Morning came quietly. Golden sunlight streamed through the dormitory window as Maki and Keith began another day at Azure Magic Academy.
Breakfast was quick, freshening up was even quicker and before long, the two were walking toward their classroom together, Maki was unusually energetic for the morning. Keith, meanwhile, looked like someone who had accepted that this was simply his life now.
The moment they entered the classroom, the usual noise of students talking and preparing for lessons filled the room. Maki dropped into her seat beside Keith.
"Morning."
"Morning."
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah."
"You didn't dream about Demon Kings again, did you?"
Maki immediately looked at him.
"...Don't start."
Keith grinned.
"I was just asking."
"That's strange coming from you."
Before Keith could respond, the classroom door suddenly slammed open.
BANG!
Selena walked inside with her usual chaotic energy.
"GOOD MORNING, YOU BEAUTIFUL EXCUSES FOR A FUNCTIONING CLASS!"
The entire classroom went silent. Keith slowly lowered his head onto his desk.
"...Here we go."
Maki covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Selena looked around the room.
"Alright! Today's lesson is going to be—"
She suddenly stopped. Her eyes landed on Keith.
"Oh."
Keith looked up.
"...What?"
Selena pointed directly at him.
"Keith Nova."
Keith blinked.
"Yes?"
"Sir Gazet Gathar has summoned you to his office."
The entire classroom immediately became quieter. Keith stared at her.
"...What?"
"Headmaster's office."
"Me?"
"That's generally what I said."
Keith looked genuinely confused.
"What does the principal want with me?"
Selena shrugged.
"No clue."
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Just be quick about it."
Keith slowly stood.
"...Right."
Maki immediately looked at him, her expression had changed, the playful smile was gone.
"Keith?"
He noticed the concern in her eyes. He gave her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be fine."
"...Kay."
Maki nodded, though she still looked uneasy.
Selena clapped her hands.
"As for the rest of you, head over to Arena Six."
The students began gathering their things.
Keith adjusted his uniform before looking toward Selena.
"Ma'am?"
"Hm?"
"I need an escort to the headmaster's office."
Selena stared at him, then at the classroom, then back at him.
"...You don't know where it is?"
Keith scratched the back of his head.
"...No."
Selena sighed.
"Fair enough."
Maki's hand instinctively started rising then she stopped halfway.
"..."
She slowly lowered it.
'Why did I want to raise my hand so fast?'
She frowned.
'I don't even know where the headmaster's office is.'
Linna noticed the hesitation.
"Ma'am."
Selena looked toward her.
"Yes?"
"I can show him the way."
"Sure. Go ahead."
Linna stood.
"Come on, Keith."
"Thanks."
Keith followed her out of the classroom, the door closed behind them. The academy corridors were already becoming crowded with students heading toward their respective lessons. Keith walked beside Linna, hands tucked into his pockets, his expression was noticeably more nervous now that he was away from the classroom.
"Damn..."
Linna glanced at him.
"What?"
"It's only been a week."
He sighed.
"What would the headmaster even want with a commoner like me?"
Linna shrugged.
"Maybe you've stood out too much."
Keith frowned.
"That's what I'm worried about."
He looked ahead.
"Could it be that he doubts my legitimacy for being placed in the elite class?"
"Nah."
Linna shook her head.
"If that were the case, you'd probably have been called in much sooner."
Keith nodded slowly.
"I suppose."
A short silence followed.
They continued walking, then Linna suddenly smiled.
"So..."
Keith glanced at her.
"So?"
"Any progress with Lady Maki?"
Keith nearly choked.
"Cough—what?"
Linna laughed.
"You heard me."
"Progress?"
Keith stared at her.
"What progress?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
"No, I don't."
Linna raised an eyebrow.
"Really?"
"Really."
She leaned slightly closer.
"You two have been practically inseparable since the academy started."
"We're roommates."
"And?"
"And we're classmates."
"And?"
"And... friends."
Keith paused.
"...That's it."
Linna gave him a knowing look.
"Uh-huh."
Keith narrowed his eyes.
"What?"
"You like her."
"I do not."
"You do."
"I don't."
"You absolutely do."
Keith sighed.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?"
"Because it's obvious."
"It isn't."
"It really is."
Keith shook his head.
"Maki's just... Maki."
Linna smiled.
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
Keith thought about it.
"She's energetic."
"Uh-huh."
"She's weird."
"Definitely."
"She's reckless."
"Very."
"She's loud."
"Extremely."
Keith nodded.
"See? Exactly."
Linna smiled.
"And?"
Keith stopped.
"...And?"
"That's all you have?"
He scratched his cheek.
"She's..."
He hesitated.
"...fun to be around."
Linna's smile widened.
"There it is."
Keith immediately realized what he'd said.
"That doesn't mean anything."
"Sure."
"It doesn't."
"Of course."
"It doesn't!"
Linna laughed.
"You're getting defensive."
"I'm not defensive."
"You are."
Keith sighed.
"You're annoying."
"Thank you."
They continued walking.
A few seconds later, Keith glanced sideways at her, then a mischievous thought entered his mind. He smiled.
"...You know..."
Linna looked at him.
"What?"
"What if..."
He paused deliberately.
"...It's you I'm interested in?"
Linna stopped walking.
Keith took another step before realizing she wasn't beside him anymore. He turned around.
