Chapter 12 – A New Path

That day, the grand hall of the academy was packed with first-year students. Long rows of tables stretched across the room, and the blue crystal lights hanging from the ceiling shone softly, casting a serene glow. The atmosphere was unusually quiet, as if everyone instinctively knew that something important was about to be announced.

Master Ardian stood at the front, his black robe swaying lightly as he stepped onto the podium. His voice rang out clear and commanding, filling every corner of the hall.

“Starting today, you will no longer study only the basics of magic,” he declared. “You will begin to choose your paths—either the Attack Path or the Support Path. This does not mean you can only learn one type of magic. Every student is required to master the fundamentals of all disciplines. But your chosen path will determine the focus of your training.”

Murmurs rippled through the hall. Some students looked excited, while others seemed uneasy.

“Attack path for sure!” one student shouted eagerly.

“Support sounds like the easy job,” another muttered under his breath.

Ardian raised a hand, silencing them. “Do not underestimate either path. A support mage is just as crucial as an attacker. Without support, attackers fall quickly. Without attackers, support mages have no one to protect. One cannot exist without the other.”

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A Different Choice

In the middle row, Zareen sat deep in thought. Ardian’s words struck a chord in his chest. He knew he wasn’t impressive when it came to offense. Even his basic light spells had been the target of jokes. But in recent trials, it was his barrier magic that had saved his team again and again.

Maybe I really am meant to be a supporter, he thought quietly. But… will others accept me if I choose that path?

Across the hall, Gino grinned broadly. “Finally! It’s my time to shine. Obviously, I’m going for the Attack Path. The world will know who the strongest mage is!”

The student next to him rolled his eyes. “Arrogant as always.”

But Gino stood even taller, proud of his decision. His gaze slid toward Zareen, who still sat silently.

“You’re choosing the Support Path, aren’t you?” Gino said loud enough for several others to hear. “Good. That way, the Attack Path stays clear of half-hearted rivals.”

A few students snickered. Zareen didn’t respond, but he felt something ignite inside him—not anger, but determination. If this really is my path, then I’ll prove that being a supporter isn’t something to look down on.

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Specialized Training

The following days brought drastic changes. The students in the Attack Path trained intensely—fire, wind, and lightning spells roared across the training field. Explosions shook the ground, dust rose into the air, and the arena was alive with noise and heat.

Meanwhile, the Support Path trained in a quieter, enclosed hall. They studied barrier magic, healing spells, body enhancement, and even basic illusions. The environment was calmer but demanded sharp focus.

Zareen spent most of his time practicing barriers. Day by day, he could expand their size and make them last longer. Gradually, a few students began to notice him.

“Hey, that purple shield isn’t bad,” Dyra commented one afternoon.

Brant, still aloof, shrugged. “Sure, but he’s still not front-line material.”

Zareen simply smiled faintly. He didn’t need their praise—what mattered was that his shield could protect others.

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Rivalry Ignites

One evening, the two paths were brought together for a joint simulation. Attack and Support students were paired randomly and tasked to fight waves of illusionary monsters. The goal was clear: to test cross-path cooperation.

Zareen was grouped with two enthusiastic young attackers. At first, they underestimated him.

“If you can’t do much, just don’t get in the way,” one of them said curtly.

But once the battle began, they quickly realized how crucial he was. Each time a monster retaliated, Zareen’s violet barrier absorbed the blow, giving them the chance to counterattack without fear.

“If it weren’t for him, we’d be monster food by now,” one of them finally admitted.

Zareen only nodded quietly, relief washing over him.

Meanwhile, Gino fought in his usual flamboyant style. Flames erupted from his staff, reducing monsters to ash in spectacular fashion. Cheers rose from the spectators, fueling his ego even more.

But when one of the monsters nearly struck his support teammate, Gino failed to cover the gap in time. The support mage barely managed to put up a weak barrier and was knocked to the ground.

Master Ardian frowned. “Gino, raw power without coordination will only destroy your own team.”

Gino’s face burned, half with anger and half with shame. His eyes immediately sought out Zareen, who at that very moment was receiving thanks from his team.

The fire in Gino’s chest roared hotter. No way. I have to stay on top. I won’t lose to him—even if he’s just a support mage.

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Night in the Dormitory

That night, the dormitory was unusually quiet. Zareen sat on his bed, staring at the black card in his hand. Its surface glimmered faintly, the dragon emblem cold to the touch.

“Why was I given this card?” he whispered. “I’m not even a fighter.”

From the opposite bed, Gino spoke after a long silence.

“That card… it’s meant for someone strong. Don’t waste it.” His voice was flat, but his eyes were sharp.

Zareen looked up. “Strength isn’t just about attacking. I just want to protect others.”

“That makes you weak,” Gino shot back without hesitation.

“No,” Zareen said softly but firmly. “It makes me different.”

For a moment, the room was filled with silence. Then Gino smirked.

“Fine. Then prove it. Let’s see which path the world respects more—yours, the one who protects, or mine, the one who destroys.”

Zareen sighed, but deep down, a new resolve took root. This rivalry was no longer just about who was stronger. It had become about proving that both paths—attack and support—were equally worthy.