The classroom erupted.
"Interschool festival!"
"That's the biggest event of the school year!"
"Damn, I can't believe it's already here!"
Students turned to each other with excited expressions, conversations sparking like wildfire. Even the usually composed nobles couldn't hide their interest.
"The strongest student of the year gets crowned, right?"
"I heard the prize money is insane."
"Not just money—the connections you make could change your entire future!"
Keith listened quietly, absorbing the information. Maki leaned toward him, her eyes bright.
"Damn, Keith. That sounds like fun, don't you think?"
Keith shrugged, his expression thoughtful.
"Yeah, I guess."
Selena slammed her hand against the board.
CRACK!
The sound echoed through the classroom like thunder.
"Enough talking, ya brats!"
The students went still, their voices dying instantly.
"Damn," Maki whispered under her breath.
After the students finally settled down, Selena spoke.
"The interschool magic and sword arts festival is a tournament in which the Kingdom's schools compete with other magic academies."
She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in.
"It determines the strongest student of the year. A lot of respect is gained after winning. And money."
More murmurs spread through the room, students whispering to each other with renewed excitement.
Selena continued, her voice sharp.
"The school will start hosting selection matches to choose our combatants. It's optional—anyone can join."
Her eyes swept across the class.
"So I ask that people shouldn't hide their talents and let them shine."
She turned toward the board, writing a date.
"Selection entries are after classes and will soon commence in a week. The festival's in a month's time."
She turned back, her gaze piercing.
"Good luck to those who will represent us."
The room fell silent, the gravity of her words settling over them.
Selena nodded once.
"Anyways, time to carry on with the lesson."
The lesson continued, but Keith found his mind drifting. The interschool festival, a chance to prove himself on a larger stage, a chance to show the entire kingdom what a commoner could do.
He glanced toward Maki.
She was already grinning, her eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement.
He knew that look.
She was absolutely going to enter.
The moment class ended, the hallway exploded into chaos. Students crowded around each other, discussing strategies, potential matchups, and who they thought would represent the academy.
Keith and Maki barely made it three steps before someone called out.
"Hey! Nova!"
Keith turned.
A group of students he didn't recognize approached him. They wore the same Elite Class uniform, but he hadn't spoken to most of them before.
A tall boy with short black hair stepped forward. His sharp brown eyes studied Keith with open curiosity.
"I'm Garrick. Garrick Thorn."
Keith nodded.
"Nice to meet you."
Garrick crossed his arms.
"I watched your duel with the headmaster."
Keith tensed slightly.
"Everyone did."
"Yeah, well..." Garrick's expression shifted, something like respect flickering in his eyes. "I didn't think much of you before. Just another commoner in Elite Class? Figured you'd wash out within a week."
Keith raised an eyebrow.
"And now?"
Garrick smirked.
"Now I think you might actually win this thing."
Keith blinked, caught off guard.
"...Thanks?"
Garrick laughed.
"Don't get cocky i'm entering too. And I'm not planning on losing to anyone—commoner or noble."
He extended his hand. Keith stared at it for a moment then shook it.
"Looking forward to it."
Garrick nodded, satisfied, and walked away.
Maki whistled.
"Looks like you've got fans now."
Keith sighed.
"I think that was a challenge, not fan behavior."
"Same thing."
Before Keith could respond, another student appeared. A girl with long auburn hair tied in a braid, her green eyes sharp and analytical.
"You're Keith Nova."
Keith nodded slowly.
"That's me."
She tilted her head, studying him like a specimen.
"I'm Elara Vance."
She paused.
"Top-ranked student in the E-Class."
Keith raised an eyebrow.
"That's impressive."
"It's not."
She crossed her arms.
"The E-Class is where the commoners end up. We're looked down on by everyone."
Her eyes narrowed.
"But you."
Keith frowned.
"Me?"
"You entered Elite Class. You beat the headmaster yet you're a commoner—just like us."