"...Linna?"
She stood completely frozen, her eyes were wide, her face had gone bright red.
"...What?"
Keith raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
"You..."
She pointed at him.
"...You just said..."
Keith's smile widened.
"I asked a question."
"You said what if you're interested in me."
"Yeah."
Linna stared at him.
"...Are you serious?"
Keith burst out laughing.
"No!"
Linna's face turned even redder.
"YOU—!"
She immediately smacked him on the shoulder.
"Ow!"
"Don't do that!"
Keith laughed.
"I couldn't resist!"
"You're horrible!"
"You started it!"
"I was teasing!"
"So was I!"
Linna folded her arms and looked away, clearly embarrassed.
"...Idiot."
Keith grinned.
"Sorry."
She glanced at him suspiciously.
"...You really don't like me?"
Keith blinked, the teasing expression on his face softened.
"I like you."
Linna's eyes widened again.
"But..."
He smiled.
"...As a friend."
She stared at him for a moment, then exhaled.
"...You really know how to make someone's heart stop."
Keith chuckled.
"Sorry."
"You better be."
They continued walking.
After a few seconds, Linna muttered under her breath.
"...Still think you like Lady Maki."
Keith groaned.
"You're bringing that back up?"
"Absolutely."
"Why?"
"Because now I'm even more convinced."
Keith sighed.
"Can we please just get to the headmaster's office?"
Linna smiled.
"Sure."
A brief silence followed. Then—
"Keith?"
"Hm?"
"Just so you know..."
She smiled mischievously.
"If Lady Maki ever asks me whether you're interested in her..."
Keith immediately looked alarmed.
"Don't."
"I might tell her."
"Linna."
"Maybe."
"Please don't."
She laughed.
"Relax. Your secret's safe."
"There is no secret."
They finally reached a large set of ornate double doors at the end of the corridor. Linna stopped.
"Here we are."
Keith looked up.
The atmosphere immediately felt different.
This wasn't just another classroom, this was the office of the headmaster of Azure Magic Academy. Keith's nervousness returned.
"...Right."
Linna looked at him.
"You'll be fine."
Keith smiled faintly.
"Thanks."
She stepped aside, Keith stood before the ornate double doors of the headmaster's office. He took a breath, his hand slowly rose toward the door to knock. But before his knuckles could touch the wood—
Click.
The doors opened by themselves. Keith froze.
"...That's not ominous at all."
He swallowed.
There was no turning back now, Keith stepped inside the doors quietly closed behind him, the office was enormous. Tall bookshelves covered the walls, packed with ancient tomes and magical artifacts, several floating crystals provided a soft blue illumination, while intricate magical circles were engraved into the floor. At the far end of the room sat a man behind a large wooden desk.
Sir Gazet Gathar.
He appeared to be in his late fifties, though the immense pressure surrounding him made it difficult to guess his true age, his long silver-gray hair was tied loosely behind his head, with several strands falling naturally around his face. A neatly trimmed beard framed his sharp jaw, while his deep golden eyes carried an almost unsettling intelligence.
He wore a long dark-blue mage's coat decorated with intricate silver embroidery. Several magical insignias were attached to his shoulders and sleeves, each representing different branches of magic he had mastered throughout his career. A black staff rested beside his chair, the staff itself was simple at first glance, but a glowing crystal was embedded into its tip. The most noticeable thing, however, was the man's expression.
Calm.
Almost too calm.
Gathar wasn't looking at Keith, he was staring at an hourglass sitting on his desk.
The final grains of sand slowly descended.
Keith stood there awkwardly.
"..."
The last grain fell, Gathar finally looked up.
"You certainly took your time, Keith Nova."
Keith's nervousness increased immediately.
Gathar gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Please. Have a seat."
Keith bowed politely.
"Yes, sir."
He walked over and sat down, the two stared at each other for several seconds. Keith eventually spoke.
"You summoned me, sir."
"Indeed."
Gathar leaned back slightly.
"I was rather curious about what I've been hearing about you."
Keith swallowed.
"And what might that be?"
Gathar's eyes narrowed slightly.
"I hear you can use four different magical attributes."
Keith remained silent.
"And apparently..."
A faint smile appeared on Gathar's face.
"...your control over them is exceptional."
Keith nodded.
"Yes, sir."
He paused.
"It's the result of hard work and training."
Gathar studied him.
"I've watched countless promising students walk through these halls over the years."
His fingers tapped lightly against the desk.
"Many of them eventually became exceptionally powerful mages."
He glanced toward one of the bookshelves.
"Some became court magicians."
"Some became battle mages."
"Some went on to become instructors themselves."
His golden eyes returned to Keith.
"But even among the greatest talents this academy has ever recorded..."
He paused.
"Three attributes was the highest we've ever documented and they're extremely rare."
Keith's expression stiffened.
"Four attributes..."
Gathar smiled faintly.
"...is practically unheard of."
Keith felt sweat forming on the back of his neck.
'It's not like I can exactly tell him I received a blessing from Hoshina.'
He lowered his gaze.
Or that I've been learning spirit arts.
"I guess..."
He scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"...I got lucky."
Gathar stared at him for several seconds.
Then he smiled.
"...Lucky?"
Keith immediately became uncomfortable.
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm."
Gathar leaned back.
"Perhaps."
