The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon when the academy bell rang, signalling the start of another day. Lifu stirred in his bed, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The soreness from the previous day's training lingered in his muscles, but he welcomed it as a reminder of the hard work he was putting in.
The events from the previous evening were still fresh in his mind—Thabo’s taunts, the support from Tumo and Tia, and the prefect’s intervention. It had been a stark introduction to the social hierarchy at Rising Star Academy, but it also served as a catalyst for Lifu’s resolve. He knew that his place at the academy would not be given; it would have to be earned. With that thought in mind, Lifu quickly dressed in his uniform and headed out.
The morning’s training session was even more gruelling than the previous day. Lady Isolde and Master Zuberi pushed their students to their limits, demanding nothing less than perfection in every exercise.
Lifu focused intensely on mastering the basics of his lightning affinity, striving for the precision and control that Lady Isolde had emphasized. His first attempts had been raw and unfocused, but under her watchful eye, he began to hone his skills, learning to channel the energy with greater accuracy.
“Good, but you can do better,” Lady Isolde said, her tone as sharp as ever. “You need to become one with the lightning, let it flow through you like it’s a part of you. Don’t just wield it—be it.”
Lifu took her words to heart, practicing the same move over and over until it felt more natural, more fluid. It was exhausting work, but each small improvement fuelled his determination to keep going.
Meanwhile, Master Zuberi’s training focused on agility and speed, two qualities that were essential for mastering both water and lightning. He put the students through a series of drills that left them breathless, their movements becoming faster and more precise with each repetition.
“Lightning is fast, but it’s also unpredictable,” Master Zuberi explained as he observed Lifu’s progress. “You need to move like lightning, strike before your opponent even knows what’s coming. Speed is your greatest weapon—don’t waste it.”
By midday, Lifu’s muscles were burning with fatigue, but he refused to give up. He could see the same determination in Tia, who was pushing herself to the limit. Tia’s control over fire was growing stronger, her flames more focused and intense.
As the training session came to an end, Lady Isolde gathered the group around her, her expression unreadable. “You’ve all made progress today, but don’t let it go to your heads. This is just the beginning. The path ahead is long and filled with challenges. Only those who continue to push themselves beyond their limits will succeed.”
Her words were a stark reminder that there was no room for complacency at Rising Star Academy. The training was tough, but it was also necessary. Lifu knew that if he wanted to achieve his goals, he would have to keep pushing himself, no matter how difficult it became.
***
After the intense morning, the students were given a short break before the afternoon classes. Lifu, Tumo, and Tia decided to take advantage of the free time by exploring more of the academy grounds. There was still so much to see and learn about this new world they had stepped into.
The academy was vast, with different areas dedicated to various types of training and studies. There were libraries filled with ancient tomes on magic and combat, alchemy labs where students could experiment with potions and elixirs, and vast training fields where older students practiced more advanced techniques.
As they wandered through the grounds, Lifu felt a growing sense of belonging. The academy was more than just a place to train; it was a place where students could discover their true potential, where they could forge bonds that would last a lifetime.
They eventually found themselves at the edge of the training fields, where a few older students were sparring. The skill and precision with which they moved were mesmerising, a glimpse of what Lifu and his friends could become if they continued to work hard.
“Think we’ll ever be that good?” Tumo asked, watching in awe as a third-year student expertly dodged a barrage of fireballs.
“Definitely,” Tia replied, her eyes gleaming with determination. “We’ve just got to keep at it. Who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be the ones everyone else is watching.”
Lifu smiled, sharing in their optimism. It was hard to imagine reaching that level now, but with time and effort, anything was possible.
As they continued their exploration, they came across a secluded garden, a quiet spot away from the hustle and bustle of the main grounds. The garden was filled with blooming flowers and lush greenery, a serene place that offered a moment of peace in an otherwise chaotic environment.
“Wow, this place is beautiful,” Tia said, her voice soft as she took in the surroundings. “I could stay here all day.”
Lifu nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of calm wash over him as he sat down on a stone bench. The garden was a stark contrast to the intensity of the training fields, a reminder that even in a place as demanding as Rising Star Academy, there was still room for tranquillity.
They spent the rest of their break in the garden, talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. It was a rare moment of quiet reflection, a chance to reconnect with the reasons they had come to the academy in the first place.
***
Two weeks had passed since Lifu, Tia, and Tumo had begun their journey at Rising Star Academy. The days had been long and gruelling, filled with endless training sessions, drills, and lessons designed to push the first-year students to their limits. But the hard work was beginning to pay off.
Lifu could feel the changes in himself, both physically and mentally. His control over his dual affinities was growing stronger, and with each passing day, he found new ways to harness the power of water and lightning together. His movements had become more fluid, his strikes more precise, and his stamina had improved significantly.
Tia, with her natural talent for fire magic, had also shown remarkable progress. Her flames burned hotter and more controlled than before, and she had begun experimenting with advanced techniques, such as shaping her fire into different forms for both offence and defence. Her confidence had only grown, and she attacked each new challenge with her characteristic fiery determination.
Tumo, ever the quick and agile Catfolk, had honed his speed and reflexes to an impressive degree. He had also started to develop a unique fighting style that incorporated his natural agility with quick, precise strikes. His progress was evident, and he was becoming a formidable opponent in sparring matches.
