In the quiet shade of a training pavilion, Auren, Kael, Valric, and Rhydan sat on a stone bench, sweat-drenched from the morning's practice. Swords leaned beside them. Magic sigils still faintly glowed in the air where they had cast test spells on targets.
"I think the blade forged in Draykar's volcano will choose someone strong in both combat and will," Valric said, leaning back.
"Then it'll be Auren," Rhydan grinned.
Auren wiped his forehead with a towel. "Don't count yourself out. With your destruction magic, you'll crush most of the competition."
Kael was silent, arms crossed, gaze fixed ahead.
"We should all start strategizing," Auren continued. "Weapons don't just respond to strength. They respond to conviction. Purpose."
Just then, Lyra walked over, hands shyly clasped behind her back. Her eyes flickered briefly toward Kael before settling on the gift she held—a small, enchanted charm that shimmered in soft blue light.
"Um… Kael," she said, voice quiet. "This is for you. A small thank-you—for saving me from the demon the other day."
Kael glanced at her, eyebrows slightly raised. "I don't need a thank you," he said, but took the gift anyway, stuffing it into his pocket without ceremony.
A silence followed.
Trying to bridge the gap, Lyra stepped closer, mustering her courage. "Actually, I wanted to ask… would you mind teaching me magic? I'm still not perfect with summoning, and I thought maybe—"
Kael cut her off before she could finish, a hint of sarcasm lining his voice. "There are far better people than me who can teach you. And if none of them are willing, you can always ask the instructor."
The smile froze on her lips.
He didn't even look at her.
It was a rejection—clean, direct, and cold.
Lyra's heart sank. "I… I understand." She bowed slightly and turned away, walking off as quickly as she could, blinking back the sting in her eyes.
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Back in the dorm room, Celeste noticed Lyra return with a pale face and watery eyes.
"What happened?" she asked softly.
Lyra tried to shake her head, to pretend nothing was wrong—but it spilled out anyway. Everything.
The gift. The request. The humiliation.
"I know I'm not strong or special," Lyra mumbled, voice cracking. "But he didn't have to say it like that…"
Celeste's eyes narrowed.
She didn't want to get involved. This wasn't her business.
But Lyra… was the first person who had ever smiled at her without judgment. The first to treat her kindly even in her 'ugly' disguise.
She couldn't stay silent.
Without a word, she stood and walked toward the door.
"I'll be back."