Keith couldn't shake the feeling that the headmaster didn't believe him, then Gathar changed the subject.
"I've also heard you've been having a little trouble with the nobles."
Keith blinked.
"...A little."
He gave an awkward smile.
"But I'm managing."
"Because of Lady Maki Eldridge?"
Keith paused.
"...Excuse me?"
Gathar chuckled.
"You and Lady Maki have been among the academy's strongest performers during your first week."
He folded his hands together.
"And in several practical examinations, you've ended up working together."
Keith sighed.
"I can't exactly argue with that."
"Indeed."
Gathar's smile widened.
"Then perhaps I can assist you."
Keith raised an eyebrow.
"Assist me?"
"I could arrange for the majority of the students to acknowledge your abilities."
Keith immediately shook his head.
"I appreciate the offer, sir, but..."
He hesitated.
"I think that would make things worse."
Gathar raised an eyebrow.
"How so?"
"They might think you're favoring me."
Keith looked down.
"I'm a commoner. If the headmaster suddenly orders everyone to respect me, they'll probably assume I'm receiving special treatment."
Gathar stared at him, then he smiled.
Slowly.
Almost mischievously.
Then he stood.
"Who said anything about making them respect you by force?"
Keith's eyes widened slightly, Gathar reached toward the black staff resting beside his desk.
He didn't even pick it up. Instead, he raised one hand. A thin current of wind began gathering around his fingers, the air inside the room shifted. Keith's instincts immediately screamed.
That's...
Gathar pointed at him.
"I'll make you earn their respect."
Keith's eyes widened.
"Sir?"
The next moment—
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
A massive blast of wind erupted from Gathar's hand.
"WHOA—!"
Keith was launched backward, the office doors exploded open. Keith shot through them like a cannonball.
"WHAT?!"
He barely managed to react, wind magic immediately wrapped around his body. He twisted himself through the air, desperately using his own wind magic to control his trajectory.
'This old man is insane!'
He flew down the corridor.
Past several shocked students.
Past two instructors.
Past an extremely confused statue.
Then—
CRAAAAAASH!
Keith burst through the doors leading toward Arena Six. The entire class froze, Keith slammed into the arena floor.
BOOOOOOM!
Dust erupted everywhere, students jumped backward. Selena's mouth fell open.
"..."
Silence.
A hand slowly emerged from the crater, Keith pulled himself upright.
"Cough..."
He rubbed his head.
"If it weren't for my wind magic..."
He looked at the crater beneath him.
"...I'd have broken several bones."
The students stared, nobody knew what to say. Maki's eyes widened.
"Keith?!"
She immediately moved toward him.
"Are you okay?!"
"I'm fine!"
Keith raised a hand.
"I'm fine!"
Maki's expression remained worried.
Then—
A figure appeared above the arena, the wind suddenly spiraled downward. Gathar descended gracefully, his coat fluttering around him, he landed several meters away from Keith. Everyone stared at him, Selena blinked.
"...Headmaster?"
Gathar calmly looked across the arena, then toward Keith.
"Keith Nova."
Keith slowly stood straight.
"...Yes, sir?"
"You are to face me in a duel."
The entire arena went silent, Keith's expression became blank.
"...What?"
Gathar raised one hand.
"If you defeat me, you will have proven that you possess the strength necessary to stand among the elite of this academy."
Keith stared at him.
"And if I lose?"
Gathar's expression remained completely serious.
"You will be expelled."
The arena erupted.
"WHAT?!"
"Expelled?!"
"He's only been here a week!"
"That's ridiculous!"
Maki's face instantly went pale.
"No."
She stepped forward.
"Wait!"
Gathar looked toward her.
"Maki."
Her fists clenched.
"You can't just expel him over a duel!"
"Yeah she's right, it's not fair!" Linna added.
Gathar's gaze softened slightly.
"I can."
"But—"
Maki stepped forward again.
"He hasn't done anything wrong!"
Keith looked at her.
"Maki."
She turned.
"Keith?"
He smiled.
A calm, reassuring smile.
"It's okay."
"How is this okay?!"
Keith looked toward Gathar, then back toward Maki.
"I'll handle it."
Maki stared at him.
"You don't have to prove anything to them."
Keith's expression softened.
"...Maybe not."
He clenched his fist.
"But I do have something to prove to myself."
Maki's eyes widened slightly, Keith stepped forward, the students slowly backed away, giving him space. He looked directly at Gathar.
"...Alright."
Gathar smiled.
"Good."
Keith lowered his stance.
"I accept."
Maki's heart dropped.
"Keith..."
Gathar raised his hand, the wind began gathering around him.
"Then show me what you're capable of."
The entire arena fell silent. Some students from other classes came to witness the headteacher himself in action.
And for the first time since arriving at Azure Magic Academy, Keith Nova stood face-to-face with the headmaster himself
Gathar stood opposite Keith, his staff resting lightly against the arena floor, the entire class watched in silence.
Gathar raised the staff.
"With that said..."
His golden eyes narrowed.
"We may begin."
The instant the words left his mouth a magic circle appeared beneath Keith's feet. A massive boulder suddenly erupted from the ground beneath him.
BOOOOM!
The enormous chunk of earth rose until it was roughly Keith's height. Several students gasped.
"What is he doing?"
The boulder began glowing.
