Rein woke before the light could reach him.
There was no noise to disturb him, no nightmare dragging him awake. It was more like a silent call—a faint inner feeling, as if something about this day had already shifted before it began. He opened his eyes slowly, staring at the wooden ceiling that had watched over him since childhood.
Today… would not be an ordinary day.
A few months ago, Rein had left his family and moved into one of the inns near the Central Academy, just like the other students scattered across various lodgings from different kingdoms.
He sat on the edge of his bed, resting his hands on his knees. He inhaled deeply, feeling a familiar chill in his chest. It wasn't unpleasant—it was reassuring. He didn't yet know how to wield ice, but he always knew it was there… constant.
He rose, dressed, and tightened his belt. As he stepped out of the room, he paused for a moment. He didn't look back, yet it felt as though a part of himself remained behind.
The Academy wasn't just a place… it was a beginning.
The streets leading to the Academy buzzed with students. Voices intertwined, laughter, whispers, faces wearing masks to hide their tension.
Rein remained silent, simply observing.
He saw in them reflections of infinite possibilities: who would rise, who would fall, and who would vanish without anyone remembering.
He noticed a girl walking beside him. She didn't seek attention, but her steps were careful, as if afraid to disturb the ground itself. Her dark hair was tied back, and her eyes flicked between faces, a mix of curiosity and caution.
Their eyes met.
— "Are… you heading to the Academy?" she asked in a low voice, as if the question itself might be wrong.
— "Yes," Rein replied.
— "Me too."
She offered a small, hesitant smile. "I'm Mira."
— "Rein."
The conversation didn't last long. A few words about the road, the crowd, the towering building slowly emerging on the horizon.
Rein noticed something… Mira didn't speak everything on her mind.
She wasn't malicious—just cautious.
They hadn't traveled far when two young men blocked their path. Their relaxed stance and condescending gaze suggested they were used to this role.
— "Where's the hurry?" one of them said, a suspicious smile tugging at his lips.
— "Leave us alone," Rein said calmly.
The other chuckled.
— "Look at him… confident."
One of the bullies stepped toward Mira. Rein moved instinctively, grabbing the boy's arm and pushing him aside. The motion wasn't polished, but it was sincere.
The retaliation came quickly. A precise, short strike landed on Rein's shoulder. He stepped back, feeling the sting of pain.
"Not a beginner…" he realized immediately.
Before the fight could escalate, a firm voice rang out:
— "Enough."
Everyone turned.
A young man stood there, his presence silencing the crowd. Broad shoulders, calm but heavy gaze. He didn't raise his voice—no need.
The bullies instinctively stepped back.
— "Go."
The boy said it simply.
At that moment, a stone flew from an unexpected angle. It struck the first bully's neck, then the other. Their bodies jerked briefly before they fled in terror.
— "Good accuracy," said the calm young man, glancing at the source of the stone.
Another boy stood at a distance, eyes narrowed, features cold.
— "Sufficient," he said.
A short silence followed.
— "I'm Garo," said the first, introducing himself.
— "Kane," the other replied tersely.
They exchanged a single glance. Neither friendly nor hostile—it was a look of mutual recognition.
Garo turned to the companions standing behind him. They hadn't spoken, but their posture alone radiated power.
— "Let's go."
Then he looked at Rein and Mira.
— "Watch yourselves."
And they left.
Rein and Mira approached Kane.
— "Thank you for your help," Mira said with a slight bow.
Rein extended his hand. Kane shook it coldly, showing no sign of interest, then turned and walked away without another word.
Mira remained, watching his retreating figure.
In that moment, time pulled her back. She was small. Much smaller than she was now.
She had been hiding behind a tree near the river, observing a boy sitting alone by the water. He did nothing—not playing, not speaking, not looking around. He just sat… staring at the water. She watched him almost every day. She didn't know why.
He didn't do anything remarkable, yet he was different.
He was alone… yet she didn't feel pity.
She felt something closer to a silent fascination.
One day, he suddenly turned.
Their eyes met.
Mira froze.
But the boy said nothing. He only looked, then returned his gaze to the river.
That silence… lingered in her heart for years.
She always wondered about him: Did he even have a home? Did he spend most of his time like this?
— "…Kane."
She whispered his name without realizing it.
The memory was cut off by a booming voice in the courtyard:
"Announcing the schedule for the talent assessment and student rankings!"
Rein clenched his fists.
The journey had begun.
End of Chapter 1