The duel circle still glowed faintly on the training grounds, as if the runes themselves remembered the clash. Students whispered in corners, excitement buzzing like fireflies in the air.
"Did you see that? Kian almost lost his rhythm."
"That new guy… Arin, right? His mana shifted mid-fight."
"No one does that—no one."
The words spread like wildfire.
Arin kept his head down, leaving the grounds as quickly as he could. His heart was still racing, not from fear, but from that feeling. His body hadn't just moved—it had changed. Every strike from Kian had sharpened him, molded him. His unconscious mind hummed, satisfied.
But inside, Arin was unsettled.
What am I?
He reached the academy's library tower, a quiet place where whispers faded into silence. The scent of parchment and mana stones filled the air. He sank into a corner seat, breathing hard.
And then, a voice.
"You shouldn't have fought him."
Arin looked up. Lira stood in the doorway, the afternoon sun painting a halo around her silver hair. Her eyes were steady, sharp, but he could see the flicker of concern she was trying to hide.
Arin swallowed. "I didn't have a choice."
"There's always a choice," she said, stepping closer. Her fingers traced a book's spine absently, but her eyes never left him. "Kian isn't just another student. His family—his uncle—this academy bends for them. Defeating him, or even challenging him, will bring attention you're not ready for."
Arin wanted to argue, but her words struck truth. He clenched his fists. "Then what should I have done? Bowed? Pretended I didn't exist?"
For a moment, silence. Then—unexpectedly—Lira's lips curved into the faintest smile. "At least you didn't back down. That… I respect."
Their eyes locked. Just like on the battlefield before. The same strange pull, sharp and hesitant, stretched between them.
And for a fleeting second, the air around their hands tingled with mana—like the world itself wanted them to touch.
But then, the heavy echo of footsteps broke the moment.
Kian entered the library. His aura wasn't flaring now, but the storm in his green eyes was louder than any mana surge.
"Still hiding in shadows, Vale?" His voice was low, carrying not just anger but something bitterer, heavier. "You won't last long here."
He didn't wait for a reply. Just turned, leaving the chill of his words hanging behind him.
Lira watched him go, her brows furrowed.
Arin leaned back, a thousand questions crowding his chest.
But only one burned brightest.
Why do I feel like my life stopped belonging to me the moment I set foot in this academy?