Chapter 6 – The First Battle

The first days at the academy passed quickly. Zareen slowly grew accustomed to the tight schedule: theory lessons in the morning, practice sessions in the afternoon, and helping with dorm chores in the evening. Though often exhausted, he was never truly alone—Gino was always there, either cheering him on or nagging him endlessly.

On the second week, all first-year students were gathered on the academy’s outdoor training field. Master Ardian stood before them, his staff planted firmly into the ground. A light breeze carried dust across the sunlit field.

“Today,” Ardian’s voice rang out like a command, “you will face your first practical test. No more tiny lights or harmless sparks. You will fight specially summoned training creatures.”

The students exchanged nervous glances. Some looked thrilled, others pale as sheets. Zareen was definitely one of the pale ones.

Fight creatures? I can barely make a nightlight…

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The Summoning

Ardian raised his staff and traced a large magic circle in the air. Blue light flared, and creatures began to emerge from the ground—phantom beasts given physical form by magic.

A large silver-furred wolf howled at the sky. A fiery bird flapped its wings, leaving burning embers trailing behind. A towering stone golem rose with heavy, echoing steps, each movement making the earth shudder.

The students shivered at the sight.

“Do not fear,” Ardian said. “These creatures will not kill you. But they can hurt you. So fight seriously.”

Zareen swallowed hard.

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The First Matches

Pairs of students were called to the field. A girl extinguished the firebird with a well-aimed spray of water. Another boy froze the silver wolf’s legs with a spike of ice, knocking it down. Cheers erupted after each victory.

Then came the next call: “Gino and Zareen, step forward!”

Zareen froze. “M-me?!”

Gino clapped him on the back with a grin. “Come on, rival. This is your moment.”

Together they walked to the center of the field. The magic circle glowed brightly, and a massive earth troll emerged—its cracked brown skin gleaming under the sun, a giant wooden club in its hands.

Zareen gawked. “That’s not training—that’s murder!”

“Shut up and focus!” Gino barked. His staff was already raised. Flames burst from its tip, striking the troll’s shoulder and making it roar angrily.

The troll turned toward them, swinging its club in a wide arc. Gino leapt out of the way with quick reflexes. Zareen? He stood frozen in terror.

“Zareen! Move!” Gino shouted.

At the last second, Zareen dove to the side, rolling across the dirt as the club smashed into the spot where he had just been standing. The ground cracked under the impact.

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Panic

Zareen scrambled to his feet, gripping the borrowed staff with trembling hands. He muttered the only spell he knew.

“Light… appear!”

The staff flickered faintly, producing a tiny lavender glow—and then went dark.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Zareen’s voice cracked, almost on the verge of tears.

The troll lumbered toward him, each step shaking the earth. Zareen’s breath came in short gasps, his heart pounding so loudly he could barely think. This is it. I’m going to die here. I haven’t even said goodbye to Uncle yet…

Then Gino’s voice cut through the chaos like a whip. “Zareen! Stand up! If you don’t fight, you’re nothing but dead weight!”

The words stung—but somehow, they lit a fire inside his chest.

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The Second Attempt

Zareen clenched his teeth. I can’t just freeze up.

He raised the staff again, closing his eyes. Gifa’s words echoed in his mind: Magic is intent, focus, and conviction.

His hands still trembled, but he forced himself to concentrate. “Light… help me!”

This time, the staff glowed much brighter. The lavender light swelled outward, forming a thin but visible barrier in front of him.

The troll’s club slammed against the shield with a deafening crack. The barrier shuddered violently, thin cracks spreading across its surface—but it held, just long enough to stop the attack.

Gasps of surprise echoed across the field.

Zareen stared at his hands in disbelief. “I… did it?”

“Don’t just stand there! Counterattack!” Gino shouted, already gathering another burst of fire in his staff.

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Working Together

Zareen nodded quickly and aimed his staff at the troll. A small beam of lavender light shot out, hitting the creature in the face. It wasn’t strong enough to deal real damage, but it made the troll flinch and cover its eyes.

“Now, Gino!”

A roaring blast of red fire engulfed the troll. The creature staggered, its magical form destabilizing. With a final howl, it burst into shards of blue light and vanished.

For a moment, the training field was silent. Then the students erupted in cheers.

Ardian gave an approving nod. “Good teamwork. Gino, your fire control remains excellent. Zareen…” His gaze fixed on the boy. “…you are still weak—but that light you summoned was a great step forward.”

Zareen exhaled in relief, sweat dripping down his face.

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After the Fight

Back at the benches, Gino slapped Zareen’s shoulder hard enough to nearly knock him over.

“Not bad! I guess I didn’t pick the wrong guy to call my rival. You’re still awful—but at least you didn’t run.”

“Thanks… I think?” Zareen muttered.

“Take it as motivation,” Gino said, laughing loudly.

Though exhausted, Zareen felt something different within him. For the first time, he had faced danger head-on—and he hadn’t given up. The small light that had burst from his staff felt like more than just magic.

His fear hadn’t disappeared. But now, mixed with it, was a growing determination. Maybe I’m not as strong as Gino yet… but I can learn. I have to learn.

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Nightfall

That night, Zareen sat on his bed, staring at his Black Card. When he tapped it twice, the blue hologram appeared—his name, age, and status: Otherworldly Traveler.

There were no stats, no power level, just the dragon symbol with the cross running through it. But somehow, after the battle earlier, the card felt a little warmer in his hand.

Zareen smiled faintly. If this really is my fate, then I’ll see it through. At least… I’m not alone.

Across the room, Gino was already fast asleep, snoring loudly. Zareen glanced at him, oddly grateful to have such an annoying, relentless roommate.

That night, in Hadin Academy, the journey of an otherworldly traveler truly began.