Two young men stood on the battlefield, their gazes locked, burning with determination. Zero, the youth with coal-black hair, took a deliberate step forward, and his shadow expanded, growing monstrous and menacing, until it finally broke free from the ground, rushing toward the second guy with terrifying speed.

“You know,” Zero said with a sly smirk, his voice dripping with mockery, “I’m glad it’s just the two of us. No one to interfere this time.”

Joon’s silver hair glimmered under the dim light as he leaped into the air with feline grace, narrowly evading the dark tendrils. His gaze was cold, calculating, and unwavering. But as he ascended, he sensed something amiss. Zero’s form had disappeared, and a chilling sensation prickled down his spine.

Zero materialized behind him, merging with Joon’s own shadow. The darkness coiled around Joon like a serpent. For a moment, panic flickered in his mind, but his resolve soon flared like a beacon.

A luminous bow appeared in his hands, conjured as if from thin air. It radiated an ethereal glow, silvery and pure, akin to moonlight. Joon drew the bowstring, and its brilliance pierced through Zero’s encroaching shadow.

The battlefield erupted in a blinding flash. Zero’s darkness receded, his breathing ragged as he steadied himself. Yet his eyes burned with renewed anger, and the shadows began to coalesce once more.

But Joon was ready. Another arrow flew, slicing through the oppressive dark. The collision of light and shadow painted the arena with brilliance and gloom. Each moment teetered on the edge of catastrophe when…

“Guuuuys!”

A melodious female voice shattered the tension, causing both young men to freeze mid-motion. It was Miki, her cheerful tone ringing through the air like a bell. She stood at the entrance, waving enthusiastically, her warm smile disarming even the thickest tension.

“Well, here she is,” Zero muttered with a half-smile, lowering his stance. “The Queen of Boom herself. Guess we should stop now, shouldn’t we?”

Joon and Zero exchanged a glance, their battle frenzy giving way to a mixture of disappointment and weariness.

“Hey, Miki,” Zero called, his shadow dissipating into the ground like smoke. His black hair fell into place as he exhaled deeply, trying to catch his breath. “Come down here already.”

Joon’s luminous bow faded into nothingness, leaving only a faint, silvery afterglow. His focus shifted to Miki, who skipped toward them like a bird descending to earth, her long hair flowing in the soft breeze.

“You’re early today,” she said, her voice playful. “Maybe next time you could wait for the others?”

“We were going to,” Zero began, brushing dust from his sleeve, “but the teacher said you were busy at the principal’s office with Aden and Damien.”

“Mr. Kim told you that?”

“Hey,” Zero interjected, his gaze drifting toward the entrance. “I thought we were the only ones allowed here.”

Following his line of sight, Joon noticed two girls entering alongside Aden. Zero’s expression hardened, suspicion evident in his narrowed eyes. He leaned toward Miki, whispering, “First time seeing them. Do you know who they are?”

Joon’s gaze lingered on the newcomers. One of them, with light blue eyes scanning the space, caught his attention. “Rumiya Suzukawa,” he murmured, almost to himself.

Miki’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Rumiya and Harabi,” she said, smiling. “My friends.”

Zero smirked. “Friends? Never knew you were acquainted with the Kurosaki daughter.”

Miki shrugged. “Not exactly friends… at least, not yet.”

By then, Aden and the two girls had reached the group. Harabi and Rumiya bowed politely, their postures formal.

“Sorry for intruding,” Harabi said, “but Michelle invited us to watch the battle. We couldn’t refuse. I’m Harabi Kurosaki, originally from Nox.”

“And I’m Rumiya Sudzukawa, from Soleil,” added the other girl with a quiet nod.

Zero chuckled darkly. “I’ve heard about you two. Big troublemakers, aren’t you?”

Harabi stiffened. “Excuse me?”

“Word is,” Zero continued, “you were the ones behind the fire incident a few days ago.”