Then—
CRACK.
The entire mass of earth began compressing.
Layer after layer of stone folded inward, becoming denser and smaller, the massive boulder rapidly shrank until finally—
SHIIING!
A perfectly formed katana dropped into Keith's hand.
Silence.
Keith stared at the weapon, the blade was smooth, dark and incredibly dense. He swung it once.
WHOOSH!
The air itself seemed to split around the blade. Gathar's eyebrows rose.
"Wow."
A genuine smile appeared on his face.
"Impressive."
The students erupted into whispers.
"Did he just create a sword from compressed earth?"
"That entire boulder became that tiny sword!"
"How much control does he have?"
Selena stared in fascination.
"...Just who is this commoner?"
Maki's eyes remained fixed on Keith. Unlike the others, she wasn't impressed, she was worried.
"Keith..."
Her voice was quiet.
"Please be careful."
Keith glanced toward her, he smiled.
"Don't worry."
Then he turned back toward Gathar, his expression changed.
Focused.
Serious.
Flames suddenly erupted along the blade.
FWOOSH!
The earth-forged katana became engulfed in brilliant fire. Keith lowered his stance, then—
BOOM!
He launched himself forward, the arena floor cracked beneath his feet. Gathar calmly raised his staff, a violent gust of wind exploded toward Keith.
"Not again."
Keith's eyes narrowed.
"Not this time."
He thrust his foot downward.
FWOOSH!
A jet of flame erupted beneath him, Keith shot upward, completely avoiding the wind blast, the students gasped.
"He dodged it!"
Keith twisted his body midair, two magic circles appeared beside him.
One white.
One brown.
The white circle began spinning violently, the brown one followed. Keith tightened his grip on the flaming katana.
"I'm coming down!"
He began descending.
The blade was positioned perfectly for a devastating downward strike. Gathar smiled.
"Excellent control."
He raised one hand.
"Triple Barrage."
The white magic circle erupted.
WHOOOOOOOSH!
A massive wave of compressed wind tore across the arena. At the same time—
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The brown magic circle began firing boulders toward Keith one after another. Keith's eyes widened.
"Seriously?!"
He swung his flaming sword.
SHING!
The first boulder split in half.
Then another.
Then another.
But the wind struck him from the side, his trajectory shifted.
"Damn!"
He corrected himself with another burst of fire, then descended.
"Got you!"
His flaming katana came crashing down.
BOOOOOOM!
The attack struck.
A massive cloud of dust exploded throughout the arena, the students shielded their eyes.
Maki immediately stepped forward.
"Keith!"
The dust swallowed the entire battlefield. For several seconds, nobody could see anything.
Then Keith felt something strange, his sword hadn't connected with anything. Instead—
His entire body suddenly jerked backward.
"What?"
He stumbled through the dust.
What just happened?
He stared toward where Gathar had been standing.
Did I miss?
The dust slowly began clearing. And then—
Keith's eyes widened, Gathar stood exactly where he had been completely unharmed.
Surrounding him was a rotating barrier of water.
Not a simple wall.
The water was spinning so rapidly that it had become a circular shield of compressed liquid. Anything touching it was immediately deflected—or shredded apart. Keith stared.
"No way..."
His eyes widened further.
"Water too?"
Gathar smiled.
"You didn't think you were the only one capable of using multiple attributes in this fight, did you?"
Keith's expression darkened.
"...Crap."
He lowered his sword.
I'll have to change tactics.
Gathar slowly lowered his hand.
"Now..."
The smile disappeared.
"...it's my turn."
Keith's instincts screamed. Magic circles began appearing behind Gathar.
One.
Two.
Five.
Ten.
Then dozens.
The entire arena was illuminated by magical light.
Red circles.
Royal-blue circles.
White circles.
They overlapped behind him like an enormous magical array, the students went completely silent. One student whispered—
"So..."
His voice trembled.
"That's a high-class mage."
Another swallowed.
"That commoner doesn't stand a chance."
Maki's hands clenched, she could feel the pressure coming from Gathar even from across the arena.
"...Keith."
"He's got this don't worry." Said Lina trying to ease her worries but didn't work.
He stared at the countless magic circles behind Gathar. For the first time since the duel began he felt genuinely overwhelmed.
How many spells is he preparing?
Gathar raised his staff, every magic circle began rotating simultaneously.
The air grew heavier.
The temperature shifted.
The ground beneath Keith's feet began trembling.
Gathar's voice echoed across the arena.
"Come, Keith Nova."
His golden eyes gleamed.
"Show me whether those four attributes are truly worth all the attention they've been receiving."
Keith tightened his grip around the earth-forged katana. The flames surrounding the blade burned brighter, his eyes narrowed.
"...Alright."
He took a deep breath.
"If you're going to test me..."
He lowered his stance.
"...then I'll give you something worth testing."
Maki stared at him, her anxiety remained.
But now—
A small smile appeared on her face.
That's Keith.
The first spell behind Gathar began glowing.
Then the second.
Then the third.
The entire arena trembled and Keith charged forward, a barrage of water, fire, and wind attacks tore across the arena toward Keith.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Keith immediately reacted. He swung his katana, releasing a wave of compressed wind that collided with the incoming projectiles. At the same time, flames erupted beneath his feet, propelling him sideways as several earth spikes burst from the ground to intercept the attacks he couldn't evade.
