A NOBLE CAUSE

  The academy halls were unusually quiet when Ethan arrived in the morning. He immediately noticed the absence of instructors and the murmurs among the students.

  “What’s going on?” he asked as he slid into his seat next to Orion and Callan.

  Callan leaned back, arms crossed. “Classes are canceled for the day. The instructors were summoned to the royal palace.”

  Ethan raised an eyebrow. “The king called for them?”

  Orion nodded. “Yeah, apparently, it’s something urgent. They didn’t tell us anything, just that all lectures and training sessions are suspended until further notice.”

  Ethan exhaled, leaning on his desk. “So, what are we supposed to do? Just sit around all day?”

  Orion smirked. “Not necessarily. We were talking about heading outside the city for some personal training. No academy rules, no instructors breathing down our necks.”

  Callan added, “It’s encouraged for Virgo students to experiment with their craft outside a controlled environment. The best way to improve is through trial and error.”

  Ethan thought about it. While the Academy provided excellent facilities, much of Virgo’s strength lay in the ability to adapt and innovate. Experimenting with his powers in an open space, without restrictions, was exactly what he needed.

  “I’m in,” he said.

  “Good,” Orion grinned. “We were thinking of heading to the plains near the western forest. Open space, plenty of materials to work with.”

  Before they could finalize their plans, a familiar voice cut in.

  “You’re all training outside the city?”

  Lysandra stood nearby, arms crossed, clearly having overheard the conversation. Behind her, her three friends—Seraphina, Evelynn, and Mirielle—stood watching with varying levels of interest.

  “Yes,” Callan replied smoothly. “Since class is canceled, we figured it would be a good use of time.”

  Lysandra considered this for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Then we’ll join you.”

  Orion blinked. “Wait, we?”

  Lysandra gestured toward her friends. “All of us.”

  Ethan exchanged glances with Callan and Orion. Bringing Lysandra along was one thing, but adding her noble entourage? That would certainly change the dynamic.

  “You sure you want to get your hands dirty, Lady Lysandra?” Orion teased.

  Lysandra scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. I have no intention of sitting idly while the rest of you experiment. Unlike some people, I take my training seriously.”

  Seraphina, standing tall and poised, added, “We wouldn’t mind testing our own skills either.”

  Evelynn smirked. “And, if nothing else, watching you commoners struggle will be entertainment.”

  Mirielle sighed. “I would have preferred to stay at the Academy, but I suppose fresh air won’t kill me.”

  Ethan shrugged. “Fine. Just don’t complain when things get rough.”

  Lysandra smirked. “I should be saying that to you.”

  Later that afternoon, the group gathered at the Academy’s grand entrance. Standing before them was Lysandra’s personal chariot—a sleek, black-and-gold carriage drawn by two majestic stallions. The craftsmanship was immaculate, with enchanted sigils subtly etched along its frame to ensure a smooth and efficient ride.

  Ethan stared at it for a moment before glancing at Orion and Callan.

  Orion, as expected, let out a low whistle. “Now this is how nobles travel. I was ready to walk, but hey, I’m not complaining.”

  Callan crossed his arms. “I should’ve expected this from you, Lysandra.”

  Lysandra, standing beside the carriage with her usual air of superiority, raised an eyebrow. “Did you really think I was going to walk all the way there like some commoner? This is far more efficient.”

  Mirielle, already seated inside, sighed. “Can we stop arguing and get moving?”

  Evelynn smirked as she leaned against the carriage door. “I hope you’re not too stubborn to accept a little luxury, Ethan.”

  Ethan exhaled. “Fine, let’s just go.”

  Seraphina was already inside, her usual composed expression unchanging as she adjusted her gloves. Orion was the first of the boys to climb in, stretching out as soon as he found a seat.

  “Alright,” he grinned, “I could get used to this.”

  Ethan and Callan followed, settling into the plush seats, while Lysandra took her place across from them, giving a small knock on the side of the chariot.

  “Drive,” she instructed.

  The coachman nodded, and with a soft flick of the reins, the carriage set off.

  The journey through the city was smoother than Ethan had expected. Enchanted wheels ensured the ride barely jostled, making it far more comfortable than a typical carriage. As they passed through the bustling streets, Ethan once again found himself marveling at the seamless integration of magic into everyday life.

