In a secluded glen of a forgotten forest, shrouded in whispers of ancient magic, two figures sat around a flickering campfire that desperately clung to life. The flames cast a warm, golden glow, illuminating the surrounding trees, tall and twisted, their bark rough and aged, and their vibrant purple leaves swaying gently like a silent audience under the twinkling stars above.
"Did you hear? The Academy in the Alliance held its entrance trials today," said Aragon, a man in his thirties with rugged features and weary eyes. His voice was thick and slurred as he tipped back a bottle filled with a frothy, pale blue liquid, the contents swirling like a shimmering mist.
"Yes, Aragon, I heard," replied the second figure, Lari, his voice calm and steady as he tossed a sturdy log into the fire. As the wood cracked and splintered, bright sparks burst into the night air, illuminating the intricately carved goat skull that obscured Lari's face a chilling mask that added an air of mystery to his presence.
Aragon's brow furrowed as he took another hefty gulp from the bottle. "Then now's the time to strike. They're all wrapped up in the start of year rituals. Meliora and Yami don't deserve forgiveness for what they did."
"Patience, Aragon," Lari cautioned, his tone unwavering like the tranquil forest surrounding them. "Now isn't the right moment. Acting recklessly would result in your demise. Everyone is present, even the entire Magic Council. You're not strong enough to take them all on."
In a surge of frustration, Aragon seized Lari by the collar, his green eyes flashing with a mix of desperation and rage. "How much longer do I have to wait? Ten years, Lari. Ten grueling years! I've followed you long enough I'm done waiting!"
With a faint, enigmatic smile, Lari gently pushed Aragon's hand away, then poured the remainder of the drink onto the waiting flames. The fire erupted in brilliant blue hues, casting an otherworldly glow that flickered across the underbrush. "We'll discuss this tomorrow. I understand your impatience. In two months, we'll pay a visit to an old friend."
He settled onto an old stump, the wood worn smooth by time, meticulously cleaning his sword with unhurried precision. The rhythmic sound of metal against cloth filled the air, accompanied by Lari's soft whistling an unsettlingly calm melody that contrasted sharply with Aragon's simmering frustration. Aragon stared at Lari, bewildered how could he remain so composed in the face of their dire situation? Cursing quietly under his breath, he cast a venomous glare at the enchanting blue fire.
"You had to throw my ferbera into the flames, didn't you? Damn it, that was my drink!" he exclaimed, rummaging through his pack with a sense of urgency. "Cost me a silver coin for that bottle a hefty price for a moment of solace."
Lari shot him a fleeting glance, his calm demeanor unshaken, before returning to his task. The rhythmic rasp of metal against cloth provided a stark contrast to Aragon's agitation. "It wasn't doing you any good anyway," he replied matter of factly, the warmth of the fire flickering between them like an unspoken promise of the challenges yet to come.
Ajin felt as though his body were encased in solid lead, heavy and unyielding, each muscle pulsating with the throbs of exhaustion he could hardly ignore. His breath came forth in ragged, uneven gasps, each inhale a struggle against the weariness that weighed him down. Yet, none of that mattered in this moment; he had triumphed in the grueling trial that had tested his limits.
As he lay back on the cool, damp grass, his eyes drifted skyward to the vast expanse of the night that enveloped the Academy. The stars twinkled like scattered diamonds against a deep indigo canvas, lending a sense of magic to the atmosphere. Around him, the other victorious candidates began to gather, their expressions illuminated by the adrenaline that surged through their veins like wildfire. Some wore wide, exuberant grins that radiated pure joy, while others stood with trembling hands, a visible testament to the intensity of the challenge they had just overcome.
"Well, everyone, you survived," announced Rafael, his voice steady and composed, though the excitement in his eyes shimmered beneath the soft, silvery moonlight that bathed the scene.
Sidonia approached Ajin, her hand extended toward him. "Can you stand?" she asked, concern etching her features.
Ajin looked up at her, the fatigue temporarily overridden by the determination brewing within. Accepting her assistance, he grasped her hand, noting the surprising strength in her grip—a true testament to her capability. In the backdrop, Olga's voice resounded through the extensive sound system, vibrant and animated: "What an incredible competition! Nothing like this has been seen in years! A test overflowing with shocking surprises and an exhilarating climax!"
The colossal screens encircling the arena flickered to life, replaying the trial's most intense moments with thrilling clarity. A slow-motion clip captured Ajin relentless assault on the barrier, illustrating his unwavering spirit as he struck it time and again. As the footage displayed his eventual collapse, it transformed into a poignant symbol of perseverance, resonating deeply with the crowd that had witnessed his struggle.
"Who is this young man? Where does he come from? What ignites his determination?" the commentators exclaimed, leaving Ajin rolling his eyes in embarrassment, a wave of self-consciousness washing over him. Being the center of attention was the last thing he desired.
A few paces away, his mother navigated through the throng, anxiety etched on her face as she searched desperately for him. When her gaze finally landed on him, relief flooded through her, spilling forth as tears that streamed down her cheeks. "Ajin!" she cried, her voice strained with emotion.
He barely had time to react before she dashed toward him, enveloping him in a warm, heartfelt embrace that made his heart swell. "Mother…" he managed to breathe.
"You did it… you did it, my boy…" She squeezed him tightly, her grip firm and reassuring, as if he might vanish into thin air if she ever let go.
Sidonia observed the tender reunion from a respectful distance, a faint smile tugging at her lips, appreciating the bond between mother and son before stepping back to grant them the privacy they needed.
Not far off, another group watched the scene unfold, their expressions far less enthusiastic. Albert, impeccably dressed in the royal family's crisp uniform, stood with his arms crossed, irritation flaring across his handsome features as he muttered, "So… even he made it," his disbelief palpable.
One of his companions couldn't hold back a chuckle, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Looks like he impressed quite a few people. Did you see how they highlighted him at the end?"
Albert's jaw tightened, a flicker of jealousy betraying his cold retort. "I don't care," he shot back, struggling to hide the simmering resentment threatening to boil over.
Meanwhile, Rafael and Meliora stood slightly apart, their conversation low yet focused intently on Ajin's emotional reunion.
"What do you think?" Rafael asked, his gaze unwavering, drawn to the determination burning within Ajin.
Meliora stroked his beard thoughtfully, his expression merging intrigue with contemplation. "He's different. I just don't know in what way yet," he replied, his brow furrowing.
A subtle smile crept onto Rafael's lips, promising an emerging curiosity. "Then perhaps we should keep a vigilant eye on him."
Meliora took a moment of silence to reflect, though his contemplative gaze revealed that he was already weighing the possibilities of Ajin's potential.
After a brief pause, Meliora stepped forward, commanding the attention of the entire crowd, which fell silent instantaneously, an electric anticipation hanging in the air.
"Dear students, parents, and honored guests… the entrance trials are now complete. Congratulations to those who succeeded! From this day forward, you are proud students of the Academy!"
A thunderous wave of applause erupted from the stands, a resounding chorus of cheers that enveloped the new students in a thrilling rush of pride and relief, their dreams transformed into reality.