After the dungeon raid, time passed swiftly. The years at the Academy blurred together, each one bringing new challenges, growth, and unexpected revelations.

Second Year – Rean’s Awakening

By the time we entered our second year, we had all honed our combat skills significantly, pushing ourselves beyond what we thought possible. It was during one of our assassination training sessions that Rean discovered his unique ability.

In the middle of a stealth exercise, he vanished—completely melting into the shadows. At first, we thought he had just improved his stealth techniques, but when he reappeared from inside a wall, we realized it was something more.

His newfound power, Shadow Step, allowed him to phase into any darkened space and move undetected. Whether it was slipping through an enemy’s blind spot or appearing behind a target in an instant, his ability made him a true assassin.

From that day on, Rean became a ghost on the battlefield—silent, unseen, and deadly.

---

Third Year – Arther’s Awakening

In our third year, Arther—our strongest and most physically gifted member—underwent a transformation that changed the way he fought forever.

It happened during a sparring match in the Academy’s Grand Arena. He had been facing off against an upperclassman, someone known for their mastery over aura-enhanced weapons.

At first, the fight seemed one-sided. The opponent was faster, more skilled, and relentless. But just when it looked like Arther would lose, something inside him snapped.

The opponent’s sword froze mid-air, suspended as if held by an invisible force.

Silence filled the arena.

Then, with a mere flick of his fingers, Arther launched the sword away—without even touching it.

That was the birth of his unique ability, Telekinesis.

With his newfound power, he could control objects with sheer willpower, making him even more terrifying in battle. His raw strength combined with invisible force manipulation meant that no weapon, no opponent, and no obstacle could stop him.

From that day forward, he became a force to be reckoned with.

---

The Last Night at the Academy

Ivan’s POV – A Confession Under the Moonlight

The Academy’s farewell party was in full swing, the grand hall filled with laughter, music, and the chatter of students who had spent years training together. It was supposed to be a night of celebration, but I found myself on the balcony, gazing at the silver moon hanging in the sky.

Behind me, Arther was already drunk, his boisterous laughter echoing through the hall. Nether was stuffing his mouth with food, showing no restraint even on our last night. Rean, as usual, stood in the corner, sipping his drink while observing everything like a shadow.

Then, Ivansia stepped onto the balcony, her graceful presence almost making the air around me still. Her long, platinum-blonde hair glowed under the moonlight, and her crimson eyes shimmered with something unreadable.

She leaned on the railing beside me, her gaze fixed on the sky.

“The moon is beautiful tonight.”

I nodded absentmindedly. “Yeah, it really is—”

Then it hit me.

My eyes widened as I slowly turned to her. “W-Wait… are you serious?”

She smiled, the slightest pink dusting her cheeks. “Yes.”

I felt my heart pound in my chest. Ivansia wasn’t someone who played around with words. She was precise, elegant, and composed. If she said it, she meant it.

Swallowing my nerves, I slowly reached out, cupping her soft cheek with my hand. Her skin was warm against my palm, and she didn’t pull away.

I leaned in, gently pressing my lips against hers.

The noise of the party faded into the background. In that moment, nothing else existed—just the two of us under the beautiful moonlight.

---

Nether’s POV – The Rooftop Confession

I sat at an empty table in the corner of the grand hall, devouring my plate of food while everyone else was either drinking or talking about the future.

What was I doing? Of course, eating.

Then, Sylpiette walked up, her usual cold demeanor present as she crossed her arms.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

I barely looked up. “Eating.”

She sighed before grabbing my wrist. “Come with me.”

“Hey, I’m not done—wait, let me at least take this!” I quickly grabbed a piece of meat from my plate before she dragged me away, like always.

She led me to the rooftop, where the cool night breeze brushed against my skin. The academy grounds looked peaceful from up here, the moon casting a serene glow.

Sylpiette turned to face me, her expression unreadable.

“Did you know I was a princess in the Elven Kingdom?” she suddenly asked.

I took another bite of my food. “What do you take me for? A fool? Of course, I knew.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Is that so?”

Then, out of nowhere, she asked, “Do you love me?”

I nearly choked on my food. Coughing, I turned to her. “What kind of joke is that?”

She didn’t laugh. Instead, she stared at me with those sharp, piercing eyes. “I’m serious.”

I felt my face heat up. Looking away, I muttered, “Well… it’s not like I hate you or anything…”

She wasn’t satisfied. “Yes or no?”

I sighed, scratching my head. “Tch… Fine. Yes, I guess.”

Still, she kept glaring at me, as if waiting for something more.

I took a deep breath. “I don’t know when, but… somehow, along the way, I did fall for you.”

Her face immediately turned red, and she quickly covered it with her hands, looking away.

Then, suddenly, she stepped forward and hugged me.

I froze.

“…You better not regret saying that,” she whispered against my shoulder.

I let out a small chuckle, wrapping my arms around her. “I won’t.”

---

The End of an Era, The Start of a New Journey

The night carried on, and as the farewell party came to an end, we all stood together, looking at the Academy one last time.

Four years had passed in a blink.

We had grown stronger, wiser, and closer than we ever imagined.

But tomorrow, the world awaited us. Our real journey was just beginning.

To be continued…