Chapter 7 – The Test of Friendship

Life at Hadin Academy grew busier with each passing day. After the battle with the earth troll, the first-year students seemed more determined than ever. They trained relentlessly, eager to prove who among them was the strongest.

But beneath the excitement, jealousy and rivalry began to take root.

Zareen often became the target of jokes. The small lavender light he had produced during the basic exam became a source of ridicule.

“Hey, don’t forget to bring your nightlight, Zareen!”

“Hahaha, if the hall goes dark, we can just call him!”

Though he laughed bitterly, Zareen couldn’t deny their words were true. His magic was weak.

Gino, on the other hand, became increasingly popular. His flames grew larger, his control sharper. Many students wanted to befriend him, and even some of the seniors began to take notice of his talent.

Yet despite being surrounded by praise, Gino still spent most of his time with Zareen.

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Tension in the Dormitory

One night, Zareen returned to the dorm earlier than usual. Gino was still training in the hall. When Zareen opened the door, he found two senior students waiting inside.

“Hey, you’re Zareen, right?” one of them said, his tone mocking.

“Yes,” Zareen replied cautiously. “What do you want?”

“We just want to know how someone like you got a Black Card. Your magic is pathetic.”

Zareen stayed silent.

The senior stepped closer and shoved him roughly in the chest. “Did you cheat your way into the academy?”

“I didn’t—”

Before he could finish, the senior pushed him against the wall. “The Black Card should belong to someone strong. Not a loser.”

Zareen winced, trying to break free.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Gino stepped in, sweat still dripping from his face after training. His eyes widened at the scene.

“Hey! Get away from him!” he barked.

The seniors turned. “What’s it to you, Gino?”

“He’s my friend.”

Zareen froze. Friend?

Gino stepped forward, his expression cold. “Touch him again, and you’ll deal with me.”

The seniors scowled but backed off, muttering insults as they left. “Coward. Hiding behind someone else’s back.”

The door slammed shut, leaving the room in tense silence.

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A Serious Conversation

Zareen sat on his bed, staring at the floor. “Why did you defend me? Now they’ll hate you too.”

Gino sat on his own bed, exhaling. “Because you’re my friend, Zareen. You’re also my rival. If you give up, I lose my rival. Life would get boring.”

Zareen gave a bitter smile. “I can’t even cast a proper spell. Calling me a rival just makes everyone laugh.”

“Let them laugh,” Gino said firmly. “I don’t care. What matters is what I see—and I see something in you. That little lavender light might be small, but there’s more to it. You just haven’t discovered it yet.”

Zareen stayed quiet, but those words sparked a small flame inside him.

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The Group Assignment

A few days later, Master Ardian assigned a new task. Students were divided into groups to explore the small forest behind the academy. Their goal was simple: find the hidden magic crystal.

But rumors spread that real monsters sometimes appeared in those woods—not just summoned illusions.

Zareen’s group consisted of four members: himself, Gino, and two other students named Rafi and Mira.

They set out early in the morning, carrying staffs, basic potions, and a small map. The forest was thick and full of buzzing insects and bird calls.

“Alright,” Gino said as he led the way. “We need to work together. If a monster shows up, don’t panic.”

“Easy for you to say. What if a dragon shows up?” Rafi muttered sarcastically.

Zareen kept his head down and quietly followed.

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The Sudden Attack

They eventually discovered a small cave. A faint blue light glowed from within.

“That has to be the crystal,” Mira said eagerly.

But as they entered, a loud screech echoed. A giant spider leapt out from the darkness, its pitch-black body gleaming and red eyes glowing menacingly.

“A real monster!” Rafi screamed.

Gino immediately raised his staff. “Everyone get back! I’ll handle it!”

A burst of red fire shot from his staff, scorching the spider’s body. But the creature screeched and charged, its legs moving frighteningly fast.

Mira tried a wind spell, but it only seemed to enrage the monster further.

Zareen stood frozen, his body refusing to move. Why do I have to be here? I can’t do anything…

The spider lunged—straight toward Mira.

Without thinking, Zareen raised his staff.

“Light… protect her!”

A lavender glow appeared, forming a thin barrier in front of Mira. The spider’s strike hit the shield, cracking it but failing to break through.

Mira stared at him in shock. “Zareen… you saved me.”

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True Teamwork

“Good, Zareen! Hold it!” Gino shouted.

Gritting his teeth, Zareen strengthened the glow. The spider hissed, distracted, giving Gino the opening he needed.

“Dragon’s Flame!” he roared. A massive jet of fire engulfed the monster, this time burning it completely. The creature shrieked before collapsing into a pile of black ash.

The cave fell silent.

Rafi collapsed to the ground, breathing hard. “I thought we were dead…”

Mira turned to Zareen and smiled gratefully. “If it weren’t for your shield, I’d be spider food.”

Zareen nodded, still panting. His hands trembled violently, but somewhere inside, pride flickered for the first time.

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The Magic Crystal

Deeper inside the cave, they found a glowing blue crystal. Gino picked it up, then turned to Zareen.

“You should carry this. You’ve earned it.”

Zareen blinked. “Me? But I just—”

“Without your shield, we wouldn’t have survived. So it’s yours,” Gino said firmly.

Mira nodded in agreement. Even Rafi didn’t argue.

Zareen took the crystal, feeling its warmth spread through his hands and into his chest. It was as if the crystal acknowledged him.

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Night at the Dorm

Back at the dorm, Zareen sat on his bed, staring at the glowing blue crystal resting on his desk. Gino was already asleep, snoring loudly.

A small smile tugged at Zareen’s lips. For the first time, he felt like he wasn’t just a burden. He had done something.

This lavender light… maybe it’s weak. But as long as it can protect others, I’ll keep using it.

That night, he closed his eyes with a different feeling—not just confusion, but a newfound resolve.