"Exams are like final bosses. You either defeat them, or they haunt your dreams forever."

The final week of exams felt like walking into a war zone.

Students dragged their feet through the halls, looking like they hadn’t slept in days. Some had dark circles so deep it looked like they’d been through a fight. Others clutched notebooks and flashcards like lifelines, flipping pages even as they bumped into walls.

Inside the exam room, the air was heavy.

Ryu sat at his desk, hunched over with a pen gripped tight in his hand. His eyes scanned the paper as fast as possible, trying to squeeze out every last answer before time ran out.

Across the room, Aiden looked way too calm for someone taking an exam. He sat back in his chair, head tilted, casually tapping the desk with his fingers. Every now and then, he’d scribble something down like he was doing the test just to be polite.

At the back, Karl leaned so far into his chair it was a miracle he didn’t fall off. He stared up at the ceiling like he was questioning every decision that brought him here.

Lena and Alina whispered quietly to each other, hoping their voices wouldn’t carry. But the invigilator gave them a sharp glare, and they shut up immediately.

At the far end, Ren was mumbling equations under his breath. His fingers twitched like he was casting spells—except this time, it was just nerves.

The final five minutes ticked down.

Ryu glanced at the clock, heart racing. He scribbled down the last answer just as a shadow loomed over his desk. The invigilator reached down and snatched the paper from under his pen.

He let out a long breath and slumped in his seat. Barely made it.

The moment the group stepped out of the exam hall, everything felt lighter. It was as if the stress melted off the moment they left their chairs.

Ryu rolled his shoulders and stretched his arms. His back cracked loudly. He wasted no time heading to his usual spot—he had to check on Aiden.

Aiden stood by the window, staring out like he was trying to understand the meaning of life.

“Yo, how’d it go?” Ryu asked, nudging him lightly.

Aiden sighed. “I think I passed. Probably didn’t fail anything this time.”

Ryu blinked. “Wait, what? That’s progress!” He laughed. “We should celebrate this rare achievement!”

Aiden gave him a tired look. “Don’t make it sound like a miracle.”

Before Ryu could say more, the rest of their group arrived—Lena, Alina, Ren, and Karl.

“Hey Kenji, how was the exam?” Lena asked.

“Almost ran out of time, but I think I made it,” Ryu replied.

Alina grinned. “As expected of our class ace. Anyway, we’re thinking about going out—maybe hit a café, do karaoke, just chill a bit. You guys coming?”

Ryu lit up. “Perfect timing. I was just talking to Aiden about celebrating.”

Karl threw his arms up dramatically. “The war is over! Time for peace and snacks!”

Alina groaned. “Karl, please stop with the weird metaphors.”

Karl smirked. “Says the person who laughed at my joke last week.”

Alina narrowed her eyes but didn’t bother arguing.

She turned to Aiden. “You better come too. Don’t be boring.”

Aiden sighed. “Fine. I’ll come.”

Ryu grinned. “Wow, that’s a yes? Who are you and what have you done with Aiden?”

Aiden muttered, “Shut up.”

Before heading out, the group walked past the open training grounds. The sun was setting, casting long golden shadows across the field. A few students were still training, tossing small spells around.

Their magic instructor, Master Ravel, stood at the center, watching closely as a student struggled to summon fire.

“Magic isn’t just power,” Ravel said, loud enough for them to hear. “It’s focus and control.” He raised his hand, forming a small, perfect flame that danced over his palm. “Anyone can spark a fire. But few can control it.”

The group stopped to watch.

Ren crossed his arms. “I wish we had more time to train before the expedition. I haven’t even fully mastered Lightning Arc yet.”

Lena nodded. She held out her fingers, creating a small spiral of wind. “I finally got my Wind Affinity balanced for battle. Now we’re just getting thrown into field work.”

Karl leaned against the railing. “Must be nice… having magic.”

Ryu’s expression shifted slightly, but he forced a small laugh. “Yeah. Must be.”

The group went quiet for a moment.

Ryu sighed. “I always dreamed of joining a top magic academy. But… well, here I am.”

Master Ravel looked his way. “You don’t need magic to be strong,” he said firmly. “There’s more than one path.”

Ryu met his eyes and nodded slowly.

Trying to lighten the mood, Alina stretched and smiled. “Anyway, I’m aiming for the Lunar Magic Corps. Super elite, super fancy, and the uniforms are gorgeous.”

Lena snorted. “Typical.”

Karl shook his head. “I just want a quiet research job. Away from fireballs and flying rocks.”

Ren chuckled. “Yeah right. You’d be a great tactician.”

Aiden, of course, said nothing at first.

“Not sure,” he finally mumbled. “Haven’t really thought about it.”

“Of course you haven’t,” Ryu said with a smirk.

Their conversation slowly turned into laughter and casual teasing as they headed to the café.

The café was cozy and busy. The smell of coffee and pastries filled the air. Warm lights hung from the ceiling, giving the whole place a calm, comfortable vibe.

They found a table near the window and settled in, drinks in hand.

Then the holo-screen on the wall flickered to life.

“Breaking News! All Five Great Generals from the Major Magic Academies have come together for an emergency summit. Details remain secret, but sources claim something big is coming to the magical world.”

The screen showed five powerful figures, each with a unique aura. Even through a screen, their presence was intense.

For a second, the whole café went quiet.

Ren leaned closer. “All five generals? That never happens.”

Lena whispered, “Something serious must be going on…”

Karl frowned. “Or something dangerous.”

Alina, however, grinned. “Forget that—look at the one on the left. He’s ridiculously good-looking.”

The tension broke instantly.

“Oh my god,” Ryu muttered, burying his face in his hands.

The news continued briefly, but before they could hear more, the screen switched to a commercial.

They all sat back and let out the breath they didn’t know they were holding.

As they left the café, rain started to fall. First just a drizzle, then a steady pour.

Ryu pulled up his hood. “Guess we’re running.”

Alina groaned. “Great. I just fixed my hair!”

Aiden walked calmly beside them, completely unbothered. “Should’ve checked the forecast.”

They all started running, their laughter mixing with the sound of rain hitting the pavement. For a little while, everything felt normal again.

But deep inside, Ryu felt something was off.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to change.

That this trip… wouldn’t be like the others.

Chapter End