With a natural ease that was entirely her own, she leapt onto her and wrapped her in a shield of golden, glowing threads — a creation of her own magic. She spelled out loud: “EMBRACE ARMOUR!”

Mikuami suddenly found herself pinned to the ground beneath Kazuko, the impact dispersing the thick, smoky magical cloud. Gradually, everyone could see the centre of the arena once again, where the two figures now stood. Harina rushed over to them.

Kazuko spoke first: “Apologies, Miss Harina, for stepping in, but I thought that–…”

Miss Harina cut her off sharply: “No, Kazuko. You did well, and I should have acted sooner myself. Are you all right, Mikuami?”

Shaken by the fall and the impact, Mikuami let out a few gasps and signs of breathlessness.

“Koff, koff… Yes, I’m fine… I think I lost control…” she said with some difficulty, as she tried to steady her breathing and regain her composure.

“It’s nothing to worry about — it’s only the first day. Still, it’s rather unusual. Given your name, I wouldn’t have expected this kind of difficulty. This sort of thing only tends to happen at a very young age or when the magic is too powerful for the bearer’s body–…” She stopped there and studied her for a brief moment, which felt painfully long to Mikuami. “In any case, your magic is very strong. Your energy source is shadow-based as well, isn’t it?”

Mikuami nodded, somewhat uneasily. On the one hand, she was lying to everyone about her true magic. On the other, in pretending to wield the same power as Hiro, she had given, unlike him, a rather pitiful display.

“Well then, let’s not linger. These sorts of incidents can happen, and even if Mikuami did lose control, everyone could see just how powerful her magic is.”

As Harina brushed aside the event with a few words, Mikuami, supported by Kazuko, made her way back up to the stands — a little ashamed, yet relieved that it was over. Masami, ever observant, stepped forward and, with a gentle wave of her hand, conjured a delicate ribbon of water that settled upon a wound Mikuami had sustained during her fall.

“This is blessed water from my homeland. It’ll heal your injury quickly.”

A moment later, the applied water had erased all trace of the wound, and Mikuami forgot her embarrassment for a second, marvelling at what she considered a small miracle.

“That’s amazing, Masami.”

“Yes, it’s convenient, but it’s nothing remarkable. I can only produce small amounts for now. I do hope to gain more power to enhance my abilities. My family needs me to become a Guardian, so I can continue protecting the sacred lands of the North.”

Mikuami smiled and thanked her. Kazuko then stepped closer and murmured gently:

“Mikuami? Do you… know why you lost control just now? We were all a bit surprised. I don’t mean that as blame or mockery, but… given that you come from one of the most distinguished families, the magical education there is usually rather strict.”

“I don’t know. I feel like my mind is… clouded.”

Kazuko understood that the topic placed Mikuami in an uncomfortable position. She gently placed her hand on hers and rested her head on her shoulder, as if to comfort her. They remained that way, both watching the other students take their turns. A few benches away, the group of boys were also discussing what had just happened. Eiko praised Kazuko’s bravery, while Haru continued to tease him about his admiration for her since their conversation at the Academy buffet. Hiro, on his end, was brooding. He certainly hadn’t expected that the girl he found so unpleasant and troublesome possessed the same magic as him.

“It’s quite surprising… I know the Ayademi family, but I had no idea their daughter had the same power as me.”

“I didn’t either. However, since she’s never attended any balls or formal gatherings, how could we have known? Some children from good families only make their first appearance once they come of age. We are exceptions, since we live at the palace,” said Eiko.

Haru chuckled lightly. “Haha, in that case, we’ll be seeing a bunch of new faces in just a few months! Coming of age is approaching, and with it, splendid soirées! Though that won’t stop Hiro from being completely cold to every girl around him.”

Hiro shot him a cold glare, and silence fell once more.

-

Later that day, after a well-deserved lunch break—and a bit of rest for some—Mikuami, along with the other girls in her class, began changing in the Academy’s locker rooms. Relieved that the morning was finally over and that the rest of the day held only a physical education lesson, she tied up her hair.