The three of them had become even closer as friends, supporting and pushing each other to reach new heights. They had developed a routine—training hard during the day, sharing meals and stories in the evening, and resting together in the dormitory, preparing for whatever new challenges awaited them.
On the last day of their second week, all the first years were gathered on the training grounds, where Lady Isolde and Master Zuberi stood waiting. The mood was tense, the air thick with anticipation. There had been whispers among the students that something big was coming, and now, it seemed, they were about to find out what it was.
Lady Isolde surveyed the group with her usual stern expression, her gaze sharp and unforgiving. “You’ve all made progress these past two weeks,” she began, her voice carrying across the training grounds. “Some of you have shown promise. Others... well, you’ve managed to survive. But the time has come to see what you’re really made of.”
Lifu exchanged a glance with Tia and Tumo, both of whom looked equally intrigued and a bit apprehensive. They had been expecting this—Rising Star Academy was known for its rigorous tests, and they knew that sooner or later, they would be put to the test in a way that went beyond their classes.
“The first big test of your time here will begin tomorrow,” Lady Isolde continued, her eyes narrowing as she studied the students. “You will be sent into the academy’s hunting grounds, where you will face the first real challenge of your training. This is not a drill. This is a test of your survival skills, your combat abilities, and your ability to work as a team.”
A murmur rippled through the students, a mix of excitement and anxiety. The hunting grounds were a legendary part of the academy, known for being both dangerous and unpredictable. It was where students faced real monsters—beasts that could maim or even kill if they weren’t careful.
Lady Isolde’s expression didn’t soften as she continued. “The hunting grounds are divided into layers, each more dangerous than the last. You will be sent into the first layer, where your mission will be to find and hunt down two level two beasts. Each pair of students must bring back the monster cores of the beasts they defeat. These cores are proof of your success and will be evaluated upon your return.”
Lifu’s heart raced as he absorbed the information. This was it—their first real mission. The first layer of the hunting grounds wasn’t the most dangerous, but it was still a serious challenge, especially for first-year students. Level 2 beasts were known for their strength and cunning, and facing them would be no easy task.
“The mission will last the entire weekend,” Lady Isolde said, her voice leaving no room for hesitation. “You will need to prepare provisions, weapons, and anything else you deem necessary for your survival. You will not be allowed to return until the mission is complete. Failure is not an option.”
Lifu felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had trained for this. They all had. This was their chance to prove themselves, to show that they could handle whatever the academy threw at them.
Lady Isolde’s gaze swept over the students once more before she began to announce the pairings. “You will be split into pairs. These pairs are final. You are expected to work together, support each other, and complete the mission as a team. Any student who cannot work with their partner will fail the test.”
Lifu held his breath as the names were called out, his mind racing with possibilities. Who would he be paired with?
When Lady Isolde finally called his name, he felt his heart skip a beat.
“Lifu Stormborne and Tia Drakenhart,” Lady Isolde announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Lifu let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding, relief flooding through him. Tia was one of his closest friends, and they had trained together extensively over the past two weeks. He knew they could rely on each other, and their abilities—his water and lightning and her fire—would make for a strong combination in the field.
Tia shot him a quick, determined grin, her crimson eyes sparkling with excitement. “Looks like we’re in this together, Lifu. Let’s show them what we’re made of.”
Lifu nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. “We’ll get those cores and make it back in one piece. I know we can do this.”
The rest of the pairings were announced, and Lifu noticed that Tumo was paired with a quiet, but skilled student named Leila, who had an affinity for wind magic. Tumo gave Lifu and Tia an encouraging thumbs-up as they all prepared for what lay ahead.
“Remember,” Lady Isolde said, her voice cutting through the chatter as the pairings were finalised, “this is your first real test. How you perform here will determine how the academy views you going forward. Prepare yourselves well. Dismissed.”
As the students dispersed, Lifu, Tia, Leila and Tumo huddled together to discuss their preparations. The mission would require careful planning, and they had only a few hours before nightfall to gather everything they needed.
***
The next morning the students assembled at the entrance to the academy’s hunting grounds, where Lady Isolde was waiting to oversee the mission’s start. The hunting grounds stretched out before them, a dense, forested area that was both wild and unpredictable. The first layer was known to be inhabited by a variety of beasts, some of which were highly dangerous, especially for first-year students.
Lifu and Tia stood side by side, their packs secured and their weapons ready. The atmosphere was tense, each pair focused on the task ahead. This was their first real test, and they knew that the outcome would set the tone for their time at the academy.
“Remember your training,” Lady Isolde instructed, her voice stern but not unkind. “Stay alert, stay together, and don’t take unnecessary risks. Your goal is to retrieve two level two monster cores. Once you have them, return here. You have until sunset on the second day to complete the mission.”
With their final instructions given, Lady Isolde raised her hand, signalling the start of the mission. “You may begin. Good luck.”
The students exchanged determined looks before setting off into the hunting grounds in pairs, their movements careful and deliberate. Lifu and Tia took a deep breath, steeling themselves for what lay ahead, and then they, too, ventured into the dense forest.
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