She stepped closer.
"People like us don't get opportunities like this."
Keith listened carefully.
"So..."
Her gaze burned with determination.
"Don't lose. If you can stand at the top, it proves the rest of us can too."
Keith was silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"I'll do my best."
Elara nodded once.
"That's all I ask."
She turned and disappeared into the crowd, Maki watched her go.
"...She seems intense."
Keith nodded.
"Yeah."
"I like her."
Keith looked at Maki.
"You like everyone."
"Not everyone."
"You like almost everyone."
"Fair."
They continued walking.
Then—
"KEITH!"
A familiar blur of orange twin-tails shot toward them.
"Linna?"
She skidded to a stop, her face flushed with excitement.
"Are you entering the festival?!"
Keith shrugged.
"I'm thinking about it."
"THINKING ABOUT IT?!"
She grabbed his shoulders.
"You HAVE to enter!"
Keith blinked.
"Why?"
"Because it'll be amazing!"
She released him, her eyes sparkling.
"Think about it! You—a commoner—fighting against the strongest nobles from across the kingdom! Proving everyone wrong! Rising to the top!"
She posed dramatically.
"It's the perfect underdog story!"
Maki nodded seriously.
"She's got a point."
Keith sighed.
"You two are going to be the death of me."
Linna grinned.
"But you'll enter, right?"
Keith hesitated. Then he thought about Garrick's challenge, Elara's words, the chance to prove himself And most importantly, the chance to stand beside Maki on the same stage.
He smiled.
"Yeah."
Linna threw her fists into the air.
"YES!"
Maki smiled, her eyes warm.
"Looks like we're both entering."
Keith looked at her.
"You're entering too?"
She grinned.
"Obviously."
He laughed.
"I should've known."
Behind them, a group of students whispered among themselves.
"That's Keith Nova..."
"The one who beat the headmaster?"
"He's really entering?"
"He's a commoner, but..."
"...He might actually have a chance."
The rumors spread like wildfire.
By the end of the day, everyone in the academy knew. Keith Nova was entering the interschool festival and the entire kingdom would be watching.
Keith and Maki were headed back toward the dorm, the evening sun casting long shadows across the path.
Keith was quiet.
Maki glanced at him.
"You okay?"
He nodded.
"Yeah."
A pause.
"...It's just a lot to think about."
Maki smiled softly.
"You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."
Keith looked at her.
"I know."
He smiled.
"But I want to."
Maki's smile widened.
"Good."
She bumped his shoulder playfully.
"Because I'm not letting you slack off."
Keith groaned.
"I knew it."
She laughed, the sound bright and carefree.
Just before they could reach towards the dormitories Keith was summoned by Selena to meet with the headmaster.
"Hey, kid."
Keith turned.
"Come with me to Headmaster Gathar's office."
Maki stared, confused.
"Again?"
"Yes."
"It's okay," Keith reassured her, his voice calm. "I'll be fine."
"No way."
Keith and Selena paused.
"I'm coming with."
"Kid, only Keith was summoned. You don't need to—"
"Hell nah."
Maki's eyes blazed with determination.
"Last time he went alone thinking he'd be fine, next thing I knew he crashed in the arena."
Selena stared at her for a long moment.
Then sighed.
"Fine. Let's go."
The three of them headed to the headmaster's office.
The corridors were quiet, the last remnants of daylight fading through the tall windows. Their footsteps echoed against the stone floor, a rhythmic pattern that matched the tension building in Keith's chest.
When they arrived, Gathar was already waiting. But to his surprise, Maki came along, his golden eyes flickered with amusement.
"Nice to see you've recovered, Nova. Or recovering, per se."
Keith bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, sir."
"Please, take your seats."
Everyone sat down.
Keith and Maki took the chairs opposite the headmaster's desk. Selena remained standing near the door, her arms crossed.