  “You’re staring again,” Lysandra noted, watching him.

  Ethan shrugged. “Still getting used to how magic is used outside of battle.”

  Evelynn chuckled. “You really have lived a sheltered life, haven’t you?”

  “Not sheltered. Just different,” Ethan replied.

  Lysandra tapped a finger against her armrest. “Magic isn’t just for war. It’s the foundation of civilization. Without it, cities wouldn’t run, economies would collapse, and half of the luxuries people take for granted wouldn’t exist.”

  Seraphina nodded. “Every major House has its role in maintaining society.”

  Callan added, “That’s why this kind of training is important. Control over our abilities doesn’t just determine how we fight—it determines how we contribute.”

  Ethan processed that in silence. He had spent so much time viewing magic as a tool for survival that he hadn’t considered the broader picture.

  Orion, however, had different priorities.

  “So, about this training,” he said, leaning forward with a grin. “How serious are we going? Just testing out alchemy, or are we sparring too?”

  Lysandra smirked. “Oh, I fully intend to spar.”

  Mirielle sighed. “Of course you do.”

  Ethan chuckled. “Guess we’d better be ready, then.”

  The conversation continued, shifting between training techniques and academy gossip. The dynamic between them was different than before—less rigid, more fluid. The tension between nobles and commoners wasn’t gone, but it was fading.

  For the first time, Ethan felt that they weren’t just a group thrown together by circumstance.

  They were starting to feel like a team.

  As the carriage neared the training grounds, he took a deep breath, ready for whatever the day would bring.

  The chariot rolled to a stop outside the city gates, where an open field stretched far into the distance, untouched by civilization. The land was vast and secluded, surrounded by rolling hills and scattered clusters of trees. The sky overhead was bright and clear, the sun still high—reminding them all that the day had barely begun.

  Ethan was the first to step down, rolling his shoulders and inhaling the crisp air. “This should work.”

  Lysandra followed with practiced grace, descending from the chariot with an air of nobility. She glanced around at the wild, open land and let out a small sigh. “It’s a bit unrefined… but I suppose it’ll suffice.”

  Seraphina, Evelynn, and Mirielle exited after her, each surveying the area with their own judgments.

  Seraphina, sharp-eyed and composed, observed the terrain with a critical gaze. “There’s plenty of space for maneuverability. It’ll do.”

  Evelynn stretched her arms, her auburn curls catching the sunlight. “An entire free day and we’re spending it out here? I better see something impressive.”

  Mirielle, ever poised, merely adjusted her gloves. “I expect this to be worth my time.”

  Orion smirked, already loosening up. “I don’t know why you nobles always act like being outside is a hardship. It’s just grass.”

  Lysandra shot him a look. “You say that now, but we’ll see how you feel after an hour in the heat.”

  Orion shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  With that, the group set up a temporary base—placing their bags in a central spot where they could rest between exercises. The Virgo students naturally gathered together in a loose circle, preparing to refine their craft.

  The noble girls, not being part of Virgo, stood a bit farther off. Though they had no need for alchemy-based training, they weren’t about to waste the opportunity to sharpen their own skills.

  Seraphina adjusted the cuffs of her sleeves. “We’ll train separately, but close enough to observe.” Her cold gaze flicked toward Ethan and the others. “I’m curious to see how Virgos fight.”

  Evelynn smirked. “Or how they struggle.”

  Orion shot back, “You might be surprised.”

  Ethan rolled his shoulders, already focusing his mind. “Let’s find out.”

  The training session began with the Virgo students sharing their insights, exchanging techniques they had developed over the course of their studies.

  Callan stepped forward first. “I’ve been working on an alchemical reaction that enhances materials beyond their normal properties. Watch.”

  He picked up a small rock, ran his aura through it, and within moments, the dull gray stone took on a crystalline sheen. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it at a tree. Instead of shattering, the rock embedded itself deep into the bark as if it had been fired from a crossbow.

  “Reinforcement through density manipulation,” Callan explained. “It’s not permanent, but it gives objects a brief moment of increased durability and weight.”

  Orion whistled. “Not bad. Now let me show you something I cooked up.”

