A week pass, the morning air was crisp, the sky streaked with the first light of dawn as two figures clashed in the training grounds. The rhythmic clang of wooden swords echoed in the stillness, accompanied only by the sound of controlled breathing and swift footwork.
Yuuya and Christina had made this a habit—meeting here before classes, just like they used to. The only difference was…
"You're treating me too gently." Christina smirked, blocking Yuuya's strike with ease.
Yuuya exhaled through his nose, pulling back. "That's not true."
She arched a brow. "It is. Ever since you learned I'm a girl, you've been holding back. You never did before."
Yuuya didn't deny it. He adjusted his stance, feeling slightly uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze. It wasn't like he meant to, but the knowledge was now stuck in his mind. Every time he attacked, there was a brief hesitation—something that never existed before.
Christina sighed, stepping forward swiftly, her sword stopping just short of his throat. "Yuuya."
He blinked, focusing on her determined gaze.
"Don't treat me differently. I've worked too hard to get here—I don't need special treatment."
Yuuya stared at her for a moment before clicking his tongue. "…Fine."
The next time she swung, Yuuya didn't hold back.
The fight intensified, their movements flowing seamlessly. Christina was fast, sharp, and precise—but Yuuya's instincts and reflexes kept him ahead. He dodged, countered, and struck back with speed that forced her on the defensive.
After one final exchange, Christina stumbled back, breathless. Yuuya, barely winded, stepped forward and offered her a bottle of water.
"Here. You're sweating more than usual."
Christina took it, huffing in mock offense. "Gee, thanks."
They sat on the edge of the training grounds, letting the cool air wash over them. Christina stretched, rolling her shoulders. "You know, I missed this. Sparring with you."
Yuuya hummed. "Same here."
Before their conversation could continue, a voice interrupted them.
"Well, that was an interesting display."
They turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man approaching. His blonde hair was neatly tied back, and his blue eyes held the weight of someone who had seen countless battles. The golden crest on his uniform marked him as a senior knight student—Leonhardt von Alden, a third-year and one of the strongest knight students in Arcadia.
Christina immediately stood straighter. "Leonhardt-senpai."
Leonhardt crossed his arms, eyeing both of them with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "I've been watching your sparring for a while now. I must say, I've never seen a mage fight that well up close." His gaze flickered to Yuuya before returning to Christina. "And you, Princess Christina—top of the first-years. Impressive, but being at the top as a woman will not be easy."
Christina smirked, unfazed. "Good. I like challenges."
Leonhardt let out a small chuckle. "I figured you'd say that." He turned his gaze to Yuuya, narrowing his eyes slightly. "You're an odd one. The way you move… It's like you've trained more as a warrior than a mage."
Yuuya remained silent, but the remark unsettled him.
Leonhardt didn't press further. Instead, he nodded approvingly at both of them. "Keep proving yourself. Strength is the only language that matters here."
With that, he walked away, leaving the two in thoughtful silence.
"…He's strong," Yuuya noted.
Christina smirked. "Yeah. He's annoying sometimes, but he's strong."
Yuuya sighed, standing up. "Let's get to class."
Christina groaned, dragging herself up. "Ugh, I was hoping we could just spar all day instead."
He snorted. "Try telling that to your instructors."
The magic students stood in the academy's designated sparring field, murmuring amongst themselves as Instructor Aldren addressed the class.
"Today will be a practical session. You will spar against one another. The match ends when one side is unable to continue. Those who lose will receive a deduction in their evaluation."
A mix of excitement and nervous energy filled the students. Yuuya remained indifferent.
One by one, the duels began.
Flora, having trained since childhood, easily secured victory. Even Sena, normally timid, managed to push through and win her match.
Then—
"For the final match… Yuuya and Cedric."
The air shifted.
Flora tensed, while Sena whispered, "This… probably won't end well."
Cedric, standing across from Yuuya, grinned viciously. "Finally, I get to put you in your place."
Yuuya sighed. "Right. Let's get this over with."
The moment the match started—
"Fireball!"
Cedric fired off multiple fireballs, one after another.
Yuuya dodged them effortlessly, weaving through the barrage with minimal effort. A small gust of wind from Yuuya palm deflected another shot.