The room was exactly as Keith remembered—towering bookshelves, floating crystals, intricate magical circles engraved into the floor. The hourglass on Gathar's desk had been reset, its sand slowly trickling downward.
Gathar leaned back in his chair, his golden eyes studying Keith with unsettling intensity.
Without wasting time, he got straight to the point.
"Nova, do you know why I've summoned you here?"
Keith's breath caught.
His mind raced, fearing any potential special tests, more duels, or worse.
Not another fight. Please, not another fight.
Maki's expression was plain and unreadable, like she was making sure the headmaster didn't try anything this time.
"No, sir."
Gathar's fingers tapped against the desk.
"I wanted to know how someone as young as you is able to channel spiritual force."
The room froze.
"That's something only the kingdom's strongest mages can wield."
Maki's eyes widened.
"Really?!"
She shouted, then immediately stared at Keith, her expression a mix of shock and awe.
Keith's heart pounded.
Spiritual force. He knows.
Gathar continued, his voice calm but probing.
"Yes, that was undoubtedly spiritual force. A high-class mage I know can use it."
He paused, letting the words hang in the air.
"Spiritual force is a force powerful enough to push humans beyond world limitations."
His golden eyes narrowed.
"Something known to the anomalies of this world... spirits."
Keith felt sweat form on the back of his neck.
There's no way I'm letting him know I had a pixie teach me spirit arts.
He forced his expression to remain calm.
"It was training, sir. I read it in a textbook."
Gathar stared at him for several seconds, the silence was suffocating.
Then—
"A textbook."
"Yes, sir."
Gathar's expression didn't change.
"Spiritual force is not something one can learn from a textbook, Nova."
Keith swallowed.
"I... practiced a lot."
"Practice alone does not grant one access to spiritual force."
Gathar leaned forward, his presence suddenly overwhelming.
"Spiritual force requires a connection to the spiritual realm. A bond with a spirit."
Keith's heart nearly stopped.
He's not buying it.
Maki glanced between them, her brow furrowed.
"Keith?"
He didn't respond.
Gathar continued, his voice soft but piercing.
"I'm not accusing you of anything, Nova. But I am... curious."
He leaned back.
"Spirits are rare. They do not simply appear to anyone, they choose their partners carefully."
Keith remained silent. Gathar studied him for a long moment, then he smiled.
"Very well."
He waved his hand dismissively.
"You may keep your secrets."
Keith blinked, caught off guard.
"...Sir?"
"I said what I needed to say."
Gathar's expression became serious.
"But understand this, Nova."
His voice dropped, becoming cold.
"Whatever power you possess, whatever connection you have—it makes you a target."
Keith's blood ran cold.
"A target?"
"The interschool festival is not merely a competition."
Gathar stood, walking toward the window.
"The other academies will be watching. The nobility will be watching. And some..."
He paused.
"...may not have your best interests at heart."
Maki's hands clenched into fists.
"What do you mean?"
Gathar turned, his golden eyes meeting hers.
"I mean that Keith Nova is no longer just a talented commoner."
He looked at Keith.
"He is now someone whose potential threatens the established order."
Silence.
Keith felt the weight of those words settle over him like a shroud.
Gathar walked back to his desk.
"That is all. You may leave."
Keith stood, his legs slightly unsteady. Maki immediately moved beside him, her hand hovering near his arm.
Selena opened the door.
As they stepped into the hallway—
"Nova."
Keith turned.
Gathar stood in the doorway, his expression unreadable.
"Be careful."
The door closed.
The walk back to the dorm was silent. Maki kept glancing at Keith, her expression troubled.
Finally, she spoke.
"Keith."
"Yeah?"
"Spiritual force..."
She hesitated.
"How did you really learn it?"
Keith was quiet for a long moment.
Then he smiled.
"Maybe I'll tell you someday."
Maki stared at him.
"...Promise?"
He nodded.
"Promise."
She smiled, though her eyes remained worried.
"I'll hold you to that."
Keith chuckled.