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  He took a long strand of grass and infused it with his aura, altering its structure. The blade of grass hardened, forming a thin, whip-like weapon. With a precise motion, he lashed it against a wooden post they had set up. The grass whip didn’t break upon impact—it carved a clean line into the wood, leaving a visible cut.

  “Flexibility and sharpness modification,” Orion grinned. “If we can apply this to something larger, we might have a whole new kind of weapon.”

  Lysandra observed with arms crossed, unimpressed. “That’s all well and good, but what about transmutation under pressure? A technique that only works when you have time to prepare isn’t useful in a real fight.”

  Ethan smirked. “Good point.”

  He grabbed a discarded tree branch and infused it with his aura. His Leo sight activated, revealing the intricate code of the wood. Quickly rewriting it, he reshaped the branch into a short, reinforced staff with a hardened tip. Then, without hesitation, he tossed it into the air and snapped his fingers.

  The staff extended mid-flight, rapidly growing into a polearm. Ethan caught it effortlessly and spun it in his hands before planting it firmly into the ground.

  Lysandra’s brow twitched slightly. “…Acceptable.”

  Mirielle, who had been observing from the sidelines, arched an eyebrow. “A spear formed from a branch? That’s… unexpected.”

  Evelynn smirked. “I’ll admit, it’s better than I thought. But what happens if the enemy attacks before you can form a weapon?”

  Ethan nodded. “That’s why I’ve been working on something else.”

  He took a deep breath and activated his Virgo aura, focusing on his clothing this time. The modifications he had made to his uniform—elasticity in his gloves, reinforced soles in his boots—came to life as he moved. He dashed forward, leaping high, then used his chain to latch onto a nearby rock formation. With an effortless swing, he landed gracefully, demonstrating not just raw skill but how Virgo’s techniques could enhance movement and adaptability.

  Seraphina, who had remained quiet up until now, finally spoke. “Not bad.”

  Lysandra scoffed. “Obviously.”

  While the Virgos refined their alchemy techniques, the three other girls trained separately, each focusing on their house’s unique strengths.

  Seraphina, a gifted Aries student, stood at a distance with her hands clenched. With a deep breath, she activated her aura, and flames erupted around her fists. She struck the air in a series of rapid, precise motions, leaving streaks of fire in her wake. The air around her shimmered from the heat.

  Evelynn, a Scorpio, smirked and took a different approach. She moved silently, almost vanishing as she blended into the shadows of a nearby tree. Without warning, she appeared behind Orion, tapping his shoulder before he even realized she was there.

  “Stealth is a weapon,” she murmured before stepping back.

  Mirielle, an Aquarius adept, watched them both before sighing. “You two are so flashy.” She raised a single hand, gathering moisture from the air. Within seconds, the water crystallized into sharp, floating shards around her. With a flick of her wrist, she launched them at a target post, each shard striking dead center.

  Lysandra watched all of this in silence before smirking. “Good. At least you’re not entirely useless.”

  Evelynn rolled her eyes. “Such high praise.”

  Despite the banter, it was clear that each of them had honed their abilities well. The Virgos focused on adaptation and control, while the nobles excelled in raw power and precision.

  And yet…

  Ethan couldn’t help but feel like something was missing.

  Ethan turned to Callan, his mind racing with ideas. “Try your technique again,” he said.

  Callan, curious, nodded and stepped forward. He focused, channeling his Virgo aura into the air before him. A faint shimmer spread outward as he replicated his earlier projectile spell, launching a controlled blast toward a distant tree.

  Ethan activated his Lion’s Sight, watching closely.

  He didn’t just see the spell—he saw the code of its structure, how the energy was shaped, how it moved through the air.

  That’s when the realization hit him.

  Callan’s technique wasn’t just a simple projectile—it had incredible potential. But it lacked control, a method to refine and direct it.

  Ethan turned to him. “Have you ever considered using arrows instead of raw energy?”

  Callan frowned. “Arrows? I’m terrible at aiming.”

  Ethan grinned. “I have an idea.”

  Without another word, he knelt and began gathering materials. Using his knowledge of transmutation, he shaped a sturdy bow from reinforced wood, modifying its flexibility for durability. Next, he crafted arrows from the strongest branches he could find, making sure they were perfectly straight.

  Once he was done, he handed the bow to Callan. “Try hitting that tree again.”

