Cold, sterile room lights bounced off the metal walls, enveloping his body. The little child, tightly bound with chains, couldn't move his hands or feet. Every shiver sent pain through his tiny body, the chains biting into him, and the child trembled in fear. His white hair shimmered like a star in the darkness; the wavy strands seemed to emit light with each movement. His blue eyes, deep and innocent as an ocean, were lost in this dark place where he was trapped.
For a while, no one came near; his eyes grew heavy and closed. As the child slipped into unconsciousness, he thought he heard a familiar voice and tried to open his eyes, but in the blurry images, silhouettes of adults wearing white coats whose faces he couldn't see appeared.
His throat tightened, his voice reduced to a trembling whisper: "Please… get me out of here…" But the silence surrounding him deepened his loneliness.
A cold hand slowly approached, a thin, sharp needle pierced his small arm. Blood drops glimmered on the shiny metal tray, while fear grew in the little body.
The child shut his eyes tightly; his throat was constricted. As the wave of fear inside him grew, a sealed power began to awaken deep within. The trembling small body was a desperate scream no one could hear. Time seemed frozen in this room. But that little body was stirring storms within; darkness began to take over it.
****
When Aryel opened his eyes, the sky above was a dazzling blue as he lay on the grass on his back. Aryel's burgundy-black school uniform shimmered slightly under the sun. His black skirt, reaching just above the knees, and white shirt were complemented by a burgundy robe. The academy emblem on his left chest was embroidered in elegant silver thread on the fabric. The warm sunlight caressed his face, filtering through lazily swaying leaves above. As he absorbed the serenity around him, a rustling sound reached his ears. Beside him, Maia was kneeling, focused on the notebook in her lap. Her fingers clutched a worn pencil, a serious expression between her brows. The pages of notes fluttered lightly in the wind, the symbols of magical theories dazzling the eye.
"Time theories again?" Aryel muttered, squinting one eye.
Maia responded without looking away from the pages: "Time magic isn't something everyone can play with. Its theory alone is considered dangerous. But it's likely to appear on the exam. If we want to pass, we need to study."
Aryel yawned and put his hands behind his head. "Our people can't study because they're fighting, and you're trying to bend time by unraveling ancient laws."
Maia rolled her eyes. "Without understanding ancient laws, we can't survive in this world. If you don't graduate, we can't get a protector's license. No license, no missions. No missions, no money. No money… you'll starve on those grasses, Aryel."
She paused, smirking slightly at Aryel. "I know your family is rich, but you said when we set off on adventures, you wouldn't accept help from them. You were going to set aside your noble identity; has your mind changed?"
Aryel brushed his black hair back from his face. "No, of course my mind hasn't changed, but applying it feels easier than theory. Studying the theory…"
Before Aryel could finish, Vega appeared, running from afar, out of breath.
"Kael! He's fighting someone again! He won't listen, he's about to burn someone badly! Help me, or he'll get expelled—how many times is this now?"
Maia inhaled through her nose and stood. "Great. Another hero act. Forget graduation. Why's he fighting this time?"
Vega, small and almost childlike in stature, looked serious with concern in his eyes. "I think he was bullying someone from the lower classes!"
Maia quickly stood, Aryel stretching as he rose. "Let's go! We can't let Kael get expelled."
The three ran together toward the academy's training grounds. Through the crowd, Kael's familiar silhouette appeared. His burgundy-black academy robe fit snugly; the thin but durable fabric hugged his muscular arms, his flame-colored hair blazing in the sunlight. The opposing student trembled slightly but didn't step back. Kael's fists were clenched, his face tense.
Aryel stepped in, raising his hands. "Okay, Kael, that's enough."
Kael glared at him. "Step back, this isn't your concern."
Aryel rolled his eyes slightly. "It's not my concern, but it's annoying."
Unexpectedly, with a gesture from Aryel's hand, water bubbles formed and fell on both of them. As the cold bubbles burst, an "oooh!" rose from the watching crowd. Kael's flame-colored hair stuck to his forehead, while a smile appeared on Aryel's face. The cold water startled them. Kael looked surprised but mostly irritated. "Really?"
Vega laughed. "At least your heads are cool now."
Maia crossed her arms and nodded lightly. "What are we even doing as graduation approaches?"
