The morning mist clung to the trees as Koha followed the other students into the academy’s training forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and faint magical energy thrummed in the atmosphere. Today, the academy had arranged a practical exercise, pairing students in teams to patrol and observe magical anomalies. For Koha, it was the first time he would venture beyond the safety of the courtyards.
Rio led the way, moving with a confidence that made his steps seem almost effortless. Koha’s heart thudded as he walked beside him, feeling the warmth of Rio’s presence at his side. Yin floated gracefully a few paces ahead, eyes scanning for danger, and Huo’s steady presence anchored the group from behind, like an unmovable pillar.
Koha tried to keep calm, whispering a small protective spell under his breath. 光の抱擁 Hikari no Hōyō, Embrace of Light. A faint glow surrounded his palms, just enough to reassure himself that he could act if necessary.
The forest was quiet at first, deceptively so. Birds chirped, leaves rustled, but something felt off. Koha’s senses tingled. A shadow moved among the trees, flickering in and out of the morning fog.
“Stay alert,” Rio said, his hand resting near the hilt of his sword. The smirk on his face did nothing to calm Koha.
“Koha,” Yin’s voice was gentle but firm. “Focus on controlling your magic. You will be the team’s backbone if anything happens.”
Huo did not speak. His hazel eyes swept the forest, and Koha felt the weight of his protective aura pressing down in the most comforting way.
The first attack came suddenly. A pack of shadow wolves, creatures of darkness with glowing red eyes, leaped from the underbrush. They moved with frightening coordination, circling the group as teeth bared and claws scraping the forest floor.
Koha’s heart raced. He raised his hands instinctively, calling forth 流水の刃 Ryūsui no Yaiba – Blade of Flowing Water. A stream of water curved through the air, slicing one of the wolves’ approach with precision.
Rio leapt into action without hesitation. 화염 베기 Hwanyeom Begi, Flame Slash. His sword ignited with fiery energy as he cut through another wolf with a swift strike. The air seemed to crackle with his dominance, each movement sharp and precise.
Yin raised his hands elegantly. Vague Enchaînée, Chained Wave. Magical chains of water erupted from the ground, ensnaring the remaining wolves and immobilizing them.
Huo stepped forward, planting his feet firmly. Escudo Inquebrantable, Unbreakable Shield. A shimmering barrier of solid earth and magic rose around the team, blocking an incoming lunge from the wolves that had broken free of the chains.
Koha’s heart skipped at the closeness of Huo’s protective stance. He flushed, but there was no time to dwell on it. He amplified their attacks subtly. Mugen Kōki, Endless Radiance, a faint aura surrounding Rio’s flames and Yin’s water chains, enhancing their power without them realizing it.
The wolves fell back, growling, sensing the overwhelming energy radiating from the soft, unassuming mage who stood in the center.
The forest grew darker as a second wave approached. This time, rogue mages emerged from the trees. Their robes were tattered, eyes glowing with malevolent energy, and their presence carried a heavy, unnatural chill.
“You must be the new prodigy,” one of them sneered. “I heard about a boy who manipulates reality itself. Let’s see how special you really are.”
Koha swallowed. His hands shook slightly, but he forced himself to focus. 天地無限 Tenchi Mugen, Infinite Heaven and Earth. The air around him shimmered, subtly bending. Leaves rose and swirled in impossible patterns. Rocks lifted from the ground, hovering for just a moment, ready to shift at his command.
Rio gritted his teeth, stepping forward with his blade glowing. 천둥 강타 Cheondung Gangta, Thunder Strike. Lightning crackled along his sword as he dashed between enemies with lethal precision, slicing through one mage’s magical barrier.
Yin’s hands moved in fluid arcs. Lien Éthéré, Ethereal Link. Magical threads connected the mages, limiting their movement and siphoning energy to weaken their spells.
Huo planted his feet again. Muro de Piedra, Wall of Stone. A massive barrier rose, shielding the group from a barrage of fireballs. He moved to cover Koha, forming a nearly impenetrable wall with his arms and armor.
Koha felt the surge of fear and excitement as he carefully controlled his magic, enhancing his allies and subtly dismantling the enemy’s spells. His soft demeanor contrasted with the immense destructive potential simmering beneath the surface.
As the battle raged, the trio began to recognize the full depth of Koha’s power. Each elemental spell he cast was precise, fluid, and perfectly timed. His presence enhanced their abilities without overpowering them, allowing Rio’s blades to strike faster, Yin’s chains to tighten perfectly, and Huo’s defenses to hold stronger than they ever could alone.
At one point, a fireball narrowly missed Koha. Huo reacted instinctively, shielding him. Koha’s hands hovered over Huo’s arms for a brief moment to stabilize his own balance, their closeness sending a shiver through him. Rio laughed, a low, teasing sound. “Careful, Koha. You’re going to get us all distracted with that blush.”
Yin’s elegant eyes flicked toward him. “You must learn to keep focus even when your heart races. That is part of mastery,” he said softly.
Koha’s face flamed. He clenched his fists and refocused, sending out a controlled Arrow of Flash Senkō no Ya, disorienting a pair of rogue mages and giving Rio the opening to finish them with a swift strike.
The final wave came in the form of a corrupted elemental creature, a massive shadowy wolf imbued with fire and wind. It leaped from the mist with teeth bared, faster and more vicious than anything before.
Koha took a deep breath. 氷結の矢 Hyōketsu no Ya, Arrow of Ice. A shard of freezing energy shot through the air, slowing the creature just enough. He followed with Wall of Ice Hyōketsu no Kabe, freezing part of the creature’s legs and creating a barrier to block its charge.
Rio dashed forward, blades ignited, slashing with precise strikes. Yin’s water chains laced the ground, restricting movement. Huo’s shield absorbed a fiery lunge. Koha amplified every attack subtly. Mugen Kōki shimmered around them. The creature finally collapsed, defeated, leaving the forest silent once more.
After the battle, the group gathered under the dappled sunlight breaking through the trees. Koha’s chest heaved as he tried to calm himself. His hands still glowed faintly from residual magic.
Rio approached, brushing leaves from Koha’s shoulder. “Not bad for a quiet little mage,” he said teasingly, smirk plastered across his handsome face. “You kept us alive more than once.”
Yin smiled softly. “Your control is remarkable. But remember, even the gentlest of hearts can wield overwhelming power.”
Huo simply nodded, placing a hand on Koha’s shoulder. “You fought well. Do not doubt your strength. I will always protect you.”
Koha’s heart raced. The warmth of their attention, the closeness of their presence, and the recognition of his ability left him flustered. He mumbled softly, “Th-thank you… all of you…”
As they made their way back to the academy, a shadow lingered on the edge of the forest, eyes glowing faintly red. A voice whispered through the wind, promising greater challenges and darker threats to come.
Koha could feel it, even without understanding the words. This was only the beginning.
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