  Callan took the bow hesitantly, nocked an arrow, and fired.

  The arrow whizzed through the air… and missed its mark entirely, landing several feet off target.

  Callan sighed. “Told you.”

  Ethan wasn’t discouraged. Instead, he picked up a long vine and handed it to Callan. “Turn this into thread—make it thin, strong, and stretchable.”

  Callan nodded, activating his Virgo aura. He wove his magic through the vine, refining its structure until it became a flexible, almost silk-like thread.

  Ethan smiled. “Now, attach it to the arrow. When you shoot, don’t just rely on your aim—infuse your aura into the thread and guide it toward the target.”

  Callan’s eyes widened in realization. “You want me to control its path mid-flight?”

  “Exactly,” Ethan said. “Your projectile magic isn’t just about brute force—it’s about precision. If you can manipulate energy, why not manipulate the path of your arrow?”

  Intrigued, Callan tied the enchanted thread to his arrow and raised the bow again. This time, as he fired, he extended his aura into the thread, guiding the arrow as it sailed through the air.

  The arrow curved, adjusting mid-flight—and struck the tree dead center.

  A hush fell over the group.

  “That was…” Orion began, eyes wide.

  “Incredible,” Mirielle finished, her voice uncharacteristically impressed.

  Callan stared at the target in shock, then grinned. “I actually did it.”

  Lysandra, watching closely, crossed her arms. “Impressive. But there’s one flaw—your thread betrays your location. Any skilled opponent will notice it and track it back to you.”

  Callan’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly. “She’s not wrong.”

  But Ethan was already one step ahead. “That’s why we change its composition.” He crouched and ran his fingers along the thread. “If we modify its reflective properties, we can make it nearly invisible. And instead of leaving it behind, we alter its material so it retracts back to you after it guides the arrow.”

  Callan’s eyes lit up. “A self-retracting invisible guide… That’s genius.”

  Lysandra raised an eyebrow. “I hate to admit it, but that actually solves the problem.”

  Callan immediately began applying the modifications. As he worked, Orion crossed his arms and let out an exaggerated sigh.

  Evelynn smirked. “Makes me glad I’m on their side.”

  Seraphina, ever observant, tilted her head slightly. “This could revolutionize ranged combat. If refined further, it could be adapted into something much more dangerous.”

  Mirielle, who had been silent until now, simply nodded. “Virgo’s reputation as craftsmen and enchanters is well-earned.”

  Ethan grinned as he watched Callan prepare to test the upgraded arrow.

  This was exactly what made Virgo different from the other houses.

  They didn’t just fight. They adapted.

  Ethan turned to Orion with a knowing smirk. “Alright, your turn. Try the same thing, but with grass.”

  Orion raised an eyebrow. “Grass? What am I supposed to do with grass? Make a salad?”

  Ethan rolled his eyes. “You saw what Callan just did. If we can turn vines into guided threads, then we can modify grass into something even more versatile.”

  Orion sighed but nodded. “Fine, fine. Let’s see where this goes.”

  He crouched down and selected three thick blades of grass, running his aura through them. The grass stiffened and elongated, the fibers compressing until they took on a hardened, blade-like form. He tested the edges with his finger and grinned.

  “Huh. These actually feel sharp.”

  Ethan nodded in approval. “Good. Now, grab a vine—something strong and flexible.”

  Orion found a suitable vine from the nearby bushes and carefully tied each grass blade to it, turning them into makeshift throwing knives connected by a tether.

  Ethan gestured toward a wooden post standing near the edge of the field. “Throw them at that.”

  Orion smirked. “You just want an excuse to let me throw sharp things, don’t you?”

  Ethan smirked back. “Obviously.”

  With a flick of his wrist, Orion sent the blades flying. They sliced cleanly through the air and struck the post in rapid succession—bullseye.

  The watching students murmured in approval.

  “Alright,” Ethan said, “not bad. But you don’t need to just throw them.”

  Orion frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Ethan smirked. “You can bring them back—control them.”

  Orion’s eyes widened. “Wait… you mean like—?”

  “Exactly,” Ethan confirmed. “Think of them as an extension of yourself. Your aura doesn’t just have to send them forward—it can pull them back.”

