The ride back to Four Stars was quieter than anyone expected.
The hum of the Tekler they had borrowed from the merchant Lawrence filled the air as Mallronia's glittering skyline faded behind the mist-coated hills. No one spoke for a while—not because there was nothing to say, but because they were still trying to believe the week they had just lived through had been real.
Itekan leaned against the window, watching the mountain peaks pass by in streaks of gray. "Feels weird," he said at last. "Like we left for a year."
Beside him, Kutote gave a faint laugh. "A week ago, you were arguing with Sensei Pwain about proper sword grips."
"Hey! He started that," Itekan said defensively. "And I was right."
Binturu yawned from across the cabin. "Right about what? Burning half the arena again?"
"Shut up."
Rose smiled tiredly, her head resting against the seat. "You two really haven't changed at all."
Itoyea, who had his sword across his knees, looked up from polishing the blade. "No," he said quietly, "but we have."
That silenced them again. They all remembered the look on Korimer's face when the ruins collapsed behind them—the heat of his flames vanishing in the distance. For a moment, it had felt like they might never return.
Avery broke the mood with a smile. "Those relics though, they were worth every injury we sustained."
"Relics that can make the difference between a 3rd Stage hero and a Blue Eyes hero." Rose said. "That's definitely not normal"
"Yeah, but neither are we," Itekan muttered, glancing at his hands. The faint ripple of shadow under his skin pulsed like a heartbeat before fading.
The silence that followed wasn't heavy anymore. It was comfortable. They had survived. And they didn't just survive. They were much stronger than they were before.
The sight of the academy's golden towers rising over the plains was strangely nostalgic. The afternoon sun painted the training fields and glass roofs in amber light. Students crossed the courtyards, laughing, dueling, living their ordinary lives.
For the six who stepped off the Tekler, it felt like coming home from a different world.
"Feels… smaller," Binturu said.
"Don't get sentimental," Avery replied, though even he couldn't hide his small smile.
Rose stretched her arms, inhaling deeply. "Air that doesn't smell like ancient tomb dust. I missed that."
"Agreed," Itoyea said. He took a slow step forward, testing his newly grown leg. The faint scar still itched, but it was strong.
"Lets report in before we head back to the dorms, The old man, Kime would want to know what we did." Korimer told them as he came behind them.
"Yeah. Thank goodness, we finished within the one week he gave us. We best report before someone notices we were late" Rose said.
Itekan grinned. "Late? Nah. Perfectly on time for a dramatic entrance."
Kutote sighed. "He's back."
The oak door creaked open to reveal Headmaster Kime seated behind his desk, the afternoon light spilling through the tall windows behind him. Stacks of papers and old scrolls were neatly arranged, as if he had been expecting them.
"Well," he said without looking up. "The prodigals return."
"Headmaster!" Rose said brightly. "Mission accomplished!"
Kime finally raised his eyes. His gaze swept over them—measuring, silent. The faintest trace of surprise flickered in his expression when he sensed the waves of Spiritual Energy rolling off Itekan, Kutote, and Itoyea.
He leaned back in his chair. "Blue Eyes Form."
The room fell silent.
"That is impressive," he said slowly, "in one week too, I'm proud of you guys."
Itoyea scratched his cheek. "We… might have pushed ourselves."
Kime's brows lifted. "Pushed yourselves into a state most heroes don't reach in years." His tone wasn't scolding, just quietly astonished. "Don't underplay the achievement"
"Thanks, Headmaster," Itekan said quickly. "Korimer also helped, without him—"
"Yes," Kime interrupted softly. "I can feel traces of his aura still clinging to you six. He seems to make it a trend to overextends himself for others. Always has." His eyes softened for a brief moment before he straightened again. "Still, I'm impressed. You've all grown."
The compliment hung in the air, rare and heavy.
Then Kime's attention shifted to the rest. "And the rest of you… I sense new gear."
Rose nodded eagerly. "This!" She raised her staff, the gem at its head glowing faintly. "Mallronian crystal core. It amplifies healing efficiency by forty percent!" She hadn't really used it much whilst in the ruins.
"Excellent craftsmanship," Kime said. "Professor Tedorinzu will be interested in its make. Try not to blow up the infirmary testing it."
Rose flushed. "Yes, sir."
Kime turned to Avery. "Those gauntlets."
"They're awesome right!," Avery replied excitedly showing off his gear.
"They are. They also seem to be riddled with a lot of condensed SE. Keep them sealed when not in use. And Binturu," Kime's gaze narrowed, "whatever you're wearing around your wrists…?"
Binturu grinned sheepishly. "They're formless orbs. They can take the form of any weapon."
"Also harder to control, I assume."
"…They are."
Kime sighed through his nose. "If you demolish another sparring ring, you're rebuilding it yourself."
The laughter that followed was easy, genuine. Even Kime's lips twitched, almost forming a smile.
When the laughter died down, Kime's gaze turned toward the tall figure standing quietly near the door. "Korimer."
"Heyyo?"
"You'll have little rest, I'm afraid. The representatives from the Hero Academy of Marcellona will arrive before the week ends. You'll serve as their guide and liaison."
Korimer's head tilted. "Me?"
Kime nodded once. "Their ace student, Ronga, is… spirited. She'll need someone capable of keeping her from leveling the dormitories."
"Ronga's coming!," Korimer muttered. "Wonderful."
Kime's tone turned dry. "Consider it a reward for vanishing for two weeks to 'train' with the second years, then taking my first years on an unapproved expedition."
