After the exhausting training, Takeda finally led us to the dormitories. As we walked, the scenery around us began to change. The dense, tall trees of the training grounds gave way to well-tended gardens filled with colorful flowers. The winding stone path was lit by floating magic lanterns, casting a soft glow that highlighted the lush greenery. The air was fresh, with a light breeze carrying the scent of freshly watered flowers and the distant sound of a stream, creating a serene and almost enchanted atmosphere.

As we approached the dormitories, the architecture of the institute became more evident. The buildings were majestic, made of white stone and adorned with gold and silver details that reflected the light of the lanterns. Elegant arches and tall windows decorated the facades, giving an air of grandeur and history. We passed a central plaza with a crystal-clear fountain, where students would gather to chat and relax after an intense day of training. The water from the fountain sparkled under the magical light, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors and reflections. The dormitories were just beyond, their large, welcoming doors promising rest and recovery for all of us. The imposing building rose before us, its illuminated windows promising rest. We walked through the wide hallways, our footsteps echoing in the silence of the night.

As soon as we reached the door to the dormitories, Takeda stopped us and began to speak.

“Tomorrow you will receive all the instructions on how this school works and how your classes will be, as you can see on the right are the boys and on the left are the girls.” He said, pointing to the large doors.

“Remember, wounds will heal quickly, as awakened people have a natural ability to heal faster. In addition, the dormitory wing has healing magic circulating during the night to ensure that you are ready for the next day.”

With the instructions given, the students began to walk towards the dormitories. However, I was instructed to stay, along with Lee Min-Jae. My group waited for me, but Lee Min-Jae quickly dismissed his classmates.

Takeda was looking directly at me and Lee Min-Jae. “I noticed the beginning of a conflict between the two groups. Lee Min-Jae clenched his fists tightly, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of anger and frustration. I, on the other hand, felt butterflies in my stomach and my heart was beating wildly. Something told me that what Takeda had said was true: a conflict between us was imminent.

You should know that the school has a policy that allows duels between students whenever they want. However, freshmen must wait for the first two months of classes before they can participate in these duels. Use this time to hone your skills and build a solid foundation at that time if you are confident you can challenge yourself.” After saying this Takeda left.

I was curious about how Lee Min would react to this possibility, but without saying a word he quickly entered the dormitory.

“I think he is still bothered by the scolding from earlier” he said heading towards the group.

“It could be that, or he’s just exhausted. I, for one, am going to sleep,” Aiko said, rubbing her eyes with a yawn and walking slowly towards the dormitories.

“I’m going too, this was the first time I used so much mana, my muscles are hurting.” Daisuke joined Aiko, I could see that his body was shaking a little so I could understand his hurry.

“And you Kenji, you must still have energy since you were the only one with mana left, why don’t we go for a walk?” He seemed a little distant since we came back from the forest, so I wanted to cheer him up a little.

“I’ll pass this time, I’ll think a little about what happened today, see you tomorrow.” I was surprised, but I had no words so I just watched him walk towards the dormitories. He gave me an unreadable look before turning around. His expression was a mix of tiredness, frustration and... something I couldn’t identify. Had Takeda’s scolding affected him that much? Or was he questioning my leadership skills?

As I was lost in thoughts about why Kenji was like that, I felt a tap on the back of my neck. When I turned around, Hana was looking at me with a smile. Hana approached me, her eyes shining with an infectious smile. “Let him take it all in,” she said, her voice soft and comforting. “It’s been a challenging day, both for him and for all of us.” She was right, I shouldn’t worry about that for now. “And what are we going to do?” I asked her. “I’m starving. I saw a food stand on the way here. How about we go?” Hana suggested, pointing behind her, while her stomach growled loudly. When she

As he said that, I could tell I was hungry too, so I accepted. Hana and I walked together, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk, but I couldn’t think of anything.

“So, Ryu,” Hana began, looking around. “What do you hope to achieve at the Institute?”

“I want to be the strongest. I want to master my elements and protect people.” I never had any doubts about that, so it was my most sincere answer. “You know? My family has always pressured me to be a mage, it’s in my blood. I don’t want to disappoint them, especially my grandfather who taught me so much.”

Hana nodded, understanding. “So your family also has mages. Ever since I was a child, I’ve felt that pressure. They expect me to stand out and live up to the name I carry. But the problem is that they never told me what kind of fame we have as mages. My grandmother always says that “the Eversong family shines brightest in the fire of adversity”, but I never really understood what that means.” she said, with a touch of frustration in her voice.

I smiled in response, feeling an unexpected connection. “I understand you, it’s said that I have several relatives who are magicians, but besides my grandfather who raised me, I only met one uncle who never spoke at all, I don’t understand why they don’t.” It’s really good to have someone who understands these problems.

