Chapter 20: The Sorcerers’ Academy

With the first light of dawn, our journey toward the Sorcerers’ Academy began.

Anna, in a calm tone:

“Did you pass by the Hunters’ Guild in Mond?”

Y:

“Not yet.”

Anna:

“I thought so… Actually, Sarah works there with Jean. She was planning to surprise you, but it seems you’re not that interested in becoming a hunter.”

Y:

“Sarah and Jean… That means Phoenix is here as well.”

Lunaria, her eyebrows raised in surprise:

“Did you just say Phoenix?”

Y:

“You know him?”

Lunaria:

“Yes, he’s fairly well-known. Rumor has it he refused the promotion to rank S and settled for rank A.”

Y, with a faint smile:

“Seems he’s enjoying himself… Where is he now?”

Anna:

“He and his partner move around a lot, but Sarah sent him a message about your appearance, so he should be back soon.”

Y, casting a sidelong glance at Lunaria:

“You’re from the Hunters’ Kingdom, right? How much do you know about the hunters there, especially those who rose to fame two years ago?”

Lunaria:

“My knowledge is decent, especially about the famous ones.”

Y:

“What is the Hunters’ Kingdom, anyway?”

Lunaria:

“As the name suggests… a kingdom ruled by hunters, where all the inhabitants are hunters. There’s a central guild that oversees everything.”

Y:

“So it is a kingdom… which means it has a king.”

Lunaria:

“That’s right. Every three years, a combat tournament is held to decide the new king. Commander Melina has kept the title for the last five years.”

Y, folding his arms:

“Impressive.”

Lunaria:

“Indeed.”

Y:

“And what about the rest of the hunters? How do they live their lives?”

Lunaria:

“Most of them join guilds, while only a few form independent teams.”

Y:

“And rank S?”

Lunaria:

“It’s the highest… at least officially. But there’s a rumor of an even higher rank—SS. To attain S-rank, one must combine experience, strength, and efficiency.”

Y:

“So there’s more than one path to reach it.”

Lunaria:

“Exactly. As you know, some people’s abilities aren’t suited for direct combat. If strength alone were the measure, the system would be unfair.”

Y:

“I respect whoever devised such a system.”

Lunaria:

“As do I. The more balanced a hunter is, the higher their rank.”

Y, in a half-serious tone:

“I’m beginning to think about becoming a hunter myself.”

A short silence fell before Y turned to Anna:

“By the way, are you sure about coming along? The journey will be long.”

Anna, with a gentle smile:

“And what’s wrong with an older sister accompanying her brother for a while?”

Lunaria, startled:

“You… are siblings?”

Anna:

“Yes… but that’s a long story.”

After hours of continuous walking, silence accompanied our steps among the trees.

Lunaria, shaking her head thoughtfully:

“So that’s how it is… I never expected it.”

Anna, with a calm smile:

“Of course, even Diona—we consider her our little sister.”

Diona, smiling innocently:

“That’s true.”

⸻

By midnight, we stopped near a quiet river whose waters shimmered under the moonlight.

Y, surveying the place:

“A good spot for training.”

Anna:

“Are you ready?”

Lunaria:

“Yes.”

Y:

“Then let’s begin.”

The training started.

Y launched forward with speed, and Lunaria summoned a massive sword, using it as a shield to block his sight. Yet Y shattered the colossal blade with a single strike.

She then countered with a sudden assault he hadn’t anticipated, and a rare smile curved on his lips as he swiftly stepped back.

Y, in a light tone:

“You’re starting to understand your magic now.”

Anna, shouting from afar:

“See? I told you you’ve gotten faster!”

Lunaria, breathing heavily:

“Does… does that mean I’ve improved?”

Y nodded:

“More than you can imagine.”

We continued our journey until nightfall. Sitting around a small fire, we ate the grilled fish we had caught from the river.

Diona, with a grateful smile:

“Fish is the best food.”

Erelia, staring into the flames:

“I have a question… Why are you all so invested in training me like this? Don’t misunderstand me—I’m thankful… but I can’t help wondering about the reason.”