“These sports uniforms are so comfortable and stylish! I love them!” said Makiro, bouncing on the spot.

“I agree, even though I find the top a bit tight,” Kazuko mumbled.

“Oh come on, stop complaining!” Makiro replied again with a mischievous and mocking look.

“For my part, I think it’s a little too thin fabric-wise. We’re in gym class, not on a runway,” added Masami.

“Let’s stop complaining, girls, or we’ll be late!” Kazuko opened the door, and they all headed out. They made their way to the sports field, where the boys from the class were already waiting.

Haru was warming up. “Ahhh, I can’t wait to do some sport, it’s going to relax me—and I love it.”

“Me too, and the weather’s lovely, so it’s goi–…” Eiko stopped short. His gaze landed on the approaching girls. For a moment, it felt as if a bright light had dazzled them. A gleam shone in the eyes of most of the boys present, with the exception of Hiro, who maintained a perfectly neutral expression in front of the scene. After a moment, Haru finally managed to utter a few words.

“I must admit, I really do love sport…”

A whistle blew, cutting him off, and they all gathered. An angel approached, arms crossed.

“Right, is everyone here? Perfect! I’m Elisa Hyostel, but you may call me Miss Elisa. I’ll be your sports teacher for the year. During these lessons, I’ll help you grow stronger and turn you into true athletes! Today, we’ll start gently with a warm-up. Let’s begin with a run! Follow me!”

Miss Elisa took the lead, and together they began a circuit around the Academy, the rhythm set by the sound of their footsteps. At the end of the lap, she stopped and addressed her students:

“Right, I’ll stop here. You now know the course! Run as many laps as you can, and stop the moment you’re unable to continue. This will be your first assessment, and it will allow me to rank you by level. Good luck to all of you—and remember: it’s not speed that matters, but endurance!”

She pulled out a notebook and gave a motivating blast of the whistle, marking the start of the race. The laps followed one after another, and some footsteps began to fall away as time passed. On the seventh lap, Makiro, along with a few other girls, decided to stop. On the ninth, Kazuko was surprised by Mikuami’s stamina, as she hadn’t seemed so enduring before. Mikuami herself was a little shocked, though she recalled Mr Adler telling her he had trained her both physically and mentally for years to boost her chances at the Academy.

By the twelfth lap, only a handful of six remained, and by the thirteenth, just five: Haru, Eiko, Hiro, Kazuko and Mikuami. All appeared in great shape. Mikuami, pleased with her performance, began to feel her limits approaching. In silent agreement with Kazuko, she decided to end the race alongside her. The teacher applauded them, clearly delighted by such an impressive first athletic display.

“Well done, you’ve achieved a remarkable result! I’m proud of you! I especially appreciate your team spirit and your choice to stop together in support of one another.”

Kazuko grabbed a water bottle and exclaimed joyfully: “That’s right! Mikuami and I are true partners! We work best as a duo!”

Miss Elisa nodded, satisfied, and walked away with her notebook, jotting down a few words as she went: “Very well, I’ll do my best to remember that.”

The girls then sat down to catch their breath, waiting to see who would be the final candidate still standing. Secretly, Mikuami found herself thinking about Hiro. “He seems like a good athlete, and quite resilient. I wonder how long he’ll keep going.” It wasn’t until the seventeenth round that Eiko gave up, soon followed in the eighteenth by Hiro, breathless after such a long run. Then came Haru, still full of energy and bursting with joy. With a final push, he crossed the line and pulled off his top, the marks of exertion plain on his body.

“There he is, the best student of the day! Congratulations, you're in excellent shape!”

Haru beamed with delight. “Thank you, Professor! I’m from the Origin of the Elements, and I’ve got wolf’s blood in me, so I always give my all when it comes to physical training!”

He was soon surrounded by classmates eager to congratulate him. Mikuami and Kazuko joined in, offering their own compliments, which he accepted with a broad smile and returned in kind. Haru had undeniable charm and a physique that rarely failed to please. He was one of those young men who looked after themselves, and his sun-kissed complexion, tinged with golden hues from the Eastern coasts, was particularly striking. He clearly enjoyed being the centre of attention, and made no secret of it.