"Stop dodging and fight me, peasant!" Cedric snarled.
Yuuya tilted his head. "Why would I do that? Watching you tire yourself out is much more entertaining."
Cedric's face twisted in fury. He poured more mana into his spells, but his control wavered. The fireballs grew unstable.
Yuuya yawned. "Getting tired already?"
Cedric, breathing heavily, took a step forward—and in that moment, Yuuya flicked his hand, sending a sharp gust of wind that knocked Cedric off his feet.
The noble boy crashed into the training field wall with a thud, groaning in pain.
The watching students murmured in shock.
"…That was fast."
"Did he even chant?"
"Cedric got destroyed."
Instructor Aldren, who had been observing closely, nodded slightly. "Winner—Yuuya."
Yuuya exhaled, brushing off his uniform. (That was a waste of time.)
He ignored Cedric's humiliated expression as he walked away.
After the sparring session, Flora wasted no time dragging Yuuya and Sena to the academy cafeteria. Yuuya, despite his usual reluctance, allowed himself to be pulled along, while Sena followed timidly behind.
As soon as they reached their usual table, Christina appeared—slamming her tray onto the table and plopping down beside Yuuya.
"Yo."
Flora smirked. "Took you long enough."
Christina grinned, biting into an apple. "I've been busy destroying arrogant nobles in duels."
Yuuya sighed. "Of course you have."
Flora leaned forward, eyes twinkling mischievously. "So, Yuuya, how does it feel knowing you've been sparring with a girl this whole time?"
Yuuya stiffened. "Why didn't you inform me about this before?"
Flora giggled. "I just didn't say anything because watching you be clueless was hilarious."
Christina smirked. "It really was."
Yuuya groaned, rubbing his temples. "Unbelievable."
Sena, watching their banter, giggled softly. "You all get along so well."
Flora beamed. "That's because we're friends. You too Sena."
Christina nudged Yuuya. "You're stuck with us now, buddy."
Yuuya sighed. "I regret everything."
Laughter filled the table. It was warm, lighthearted—so natural that Flora felt at peace.
But then—her fingers twitched against the fabric of her dress, where the hidden letter from Dia lay concealed.
Her smile faltered—only for a second, but it was enough to stir the guilt pressing against her chest.
(Yuuya still doesn't know.)
The words of the letter echoed in her mind.
"I have found a clue about your past. Come meet me as soon as possible."
If he read it… he would leave. She was certain of it.
She bit her lower lip, her hand tightening slightly. (Am I… doing the right thing?)
Her gaze flickered toward Yuuya. He was still bickering with Christina, his usual deadpan expression meeting her teasing smirk.
He was laughing. Not loudly, but he looked at ease.
(If I give him the letter, he'll chase after it. He won't hesitate. He won't even think about what he's leaving behind.)
The thought terrified her.
She shook her head slightly, forcing another smile. She wouldn't ruin this moment.
Not yet.
Not ever… if she could help it.
After lunch, Yuuya made his usual trip to the library. This time, the receptionist was present, eyeing him with amusement.
"You're quite diligent," the elf remarked. "You come here every day."
Yuuya shrugged. "I have things I need to find."
The receptionist hummed, as if considering something. Then he leaned forward slightly.
"If you truly seek answers, you might need to look beyond these shelves."
Yuuya frowned. "What do you mean?"
"There is a place," the elf said, voice lowering. "A hidden archive where the world's knowledge is stored. It is called The Vault of Eternities."
Yuuya's breath hitched slightly.
Eltharion smiled, sensing his intrigue. "A place where the answers to all mysteries may reside. Lost history, forgotten magic, and secrets even kings and emperors would kill for."
Yuuya narrowed his eyes. "Where is it?"
Eltharion chuckled. "That… is for you to find."
Yuuya clenched his fists. (A real lead… This could be what I need.)
As he turned to leave, Eltharion's voice followed him.
"But beware, Yuuya."
He stopped.
"There are things in this world that are hidden for a reason. The Vault does not reveal its secrets without a price."
Yuuya glanced back, but the elf's expression was unreadable.
The academy had given him new friendships, new challenges… but now, it had also given him a new path.
And Yuuya was ready to walk it.