  Orion looked down at the vine in his hands, then at the embedded blades. He focused, running his aura through the vine like a current. The moment his energy pulsed through it, the blades trembled—then snapped back into his grip.

  The watching students gasped.

  “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Orion muttered, staring at the blades now resting neatly in his hand. “That actually worked.”

  Lysandra, ever the critic, folded her arms. “Impressive, but a bit basic. Can you do more than just call them back?”

  Ethan smirked. “That’s what I was about to say. Orion—see that fruit tree over there?”

  Orion followed Ethan’s gaze to a tree laden with ripe, colorful fruits in the distance. His grin widened. “You’re saying I should…?”

  Ethan nodded. “Try cutting some fruit without leaving your spot. Make sure they land in our hands.”

  Orion cracked his knuckles. “Now this I can get behind.”

  He raised his arm again, this time aiming at the fruit tree. With a flick of his wrist, the three blades shot forward, slicing cleanly through the air. The first blade severed a fuit from a high branch, the second cut another, and the third piece it in the middle, all dropping down in a perfect sequence.

  Then, Orion activated the returning technique.

  The blades snapped back toward him, dragging the fruits along their path. As they neared the group, he slowed their momentum, letting the fruits drop gently into the hands of Ethan, Callan, and himself.

  Orion caught his mango with a triumphant grin. “And that is how you train and snack at the same time.”

  Callan smirked, inspecting his pear. “I have to admit… that was impressive.”

  Evelynn chuckled. “Didn’t think you had it in you.”

  Seraphina, ever the composed one, nodded slightly. “It’s a practical technique. With refinement, you could wield multiple blades at once—silent, precise, and deadly.”

  Mirielle examined the vine-blades and murmured, “If you infused them with different properties… imagine the versatility.”

  Lysandra, despite herself, gave Orion a nod. “Not terrible.”

  Orion took a dramatic bow. “High praise, Lady Lysandra.”

  Ethan crossed his arms, satisfied. “That’s the power of Virgo. We don’t just fight—we engineer the fight.”

  The group, now brimming with energy, turned back to their training with renewed excitement.

  This was just the beginning.

  ?The Flames of Injustice

  The afternoon sun had begun its descent when the group made their way back toward the Academy, their training session still fresh in their minds. Laughter and casual conversation filled the carriage as they reflected on their newly honed techniques.

  But then—

  A dark plume of smoke curled into the sky from the horizon, staining the otherwise clear blue with ominous streaks of gray.

  Ethan was the first to notice. His smile faded. “Do you see that?”

  Callan followed his gaze and immediately stiffened. “That’s a fire… and it’s not from a controlled burn.”

  The atmosphere inside the carriage shifted. The nobles exchanged uncertain glances, while Orion leaned forward, already sensing trouble.

  Lysandra, ever the pragmatic one, raised an eyebrow. “It could be anything—a simple accident, a wayward spark from a forge—”

  Evelynn shook her head. “No. Look at the scale of it. That’s a village burning.”

  A tense silence filled the carriage before Ethan made the call. “We need to go.”

  No one argued.

  The driver barely had time to question their destination before they leaped out of the carriage, rushing toward the source of the smoke.

  As they neared the village, the unmistakable sounds of destruction reached their ears—screams, crackling flames, the clash of steel.

  And then, they saw them.

  A small farming village, home to commoners who lacked the power to enter the Academy, was under siege.

  Hooded figures in black, their faces hidden behind eerie masks, moved through the settlement with ruthless precision. Some wielded dark magic, tendrils of inky shadows whipping through the air like living chains. Others carried crude weapons, striking down anyone who resisted.

  Ethan’s fists clenched as he took in the horrific scene—houses engulfed in flames, villagers being dragged toward waiting carriages, children crying as they were ripped from their families.

  One such child, a boy no older than eight, stumbled toward Orion, his small hands clutching at Orion’s sleeve.

  “P-please! They took my brother!”

  Orion’s expression darkened. He placed a reassuring hand on the boy’s head, then glanced at Ethan. No words were needed.

  They were going to stop this.

  Lysandra was the first to act, raising a hand. The air around her shimmered as she wove an intricate alchemical pattern—her cloak blending into the environment, allowing her to move unseen.

  Ethan turned to Callan and Orion. “Remember what we practiced.”