A little further off, Hiro and Eiko, both parched and worn out, had also taken off their shirts and were drying themselves with the towels and water bottles provided. Mikuami couldn’t help but glance over, but Kazuko quickly drew her attention away.

“Hey, Mikuami. About earlier—what I said about our partnership—I truly meant it. We haven’t known each other for long, but it already feels like I’ve found a real teammate. I know it might sound strange, but…” She held out her hand. “I’m really glad I met you, Mikuami.”

At this declaration of friendship, Mikuami recalled some of Mr Adler’s words from their many conversations: “Be wary of those you meet, young lady. Many will try to benefit from your position, your name, your magical power if revealed, or simply from your kindness of heart.”

She looked Kazuko straight in the eyes, searching for some trace of dishonesty in the violet of her pupils, but found none. A reassuring warmth spread through her, and she extended her hand in return. Mr Adler’s final words echoed in her ears: “But do not worry—you will also find those who will be your strength, and become powerful, loyal allies… and friends.”

Mikuami smiled warmly at Kazuko. “Me too, Kazuko.”

The two of them shook hands, sealing their friendship in an unspoken but mutual pact. This solemn moment was swiftly broken by Kazuko pulling Mikuami into a hug, delighted to have found such a companion to walk beside her at the Hatsu Academy.

The sports lesson ended with a series of exercises in which the girls playfully challenged the boys, eager to prove themselves. Laughter and friendly gestures followed, with no trace of bitterness, and everyone parted ways once the session came to an end.

-

Mikuami was later seen striding briskly down the corridors. She had little time before her next lesson and wanted to freshen up first. As she reached one of the bathroom doors, she saw Hiro approaching with a determined expression. He blocked the doorway with one hand before addressing her.

“You did well in sports today… but as for your magic, you lost control. How did that happen?”

Already weary at the prospect of an unpleasant conversation, Mikuami tried to brush it off as quickly as possible.

“I just got lost in thought. It wasn’t anything serious.”

She tried to push the door open abruptly, but Hiro stopped her and closed it again.

“I don’t think so.”

Mikuami could no longer hold back. His provocation was too much. She turned towards him, ready to retaliate.

“What do you want from me, seriously?! Do you think I didn’t see through your little game?”

“What are you talking about?” he snapped back, his expression both confused and scornful.

“You played the perfect student by showcasing your magical abilities, showing everyone what you’re capable of. But apparently, that wasn’t enough. You had to put me down because I lost control? We share the same magical origin! Was that too poor a performance for you? Is the gap between us so great that you felt the need to make me feel inferior?”

Hiro’s frustration began to show.

“You’re awfully full of yourself if you think all of that is true. You’ve no idea what I’m thinking.”

Still irritated, Mikuami couldn’t calm herself. Hiro’s cold stare unsettled her, and she saw no other outcome than conflict.

“Oh! So now I’m the arrogant one?! From the first day, you’ve looked down on me, and you’ve never bothered to hide it. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, but I don’t think I’ve earned your contempt!”

“Ahhh…” he sighed, clearly exasperated as well. “There’s really no getting through to you. I was right. You’re just like all the others.”

Their eyes clashed, heavy with resentment. Mikuami turned away and finally pushed the door open. Before stepping inside, she glanced back one last time.

“That’s perfect, because I never intended to prove anything to you! I don’t care who you are, or what your connections are. Believe me, not everyone wants to be on your good side! Personally, the moment I sensed your disdain, I had no desire whatsoever to get along with you. I’m not interested in you at all, Hiro. So leave me alone!”

She slammed the door behind her. Hiro remained still, his gaze filled with fury.

He too entered one of the nearby bathrooms and undressed. Placing his hands on the sink, he stared at his reflection in the mirror.

“Argh! She’s even worse than I imagined! But, as she said herself, I don’t plan on getting along with her. No matter what anyone says. There’s no way that’ll ever happen.”