Kael was staring into Serin's eyes. There was a faint hint of surprise in them, and beads of sweat on his forehead. He didn't speak, he just kept looking. The thoughts racing through his mind were so fast that his head was thrown into chaos.
"Does she… like me? Since when? But why?"
But what he kept stumbling over the most was the question: "What does it even mean to like someone?"
The longer Kael stayed silent, the more Serin frowned. A bittersweet smile appeared on her face.
"Or…" she said with a faint tease. "Are you just thinking of an excuse to reject me?"
Kael immediately straightened up. "No! No, it's not that… I just… don't know." He looked away. "I don't understand why you like me."
Serin tilted her head slightly. "Do you need a reason to like someone?"
Kael continued looking at her without averting his gaze. There was still a knot in his head.
"…Or is it that you like someone else?" Serin asked suddenly. "Maybe Aryel… or Maia… or…" she paused, lowering her voice. "…Vega? You're close to all of them."
Kael froze for a moment. Then his face hardened.
"Do you realize what you're saying? They're all my friends! Besides… Vega is a man!" His voice rose sharply.
Serin took a step back. "I'm joking! It's just… you and Vega are really close. Maybe… I got a little jealous…"
Kael's face darkened. "I'm sorry… but I don't even know what it means to like someone. I've never felt anything like that before. And… I don't think I like you either. I have to reject your feelings. The only thing I should focus on right now… is getting stronger."
Serin was silent for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, she lifted her head. There was still a determined glimmer in her eyes.
"I understand… But that doesn't mean I'm giving up. If you don't like anyone… maybe I'll just try to make you like me."
At that moment; Vega, his eyes wide open, froze. Those always confident looks… were replaced with a blurred, empty stare. His pupils trembled, his lips moved but no words came out.
His voice was cracked, trembling.
"Why… am I… crying?" he said, without even bringing his fingertips to his eyes.
"This feeling… why is it like this?" Then, in a whisper: "What's happening to me…"
His forest-colored eyes had lost their shine. Tears began streaming uncontrollably. His eyelids did not blink as he stared ahead, while the drops ran silently down his cheeks to his chin.
Vega didn't try to wipe them away.
Maia, without hesitation, hugged him. Aryel appeared right beside them.
But Vega's eyes were still staring far ahead—toward the direction Kael had been speaking.
A short whisper escaped his lips:
"Strange… I just… felt weird."
Maia tried to gather her words, but nothing came out.
What could she even say…? she thought.
Just then, as Aryel was pulling her arms away from Vega, her foot caught on a stone. Grabbing onto the edge of Vega's cloak, the three of them tumbled to the ground.
Kael, who had been lost in thought about what to say to Serin, flinched at the noise. When he turned, he saw Aryel, Maia, and… Vega lying on the ground.
He stammered out: "Y-you… what are you doing here!?"
His eyes locked on Maia. Seeing how tightly she was hugging Vega, his lips trembled involuntarily. Kael froze. His brain short-circuited.
"…Excuse me?"
When Maia noticed his expression, the words just slipped out of her mouth:
"I… I was asking Vega out!"
The air froze.
Aryel blinked. "What?!"
Kael's eyes went wide as saucers. "What?!"
Maia grinned as she continued. "It's been days since I broke up with Lorin. I still haven't found someone new. Vega's handsome, after all. Why not?"
Aryel immediately cut in. "The real question is, what were you doing here with Serin, Kael?"
Kael averted his gaze. "Serin… just had something to say… but we're done now, we can leave."
Maia was still clinging to Vega. She was trying to hide his tears from Kael. Aryel grabbed Kael's arm, tugging lightly, saying, "Come on, let's go…"
Even Aryel's voice, pulling him with that "let's go," felt like a faint echo in the background. Kael's inner voice had taken over by then:
"Vega? Dating? Maia? What…? No, that doesn't make sense. Vega—the kid who cries when he sees broccoli in soup? Since when did he move into the 'handsome' category?!"
His eyes widened. He glanced back at the two once more.
"This… has to be a joke. It must be. Otherwise… otherwise I'm… inside someone's dream."
Meanwhile, Serin withdrew in embarrassment, stepping back and distancing herself.
Kael turned to look behind again. Vega and Maia were still talking. Stammering softly, he asked Aryel: "Why aren't they coming?"
Aryel sighed. "They have things to talk about."