"I know you will."
They continued walking.
But deep in Keith's chest, a new weight had settled.
Gathar's words echoed in his mind.
Someone whose potential threatens the established order.
He clenched his fists.
The interschool festival wasn't just a competition anymore.
It was a battlefield and he was already in the crosshairs.
Later that night, the dorm was quiet.
Keith lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting silver patterns across the room.
Maki was on the upper bunk, but neither of them was sleeping.
Both were thinking.
Both were planning.
Maki's Thoughts
Alright.
She stared at the ceiling, her mind racing.
I've grown too comfortable with my current strength.
She thought back to the past few weeks—the classes, the training, the time spent with Keith. It had been... nice. Comfortable. Safe.
Too safe.
I've been slacking off.
She clenched her fists beneath the blanket.
The dungeon raids stopped. The hunting stopped. I've been relying on what I already have instead of pushing forward.
Her eyes narrowed.
The Tempest Raven. The Colossal Spider. Those fights nearly killed me.
But they also made me stronger.
She remembered the power she'd gained. The flight. The wind manipulation. The enhanced agility.
And I've barely trained any of it.
A fire ignited in her chest. The interschool festival is my chance, my chance to show my parents how far I've come, how far I'm willing to go for the promise I made.
She thought of Hayato.
I'll find you.
No matter what.
But first—
She smiled, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
—I need to become strong enough to survive long enough to find you.
It's my chance to demonstrate just how scary an Eldridge member can be.
No more slacking. I've done nothing productive for weeks.
Her expression hardened.
So there's only one option left, and only one.
She closed her eyes.
I have to return to my own habits.
Keith's Thoughts
Damn it.
Keith stared at the ceiling, frustration boiling in his chest.
I'm so weak.
He thought back to the duel with Gathar.
I broke my promise, i used the spirit art and now everyone knows of my strength.
He gritted his teeth.
I was reckless, stupid, put everything on the line for one victory.
His mind drifted to Maki's face.
The tears.
The fear.
I scared her.
I scared everyone.
He took a deep breath.
But I survived.
And I learned something.
He thought of Gathar's words.
Spiritual force. A connection to the spiritual realm.
Hoshina.
You warned me. You told me not to use it unless things were truly bad and I did anyway.
He sighed.
But you also taught me something else.
He remembered her voice, gentle and firm.
"It's not about power. It's about control. A mage who can't control their own strength is more dangerous to themselves than any enemy."
Keith's eyes narrowed.
I've been relying too much on raw power. I need to improve my control.
My technique.
My foundation.
He looked at his hands.
He blinked.
Wait—Akira?
He shook his head.
No. Focus.
The upcoming festival is my chance to show my parents how far I've come.
How far I'm willing to go for the promise I made.
He clenched his fists.
I promised them I'd become a mage they'd be proud of.
I promised myself I'd find Akira.
I promised Maki I wouldn't scare her again.
He took a deep breath.
I've grown reluctant in the past week.
So there's only one option left.
And only one.
He closed his eyes.
I have to return to my own habits.
At the Same Time
The two of them spoke in unison, their voices barely above a whisper.
"I have to return to my own habits."
Silence.
Then—
"Wait, what?"
Keith sat up.
Maki's head appeared over the edge of the upper bunk. They stared at each other.
"...Did you just say something?" Keith asked.
"Did you?"
"...Yeah."
"What did you say?"
Keith hesitated.
"...I said I need to return to my own habits."
Maki's eyes widened.
"...No way."
"What?"
"I said the exact same thing."
They stared at each other. A beat passed.
Then—
"Jinx!"
They both pointed at each other, then laughed.
"Okay, that was weird," Keith admitted.
"Very weird."
"What are the chances?"
"Apparently high enough."
They laughed again, the tension from earlier fading.
Maki climbed down from the upper bunk and sat on the edge of Keith's bed.
"So..." she said, her eyes curious. "What are your 'habits'?"