  Callan nodded, drawing his bow. He activated the aura-thread technique Ethan had helped him develop, reinforcing his arrows with energy-guided precision. Orion, gripping his vine-blades, focused his aura, ensuring he could call them back after every throw.

  And then—they moved.

  Callan was the first to strike. He nocked an arrow, drew his bowstring back, and fired. The arrow curved midair, guided by his aura, before slamming into the shoulder of a masked attacker. The man staggered back, dropping his sword.

  Orion dashed forward, his grass-blades spinning through the air like deadly knives. He sent them flying at two enemies, slicing through their robes before pulling them back effortlessly.

  Ethan surged into the fray, his chain whipping outward like a striking serpent. He infused it with elasticity, extending its reach, before wrapping it around an enemy’s legs and yanking hard. The hooded figure crashed to the ground, stunned.

  Lysandra reappeared beside him, a dagger in her grip. With a swift motion, she disabled another attacker before vanishing again, moving like a ghost between their ranks.

  The villagers, seeing the tide of battle shift, scrambled to take cover while Ethan and his friends pushed forward.

  The Dark Magic Unleashed

  The hooded figures, realizing they were being overwhelmed, shifted tactics.

  One of them, taller than the rest, stepped forward. He raised his hand, and the shadows around him twisted violently, taking on a semi-physical form.

  Dark tendrils lashed out at Orion and Callan. Orion barely dodged, rolling out of the way, while Callan sliced through the darkness with an arrow reinforced by his aura.

  “Ethan,” Callan called, “these guys are using some kind of corrupted magic!”

  Ethan’s eyes narrowed. He activated his Lion’s Sight, allowing him to see the intricate alchemical patterns woven into the dark energy. The magic pulsed unnaturally, feeding off something external—something deeply sinister.

  He gritted his teeth. “It’s parasitic. Their magic is drawing from something outside themselves.”

  Lysandra reappeared beside him, her voice sharp. “Can you disrupt it?”

  Ethan didn’t hesitate. He reached into his coat, pulling out a strip of reinforced cloth. Running his aura through it, he altered its properties—making it absorbent to energy rather than repellent.

  Then, with a flick of his wrist, he sent the cloth flying toward the enemy caster.

  The moment it wrapped around the man’s wrist, his dark tendrils flickered.

  “What—?!” the hooded figure gasped, his magic sputtering.

  Ethan smirked. “Got you.”

  With his magic momentarily disabled, Orion lunged forward, his vine-blades slicing through the air. The dark mage barely had time to react before Orion’s blades slammed into his chest, sending him sprawling.

  The remaining hooded figures, seeing their strongest member fall, hesitated.

  And then—they ran.

  The masked attackers fled toward their carriages, abandoning their mission.

  Callan, breathing heavily, lowered his bow. “Cowards.”

  Orion wiped sweat from his forehead. “I don’t know what they were after, but that was way too organized for some random attack.”

  Ethan turned toward the villagers, his mind racing. Something about this didn’t sit right.

  With the battle over, they focused on tending to the wounded.

  Lysandra and Evelynn helped help the injured. Mirielle and Seraphina assessed the remaining damages, ensuring the village wasn’t at risk of collapsing from the fires.

  Ethan, meanwhile, approached the young boy from earlier.

  He knelt down, placing a comforting hand on the child’s shoulder. “Your brother… do you know where they took him?”

  The boy sniffled and nodded. “They were putting people in those big black carriages… but they didn’t get everyone. Some of them escaped.”

  Ethan exchanged a glance with Orion.

  This wasn’t over.

  Something bigger was at play.

  And Ethan wasn’t about to let it slide.

  Smoke still hung thick in the air as the hooded figures disappeared over the horizon, their retreat swift and calculated. Their carriages rumbled away, abandoning the scene entirely. Whatever their purpose had been, they had failed—at least for now.

  Ethan steadied his breath, surveying the wreckage left behind. The village had suffered—homes burned, fields trampled—but the people still stood. Some clung to each other, dazed but alive, while others picked through the ruins, searching for anything that could be salvaged.

  A small, trembling hand tugged at Orion’s sleeve.

  The boy from before—the one who had pleaded for help—stared up at him with wide, tear-streaked eyes.

  “M-My brother…”

  Ethan, hearing this, immediately moved toward the abandoned carriages. His gut twisted—please let them be alright.