Kael frowned, turning his head slightly to the side, but his tone of voice had clearly slipped:
"If you're going to make fun of me, do it another way… Vega and Maia, really? Didn't Maia always like older men anyway?"
Aryel smiled faintly. "Who knows, Kael… maybe this time a 'sensitive boy' caught her interest," she said, then quickened her pace.
He kept walking, being pulled along, but the only thing echoing in his mind was:
"No way… This can't be real. Right? Please, someone say it's a joke. Ahh seriously… I'm going to lose my mind."
When Aryel and Kael were out of sight, Maia slowly let go of Vega.
His eyes were still wet and bloodshot red.
Maia quietly opened her bag, pulled out a handkerchief, and gently wiped the traces running down Vega's cheeks.
Vega lowered his gaze.
"I just… got a little carried away. I'm fine, Maia. Thank you."
Maia tilted her head slightly.
"I wish I could do something for you, Vega… I really understand how you feel. But you know, the cure for this is usually only time. With time, you accept it. With time, it fades."
Vega sighed.
"I don't even know what it is I'm supposed to accept yet… I don't even understand myself."
Maia's voice was softer this time.
"We're always here for you. You know that, right?"
Vega nodded faintly.
"I know… I'm glad you're here," he said.
His green eyes were still bloodshot, but the tears no longer fell.
While the stains on his burgundy robe dried, that strange feeling he couldn't explain remained with him—silent, yet stubborn, like a shadow.
By the afternoon, the academy garden was filled with the excited murmur of a crowd.
As students poured into the garden, some chatted with their friend groups, while others fiddled with the magical lanterns in their hands. Every corner buzzed with movement, every glance carried anticipation.
The center of the garden had been arranged in a circular pattern. Symbols had been drawn onto the stone pavement, the signs of the four elements marked out with glowing ink. The platform's edges were decorated with small lanterns; the lights inside floated and shimmered magically in the air.
As students jostled lightly to find their places, a short laugh broke out from the back when one tripped and knocked down another's staff. A few teachers silenced them with sharp looks, but the energy among hundreds of young people could not be contained.
The members of Orven Guild had already taken their places. Alex stood at the edge of the platform, watching the crowd with a serious yet faintly smiling expression, occasionally glancing at the table where the medals lay.
The sky shone clear and warm. A gentle breeze rustled the students' robes; for some, it swept their hair into the air, stirring them with even more excitement. As whispers spread through the crowd, someone called out, "Quiet!"—but no one truly stopped.
This was a celebration. And everyone awaited what was about to happen with both curiosity and a deep sense of pride.
By the time Callahan stepped onto the podium, the sun had sunk lower. His long navy robe swayed in the wind, and his short hair lifted with it. After slowly sweeping his dark blue eyes across the students, he cleared his throat and prepared to speak.
With the golden sunlight flowing behind him, his voice rang out steady and heartfelt:
"First of all… I would like to pay my respects to the innocent people who lost their lives in the treacherous attack on Kelm village.
The greatest thing we can do for them is to preserve our humanity even in the midst of this pain. You…
One day, you will be the ones to protect people against such attacks, the ones who will be light in the face of darkness.
And today, here, I see that light in each of you.
You all carry that heart. That will. That courage.
And for that reason… each of you is the pride of this academy."
Callahan paused briefly, letting his gaze wander across the crowd. Then, in a firm, clear voice, he continued:
"Now… I invite the ten students who were sent to aid Kelm village to the stage."
He turned his head, finishing his words with an expression of honor:
"And… to present these ten students with the Medals of Courage and Unity, I invite Orven Guild's vice-captain, Alex Alterna, to the stage."
Each member of the mission team was called one by one. Aryel, Kael, Vega… Joran, Taris, Serin… Lorin, Danny, Nira, and Elrik.
As Alex walked toward the stage, every eye turned to him.
It wasn't only his title, but his very presence that filled the space. His golden hair, flowing in waves down to his shoulders, caught the sunlight; combined with his charismatic stance, it created a truly mesmerizing silhouette.
His features were striking; high cheekbones, a well-shaped jawline, and light chestnut eyes that looked deep…
They carried an intensity that analyzed, but did not judge.
A few students nearby held their breath as he stepped onto the stage. Some stared in admiration, others whispered secretly to one another.