Keith scratched his head.
"...Training."
"Training?"
"Yeah."
He looked at his hands.
"Before I came to the academy, I used to train every night. Meditate, practice spirit arts, push my limits."
He paused.
"But since I got here... I've been slacking."
Maki nodded slowly.
"I get that."
Keith looked at her.
"What about you?"
She smiled mysteriously.
"...I have my own ways of training."
"Like what?"
"Secret."
"Come on."
"Nope."
"Maki."
"Nu-uh."
Keith sighed.
"You're impossible."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"Still counts."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, then Maki spoke.
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"The festival one month from now."
"Yeah."
"We should train together."
Keith blinked.
"Together?"
"Yeah."
She smiled.
"We make a pretty good team, don't we?"
Keith thought back to the entrance exam. The monster fight and the way they'd moved together without even trying.
"...Yeah."
He smiled.
"We do."
Maki's smile widened.
"Then it's settled."
She stood, stretching her arms.
"Starting tomorrow, we train."
Keith nodded.
"Deal."
Maki headed back toward her bunk.
But before she climbed up, she paused.
"Keith."
"Yeah?"
She looked at him over her shoulder.
"...Don't overdo it."
He smiled softly.
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She nodded, satisfied.
"...Good night."
"Good night, Maki."
She climbed up to her bunk.
Keith lay back down.
And for the first time in weeks—
Both of them felt ready.
Ready to train.
Ready to fight.
Ready to prove themselves.
Ready to return to their own habits.
The first light of dawn crept through the dorm window, casting pale golden streaks across the wooden floor.
Keith was already awake.
He stood by the window, staring out at the academy grounds below. The world was still quiet, the halls empty, the training fields untouched. It was the perfect time—before the chaos, before the noise, before anyone could interrupt.
He took a slow breath, feeling the cool morning air fill his lungs.
Time to start.
He changed quickly into his training clothes—simple dark pants and a fitted shirt—and slipped out of the dorm as quietly as he could.
Maki was still asleep. Or at least, she appeared to be.
Keith paused at the door, glancing back at the upper bunk. A mess of silver hair peeked out from beneath the blanket, completely still.
He smiled faintly.
Sleep well.
The door closed with a soft click. The moment the door shut, Maki's eyes opened. She lay perfectly still, listening to the fading sound of his footsteps.
Then she smiled.
Early riser, huh?
She stretched her arms above her head, her joints popping.
Good. That means I can start my own training.
She slipped out of bed, moving with practiced silence. Her bare feet padded across the cool floor as she changed into her own training clothes—a dark, form-fitting outfit that allowed maximum mobility.
Then she paused.
I need to be careful.
Keith couldn't know what she was really doing.
Not yet.
She closed her eyes, focusing her mana.
"Stealth."
Her body shimmered and vanished.
"Aura Concealment."
Her presence faded completely.
"Camouflage."
Even the air around her seemed to forget she existed.
She opened the window and slipped out, landing softly on the grass below. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew and wildflowers.
Maki took a deep breath.
Alright, Akira.
Time to get serious.
Deep in the forest beyond the academy walls, Keith found a clearing. It was secluded, surrounded by ancient trees and thick undergrowth. No one would find him here.
He sat cross-legged in the center, closing his eyes.
Meditation first.
His breathing slowed.
His mind cleared.
Mana flowed through his body—fire, earth, wind, lightning—each element humming with its own distinct rhythm.
But beneath them all, something else stirred.
Something deeper.
Spiritual force.
Keith's brow furrowed.
I can feel it. It's there. But it's... slippery.
He tried to grasp it, to pull it to the surface. The grey energy flickered around his fingertips before fading.
Damn.
He opened his eyes, frustration building.
I used it during the duel. Why can't I use it now?
He thought back to that moment.
The desperation.
The fear.
The overwhelming need to protect.
It only came out when I was about to lose everything.
He clenched his fists.