“Zero,” Joon interrupted. He stepped forward, his expression softening as he looked at the girls. “Please don’t take my cousin’s words to heart. He often says things without thinking, but he doesn’t mean to offend. My name is Joon, and he’s Zero. We’re both Grimmwoods. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Rumiya nodded hesitantly. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mr. Grimmwood.”

“Please, just call me Joon,” he said warmly, offering her a reassuring smile. “You are Miki's friends, and it means mine too. If we’re going to be friends, there’s no need for formalities. I’d be happy to call you by your name as well, Rumiya.”

Harabi raised a brow, glancing between Joon and Zero. “I suppose that would be fair. I don’t mind.”

Joon inclined his head graciously. “Thank you, Harabi. It’s truly nice to meet you both. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.

“So,” Zero said as he looked directly at Harabi and Rumiya, “what’s the real reason you’re here? Watching battles doesn’t seem like your thing.”

“Zero,” Joon interjected gently. “That’s enough.” He turned toward the girls with a small, apologetic bow. “I’m sorry about my cousin. He doesn’t always express himself well.”

Before Zero could retort, a firm hand landed on his shoulder. Aden had stepped forward. “Zero,” Aden said, “can I have a word with you?”

Zero stiffened under the older boy’s grip. “What now?”

“Over there,” Aden replied simply.

Zero’s protests were muffled as Aden firmly guided him a little aside. The remaining group watched them leave in silence.

Miki exhaled dramatically, shaking her head. “Well, that’s one way to handle him. Aden’s the only one who can.”

Joon turned back to Harabi and Rumiya, his expression softening into a warm smile. “I apologize again for the trouble. I hope Zero didn’t make you uncomfortable.”

Harabi crossed her arms. “He’s... intense.”

Joon nodded, acknowledging her words. “He has his flaws, but deep down, he means no harm. I hope you’ll give him a chance. And,” he added, his tone earnest, “I hope we can all be friends.”

Miki clapped her hands, breaking the lingering tension. “Alright, let’s start our lesson. Harabi, Rumiya, you can watch from the stands. I’ll join you after.”

Miki and Joon approached their friends in the arena. Harabi and Rumiya slowly walked to the seats watching how everything would work out.

"Shall we start as usual?" Miki asked.

Zero crossed his arms. "We don’t have much time. Maybe we should skip the warm-up."

Joon, always the mediator, nodded in agreement. "That’s a good idea. We can start  a two-on-two match. What do you think?"

Miki’s eyes sparkled with determination. "Alright. Let’s divide by magic. My light magic with Joon’s ang’s magic - "

"And my shadow magic with Zero’s Yin," Aden finished, his tone calm yet focused.

The teams quickly formed, each pairing taking their respective positions in the arena. Miki stood beside Joon, her gaze briefly meeting his.

"Are you nervous?" Joon asked, sensing her unease.

Miki hesitated, then admitted, "I’m worried about Zero. He seems… annoyed."

Joon shrugged. "That’s just Zero. He always says what’s on his mind, even if it’s harsh."

Miki sighed. "But he doesn’t know when to stop. What if Aden gets angry?"

"Our prince has a cool head," Joon replied with a reassuring smile. "He won’t let Zero’s words get to him."

Across the arena, Aden and Zero stood in silent preparation. Aden stretched his fingers, his sharp eyes observing Miki and Joon. When Miki smiled at Joon, he looked away.

"Does our prince wish he were on Miki’s team?" Zero teased.

"Not at all," Aden replied coolly. "I’m focused on the match. They’re strong enough to be a challenge."

"You think they can beat us?"

"Perhaps," Aden admitted.

Zero smirked. "Don’t worry, Aden. We’ve beaten them before. Confidence and strategy - that’s the key.”

The air grew thick with anticipation, an invisible tension binding all four competitors. The silence was palpable. A few second later the battle had started.