Anna, her tone mysterious:

“You won’t like the answer.”

Lunaria:

“I think this has to do with Commander Melina, doesn’t it?”

Y, placing a piece of wood into the fire:

“I won’t deny it… that might be part of the truth.”

Lunaria:

“What do you mean?”

Y:

“There was an agreement between our guild and the Dwarven King… I won’t go into the details, but to be honest, I didn’t like the plan. It’s not my way of doing things. And remember this as well… your training was my own choice, not part of anyone’s scheme.”

Anna leaned closer to Erelia and whispered in her ear:

“He likes your magic.”

Y, in a serious tone:

“I like anything that suits me… and your magic suits me perfectly. I just can’t stand watching someone waste their talent.”

Ash, watching him with a faint smile:

“You’ve always been like that… You could just say you’re a kind person.”

Y:

“I only do what I believe is right… That’s why I don’t care what others think.”

He lifted his gaze:

“Any other questions?”

Lunaria:

“No… that’s all. Thank you.”

The journey went on, and with it, the training continued.

One night, heavy rain poured down. We sheltered inside a nearby cave, while Y remained standing motionless beneath the downpour, as if merging with the sky itself.

Diona, standing at the cave’s entrance, gazed at him in silence.

Lunaria, in astonishment:

“He looks so calm…”

Ash, watching him intently:

“I wonder what he’s thinking. He’s been standing there for so long without moving.”

Anna, with quiet certainty:

“In moments like this… he isn’t thinking of anything. He’s just looking… enjoying the rain.”

Diona took small steps toward the rain, but suddenly, Y’s aura crackled around him, and a small domain appeared behind Lunaria.

Lunaria, startled:

“What is that?!”

Ash:

“That’s Y’s domain… but condensed.”

At that moment, a massive sword manifested, forming itself like an umbrella to shield Diona from the rain.

Lunaria, in awe:

“Is that… my magic?!”

Anna:

“It’s a logical reaction.”

Ash:

“I’ll explain later.”

Diona stood before Y, looking at him innocently:

“Are you sad?”

Y, without changing his expression:

“Do I look sad?”

Diona:

“I… don’t know.”

Y:

“Good answer. Come on, let’s go back inside the cave.”

He entered with Diona, while Ash asked him quietly:

“Are you alright?”

Y:

“Yes, I’m fine… Sorry for worrying you.”

Anna:

“Just make sure you don’t catch a cold.”

Y, sitting near the fire:

“By the way… how’s your tribe holding up?”

Anna:

“The merchant was very helpful. He provided us with information and even brought in a number of Elves. Licht is negotiating with him now.”

Y:

“I heard he wants to meet me.”

Anna:

“That might delay the negotiations a little.”

Y:

“Don’t worry… Licht is clever. I don’t mind if he uses my name in the deal.”

A calm smile touched his lips.

“I only hope there’s something exciting in it at least.”

Anna, with playful warmth:

“Everything becomes exciting if you’re involved.”

Suddenly, Y shivered as he sensed a distant aura.

Y:

“Do you feel that?”

Anna and Erelia, puzzled:

“We don’t feel anything.”

Ash:

“Yes… there’s a distant aura.”

Y:

“I’ll go check it out.”

Diona, with eagerness:

“I’ll come with you!”

Ash, concerned:

“And what about the rain?”

But before they could move, lightning struck the ground before the cave. Diona flinched, retreating behind Anna:

“I’ll stay here…”

Y left the cave with a faint smile, leaving behind their worried gazes.

Anna:

“Be careful…”

Lunaria, softly:

“I envy you all.”

She sighed.

“I wish my kingdom were like yours. There… it doesn’t matter who you are; only your strength and your victories prove your worth. But here… I’ve traveled with you for just a month, and already I feel like one of you.”

Her eyes gleamed.

“Never in my life have I seen so many races gathered in one place.”

Ash, with honest conviction:

“That’s thanks to Y. He’s someone who can bring the different together. And more importantly… he never sides with humans, even though he is one. That’s why he has always been trusted by everyone.”

