The sun rose weakly over the Arcane Academy, casting long shadows across the scarred battlefield from the previous day’s cataclysm. Students whispered nervously in the halls, glancing toward the training arena that had become a symbol of near-apocalyptic destruction. Even the elite students, accustomed to magic and combat, felt a palpable tension. Koha’s uncontrolled surge was a memory that refused to fade.
Koha lay in the infirmary, unconscious and surrounded by faint magical wards pulsating softly. His diamond forehead crystals had dissipated, but his residual power still radiated subtly, filling the room with a quiet hum. Yin hovered nearby, checking wards and ensuring no residual energy leaked dangerously into the surroundings. “We’ve stabilized him for now,” he murmured, voice tight with worry. “But even now, he’s… unpredictable.”
Rio leaned against the wall, bandages on his arms and shoulders, his normally confident expression strained. “I’ve fought elite blademasters and deadly elemental mages,” he said quietly, “but seeing him like that… it’s different. His power isn’t just overwhelming—it’s beyond comprehension. He could destroy us all without meaning to.”
Huo, sitting with his massive arms crossed, growled softly, his protective instincts still on high alert. “We need to know how to work with him,” he said. “Yesterday’s fight wasn’t about strength alone—it was about survival. If Koha loses control again… we can’t let that happen.”
The professors convened in a council chamber, their faces grave. “We cannot underestimate him,” one professor said. “Koha’s magic is still raw, and even unconscious, he radiates immense danger. He will need guidance, discipline, and careful training to harness his powers safely.”
Another professor added, “We must also prepare for the possibility of enemies exploiting this. Rumors of dark mages and rogue blademasters have reached our borders. If word of Koha’s abilities spreads, he will become a target.”
Meanwhile, in the arena, students began repair and cleanup under the supervision of senior trainers. Some avoided looking at the scarred terrain, still haunted by the chaotic floating rocks, scorched earth, and shattered ice. Among them, whispers of Koha’s abilities grew into awe-laden speculation.
Rio, Yin, and Huo convened privately, discussing strategies. Rio’s sharp gaze scanned the repaired arena. “We’ve all seen what he can do uncontrolled. We need to prepare for every possible scenario. Next time, we need to understand his triggers and limits.”
Yin nodded, adjusting his floating wards. “He’s powerful, yes, but fragile. We cannot treat him as a typical combatant. He requires guidance, or his power will consume everyone around him.”
Huo’s hands clenched. “Then we train. We refine our techniques, strengthen our control, and be ready for the moment Koha regains full consciousness. If enemies attack, we must act as a team—and we must survive him, if necessary.”
Koha stirred slightly in the infirmary, eyelids fluttering. His soft voice barely audible, “What… happened?” he murmured. Concern and awe swept across the trio as they watched him regain awareness, unaware of the cataclysm he had caused.
“Koha,” Yin said gently, “you were… more powerful than anyone could imagine. You need to learn to control your powers before using them freely.”
Rio’s expression softened slightly, though still serious. “Yesterday, you scared everyone—including us. But we’ll help you. Together, we’ll make sure nothing like that happens again.”
Huo added, his tone firm, “And if anyone tries to take advantage of you, they’ll have to get through us first.”
At that moment, a distant tremor rippled across the academy grounds, unnoticed by most but sharp to trained senses. It was faint, but the professors stiffened. “There’s… something moving,” one said, scanning the horizon. “A dark force approaching. It’s not just students or training gone wrong—something is coming.”
Koha blinked, curiosity and a trace of nervousness in his eyes. Rio, Yin, and Huo exchanged tense glances, understanding immediately: their next challenge wasn’t just about controlling their own powers—it would test them against an enemy capable of rivaling or even exceeding their abilities.
The day continued with rigorous training. Koha practiced small spells under Yin’s careful guidance: 閃光の矢 Senkō no Ya – Arrow of Flash, 魔力弾 Maryoku Dan – Arcane Bolt, and controlled elemental bursts of fire, water, and wind. Each attempt was cautious, as even minor surges reminded them of his potential for destruction.
Rio refined his precision strikes and 불꽃 회오리 Bulkkot Hoeori – Flame Whirlwind, coordinating timing and range to ensure he could protect Koha without accidental harm. Huo focused on combining Escudo Inquebrantable – Unbreakable Shield with battlefield control, practicing absorbing and redirecting energy surges. Yin worked to weave healing and protective spells: Soin Purificateur – Purifying Heal and Lien Éthéré – Ethereal Link, reinforcing both defensive and support tactics.
As sunset painted the academy grounds in gold and crimson, the four gathered in the arena for a final assessment of their readiness. The scarred battlefield served as a reminder: they had survived Koha’s first uncontrolled surge, but the future promised more challenges.
Koha’s soft gaze met the determined eyes of Rio, Yin, and Huo. “I… I’ll do my best,” he said, barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
Rio smirked faintly, confidence returning. “Then let’s make sure you never have to fight alone. We’ll be your strength.”
Yin and Huo nodded, forming a protective circle around him. The four stood together, a fragile alliance of strength, trust, and the promise of teamwork. Unseen, the distant tremor continued to grow, a prelude to the dangers waiting beyond the academy walls.
The calm was temporary, deceptive. Shadows and whispers of dark magicians and rogue blademasters lurked just beyond sight, ready to challenge the most powerful mage the world had ever seen.
And the journey of Koha, the soft omnipotent mage, and his dominant, fiercely protective companions had only just begun.
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