I need to be able to control it without relying on desperation.
He tried again.
And again.
And again.
The grey energy flickered, wavered, and faded.
Over and over.
But Keith didn't stop.
Maki landed silently at the entrance of a dungeon she'd discovered a few weeks ago.
It was small, barely a blip on the magical radar, but she'd sensed something inside.
Something worthwhile.
She stepped through the entrance, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. The walls were lined with faintly glowing crystals, their light a pale blue.
She moved forward cautiously.
No monsters yet.
Her hand rested on the hilt of a small blade she'd brought—just in case her magic wasn't enough.
Then—
Click.
Her instincts screamed.
She threw herself sideways.
BOOM!
A massive spike of stone erupted from the ground where she'd been standing.
Maki rolled, coming up in a crouch.
"...Well, that's not friendly."
The monster emerged from the shadows.
A Stone Basilisk.
Its scales were jagged, its eyes burning with primal fury. Its body was coiled tight, ready to strike.
Maki's eyes widened.
That's... a mid-tier monster.
Way above the level of this dungeon.
She smiled.
Perfect.
The Stone Basilisk lunged.
Maki dodged.
She spun, water gathering around her hands.
"Water Blades!"
The crescent-shaped projectiles shot forward.
The basilisk's scales deflected them.
Tch. Too hard.
She changed tactics.
"Water Jet!"
She launched herself backward, gaining distance.
Then—
"Rain Domain."
Droplets filled the air, creating a field of awareness.
The basilisk charged again.
Maki saw it coming.
She sidestepped, water spiraling around her arm.
"Spiral Current!"
The compressed water slammed into the basilisk's side. It staggered but didn't fall.
Tough bastard.
Maki gritted her teeth.
I need to end this fast.
She raised both hands.
The water in the air condensed, forming a massive spear.
"Water Style: Piercing Torrent!"
The spear shot forward.
It struck the basilisk dead center.
CRACK!
The scales shattered.
The monster let out a pained roar before collapsing.
Maki landed, breathing hard.
"...That was close."
She approached the corpse.
Devourer's Blessing should work.
She carved out a piece of the basilisk's flesh, grimacing.
Here goes nothing.
She ate.
The familiar voice echoed in her mind.
"You have acquired new skill: Stone Skin."
"You have acquired new skill: Earth Resistance."
Maki blinked.
"...Stone Skin?"
She focused, willing the ability to activate.
Her skin shimmered briefly, taking on a faint stone-like texture.
No way.
She punched a nearby wall.
CRASH!
The wall crumbled.
Maki stared at her fist.
...That's awesome.
She grinned.
Okay. That was worth the near-death experience.
Hours passed.
The sun climbed higher in the sky. Keith finally opened his eyes, exhaustion etched into his face.
Spiritual force flickered at his fingertips—weak, but present.
"...Got it."
He stood, stretching his aching muscles.
Small progress is still progress.
He made his way back toward the academy.
Maki slipped back into the dorm through the window, releasing her stealth.
She stretched, feeling the new power humming beneath her skin.
Stone Skin. That'll be useful.
She glanced toward Keith's bed.
Still empty.
He's still training.
She smiled faintly.
Good. I'm not the only one pushing myself.
She sat on her bunk, staring at the ceiling.
The selection matches are in a week.
I need to be ready.
Her thoughts drifted to Keith.
He's gotten stronger. Much stronger.
She remembered the duel with Gathar.
He used spiritual force. Something that even the headmaster couldn't ignore.
She frowned.
What are you hiding, Keith?
The door opened.
Maki quickly lay back, pulling the blanket over herself. Keith stepped inside, his clothes damp with sweat. He glanced toward her bunk.
"...Still asleep?"
He smiled softly.
"Must be nice."
He gathered fresh clothes and headed to the bathroom. The moment the door closed, Maki let out a breath.
That was close.
She closed her eyes.
One week.
Time to show everyone what I'm capable of.