He wore a long robe in shades of yellow-brown, belonging to the Orven Guild, embroidered with golden threads.
On his left chest shone an embossed lion's claw; it was the guild's emblem—a seal representing strength, courage, and loyalty.
Beneath the robe, a fitted brown leather armor could be seen.
His body was athletic, but not exaggerated; it reflected the nimble strength of an agile warrior.
The short dagger hanging from the belt at his waist was not merely an accessory, but a symbol of constant vigilance.
His sturdy boots, reaching up to his knees, allowed him to walk on the stone floor with steps that were soft yet reassuring.
Two thin rings on his fingers told their own story one of them a guild oath, the other a keepsake whose meaning no one knew.
But the most mysterious detail…
was the tattoo running down from his left shoulder blade, partly visible from the collar of his robe.
Its shadowy, winding patterns drew attention; among the students, it had become the subject of legends.
No one knew exactly what it meant and perhaps that was why it was even more captivating.
Alex revealed, not just with his clothing but with the aura he carried, that he was indeed a vice-captain of a guild.
When he stepped onto the stage, he did not need to speak at once.
Because everyone there already knew this was no ordinary ceremony.
This was the moment of meeting a hero.
"Young Guardians,
There is only one reason I am here today: you.
When you were sent on the Kelm mission, no one expected miracles from you. In fact, some even thought a few of you would never return. But you did more than just return from the mission… You held on to each other, managed to become a team, and walked straight into the darkness.
Courage is not only charging forward it is turning back to lift the one who has fallen beside you. You did that.
These Medals of Courage and Unity are not only symbols of your outstanding achievements but also of the spirit you carry. Thanks to your courage, your sense of unity, and your determination, you stand tall here today.
Remember this: true warriors are remembered not only for the battles they win… but for the people they fought alongside.
I am proud of all of you."
"And in addition, we owe special thanks to the captain of the team, Aryel.
Throughout the mission, she fought not only against danger, but against despair. She managed to keep her team together despite all adversity.
On the battlefield, it is not only spells that guide but determination and courage. Aryel, with both her words and her stance, lit that light in the hearts of her friends."
Applause filled the air.
Alex pinned the Medals of Courage and Unity onto each student one by one. With every touch, he made eye contact; without the need for words, he acknowledged the value of the struggle they had endured.
When the ceremony was complete, Alex quietly left the stage. As he walked with heavy steps toward his chair, the applause in the garden continued a while longer before gradually fading.
Callahan rose at the podium.
His voice carried confidently into the garden's silence:
"These ten students who risked their lives to save others… have become the honor of our academy. Therefore, they are exempted from all year-end exams."
A murmur rose surprise, joy, and pride mingling together.
Callahan smiled and concluded his words:
"Once again, I thank you all. Your courage will be the light of the future."
After the team stepped down from the stage, the crowd grew lively again. The official part of the ceremony was over, but the celebration in the garden continued with full cheer.
Tables were lined with all kinds of food and drink fruit essences in shining crystal glasses, freshly made desserts, small magically heated snacks…
Maia approached the team, taking a glass of mint lemonade as she joined in her friends' laughter. One of them teased Kael for putting his medal on backwards, and Vega just shook his head with a smile.
At that moment, Alex approached them with steps that were steady yet friendly.
With his classic, measured smile, he spoke:
"Hello.
Since you're now exempt from exams… may I ask you for a small favor?"
The team instantly focused their attention.
"In the city of Virelka, I was supposed to deliver this box to a friend who works for us. But during the Kelm mission, things took longer than expected, and we must urgently return to the guild.
I'll obtain the necessary permission from your headmaster, and the payment will be covered by our guild. If you accept… taking on this small task would be a great help to us."
Without hesitation, Maia stepped forward:
"Me! I want to go!"
Alex turned to her, raising his eyebrows slightly.
Smiling, he asked:
"You weren't on the mission, were you? We haven't met. I'm Alex."
He extended his hand.
Maia immediately grasped it.
"Maia. Nice to meet you."
Alex inclined his head slightly as he continued:
"If Callahan allows it, I have no objection. The mission isn't too dangerous for young Guardian candidates like you. If everything goes smoothly… you should arrive there within three days."
Aryel tilted her head slightly, turning to Alex.
Her voice carried the same calm yet heartfelt tone as always:
"Your asking us for help… shows that you trust us.