CRASH!
BOOM!
The arena shook repeatedly but Gathar's assault didn't slow down, more magic circles appeared behind him.
Red.
Blue.
White.
Each one pulsed with tremendous mana.
Keith's eyes narrowed.
"He's too overwhelming."
Another barrage came, Keith blocked one attack and dodged another.
Then—
BOOOOM!
A massive gust of wind slammed into him and sent him skidding backward across the arena. His boots carved trenches into the ground, he barely managed to stop himself.
"Damn."
Keith steadied his breathing. Gathar stood calmly on the other side of the arena, his water barrier continued rotating around him at incredible speed, while several magic circles remained suspended behind him.
He was attacking and defending simultaneously and he wasn't even breathing heavily, Keith stared at the barrier.
"He's maintaining that water barrier while simultaneously casting all those spells..."
His eyes narrowed.
"Then that's the key."
He looked at the magic circles.
Wind.
Water.
Earth.
Three attributes.
But none of them were fast enough, Keith lowered his sword.
Then—
CRACK!
Lightning suddenly erupted around his body.
The entire arena went silent, blue-white electricity surged across his arms and legs.
Maki's eyes widened.
"...What?"
Keith disappeared.
ZAAAAAP!
He shot across the arena like a bolt of lightning, one of Gathar's wind blasts fired.
Keith instantly changed direction.
ZAP!
The attack missed by inches, a fireball followed.
ZAP!
Keith vanished again.
The fireball exploded harmlessly behind him.
A cluster of earth projectiles appeared in his path, he twisted his body, lightning surged through his legs.
He accelerated.
The projectiles missed.
Everyone stared in disbelief.
"What the—?!"
"He's moving that fast?!"
Keith appeared directly in front of Gathar.
His katana crackled with lightning.
"Got you."
SHING!
He swung.
Gathar's water barrier immediately rotated faster, the blade struck it.
CLAAAAANG!
Water exploded outward from the impact, Keith's eyes widened.
"Still not enough..."
But he didn't retreat.
Instead, flames erupted along the blade, the lightning remained wrapped around it, then earth magic reinforced the sword's edge.
Fire.
Lightning.
Earth.
Three attributes concentrated into one attack, Keith pushed forward.
"Break!"
BOOOOOOM!
The barrier violently distorted, Gathar's eyes widened slightly.
"Interesting..."
Keith gritted his teeth.
"I've got to keep moving!"
He released another burst of lightning and instantly disappeared from Gathar's sight.
ZAAAAAP!
Keith reappeared at his side, a fire-enhanced slash came from the right.
Gathar blocked.
Keith vanished again.
ZAP!
Another strike came from behind, Gathar's barrier spun to intercept it.
CLANG!
Keith disappeared once more, the entire arena became a blur of lightning.
"He's using lightning to compensate for the difference in speed!"
Selena stared in fascination.
"He's not simply using it offensively..."
Her eyes narrowed.
"He's using lightning as a movement technique."
The students finally understood.
"That's why he suddenly became so fast."
"But wait..."
One student looked confused.
"He never used lightning during the entrance exam."
Another student's expression changed, the entire arena erupted in murmurs.
Maki stared at Keith, her expression wasn't surprised, she had already known he possessed tremendous talent. But even she hadn't seen him use lightning like this.
"...Keith."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"So that's what you've been hiding."
Across the arena, Gathar smiled. For the first time since the duel began, his expression carried genuine excitement.
"Excellent."
He raised his staff.
"So this is your fourth attribute."
Keith landed several meters away, lightning still crackling around his body, he raised his katana.
"Yeah."
Gathar's smile widened.
"Then show me everything you can do."
Keith tightened his grip.
"Gladly."
The lightning around his body intensified.
ZAAAAAP!
And once again he disappeared.
The battle continued to intensify, Keith had completely changed his approach. Rather than meeting Gathar's attacks head-on, he used lightning to constantly reposition himself, slipping between spells with movements that were almost impossible to follow.
ZAP!
A wind blade tore through the space where his head had been a moment earlier.
ZAP!
A fireball exploded behind him.
ZAP!
Keith appeared above Gathar, only to twist through the air as a barrage of water spears shot past him. He landed lightly.
"He's adapting..."
Selena watched with growing amazement.
"Every time Gathar changes his attack pattern, Keith changes his movement."
Keith wiped a thin line of blood from the corner of his mouth.
I can't keep this up forever.
His eyes locked onto Gathar.
I need to finish this.
Lightning surged through his legs.
ZAAAAAP!
He vanished.
Gathar immediately raised his staff.
"Too predictable."
A wall of wind erupted in front of him but Keith had anticipated it. He changed direction mid-dash, lightning carrying him around the barrier.
Then—
His katana ignited.
WHOOSH!
Flames wrapped around the blade, burning brighter and brighter. Gathar's eyes narrowed.
"So you've chosen fire."
Keith accelerated.
"Here I come!"
ZAAAAAP!
He appeared directly in front of Gathar, the flaming katana swung downward.
SHING!
The strike came within inches of connecting.
Maki's eyes widened.
He's going to hit him!
Keith's expression hardened.
I got you.
But Gathar smiled.
"Not quite."
Keith's eyes widened.
"Huh?"
Gathar's free hand suddenly ignited, but this wasn't ordinary fire, the flames compressed.
