The days following the incident were a blur of medical visits and sleepless nights. It took Ryu three days to walk normally again, but his determination grew stronger with each passing day. He used this time to study more about mages and their powers, devouring all the books he could find, even though everything seemed like made-up stories.

When he finally felt ready, Ryu began to prepare for his journey to the Yamato Institute. The training resumed with full force. The day of his departure arrived quickly, a week had passed, and the wounds from the fight had healed at an impressive speed, probably one of the advantages of being a mage. Since that day, Ryu had not managed to exchange a single word with his grandfather. Vague phrases wandered through his mind, wondering why he would be like his father or what pure mana was.

“I tried several times to use that on myself, but nothing seemed to happen, maybe it was just adrenaline that made me withstand that attack more easily.” While lost in how to use his power, he wondered aloud, “Why do we never know anything about mages? Even now that I am one, I don’t understand my own powers. They always act outside the city, always full of secrets...” Ryu sighed, frustrated, as his thoughts wandered. Well, I’ll have the answers as soon as I get back to that school, the boy thought.

After that, he approached the window and looked at the garden where he had spent countless hours practicing his skills. He took a deep breath and, with determination, whispered to himself, “When I return, it will be different.”

With his suitcase packed, Ryu went down to the living room. His grandfather was sitting in his usual chair, staring at the fireplace, with his usual severe look. Ryu stopped in front of him and, with a bow, said:

“I’m leaving now, sir.”

His grandfather raised his eyes, only nodding, maintaining his unyielding expression. Ryu straightened up but, before grabbing his suitcase, decided to make one last attempt. He closed his eyes, concentrated, and invoked the fire element. A bright, intense flame appeared in his hand, dancing with a vigor that he hoped would demonstrate his progress.

“See, sir,” said Ryu, with fierce determination in his eyes. “I am getting stronger.”

Kenjiro looked at the flame, the light reflecting in his cold eyes. He remained silent for what felt like an eternity to Ryu before finally speaking in a cutting voice.

“Fire tricks change nothing, Ryu. True strength is not shown by displays. Stop trying to impress me with useless things and start being someone real.”

The words were like a blade, cutting any hope of recognition. He closed his hand, extinguishing the flame. He grabbed his suitcase and left the house with one last look at that man.

“I promise that when I return, you will be proud. Everything will be like the old times.” Words spoken so low that they never reached the man.

As the door closed behind him, Ryu felt the weight of his grandfather’s words. But he vowed to himself that he would keep trying, no matter how hard it was. The flame in his heart burned stronger than ever.

With his suitcase in hand, Ryu got into the car that would take him back to the Yamato Institute. During the journey, he got lost in thought, focusing on his mana core, trying to understand how it worked. Although he still had no concrete results, the practice helped calm him.

Time passed without him noticing, and soon the car stopped in front of the institute. Ryu got out of the vehicle, and his eyes widened as he observed the grand architecture of the place, which seemed even more impressive than the first time he saw it. The institute’s towers rose majestically against the blue sky, adorned with intricate details that told stories of legendary mages. The surrounding gardens were filled with exotic plants, some emitting a faint magical glow.

When he went to get his suitcase, the driver stopped him, saying, “No need to worry, I will take your luggage to the dormitories, for now, you should wait here.” After this brief conversation, Ryu saw more cars starting to arrive, one after another, students were appearing. Once everyone was there, a very old-looking man appeared, “Follow me,” he exclaimed.

Ryu and the other ten students who passed the initial test were led through wide, well-lit corridors until the man stopped by a door.

“This is your classroom, feel free to enter,” the man said and quickly left.

Entering the classroom, Ryu felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The walls were lined with shelves full of old books, and large windows let the sunlight illuminate the room. Several students were scattered around the room, talking animatedly. A girl with green hair was showing a levitation trick to a group of colleagues, while another student with red hair was reading a thick book attentively.

Professor Takeda was at the front of the room next to a large crystal table emitting a soft light. He observed the students with an attentive look, waiting for everyone to settle down. The atmosphere was full of vibrant and expectant energy, as if something grand was about to happen.

“Welcome to the Yamato Institute, this will be your classroom for this year,” said Takeda with a rare smile. “Before we begin, I will introduce your new colleagues who came from other cities in the Eastern Union.”