Korimer groaned audibly. "Oh come on! You knew what Itekan was up to when he brought that request. Why've I got to deal with that heartless hag"
"It's to teach you responsibility. You could have stepped in to stop it but you did what? Nothing." Kime rested his elbows on the desk, folding his hands. "Besides had you been here when the memo arrived, you could have pushed it off to Nuelle instead. But you weren't."
Korimer pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're punishing me."
"Assigning responsibility," Kime corrected. "Though the line between the two does blur at times with you."
The younger trainees exchanged grins. Itekan elbowed Kutote. "He's so dead."
Kime's sharp eyes flicked toward them. "And the rest of you," he said, "don't think I've forgotten your share of trouble."
The smiles vanished instantly.
Kime stood, his robe whispering against the floor. "You were granted a week's leave, and in that time, you escorted a merchant, uncovered a forbidden ruin, fought a legendary knight, and returned stronger than before. That is remarkable." He paused. "But reckless."
Itekan rubbed the back of his neck. "We didn't mean to find the ruin. It kind of… found us."
"Really."
"Coincidence?" Itekan tried weakly.
Kime gave him a long look that made him shrink a little. Then, with a weary sigh, he said, "Still… you did well. You've proven what I hoped—that your group can stand as one."
The simple praise lit their faces brighter than any medal could have. Even Kutote allowed himself a small smile.
Kime continued, "But remember this: power gained in chaos must be tempered in calm. You've tasted danger. Learn from it. Grow without losing yourselves."
"Yes, Headmaster," they chorused.
Satisfied, Kime turned back toward his desk. "Good. Now—before you all run off—there's one more thing."
He opened a drawer, pulling out a thin folder stamped with the academy seal. "The Four Stars Inter-Academy Tournament begins next month. All six of you are on the preliminary list of candidates."
That caught them off guard.
"All six?" Rose blinked.
"Yeah I thought we needed to have like a nice
"You've earned it," Kime said simply. "But if you intend to participate, you'll need to increase your duel points. Severely. You've fallen behind while gallivanting across continents."
Binturu groaned. "We just got back!"
Itekan's grin returned full force. "Guess that means more fights."
Kime gave him a half-smile. "Exactly what I was afraid you'd say."
He slid the folder shut and nodded toward the door. "You're dismissed. Get some rest. Then get back to work."
---
Exit – The Old and the New
The six bowed, murmuring their thanks, and began to file out. Korimer lingered behind, still grumbling under his breath about chaperone duty.
As the door closed behind them, Kime watched them go, a faint, almost paternal warmth in his eyes. "Blue Eyes in a week," he murmured to himself. "You really are his students."
---
Courtyard
Outside, the air was cool and alive with the evening buzz of the academy. Students filled the training fields, their laughter echoing across the marble walkways.
Itekan stretched his arms wide. "We're back, boys and girl!"
"You're loud," Kutote said, though he couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips.
Itoyea tapped his sword against his shoulder. "We should start logging duels tomorrow. Kime wasn't joking about the points."
"Tomorrow?" Binturu said. "I just sat down for the first time in three days!"
"Then duel while sitting," Avery said dryly.
Rose giggled. "I think I missed this chaos."
They walked through the courtyard as the sun dipped behind the towers. The chatter around them faded until only their voices remained.
"So," Itekan said suddenly, "who's first to duel me?"
"Not it," Rose said instantly.
Binturu cracked his knuckles. "I'll go."
"Perfect!" Itekan grinned. "Loser treats everyone to dinner."
"You're assuming you'll win," Binturu shot back.
"Obviously."
Kutote groaned. "You two never learn."
Itoyea's quiet laughter joined the mix, the sound of it easy and warm. For the first time in days, they weren't fighting for their lives—they were just kids again.
---
Korimer and Kime (Short Epilogue Scene)
Inside the office, Korimer was still standing with his arms folded as Kime sorted through reports.
"Do I really have to babysit her?" Korimer asked.
"Yes."
"Can't Nuelle—"
"No."
Korimer sighed. "Fine. But if she sets anything on fire, I'm sending the bill to you."
Kime didn't look up. "Add it to the pile. Now go rest before I assign you to teach first years next."
That, apparently, was enough to make Korimer retreat.
When the door finally closed, Kime sat back, exhaling slowly. He glanced at the open window where the night breeze slipped through, carrying the faint laughter of the returning trainees.
"Those kids," he said softly, "will either save this world or set it ablaze."
He didn't sound worried—only certain.
---
Courtyard (Closing Scene)
The moon rose high over Four Stars as laughter echoed near the dueling grounds.
Itekan and Binturu were already squaring off, their friends cheering from the sidelines.
"First to yield buys food!" Itekan shouted.
"Fine by me!"
Their Spiritual Energy flared—shadow and flame lighting the field like twin beacons.
Rose shook her head. "They'll never rest."
Kutote smiled faintly. "Wouldn't be them if they did."
Itoyea crossed his arms, watching the sparks dance between their strikes. "Still," he said, "Kime was right."
"About what?" Rose asked.
Itoyea's gaze stayed on his friends. "We have grown."
The wind swept through the field, carrying laughter, firelight, and the promise of everything that was still ahead—the tournament, Marcellona, whatever came next.
For now, that was enough.
.
.
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Spiritual Energy (SE)
Spiritual Sea (SS)
Spiritual Signature (SST)