Tighter.
Denser.
Smaller.
The roaring inferno collapsed into a tiny sphere of brilliant light. Keith's instincts screamed.
What is that?!
Gathar thrust his palm forward.
"Compressed Flame."
The glowing orb struck directly against Keith's chest. Keith barely had time to react.
"...!"
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
The explosion erupted at point-blank range.
Keith's body was launched backward like a ragdoll.
"KEITH!"
Maki screamed.
"No way!"
Linna shouted.
"KH—!"
Blood spilled from his mouth as he flew across the arena.
BOOOOOOM!
His body slammed into the stone floor, cracks raced outward from the impact. A massive cloud of dust erupted into the air.
Silence.
For several seconds, nobody moved, Maki's face went pale.
"Keith..."
She took a step forward, then another.
"Keith!"
Selena stared at Gathar in disbelief.
"You're not trying to kill the kid, are you, Headmaster?!"
Another student swallowed nervously.
"That attack was point-blank!"
"He's just a student!"
"Headmaster Gathar..."
But Gathar didn't answer, he continued staring into the cloud of dust. His expression remained calm, his eyes, however, were focused. He was waiting, Maki clenched her fists.
"Please..."
Her voice trembled.
"Get up, Keith."
The dust slowly began to settle. Everyone stared toward the crater.
Nothing.
Maki's heart sank.
"Keith..."
Then—
Clang.
The sound of metal striking stone echoed through the arena.
Everyone froze.
A hand emerged from the dust, Keith slowly pushed himself upright, his academy uniform flickered with a faint glow, then—
CRACK.
The protective light shattered like glass, Keith remained standing.
Barely.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
His breathing was ragged.
His entire body trembled.
But he was standing.
Maki's eyes widened.
"...He's up."
Keith looked down at his uniform.
"...That..."
He took a shaky breath.
"...I've never been more glad to have my uniform enchanted."
A few students stared at him in disbelief, Gathar's expression shifted into genuine interest.
"I see."
He lowered his staff slightly.
"I had no idea you possessed enchantments of that quality."
Keith looked confused.
"That quality?"
"Yes."
Gathar studied the damaged uniform.
"Those aren't ordinary beginner enchantments."
Keith glanced down at them.
"Really?"
Gathar nodded.
"Tell me, Keith. Are you truly a commoner?"
Keith stared at his uniform.
"But..."
He swallowed.
"These are just simple enchantments I added myself." He said to himself.
His legs suddenly buckled, he caught himself with his sword before hitting the ground, his breathing became even heavier.
Damn it...
He could barely feel the mana inside his body anymore.
'I used almost everything.'
His grip tightened around the katana.
'I can't fight anymore.'
He looked across the arena at Gathar, the headmaster was still standing.
Calm.
Completely composed.
Keith's heart sank.
'I lost.'
There was no way around it.
'He's too powerful.'
He looked down at his trembling hands.
'I'm going to get expelled.'
His vision began to blur, the sounds around him became distant, his knees weakened.
For a moment, he thought he was going to collapse.
Then—
"KEITH!"
Maki's voice cut through everything, his eyes widened slightly. She stood at the edge of the arena, fists clenched tightly at her sides, tears had begun forming in her eyes.
"Don't you dare!"
Her voice shook, Keith stared at her.
"Maki..."
"Don't you dare even think about giving up!"
A tear slipped down her cheek.
"If you give up..."
Her voice cracked, she wiped the tear away angrily.
"...I'm never going to forgive you!"
The entire arena fell silent, Keith stared at her.
Something about those words reached deeper than they should have. Not because she was ordering him to fight but because she was afraid.
Genuinely afraid.
Afraid that he would fall.
Afraid that he wouldn't get back up.
Keith's fingers tightened around the hilt of his sword.
His mana was nearly gone.
His body was screaming at him to stop.
But then he remembered something, a promise he'd made to himself long ago.
Never stop moving.
Never stop trying even when things seemed impossible. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"...You're really loud, you know that?"
Maki's eyes widened, then she clenched her fists.
"Good!"
Keith slowly straightened his back.
"Guess I can't disappoint my friend."
Maki froze, her cheeks reddened slightly.
"...Idiot."
Keith tried to stand firm, his entire body screamed at him to stop, his legs trembled beneath him, his mana was almost completely depleted.
Yet somehow...
His conviction had returned, Maki's words continued echoing inside his mind.
Don't you dare even think about giving up!
Keith slowly tightened his grip around his katana.
Then—
A memory resurfaced, an old one. A memory from when he was only ten years old.
Flashback — 4 Years Ago
A young Keith stood in the middle of a vast open field surrounded by towering trees, the afternoon sun illuminated the grass beneath his feet. Standing beside him was Hoshina, the pixie floated lazily in the air, her expression as carefree as ever. Keith looked at her excitedly.
"Hey, Hoshina."
"Hm?"
"Do you have any other Spirit Arts you can teach me?"
Hoshina placed a finger against her chin.
"Hmm..."
She thought for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up.
"Oh!"
Keith's eyes widened.
"There is one."
"Really?"
"Yep."
Hoshina floated closer.
"It'll make you super strong, super fast, and..."
She paused.
"...It can bypass magical defenses entirely."
Keith's eyes practically sparkled.
"Really?!"