That is an honor for us.
If my companions agree—we'd be glad to assist you."
Then she turned to the two beside her, Kael and Vega. Her gaze lingered on theirs as she asked with a smile:
"What do you say? Do you want to go?"
There was a brief silence.
Kael: "We're already exempt from the exams. Experiencing real missions… will be much more instructive for us."
Vega nodded slightly as he spoke:
"I agree as well. I don't want to remain idle while I'm ready. I'll go."
Alex nodded in approval.
"Then Maia will join you too. Four of you will be more than enough for this mission.
Half the payment will be given beforehand, the other half once the mission is complete. You can collect it directly from Callahan."
Then he paused for a moment. His eyes lingered on each member of the team one by one.
With genuine interest, he smiled:
"Also… I'm truly curious about each of your abilities. So far, I've only heard your reputations."
Aryel stepped slightly forward. Her voice was clear, her stance confident:
"I can wield all four elements. But I have the strongest mastery over water and ice.
Also… I have a light power. But I can't control it yet. Let's just say it hasn't awakened."
Alex raised his brows and nodded.
Kael spoke right after. His hands were in his pockets, his tone carrying its usual air of coolness:
"I control fire. I can create explosions. I use flaming arrows with my bow.
I'm not too bad in close combat either."
Alex gave a faint smile but held back his comment.
When Vega spoke, his voice was calm but steady:
"I can control air currents. I can speed myself up with the wind, even achieve short bursts of flight.
I generally focus on agility and evasion."
Alex nodded with satisfaction.
But then his gaze turned to Maia.
When their eyes met, Maia's body tensed for a moment, and no words came out.
Alex smiled as he asked:
"And you, Maia? What is your power?"
Maia hesitated. She clenched the glass in her hand.
The first thought in her mind was "I can't do anything"… but she didn't want to say that.
"I… I'm good with strategy. I make plans.
Also… I can manipulate time. But not fully yet.
I can't sustain it for more than a few seconds. It drains me."
Alex's eyes widened. He immediately stepped closer and placed his hands on Maia's shoulders:
"Really? Did you say time?
Wow… I've never met anyone who could control time before.
This power… once it develops, it won't just make you sought after—it'll make you indispensable as a Guardian.
I believe in you, Maia. Don't underestimate this potential. You can do it."
Maia's eyes welled up. For the first time, someone had told her so directly and sincerely, "I believe in you."
"Then I'll go to Callahan now, to discuss this," Alex said, letting his gaze sweep over the group one last time.
"I'm very glad to have met all of you. Until we meet again."
He turned and walked away with heavy steps.
Maia had even forgotten to set down the glass in her hand. She couldn't take her eyes off him as she whispered:
"Isn't he so charismatic… Such an impressive man."
Kael suddenly cut in. His brows were raised, his expression slightly mocking:
"Excuse me, but… weren't you saying just a few hours ago that Vega was handsome?
That you were into emotional guys?
What happened now? Have you switched back to older men? Praising another guy right in front of Vega? Really, Maia?"
Maia rolled her eyes. Her cheeks had flushed slightly, though she tried not to show it.
"Oh, come on Kael, don't exaggerate! I just… meant his appearance. I was impressed, is that a crime?"
Vega smiled quietly at that moment, though he threw a sideways glance at Maia.
Aryel, meanwhile, glanced at the two of them in turn and shook her head with a soft laugh:
"The ceremony may be over, but I guess the real fun is just beginning…"
The next morning, Aryel, Kael, Vega, and Maia were summoned to Callahan's office.
With his usual serious yet gentle tone, he began to speak:
"You spoke with Alex yesterday. You know the matter, so I won't waste time."
From his desk drawer, he pulled out a pouch of brownish embroidered fabric. The velvet-like pouch, complete with a golden tassel at the end, looked quite elegant.
Callahan handed it to Aryel:
"This… is your advance payment. You might need it along the way.
You'll receive the rest upon your return."
Then he placed a small sealed box carefully onto the desk. Beside it, he set down a folded parchment:
"You will deliver this box to our contact in Virelka.
This paper contains the details of the person you'll meet—his name, the inn he stays at, and the recognition password.
Proceed calmly, and be careful."
He paused for a moment. Then from the corner of his desk, he produced an old but radiant magical scroll. The edges shimmered faintly blue as he handed it to Aryel:
"And this… is for emergencies.
