The morning sun spilled over the spires of Arcane Academy, casting golden reflections on the polished stone paths. Koha adjusted his satchel and stepped carefully onto the grounds. The academy was immense. Tall towers rose into the sky, magical lanterns floated lazily above the courtyards, and the gardens were alive with faintly glowing flora. Each step felt heavier than the last.
Koha swallowed hard. The memories of yesterday lingered in his mind. He remembered the sight of Rio, the blademaster, slicing through training dummies with effortless precision. He recalled Yin, the support mage, manipulating magical barriers and healing spells with an elegance that seemed almost untouchable. Huo, the guardian, had stood like a fortress of calm authority. All three were dominant, powerful, and breathtakingly handsome.
Koha’s fingers gripped the straps of his satchel. His lavender eyes scanned the courtyard, filled with students laughing and practicing simple elemental exercises. Their displays were impressive for beginners, but compared to the upperclassmen he had seen, they were just minor sparks.
A whisper caught his attention.
“Is that the new mage?”
“I heard he is extremely powerful.”
“Only twenty years old and already a prodigy. Incredible.”
Koha felt a shiver run down his spine. The words were heavy with expectation. He wanted to hide in the shadows, yet a small voice inside told him to move forward.
The first class was Magical Theory and Combat Integration, held in a large hall with tall windows that filtered sunlight in golden beams. Professor Liora, a tall woman with fiery orange hair tied neatly in a braid, stood at the front. Her eyes were sharp and commanding.
“Welcome, students,” she said. “Arcane Academy is a place where you will learn discipline and mastery. Magic is not strength alone. Wisdom and restraint define true power.”
Koha’s hands fidgeted in his sleeves. Restraint was always a challenge. Even now, he felt the tingling potential of his abilities. He had to remain calm.
Students were called to demonstrate minor magical exercises. Fire sparks, gusts of wind, and water orbs danced through the air. When it was Koha’s turn, he summoned a small dome of light around himself. It shimmered softly, healing minor scratches on his hands.
光の抱擁 Hikari no Hōyō, Embrace of Light.
The dome glowed with a gentle warmth, enough to show his skill but subtle enough not to alarm anyone. Murmurs rose among the students. Professor Liora’s gaze softened. “Excellent control, Koha. Even a novice can sense your innate talent.”
Koha’s cheeks heated. Compliments made him flutter, and he lowered his gaze, wishing to disappear into his robes.
After class, Koha wandered through the hallways to get his bearings. The corridors seemed endless, lined with shelves of ancient tomes that whispered faintly as he passed. Statues of legendary mages and warriors looked down with stone faces that seemed almost alive.
In the courtyard, Rio leaned casually against a tree. His black hair caught the sunlight, and his amber eyes were sharp, scanning the grounds. The aura of dominance around him made Koha’s heart race.
Rio noticed Koha and pushed off the tree. “You are wandering alone again,” he said, his voice teasing. “Are you lost already?”
Koha stammered. “I… I am just trying to find the library. I need books for today’s lessons.”
Rio smirked. “Library, of course. Always careful, always studying. I suppose I should guide you.” He fell into step beside Koha, close enough for his presence to press warmly against him. Koha’s cheeks flushed deeper, and he looked down at his feet, fingers fidgeting with his satchel.
Koha found a quiet bench in the gardens and unpacked his lunch, a neatly packed bento. He tried to enjoy the peace, but it did not last. Yin glided along the garden paths, his silver-white hair catching the sunlight like flowing silk. His icy blue eyes met Koha’s gently.
“May I join you?” Yin asked, voice smooth and elegant.
Koha nodded, barely able to speak. “Y-yes, of course.”
Yin seated himself gracefully. “Your aura is powerful, yet restrained. It is unusual,” he said softly. “It is interesting.”
Koha felt his chest tighten. “I… I try to control my power. I do not want to hurt anyone.”
Yin smiled faintly. “Powerful and careful. That combination is rare. You will fit here, Koha, but do not underestimate yourself.”
Before Koha could respond, a shadow fell across the garden. Huo approached, broad shoulders moving with calm precision. His presence alone seemed to shield Koha.
“Lunch breaks are safer with company,” Huo said. He settled next to Koha, the warmth of his protection sending another flutter through Koha’s heart.
Three of the academy’s most dominant students surrounded him, and the soft, timid boy felt both awe and panic.
After lunch, Professor Liora gathered the students in the training yard for a practical exercise: combining elemental attacks with precision.
Koha’s heart thudded in his chest. His classmates created sparks of fire, water streams, and gusts of wind, but Koha restrained his full power.
Rio was paired with him first. “Show me what you can do,” he said, a hint of challenge in his voice. His hand rested on his sword hilt, but his movements were casual and confident.
Koha summoned a small stream of water, curving elegantly around Rio’s blade. Ryūsui no Yaiba, Blade of Flowing Water.
Rio sliced through the stream effortlessly, his eyes betraying a flash of surprise. “Not bad,” he murmured.
Yin then guided Koha in minor immobilization exercises, chaining elemental orbs around practice dummies, giving subtle instruction. Huo occasionally interjected to protect Koha from misfires, his silent presence comforting.
Evening fell, and Koha returned to his dormitory, drained but exhilarated. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Today had been overwhelming. He had survived his first full day, interacted with Rio, Yin, and Huo, and subtly demonstrated his skill. His heart, however, had fluttered more than during any spell.
Outside his window, a faint shadow moved, silent and watchful. The wind whispered a soft hint of challenge.
Soon, Koha would face dangers far greater than classroom exercises. Soon, he would show the world his true power.
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and then Add to home screen.