  With a deep breath, he pulled open the first carriage door.

  Inside, huddled together, were villagers—dazed, frightened, but unharmed.

  The boy gasped. “Brother!”

  From within the carriage, a slightly older boy—perhaps in his early teens—lifted his head, his eyes widening as he recognized his sibling. “You’re safe!”

  The younger boy rushed forward, clinging to him as sobs wracked his small frame. The moment was brief, but it carried more weight than any battle could.

  Ethan exhaled, tension melting away. They had arrived just in time.

  Orion ruffled the kid’s hair. “Told ya we’d find him.”

  Callan peered into the other carriages, confirming the same scene. “They left them behind.”

  Not long after the battle had ended and the villagers had begun piecing their lives back together, a thundering sound echoed from the main road—a disciplined march, armored boots striking against the dirt in perfect unison.

  At the forefront, a captain clad in silver-and-blue armor stepped forward, his sharp gaze scanning the wreckage, the fallen foes, and the exhausted students who had fought to protect the village. His presence alone commanded respect, the golden insignia of the royal guard gleaming on his chest.

  But they weren’t alone.

  Behind them, several Academy instructors rode in on horseback, their robes still bearing the sigils of their respective Houses. The moment they dismounted, their eyes locked onto the group of students.

  Master Orlan, Mistress Virelle, and the strict Master Helmar stood among them, their expressions unreadable.

  Ethan, still catching his breath from the earlier fight, wiped the sweat from his brow. His clothes were torn in places, dust and soot clinging to his sleeves, yet the rush of battle still lingered in his veins.

  The captain surveyed the area before turning to the village elder. “Report.”

  The elder, despite his age, stood tall. “A group of masked assailants attacked at sundown. They burned our homes, took our people, but these students—” he gestured to Ethan and his companions “—arrived just in time. They fought bravely and drove the attackers away.”

  A murmur ran through the guards, impressed but wary.

  Master Orlan’s sharp gaze moved over Ethan, Orion, Callan, Lysandra, and the others. “You fought?” His voice was calm, but the underlying authority was clear.

  Ethan, knowing there was no reason to hide it, nodded. “We couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”

  Master Helmar of Aries crossed his arms, his expression gruff but unreadable. “And what did you learn?”

  Orion, despite the exhaustion, managed a smirk. “That bad guys don’t like getting punched in the face?”

  Lysandra shot him a glare. “Orion.”

  Evelynn, still catching her breath from helping the wounded, nodded. “They wielded something unnatural—shadows clung to them, and their attacks carried a corruption we’ve never seen before.”

  The captain of the kingdom guards exhaled sharply. “We’ve had reports of similar activity… but nothing this bold.”

  One of the guards stepped forward, kneeling as he inspected the ground where the masked assailants had fought. “No bodies.”

  “They… disappeared?” Orion muttered.

  Master Orlan’s eyes narrowed.

  Seraphina, who had been listening quietly, crossed her arms. “Like a contingency plan?”

  After a tense silence, Master Orlan stepped forward and placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder.

  “You did well,” he said. The praise was rare, and Ethan knew it. “All of you did. Protecting others is not something to be taken lightly.”

  Mistress Virelle addressed the group as a whole. “But this is no longer a simple training session. You faced something that none of you were meant to face—not yet. We must report this to the Academy council and the king’s court immediately.”

  The captain turned toward the guards. “Assist the villagers with rebuilding. Leave no area unchecked. If any clues remain, we’ll find them.”

  Master Helmar looked at Ethan, Orion, and Callan before shaking his head with a smirk. “You lot look like you’ve been through hell.”

  Orion grinned. “Feels like it, too.”

  Lysandra, ever composed, brushed some dirt from her sleeve. “I suggest we return before anyone faints.”

  Ethan finally let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. They had survived the fight, saved the villagers, and learned more about the growing threat looming in the shadows.

  But something told him this was only the beginning.

  As the carriages pulled away from the village, the Academy students sat in silence, exhaustion settling into their bones.

  Ethan glanced out the window, watching the flickering torches of the kingdom guards as they remained behind to help the villagers rebuild. He clenched his fists.

  Who were those masked figures? Why had they come? And most importantly—what were they after?