If you face unavoidable danger, opening this scroll will teleport you from your location to a safe distance.
But beware it is single-use only.
Use it only when truly necessary. Alex left this for you especially… because such scrolls are extremely rare and costly."
His gaze swept over the four of them one by one. His eyes carried both pride and concern.
"Please… take care of yourselves."
By noon, everyone was ready, dressed in their mission attire.
The four Guardian candidates who met at the Academy's southern gate had taken on a whole new air. They all wore official mission robes in shades of burgundy and black, lightly armored at the shoulders. Each of them was ready for a new adventure.
Vega and Maia walked in front, while Kael and Aryel followed behind.
Kael had absentmindedly fixed his eyes on them. When Aryel turned her head to say something to him, she noticed his gaze locked on them. She cut in quickly:
"So, Kael, what's going on with Serin? Did you give her an answer yet?"
Kael froze, completely caught off guard.
"Serin? What does that have to do with anything right now? Where did that come from?"
"Where did it come from? I saw her clinging to your arm last night," Aryel replied.
"Nothing escapes your eyes, does it? That girl tries to get close to me every chance she gets. I reject her, I even snap sometimes, but she won't leave me alone. I don't know what to do."
"So what do you feel, Kael?"
"Am I supposed to feel something? When she clings to my arm, I hate it you know I don't like being touched. Other than that, I just think she's bothersome. No matter how hard she tries, I don't think I'll ever be able to understand the feelings she claims to have."
He paused, then went on:
"I tell her this over and over, but she refuses to understand. She keeps following me around. The only time she doesn't come near is when I'm with you guys. Please don't leave me alone."
Aryel giggled.
"She must really be in love. Maybe you should give her a chance. You might get used to her touch over time like you got used to ours."
Kael's voice rose slightly:
"Don't be ridiculous, Aryel. She'll never be like you."
Hearing his raised voice, Maia and Vega turned, watching them with curious eyes.
Aryel chuckled as she explained:
"It's nothing important we were just talking about Kael's love life."
Kael cut in quickly:
"Aren't you the same as me? Have you ever even been in love, to lecture me like this?"
At Kael's words "You're the same as me. Have you ever been in love to know what you're talking about?" Aryel suddenly froze.
Pouting, she lightly punched Kael's shoulder.
"At least I'm not as thick-headed as you.
When someone likes me, I can tell."
But then her eyes lowered slightly.
A quiet voice inside whispered:
"Would I really be able to tell…?"
Just then, Maia, who had been walking ahead, turned back with her arms outstretched to intervene:
"Okay, okay, that's enough!
You're both thick-headed enough, but…"
"You always have my endless wisdom to guide you."
The slight tension in the air gave way to laughter.
Kael pursed his lips but smiled. Aryel shrugged her shoulders.
Vega leaned slightly toward Maia and murmured:
"Having that kind of confidence… is an amazing ability."
"And how did we even get on this subject?" Maia asked, holding her arms out.
Kael quickly interjected, his face slightly flushed:
"I-it's nothing important. We were just talking idly.
Maybe we should drop it now and… focus on the journey?"
Maia crossed her arms, muttering lightly:
"What's wrong with it? We're just passing the time. We've got three days of travel ahead."
Kael said nothing, but his face fell.
Vega… why doesn't he talk to me at all? It feels like he's put an invisible distance between us. Even though we're walking together… there's only silence. Is he angry with me? Or… does he just want to stay away now? But why would he be angry?
Just then, Vega's excited voice suddenly broke through his thoughts:
"Woah! Look! A magical red forest stag!"
"Have you ever seen one before?!"
Everyone turned toward the direction of the voice.
Out from the trees emerged a magnificent creature its body glowing with a crimson light, its spiral horns twisting majestically.
The stag was dazzling but it walked unsteadily.
Aryel narrowed her eyes, studying it carefully:
"I've never seen one before… but it seems… its hind leg is limping. Looks like it's injured."
The group began to approach cautiously.
Among the glowing hairs on its flank, a large bite mark was clearly visible.
The wound looked deep and fresh. With every breath, the stag trembled, leaning more heavily on the ground.
Vega, eyes brimming with emotion, stepped forward:
"We have to help… if this keeps up, it'll die."
Just then, a deep, guttural roar echoed from within the forest.
The entire group stiffened at once.