He immediately stepped forward.
"That sounds awesome! Teach me!"
Hoshina's smile disappeared.
"But..."
Keith tilted his head.
"But what?"
She hesitated.
"I advise against using it."
Keith frowned.
"Why?"
"Because it's dangerous."
"How dangerous?"
Hoshina's expression became unusually serious.
"It places an enormous strain on your body."
Keith listened carefully.
"It can completely immobilize you afterward."
His expression became slightly more serious.
"And if you use it incorrectly..."
She paused.
"...It can kill you."
Silence.
Keith stared at her.
"I see."
Hoshina nodded.
"So you'll forget about it?"
Keith shook his head.
"Nope."
Hoshina's eyes widened.
"...Nope?"
"Still teach me."
"Keith!"
"Please!"
"No."
"I'm begging you."
"It's not safe!"
"It could still be useful someday."
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of!"
Keith clasped his hands together.
"Please?"
Hoshina stared at him, Keith stared back.
She sighed.
"...You're impossible."
"Sometimes."
She rubbed her forehead.
"Fine."
Keith immediately smiled.
"But promise me something."
"What?"
"Don't use it unless things are truly bad."
Keith nodded.
"I promise."
Hoshina narrowed her eyes.
"Seriously."
"I promise."
"...Good."
Present
Keith's eyes slowly opened, Gathar stood across the arena. The headmaster watched him carefully.
"You've reached your limit."
Keith said nothing,Gathar lowered his staff slightly.
"I think this is the perfect time for you to back down."
His voice remained calm.
"You'll be expelled."
Keith's eyes narrowed.
"But at least you'll still be alive."
He gestured toward Keith's battered body.
"Taking any more attacks could kill you."
Silence.
Keith lowered his head. For several seconds, nobody knew what he was thinking.
Then—
He closed his eyes, he took a slow breath and concentrated.
BOOOOOOM!
A tremendous wave of grey energy erupted from Keith's body, the entire arena shook, dust exploded outward. Students instinctively shielded their faces.
"What is that?!"
"That's not mana!"
"What's happening?!"
Maki's eyes widened.
"Keith..."
The grey energy continued pouring from his body, it wasn't magical energy, it was something fundamentally different.
Spiritual force.
Keith opened his eyes.
A powerful grey aura surrounded him, twisting violently around his body. His presence had completely changed, the exhausted student who had been barely standing moments ago was gone. In his place stood someone whose very existence seemed to carry pressure. Selena stared in disbelief.
"...Spiritual force?"
Gathar's eyes widened, then a smile slowly appeared.
"Interesting."
Keith took a breath, his body still hurt, his mana was still almost completely depleted but he no longer cared. He glanced toward Maki, she was staring at him with tears still lingering in her eyes.
Keith smiled.
"Thank you, Maki."
Maki blinked.
"For what?"
"For your encouragement."
He tightened his grip around the katana.
"And for reminding me why I'm here."
Keith turned his attention back toward Gathar.
"I made a promise to my parents."
His grey aura intensified.
"I'll become a mage they'll be proud of."
The ground beneath his feet cracked, Gathar watched him with fascination.
"So that's what you've been hiding."
Keith lowered his stance, his eyes became sharp.
"Alright."
He raised his katana.
"Time to end this."
Dozens of magic circles suddenly appeared behind Gathar.
Red.
Blue.
White.
Their combined mana flooded the arena, the students stared in horror.
"So many..."
"He's going to fire all of them at once?!"
Maki clenched her fists.
"Keith..."
Gathar raised his staff, a confident smile spread across his face.
"Now then..."
His eyes gleamed.
"Entertain me."
Gathar raised his staff, every magic circle behind him ignited simultaneously.
Red.
Blue.
White.
Dozens upon dozens of circles filled the sky above the arena.
Then—
"Fire."
BOOOOOOOOOOM!
Everything fired at once.
Flames.
Water spears.
Blades of compressed wind.
The entire arena disappeared beneath an overwhelming storm of magic, there was almost nowhere left to dodge. Keith didn't hesitate.
He dashed forward.
ZAAAAAP!
Except—
This time, he was faster.
Far faster.
Even faster than when he used lightning magic.
His body became nothing more than a blur.
Gathar's eyes widened.
"What...?"
A fireball tore through the space Keith had occupied, he was already gone, a wind blade followed.
Missed.
Another.
Missed.
Then—
CLANG!
Keith appeared for less than a second, his sword deflecting an incoming water spear.
Then he vanished again.
ZAP!
Another blur.
BOOM!
A water projectile was sliced apart.
ZAP!
A wind blade was cut in half.
ZAP!
Keith twisted around a fireball that exploded inches from his shoulder, Gathar's eyes followed the movement, or tried to.
"This power..." Keith said.
His expression slowly changed.
"His attacks..."
Keith effortlessly weaved through the storm.
"They feel like they're moving in slow motion."
Keith wasn't simply dodging anymore, he was seeing the attacks.
Every projectile.
Every trajectory.
Every opening.
His spiritual force sharpened his perception to a level his lightning magic had never reached. A water spear came toward his chest, he tilted his body.
Missed.
A wind blade followed.
He raised his katana.
CLANG!
Deflected.
Then—
BOOM!
A massive ball of water came straight toward him, Keith's eyes narrowed.
He jumped.