Aryel approached the other child. "If you bully anyone again, I won't hold back either."
The child grumbled and walked away. Vega intervened. "Come on, let's go eat, I'm starving."
They started walking to the cafeteria together. At the entrance, Lorin appeared and approached Maia.
"I want to talk to you. Will you come?"
Maia hesitated, then nodded and followed Lorin. The others stayed back slightly in silence. Maia instinctively felt something was wrong. She nodded quietly and followed him. Together, they headed to a small flowered path beside the academy.
Lorin paused for a few seconds, then took a deep breath. "Maia, I… I don't know. I've felt strange for a while."
Maia blinked. "What do you mean?"
Lorin avoided her gaze. "You… you're very intense. Your mind is always full of plans. And I… I feel like I can't be part of this anymore. Like I only fill a gap in your life, not a real place."
Maia swallowed. Her face showed no emotion, but her eyes glistened. "You just noticed this?"
Lorin shook his head. "No. I've felt it for a long time. But with your exams, your projects… I was just waiting for the timing. Now we both need to be honest. I… I've started seeing someone else."
The words stabbed Maia like a dagger, but she shed no tears. She just took a step back. "I understand."
When Lorin turned, he placed his hand on the new girl's waist. Maia felt something break inside; time seemed to stop, colors faded. This sudden abandonment in front of her eyes tore at her already fragile sense of trust. She took a deep breath but cried not a single tear. It wasn't the first time. Just then, Aryel, Vega, and Kael approached the cafeteria and saw Maia standing alone. They all changed direction and came to her side.
Vega immediately put his hand on her shoulder. "Abandoned again?" he said, a mix of mockery and genuine concern.
Maia turned and smiled, a hint of pain hidden in it. "Don't worry, I've gotten used to it."
Kael rolled his eyes. "You complain we don't study, but you find plenty of time for boyfriends."
Aryel turned to Kael with a sly smile. "What's wrong, Kael? Jealous? Because you still don't have a girlfriend?"
Kael paused, then turned his face slightly away. "Don't be ridiculous." Vega laughed and leaned on Kael's arm. "Don't worry, Kael, I'm ready to share your loneliness!"
Kael blushed and gently pushed him away. "Vega, don't do that!"
Aryel glanced at Lorin, who was still laughing with the girl. Aryel took a quick look at Maia's silent gaze to the ground. When he looked back at Lorin, a thin hint of malice glimmered behind his serious eyes. Aryel's fingertip magic wave turned the floor beneath Lorin's feet into a thin layer of ice. Lorin stuck to the ground with his pride. "Wha—?!" Lorin turned his head, glowering around. He wanted to say something but stopped as the girl next to him tried to lift him. Aryel's face bore a satisfied but slightly apologetic smile. This was just to make Maia smile.
Kael rolled his eyes. "This kid was already full of himself." Maia tried to smile lightly. Just then, Vega spread his arms and muttered: "This is why I don't want a girlfriend. No one is trustworthy."
Kael replied with a mocking grin: "Who'd do anything with a short guy like you?"
Vega: "I'm not that short, you're too tall, Kael," and lightly tried to hit Kael. Kael reached for Vega's hair. "See? You're really short, admit it."
Maia smiled at their sweet banter. Aryel said, "Maia, you finally smiled," hugging her. Kael and Vega approached them and hugged Maia. Maia felt safe having such friends, and tears welled up in her eyes.
At that exact moment, heavy and deep bell sounds echoed throughout the academy, causing everyone to fall silent. The reverberation, like thunder, sent chills down everyone's spines.
The students panicked and began running. Chaos erupted in the academy's courtyard. The headmaster made an announcement, calling everyone to the great hall.
In the academy's spacious, high-ceilinged meeting hall, students and teachers gathered tightly. Old maps hung on the stone walls, books filled heavy wooden shelves, and simple furniture mixed with modern touches gave a sense of both history and innovation. The soft daylight filtering through the windows slightly eased the tense atmosphere inside.
The teachers, looking around with serious and tense expressions, quickly silenced the crowd. Headmaster Callahan stepped forward with heavy steps, climbed to the podium in the center of the hall, and raised his voice:
"Dear guardian candidates...