“If you also had this problem, maybe it’s a strange habit, but in the end we’re here, we managed to meet these expectations, fortunately I managed to make all these expectations be the fuel that fuels me to be here.”

Silence returned between us, but this time it was comforting. We walked to the food stall Hana mentioned, only to discover that, that night, the food was being distributed directly to the rooms.

“How could the professor forget to tell us something so important?” Hana frowned, the irritation clear in her voice and expression.

“Well, at least we got to know each other better.” I tried to lighten the mood, but she didn’t answer, she just kept walking.

Outside, we walked in silence for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Night was falling, and the fresh forest air was scented with the scent of pine and damp grass. The dorm lights twinkled in the distance, like inviting stars in the darkness.

“Promise? What exactly?” She spoke so suddenly that my surprise was evident.

“You know, since you’re my leader now, you have to show that you’re fit for it. I’m sure I can become the strongest in the class, so you need to be at least second. No matter what challenges we face, we’ll overcome them all, and when that happens, I want a fight to truly determine who’s the best.” A determined look on her face

I smiled, feeling a new determination grow within me. “Okay, Hana. Let’s become the strongest, together.”

We shook hands, sealing the promise. With this new resolve, we were ready for the challenges and adventures that awaited us at the Yamato Arcane Institute, ready to face any obstacle that came our way.

I waved goodbye to Hana and entered the boys’ dormitory. A long hallway stretched out in front of me, lit by lamps that cast a soft glow on the wooden floor. When I reached the end of the hallway, I found myself in a large rectangular room, with dimensions that I estimated to be about 150 meters long. Comfortable sofas, coffee tables and inviting poufs were scattered throughout the room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Looking up, I could see the second floor, where the students’ dormitories apparently were. Numbers on the walls indicated the room numbers: the 3rd on the right, the 2nd on the left and the 1st right in front of me.

There was no one there so I hurried up to the rooms, as I got closer I could see the names of the first-year students, until I finally found mine.

When I tried to open the door, a crystal projected from the doorknob and a warning appeared telling me to put mana in it. Even though it hurt a little, I did so and the door opened. It was a little dark. When I closed it, a warning sound started.

“Welcome, Ryu Takeshi Iwahara. Since you put your magic in the crystal, only you and the teachers can open it. Rest well. Tomorrow will be the first day of school.”

When the female voice stopped talking, the lights came on. Exploring the house, I found it to be quite large. It had a living room with a sofa and a television, a bathroom with a bathtub, and my bedroom. I could see that my suitcase was on the bed, so I quickly grabbed my clothes and went to take a shower.

I fell into bed exhausted, my thoughts still revolving around the events of the day. The challenges of training, the rivalry with Lee Min-Jae and Hana, and the unexpected attack of the imperial boars repeated themselves in my mind like a movie on loop. Each event seemed more significant and impactful than the last, and I knew that I was just in the

The beginning of a long and arduous journey.

Stepping out of the shower, I could see that the night sky was clear, dotted with bright stars, as I sat on the windowsill of my dorm room. The lights of the school, like artificial stars, twinkled in the darkness of the night, creating a serene and welcoming contrast to the vastness of the outside world. I gazed at the landscape, lost in thought about the events of the day.

As I gazed at the stars, the memory of my grandfather came flooding back. I remembered the wise words and the steady gaze of that man. “Ryu,” my grandfather would say, “if you are to become a mage, you must carry on your mother’s legacy.”

I knew that I carried a great burden. The expectations of my family, the responsibility of honoring my mother’s legacy, and the need to prove myself were forces that drove me, but they also weighed heavily on my shoulders. I knew that I would need all my strength and courage to face the challenges ahead. My grandfather’s words echoed in my mind, renewing my determination.

Sitting on the windowsill, I remembered my new responsibility: to lead. Although it was not my choice, I was determined to do my best. Reflecting on my promise to Hana, I realized the need to set clear goals. I grabbed a notebook and pen and began to list everything I wanted to achieve that year.

I needed to excel in both practical and theoretical classes. I wanted to be recognized not only for my potential, but also for the effort and dedication I put into each task.

In addition, I needed to find a place to train daily, increasing my stamina and physical strength. Today’s battle made it clear that I needed to be prepared for intense combat.

I wanted to be a reliable figure. My uncle Hiroshi, who led a squadron, always said that the trust of his team was essential. I hope to achieve that level of trust. My colleagues seem like good people, but I know that any slip-up could result in disapproval.

As I wrote down each goal, I felt more focused and determined. I knew the path would be difficult, but I was willing to face each challenge with courage and determination. After putting away my notebook, I looked at the stars one last time, feeling a new confidence and preparation for what was to come. I lay down and, in a short time, I fell into a deep sleep.