not even trying…"
"How strong is he?"
Akira heard none of it.
Rin's Match
Rin stepped into the arena next.
Her opponent attacked confidently, but Rin responded with fluid grace. Wind lifted her movements, water flowed to redirect strikes, earth anchored her stance, and fire ended the match.
Four elements moved in harmony.
She defeated one student after another, her mana vast and stable. Even the nobles began to hesitate before stepping forward.
The final challenger fell.
Silence followed.
A commoner had defeated the entire class.
Akira watched her closely, something warm stirring in his chest.
Akira vs Rin
Professor Kaelthas raised his hand.
"One final match," he said. "Akira Kuroya versus Rin Amane."
The arena stilled.
Akira met Rin's gaze as they stepped forward.
The bell rang.
Akira attacked first.
A light wave of wind—slow, readable. Rin countered easily with earth and fire. Akira followed with a controlled flame, deliberately weak.
Rin frowned slightly.
"You're holding back," she said.
Akira didn't answer.
He moved carefully, misstepping at the right moments, letting his balance slip just enough. Rin pressed forward, her attacks sharp but measured.
Finally, she struck.
A combined surge of wind and fire sent Akira sliding back across the stone.
He fell to one knee.
"I surrender," Akira said calmly.
The match ended.
Rin stared at him, confused, unconvinced.
But the class erupted.
Rin Amane was declared the victor.
Professor Kaelthas studied Akira for a long moment—but said nothing.
Night Falls
The training session ended soon after.
Students returned to their rooms, exhaustion heavy after dinner. The academy halls grew quiet as lights dimmed and doors closed.
Akira lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Sleep eventually claimed him.
The Nightmare
Fire.
Screams.
A sky torn apart by endless darkness.
Akira gasped awake, his heart pounding, sweat clinging to his skin.
The room was silent.
Unable to rest, he rose and opened the window, letting the cool night air brush against his face. Solareth shimmered beneath the moonlight, peaceful and unaware.
Then he heard it.
A woman's voice—soft, desperate.
"Help…"
Akira froze.
He leaned out, scanning the courtyard below.
Nothing.
No one.
The night remained still.
Yet the voice lingered in his mind, echoing long after the air fell silent.
Akira closed the window slowly.
Somewhere in the darkness, something had reached out to him.
And this time—
It knew his name.