The students watched attentively as the new colleagues entered. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and curiosity. Takeda continued to speak.

“You are the students who will be part of this school from now on, but before anything else, those who will go to another area, please introduce yourselves.” With this call, four students started to move, two of them having taken the exam with me, but who were the other two?

When they got close to Takeda, he instructed them to stand by his side and then resumed speaking. “This is Alexei Volkov, from the city of Kazan. His affinity is with water, electricity, and light.”

Alexei, a tall and confident boy with blond hair and bright blue eyes, made a brief nod. His presence dominated the space, and Ryu felt a slight sense of competition grow within him.

“These are Boonma Sukhum, from Bangkok.”

A shy girl with brown hair and green eyes raised her hand hesitantly. Boonma had a gentle air and a serene presence that strongly contrasted with Alexei’s.

“Niran Prasert also came from Bangkok.”

The boy, who was tall and thin, had an intellectual air with round glasses and a serious demeanor.

“Arisa Thongchai who came from Chiang Mai.”

The girl, with short brown hair and green eyes, seemed determined but shy when she noticed everyone’s gaze.

Takeda continued, “These four will follow non-military careers and will be directed to the appropriate sectors. Now, the other nineteen of you who opted for the military sector, prepare for an arduous journey.”

The four timidly waved as they went to the exit to be escorted to their respective sectors. Ryu remembered Hana’s words about the fact that not everyone wants to protect others directly. Watching them leave, he wondered. What do they do in these other sectors? Without much interest but reflecting on people’s different motivations.

It was possible to see that Takeda was about to speak again, with his imposing posture and penetrating gaze, he positioned himself in front of the students. He waited a few moments until the murmuring ceased, creating an atmosphere of expectation.

“Welcome to the Arcane Institute of Yamato,” he began, his voice echoing through the hall. “You now belong to an institution with a rich history and an even greater responsibility.”

He paused, observing the attentive faces before him. “This institute was founded by Yamato, a great mage who lived about 200 years ago. He was not just a powerful mage; he was also a visionary who believed in the limitless potential of magic when well-taught. His legacy lives in every stone of this institution and in each of you.”

“The Arcane Institute is not a place for just anyone. It is a training ground for those who wish to become the guardians of our world. Here, you will learn to master your abilities, strengthen your bodies and minds, and understand the true essence of magic.”

He began to walk slowly, his boots echoing on the marble floor. “The tradition of this institute is forged by a commitment to excellence and honor. Many of the most powerful and respected mages of the Eastern Union have passed through these halls, facing the same challenges that you will face. Remember, each of you carries the potential to become a legend.”

Takeda then turned to a large crystal that was on the wall of the room, touching it lightly. “This crystal is not just an ornament. It represents the purity and clarity we expect from each of you. Like this crystal, you must strive for perfection in your skills and character.”

He paused, letting his words resonate. “You will have the honor of training and learning from the best. The instructors here are masters of their respective arts and are committed to guiding you every step of the way.”

With a rare smile, he concluded, “Today will be a day to prepare yourselves, so get to know your colleagues, explore the campus when allowed, and prepare for the journey ahead. You will face challenges that will test your skills and character. And remember, the true power of magic comes from the heart and mind working in harmony.”

The students listened in silence, absorbing every word. After the presentation, Takeda made a gesture indicating that the students should settle down.

“I will make preparations for the first class. In the meantime, take the opportunity to get to know each other better,” he said before leaving the room.

Ryu looked around and noticed the mix of excitement and nervousness on his colleagues’ faces. I can’t just stand here, he thought, then quickly approached a group of students who were chatting animatedly.

“Hi, I’m Ryu,” he introduced himself with a friendly smile.

A tall, muscular boy with a shaved head responded, “Nice to meet you, Ryu. I’m Kazuki.”

Beside him, a girl with long, wavy hair and expressive eyes added, “And I’m Aiko. Pleased to meet you!”

The conversation began to flow naturally, with everyone sharing their origins and expectations for the year at the institute. Ryu felt more at ease and confident in his decision to be there. The Yamato Institute seemed to be everything he had hoped for and more.