The evening bells rang across Azure Cloud Preparatory Academy, their clear tones echoing through the mountain like a gentle sword hum.
New students streamed toward the dormitory district in organized lines, their fresh blue-and-white robes fluttering in the cool mountain breeze. Lanterns infused with low-grade spirit stones lit the pathways, casting a soft, ethereal glow that made the entire academy feel alive with quiet power.
Marcus, Ryan, and Emily walked together toward the split between the boys' and girls' dormitories, separated by a wide spirit garden filled with glowing night-blooming flowers.
Ryan was still riding high from his Grade 7 result, swinging his new academy-issued wooden sword with exaggerated flair. "Did you see their faces when that crystal lit up for me? Grade 7! I'm telling you, by the time we're twelve, I'll already be famous!"
Emily smiled softly beside him, carrying her small bundle of supplies. "You did very well, Ryan. But remember, the instructors said talent is only the beginning. Hard work and heart matter more."
"Yeah, yeah," Ryan waved her off playfully, though his grin softened when he looked at her. "You're Grade 6 too, Emily. That's super rare for healing types! You're gonna be an amazing healer one day. I'll protect you while you patch us up after battles!"
Emily's cheeks turned a faint pink. She lowered her gaze, fingers tightening slightly on her bundle. "I… I'll do my best to support both of you."
Marcus walked a step ahead, listening to their familiar banter. His mind, however, kept drifting back to the small wooden box tucked carefully inside his bag and the strange sensation he had felt during the spirit root test.
Old Man Harlan had given him the box that morning at the academy gates.
The elderly guardian had accompanied Marcus all the way from their quiet border town, just as he had done for as long as Marcus could remember. Despite his wrinkled face, slow shuffling gait, and simple gray robes, Harlan moved with an uncanny precision. He could split firewood with one clean stroke, cook meals that carried a faint trace of spiritual energy, and once silently dispersed a pack of wild spirit beasts without ever raising his voice. Whenever Marcus asked about his past, the old man would only smile faintly and say, "This old servant is simply here to watch over young master until he can stand on his own two feet."
That morning, right before they parted, Harlan had pressed the plain wooden box into Marcus's hands.
"Something from home," he had said in his usual calm, slightly raspy voice. "Open it only when you feel truly lost. Not before." Then, with a final bow, the old man had turned and walked away without another word.
Marcus hadn't opened it yet. He placed the box carefully on the bedside table once they reached their room.
As they reached the splitting path, Ryan slapped Marcus on the back. "Don't overthink that Grade 4 thing, alright? We train together starting tomorrow. I'll drag you up to my level!"
Marcus gave a small smile. "Looking forward to it."
The three parted ways — Emily heading toward the girls' dorm with a quiet wave, Ryan and Marcus toward the boys' side. Their assigned room was on the third floor: simple, clean, with three beds, a small cultivation mat, and a window overlooking the moonlit training fields.
Ryan immediately claimed the bed by the window. "Dibs!"
Marcus took the middle bed. In the soft lantern light, the simple carvings on the wooden box seemed to shift faintly for a moment before becoming still again. He ran his fingers over it once, feeling that same subtle pull he had noticed during the test.
"You okay?" Ryan asked, noticing his friend's distant expression.
"Yeah," Marcus replied quietly. "Just thinking about the test… and this box from Old Man Harlan."
Ryan laughed. "That grumpy old guy? He looked ancient but kinda cool. Anyway, forget about it for now. Tomorrow we start real training! I heard the first class is basic qi circulation and sword foundation. I'm gonna dominate!"
They talked late into the night — Ryan's loud dreams of glory, Marcus's quieter determination, and occasional laughter filling the room. Eventually, Ryan's snores echoed through the space, but Marcus remained awake, staring at the ceiling.
He closed his eyes and tried to sense spiritual energy again, the way the instructor had briefly demonstrated.
At first, nothing.
Then, a faint coolness bloomed in his chest. The darkness outside the window seemed to deepen slightly, and for a brief moment, he felt as though the night itself was answering him. He had always felt a strange comfort in darkness — even as a small child he preferred sleeping without a night lamp. Now he understood why.
Darkness affinity… he thought. So that's what the faint black flicker during the test was.
It wasn't strong. It wasn't flashy like Ryan's bright red flame. But it felt natural. Like something that had always belonged to him.
Marcus fell asleep with that quiet realization settling in his mind.
The next morning came with the sharp sound of training gongs.
New students gathered in the central practice field wearing their academy robes. Hundreds of seven-year-olds stood in neat rows as senior instructors moved among them.
Instructor Feng addressed them with a booming voice. "For the first three months, you will focus on foundation building. Qi sensing, basic breathing techniques, and introductory sword forms. Those who show rapid progress will receive additional resources. Those who slack… will be left behind."
Ryan was practically vibrating with excitement beside Marcus. Emily stood in the girls' section a short distance away, occasionally glancing toward them with a gentle smile.
The first exercise was simple qi circulation — sitting cross-legged and attempting to sense the spiritual energy in the air.
Most children struggled. Ryan quickly produced a small but bright red flame around his palms, earning praise.
Marcus closed his eyes and breathed slowly. At first, nothing. Then, subtly, the world around him seemed to darken just a fraction. The spiritual energy felt easier to grasp, as if the surrounding shadows were gently guiding faint strands toward him. A cool sensation bloomed in his dantian.
When he opened his eyes, a very faint wisp of dark energy hovered above his palms for half a second before vanishing.
Instructor Feng passed by and raised an eyebrow. "Better than expected for a Grade 4. Continue practicing."
Marcus's heart beat faster. Darkness affinity, he thought again. That must be why.
He didn't question it further. For now, it was enough to know he wasn't completely talentless.
The morning continued with basic sword stances. Ryan attacked them with wild enthusiasm. Marcus moved with surprising natural precision, as if the shadows themselves helped steady his balance in the blind spots of each form.
During a short break, Ryan wiped sweat from his forehead. "See? We're already improving! Hey, did you notice that white-haired girl from yesterday? She's in the group over there."
Marcus turned.
The snow-haired girl stood quietly in another practice group. Her movements were clean and efficient, far beyond most children. Her dark blue eyes were focused entirely on her forms.
She didn't look their way.
But Marcus once again had the strange feeling she was aware of him.
Emily approached with three small spirit fruits. "Here. These help with qi recovery."
Ryan accepted his with a bright smile. "You're the best, Emily!"
As the three ate together, Marcus felt a rare sense of peace. Ryan's loud energy. Emily's quiet support. Whatever secrets lay inside him — and whatever truths Old Man Harlan and that mysterious wooden box were hiding — at least he wasn't facing the future completely alone.
Yet deep down, he knew the white-haired girl was going to become important.
And his newly discovered affinity for darkness… was only beginning to stir.