There has been an attack on Kelm Village. The situation is still being brought under control. Some of our academy's teachers have gone to assist the village. Additionally, guardians from the Orven Guild are on their way.
But until they arrive, no one will leave the academy building. Please follow the instructions of the assigned teachers.
The academy is safe for now, and it is very important that we all remain here."
Whispers arose in the hall. Some were scared, others angry. Kael fixed his eyes on the black smoke rising in the distance. His flame-colored eyes glimmered with determination.
A few students began whispering among themselves:
"But who attacked the village? Who would commit such cruelty?"
"The village is so small; I didn't think anyone would have enemies there."
"Maybe bandits… or another group, we can't know."
"The academy isn't far away, so this attack can't be a coincidence."
Kael: "I wish we could go… we could help those there."
At that moment, a mocking voice came from the hall:
Danny: "Go ahead, Kael, as if you can do anything."
A few people chuckled lightly. Kael's eyes flared, anger enveloped his body. Flames began spreading from his shoulders, and the hall suddenly felt warmer.
Just then, Vega approached him with calm and determined eyes and gently took Kael's arm:
Vega: "Stay calm. Don't let them provoke you. Don't waste your power. It will come… but for now, we must defend this place."
Kael took a deep breath, the flames slowly subsided, and his breathing returned to normal. Maia beside them nodded slightly:
Maia: "I agree with Vega. Staying here is best for now."
But silent Aryel voiced Kael's sentiment:
Aryel: "But… Kael is right too. I wish we could help as well. Doing something is better than just waiting."
The tension in the hall continued, while black crows circled in the sky outside, and smoke still rose from the distant village.
Students slowly left and dispersed from the hall. Yet the panic and worry in the air had not dissipated. Kael, Vega, Maia, and Aryel walked silently toward the dining hall. None of them had an appetite; the anxiety and uncertainty weighed heavily on their spirits.
Yet they needed to gather their strength. In the event of a possible attack on the academy, they all had to be ready to fight.
Throughout the day, tense silence dominated the academy. The smoke had not cleared, and occasional explosion sounds were heard. Classes were canceled. Everyone waited anxiously for news in the courtyards and dormitories.
As night fell, the sky took on a hazy blue hue. Footsteps echoed through the academy's stone corridors, breaking the silence. The overseers began calling students individually.
Kael, Vega, Aryel, and a few other students were called by name. They were directed to Headmaster Callahan's private office. When the door opened, only Callahan and a few senior teachers were inside. The air in the room was heavier; an unusual seriousness marked Callahan's face.
Callahan: "Support from the Orven Guild will be delayed. Currently, the magical anomaly in the village is spreading, and the situation is worsening. Therefore… tonight, we will send a student team on a secret mission. Our best."
On the parchment spread on the table, the village's current status and the access routes were displayed.
Callahan: "Kael, Vega, Aryel… you will be on this mission. Additionally, seven more students have been selected to join you. The decision was based on your power levels, control, and loyalty."
Maia was also in the room. Callahan's tone softened when he spoke to her:
"Maia… I don't want you on this mission. We don't know who the attackers are. You may not be able to physically protect yourself. You should stay here and support us with your power. This responsibility is as important as going outside."
Maia nodded slightly. Determination shone in her eyes.
"I understand, sir."
Callahan turned his gaze back to Kael and the others:
"This is not an officially assigned mission by the academy. You will not be exposed outside. This is not a test. This is real. You will save lives."
Kael looked not at the parchment but at the smoke outside. His flame-colored eyes now held not only anger but also responsibility. The fire within him must burn not only to destroy, but to protect.
Vega silently observed him from a step behind. She was trained not to display her power, but to be in the right place at the right time. Calm, strategic, and never losing her emotions, she was one of the few who could balance the fire within Kael.
She gently touched Kael's shoulder, saying neither a word nor averting her gaze. Her forest-green, calm eyes met his.
Headmaster Callahan paused for a moment, then addressed Kael and Vega in a serious but kind tone:
"Vega, Kael… you may proceed to the meeting hall. Your other friends are waiting there."
Both nodded and left the room, noticing that Aryel's name had not been mentioned. Callahan maintained eye contact with Aryel:
"Aryel, you will stay here. I need to speak with you."