Miki and Joon moved as one. Miki surged forward, her hands glowing as a radiant stream of energy shot toward Zero. Behind her, Joon drew his bow, his arrows shimmering with light, prepared to defend her. Aden wasted no time, conjuring a wave of dark energy that hurtled toward Joon. Meanwhile, Zero vanished into the swirling shadows, reappearing to catch Miki into his shadows.

Miki, undeterred, intensified her protective field. The radiant light grew stronger, neutralizing many of Zero’s attacks. Her eyes burned with resolve as she shouted, "Joon, now!"

Joon’s next arrow struck Aden’s shadow constructs, each impact sending shockwaves of light across the battlefield. Aden retaliated with a wave of darkness, but it faltered under the relentless assault.

Zero, seizing an opening, appeared behind Joon. His shadow loomed larger, creeping toward his target. At the same time, Aden immobilized Joon with dark tendrils, holding him in place.

Miki brought her hands together in a gesture of prayer. Tiny particles of light appeared across the arena, surrounding Zero, Joon, and Aden. Moments later, they moved as one, rushing toward Joon, tearing him from Aden’s grasp and lifting him into the air. 

"This is our chance!" Miki yelled.

Joon fired another arrow. The light struck Zero’s defenses, scattering his shadows and leaving him exposed. As the battlefield erupted in a blinding glow, Zero stumbled, his form collapsing to the ground. Aden rushed to his side, concern evident on his face.

Zero’s gaze locked onto Miki, fury blazing in his eyes. The oppressive aura that emanated from Zero darkened the arena. Miki’s breath hitched as an overwhelming pressure forced her to her knees. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed.

Joon darted forward, erecting a luminous shield to protect them both. But Zero’s anger was far from extinguished, his power threatening to engulf them all.

“Zero, stop!” Aden shouted.

Zero charged at Joon, his magic spiraling out of control. Without hesitation, Aden summoned a massive cube of darkness, directing it toward his friend. At the last moment, the cube enveloped Zero, sealing him within. Aden exhaled in relief, lowering his hands as he turned toward Joon and Miki.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" Aden asked, his voice sharp with concern.

Miki glanced at him and laughed nervously, brushing the sweat from her forehead. Joon helped her to her feet.

“I still can’t get used to his powers,” Miki admitted, her voice trembling slightly.

“He lost control again,” Aden muttered. “Luckily, Mr. Kim isn’t here.”

Joon, ever watchful, studied Miki closely before releasing a relieved sigh. “Can you handle it now?”

Miki nodded. “Yes... I’m fine. Let me get close to him.”

With steady steps, she approached the cube, drawing a deep breath. Crossing her arms over her chest, she summoned the lights around her again. A brilliant glow radiated from her hands, her hair flowing as the power surged through her. 

Placing her left hand against the cube, Miki channeled her energy. A blinding white light burst forth, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. When the light faded, Zero sat on the ground before her, his gaze dark with displeasure. Without a word, he stood abruptly, muttering under his breath as he turned to leave.

"Sorry," he said before walking away.

As he exited the arena, two figures - Harabi and Rumiya - rushed toward the group. Rumiya immediately ran to Miki, grasping her hands tightly.

“Miki, Miki…” she repeated, her voice trembling as she searched for words. Seeing Miki’s weary eyes, she pulled her into a tight embrace. “You’re alright, aren’t you?”

Meanwhile, Harabi approached Joon and Aden, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What was that just now?”

Joon glanced at her. “He lost control of his magic.”

“So easily?” Harabi asked, “I thought that was rare among mages.”

“It is,” Joon replied. “But Zero’s magic is different - it’s fueled by his emotions. Any strong feeling can turn him into… that.”

 Aden nodded, his tone somber. “It started two years ago. During a lesson, he got angry after losing to his father. The teacher had to step in to calm him down.” He paused before adding, “His magic grows stronger with time, and for now, only Miki can bring him back.”

Joon  remained silent. Finally, he exhaled sharply and turned to his friends. “We can’t ignore this anymore. If we don’t find a way to help him, things could get worse. Much worse.”