The morning breeze caressed the gardens of the Supreme Magic Academy as the new students gathered in front of the main building. Ares, Liana, and Agust stood among them, waiting with a mix of curiosity and anticipation for the moment they would be introduced to their mentor.
A tall man with dark brown hair tied back in a ponytail walked confidently toward the improvised platform in the center of the training field. He wore a black cloak with golden edges, the emblem of the Supreme Institute gleaming on his chest. His gaze was sharp, as if he could see into the soul of every student.
"My name is Trébol," he said in a deep, deliberate voice. "I'll be in charge of Group Four, which will consist of you three: Agust, Liana… and Ares."
Agust smiled arrogantly, crossing his arms as if destiny itself favored him.
Trébol studied each of them carefully. When his eyes landed on Ares, he paused a second longer. He said nothing, but his expression hardened ever so slightly—almost imperceptibly… but Ares noticed.
"I have high expectations. Here, it doesn't matter where you come from, only how far you can go. But…" —he paused, unconsciously turning toward Ares— "some types of magic require more than just effort to be useful."
Ares clenched his fists. It wasn't the first time he'd been judged for having enhancement magic. Yet something burned inside him—not his blue fire, but a determination he refused to extinguish.
"Training begins tomorrow at dawn. Don't be late," Trébol declared before turning around and walking away.
Liana glanced sideways at Ares, concerned. Agust let out a scornful chuckle.
"Great. A dwarf among us. What a waste of time…"
Ares didn't respond. He simply looked up toward the sky, toward the highest tower of the Supreme Institute. That was where he would be one day… no matter what they thought of him.