Kael paused for a moment before exiting, giving Aryel a brief, supportive glance. Vega also slightly turned her head, looking at Aryel with her calm forest-green eyes. In their gaze was a silent approval, a friendly trust.
When the door closed, only Callahan and Aryel remained. Silence lasted for a few seconds. Aryel felt the weight in the headmaster's eyes. She took a deep breath and straightened her posture.
A thousand possibilities swirled in her mind, yet her face remained calm; this was a mask she was used to wearing.
Callahan began speaking slowly, his voice heavy but gentle:
"Aryel… I kept you here for this mission because you will be the captain."
Aryel's eyes widened in surprise, but she said nothing. She only stood upright. Callahan continued:
"You can use all four elements. No one else in the academy has this ability. Perhaps, if you can fully harness your power… you are currently the most powerful student in the school."
Aryel's throat tightened, but she did not avert her gaze. This sentence was not praise; it was a burden.
Callahan stepped closer, his tone becoming even more serious:
"You will bear great responsibility. But you are the one who can rally them. Students as strong as Kael and Vega, who carry storms within them… and the others."
After a short pause, his voice softened:
"Also… you have the power of light. It may have seemed weak until now, but perhaps it is time to strengthen it. We will need that light to fight the darkness, Aryel. Not just out there… but here, within the academy itself."
Aryel took a deep breath. This was not just a mission; it was a turning point. For herself, and for the others. A decision had been made.
"I understand," she said in a low but firm voice. "I'm ready."
Callahan nodded, his gaze reflecting pride mixed with expectation.
Aryel whispered to herself:
I'm nervous… my heart is racing. My light powers have always been weak… how can I strengthen them? What if I fail again?"
At that moment, Callahan's serious voice cut through the silence:
"Let's head to the meeting room; the others are waiting for you there."
The quiet, filled with echoes off the stone walls, was broken by the powerful voice of Headmaster Callahan. When he stepped into the hall, everyone straightened up. His face held seriousness and determination. His eyes scanned each student in turn. Aryel, Kael, Vega, Lorin, Danny, Elrik, Serin, Taris, Nira, and Joran watched Callahan carefully.
Callahan spoke:
"The reason you are gathered here today is not for a simple exam or academic task. We are facing magical anomalies spreading in our village, Kelm. This situation threatens not only our academy but the future of our world. You are the academy's most talented and promising students. Your powers, knowledge, and character are crucial for the success of this mission."
He paused, taking a deep breath.
"This mission is not ordinary. It will test you physically, mentally, and spiritually. There may be competition among you; that is natural. But remember, true strength lies in teamwork. Without working together, success is impossible."
"The mission that begins tonight is only the start. You will all have much to learn from each other and from yourselves. Remember, this is not just a battle; this is a fight to protect the future."
"The team captain will be Aryel. I do not want any objections. You will depart at 4 a.m., and your teacher, Kaiser, will meet you along the way. Additionally… your armored uniforms, prepared for this mission, can be collected from the academy's storage. Each set has been custom-fitted for you. These outfits support spellcasting while allowing full mobility, providing protection throughout the mission."
"If you have trouble putting on your armor pieces, ask the assigned teachers for help. Time is limited, so complete your preparations immediately."
As Callahan concluded, the hall fell into silence for a moment. Then, as if following each other's lead, all the students exchanged looks of deep determination.
Aryel stood at the front of the group, her deep blue eyes and midnight-black hair giving her a commanding presence. Her pale skin and upright posture clearly reflected the weight of the responsibility she bore.
Aryel involuntarily smiled—but it was not a smile of joy; it was born of nervousness. For the first time, they would face a real danger without a teacher's supervision.
Vega, standing beside her, whispered playfully to ease Aryel's tension:
"I'm so nervous… what if Kael accidentally burns me?"
Aryel rolled her eyes slightly, but the small joke eased the tension in the air a little. Kael turned his flame-colored eyes to Vega and chuckled:
"My flames never miss, Vega. If I burn you, it'll be on purpose."
A few people muttered in response. From the crowd, Elrik, with sharp features and short black hair, stepped forward.
"Why Aryel?" he asked sharply. "My physical strength and endurance can carry this team. My training scores speak for themselves."