His foot landed against the surface of the flying water.
He pushed off.
BOOM!
His body launched even higher, for the first time since the barrage began, Gathar could see him clearly.
"There you are."
Gathar raised his staff, the water barrier surrounding his body intensified. At the same time, a massive fireball began forming in his other hand. The temperature around him rose dramatically, Keith looked down at him, he knew what was coming, he knew how much stronger Gathar was and he knew exactly what would happen if he failed but he didn't care.
His grip tightened around his sword.
'It doesn't matter what happens to me.'
His spiritual force surged through the blade.
'As long as I keep my promise.'
The grey energy around him intensified.
'As long as I make them proud...'
Keith descended.
'Then I'm fine with it.'
His sword became enveloped in an enormous concentration of spiritual force.
Gathar's fireball was ready, Keith's blade was ready. They collided.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
The impact was catastrophic that the entire arena shook violently. Cracks erupted across the ground in every direction, the stone beneath Keith's feet shattered, the impact created a crater beneath him as though a meteor had struck the arena. A massive explosion of dust swallowed everything, the students screamed and shielded themselves.
"What happened?!"
"How can he have that much power?!"
"This is insane!"
Selena stared into the enormous cloud.
"...That boy is something else."
The arena fell silent, neither fighter could be seen, only dust remained.
Maki stood frozen.
Her breathing became uneven, her heart hammered against her chest so violently she felt like everyone around her must be able to hear it.
"Please..."
Her hands trembled.
"Please..."
She swallowed.
"Please, please, please..."
She couldn't look away.
Slowly—
The dust began to settle, two shadows appeared through the haze. Everyone held their breath, the figures became clearer.
Then—
The dust finally cleared, Keith was standing.
Barely.
One knee was pressed against the shattered ground, his katana was extended forward.
The tip of the blade rested just beside Gathar's neck, Gathar remained standing completely still.
For several seconds, neither spoke, Keith's chest rose and fell violently. He could barely breathe, his entire body trembled, his spiritual force was fading rapidly but he had done it. Gathar looked down at the sword, then at Keith. A small smile appeared on his face.
"Keith Nova."
The entire arena went silent.
"You have bested me in battle."
Keith's eyes widened slightly.
"You will not be expelled from the academy."
For a moment, Keith didn't react.
Then—
His shoulders relaxed, a massive weight seemed to leave his body.
"...I won."
His breathing finally slowed.
Then—
"KEITH!"
Maki rushed toward him.
"Lady Maki, wait!"
Linna tried to stop her.
But Maki was already moving, the arena floor was almost completely destroyed, so she activated her Water Jet.
BOOM!
She launched herself across the ruined battlefield, she landed beside Keith and immediately wrapped her arms around him.
"Keith!"
Her voice trembled.
"I'm so glad you won!"
Tears streamed freely down her face.
"I'm so glad you're staying!"
She tightened her grip.
"You really scared me! I didn't know what I was going to do!"
Keith blinked, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm fine."
He carefully pulled her back enough to look at her.
"I'm not going anywhere."
Maki wiped her tears away, then she gave him a shaky smile.
"You better."
Keith smiled faintly.
"I will."
Around them, the students remained completely stunned.
"No way..."
"He beat the headmaster."
"That's impossible."
"A student..."
"A commoner..."
Gathar suddenly cleared his throat.
"Oh."
Everyone turned toward him.
"I'd also like to award Keith Nova with two hundred gold credits."
The arena erupted.
"What?!"
"Two hundred?!"
"No way!"
"To a commoner?!"
Gathar calmly turned toward the students.
"It's only fair."
He gestured toward the destroyed arena.
"After all, the alternative would have been losing his enrollment."
He smiled.
"If anyone believes they deserve the same reward..."
Gathar raised his staff.
"...you're more than welcome to challenge me."
Silence.
"You do, however, risk getting expelled."
Nobody moved, Gathar waited.
"...Anyone?"
Not a single hand went up, he smiled.
"Thought so."
He turned away.
"Selena."
"Yes, sir?"
"Allow the boy to skip the next three days."
Gathar glanced back at Keith.
"I believe he'll need them to recover."
Selena nodded.
"Understood."
Gathar began walking away.
The moment he disappeared from the arena Keith's expression changed, his eyes widened.
"...Oh."
Maki looked at him.
"What?"
Keith's knees suddenly buckled.
"Keith?!"
The backlash hit.
Every muscle in his body seized, the spiritual force that had temporarily pushed his body beyond its limits had vanished and now the price had arrived.
His vision blurred.
His strength disappeared.
"Maki..."
He barely managed to whisper her name.
Then—
He collapsed directly into her arms.
"KEITH!"
Maki caught him, his body went completely limp.
"Keith!"
She shook him gently.
"Keith, wake up!"
Nothing, her expression turned terrified.
"Keith!"
She looked around desperately.
"Someone help him!"
Selena immediately reacted.
"Get him to the infirmary!"
Four of the other commoner students rushed forward.
"We've got him!"
They carefully lifted Keith, Maki followed beside them, refusing to leave. As they carried him away, Keith's consciousness continued fading. Everything became distant.
The voices.
The footsteps.
The sounds of the academy.
But one thought remained clear. A small, exhausted smile appeared on his face.
"I'm glad...that I could keep my promise."
And then darkness took him.