Serin furrowed her brows slightly and countered Elrik:
"Strength isn't just in muscles. Aryel's combinations of water, ice, earth, and air are tactically invaluable. Plus, we have healing and support."
Joran added in a lightly mocking tone:
"Sometimes the quietest powers reveal themselves at the most critical moments. Ignoring Aryel's potential would be foolish."
But Danny, Kael's competitive friend, challenged Aryel with furrowed brows:
"We are fire users; our impact in battle is more direct. In a mission like this, the leader's effectiveness in combat matters."
Nira leaned forward, using her speed and agility, eyes sharp with challenge:
"A leader cannot only be strong; they must make quick decisions. Aryel's calm is good, but is it enough?"
Vega moved closer to Aryel and whispered:
"Remember, Aryel. They're just reflecting their fears. You will show your strength."
Aryel took a deep breath, locking her gaze on the group:
"You're right… each of you is strong, talented, and fully deserves to be here.
I understand your objections—it's not an easy decision to accept. But know this: I did not make this decision.
Headmaster Callahan assigned this mission considering not just me, but all of our potential.
This is my first great responsibility as well. Of course, I have concerns, but we cannot see this mission as an individual contest.
If we turn our backs on each other before even departing, how can we function as a whole during the mission?
My wish is not just for success in the mission… it is for all of us to return safely.
So… let us leave behind any disagreements now and move forward together."
As everyone slowly dispersed, Aryel lingered a bit, her hands trembling as she buried her face in them. The weight of growing anxiety and responsibility pressed down on her shoulders. Her chest tightened, and her eyes welled up slightly.
Noticing this, Vega approached, gently touching Aryel's shoulder and hugging her. "You can do this, Aryel. We're with you," she said softly, reassuringly.
Kael appeared beside them, smiling faintly. "Yes, you're not alone. Together, we're strong."
Aryel fixed her gaze on them; a storm raged in her heart. "Headmaster said I need to use my light powers. I need to strengthen them. But I… I can only produce small beams of light. Nothing more. There's a fear inside me that I won't be enough… how can we fight the darkness?" she whispered.
Vega looked into Aryel's eyes, as if reading the fear and uncertainty within. "You are stronger than you think. Those light beams are just the beginning of your potential. Over time, it will emerge. You've always motivated us, helping us grow. We didn't give up because you believed in us."
Kael added in a determined voice: "We believe in you, Aryel. We are together. No matter how great the darkness, we can overcome it."
Aryel gave a small smile and nodded. Still, the deep worry in her heart had not vanished. The mission was about to begin, and she now knew she needed not only her own power but also the support of her friends.
As Aryel headed to her room, Maia was waiting for her. Aryel's anxiety showed on her face. Maia quietly approached and hugged her, and Aryel embraced her without hesitation. Sometimes, words were unnecessary.
By four o'clock in the morning, the team gathered at the north gate. Each wore the academy's special mission uniform. The armored cloaks, in shades of burgundy and black, were designed to provide mobility and magical resistance. Thin metal plates protected the chest and shoulders; symbols on the left arm represented each student's magical element. The long cloaks flowed down, blending with the night, moving subtly even in the darkness.
Each of them wrestled with their inner struggles. Vega's green eyes scanned the surroundings carefully, Kael's flame-colored hair reflected the evening sun, hinting at the spark within. Danny seemed to feel the weight of the approaching challenge, hands in his pockets, a slight tension on his face.
Lorin stepped back slightly, hesitant, but looked once more at Aryel. Despite the mix of emotions, she felt proud to be part of this mission.
Maia stayed by Aryel's side, offering a small smile of support, though worry lingered in her eyes.
A gentle breeze ruffled Aryel's jet-black hair. Her deep blue eyes held determination, yet a faint tremor remained.
"From the moment we step out this gate, we'll face countless dangers. But no matter what, we will trust each other and act together."
Everyone looked at Aryel with determination. The intensity of the situation had erased any remnants of yesterday's disagreements. The young guardians' hearts echoed both fear and hope.
Maia took one last look as her friends stepped through the gate; each was filled with their own fears and hopes. Her amber eyes glimmered with tears, regretting that she couldn't accompany them due to her limitations. But now, she could only silently pray for their safe return.