Lunaria, clenching her fist:

“I still can’t believe someone with his strength has no magic… I used to think if only I had better magic, I would be stronger. But this past month changed that. I’ve come to love my own magic… and my respect for Y has only grown.”

The scene shifted to Y, moving swiftly between the trees.

Y:

“I felt something strange… Is that a church?”

He stepped inside. A heavy surge of black magic greeted him, with dozens of sorcerers’ corpses scattered across the floor.

Clenching his fist, he spoke sharply:

“This magic… I know it well. It’s that sorcerer’s work.”

As he examined the place, his voice rose:

“Seems someone else is nearby…”

Suddenly, from above, a feminine silhouette descended slowly, carried by an umbrella woven of dark magic.

She was a woman of poised features, with long violet-tinted hair and an elegant crimson dress that shimmered in stark contrast to the church’s darkness and the stench of blood.

Her steps never touched the ground, and her cold eyes reflected both confidence and enigma.

Y lifted his gaze toward her:

“So, it’s you… Did you kill them?”

The Woman:

“That’s right. This place is dangerous… What are you doing here?”

Y:

“I’ve got a problem with that sorcerer too. So then… what happened here?”

The Woman:

“Their activity has increased lately. I received information that they purchased a collection of different monsters… They’re planning something.”

Y:

“Then it wouldn’t be wise to give him the chance to do as he pleases.”

The Woman:

“I know that. But they barely show themselves… Forgive me, I’m far too busy right now. We’ll meet again.”

Y returned to the cave.

Anna:

“You’ve come back just in time, the food’s ready… let’s eat.”

Y sat down near the fire.

Ash:

“Did you find anything?”

Y:

“Yes… a church filled with the corpses of sorcerers.”

Lunaria:

“And who killed them?”

Y:

“A woman. She said the cultists have grown more active lately, but she doesn’t know the reason.”

Anna:

“Looks like you noticed something, though…”

Y:

“That’s right. Do you remember when I told you about the events right after I arrived in this world?”

Anna:

“You mean the man collecting corpses… and that strange sorcerer’s voice?”

Y:

“Yes. That same sorcerer’s magic was present in the church.”

Ash:

“What if you spoke to Dansleif about this?”

Y:

“That’s the plan. For now… let’s rest.”

After a long journey, we arrived at a bustling city, filled with the aroma of food mingling with the clamor of the markets.

We entered a local tavern and took a table in the corner, but soon enough, every gaze turned toward the door.

A towering man stepped inside, his thick white hair swept back and his muscles as solid as stone. Beside him walked a young woman with short white hair and a distinct scar across her right eye.

Whispers rose among the patrons, until a man at the neighboring table muttered under his breath:

“Those… they’re S-rank hunters. Their team is made up of only two.”

Lunaria whispered in awe:

“I’ve heard of them… they’re strong.”

Ash nodded:

“Indeed. Especially the big one… his reputation precedes him.”

The white-haired girl approached and spoke softly:

“May we sit with you?”

Y lifted his gaze.

“We don’t mind, but there are empty seats elsewhere.”

The man sat directly across from Y, his voice heavy as he said:

“We prefer to sit with people on our level.”

Y replied calmly:

“Your level? We’re just travelers.”

The man smirked challengingly and placed his hand firmly on the table.

“I’m ready to prove my words.”

Y: “Challenge accepted.”

A heavy silence fell. Cups froze midair, the waiter stiffened in place, and everyone held their breath in anticipation. It felt as though the very air trembled under the weight of their presence.

Their hands clasped, and an aura began to crackle around them.

Lunaria gasped:

“This… this isn’t just an arm-wrestling match.”

The girl set her hand on the table to steady it.

“I’ll be the judge… ready… go!”

In the very next instant, a thunderous boom echoed, followed by a flash of crimson lightning that split the table and cracked the floor beneath it. The match was over in a heartbeat—without question, the victor was the giant.

Gasps rippled through the tavern, and some patrons stumbled back in fear.

The man rose to his feet.

“You’ve still got much to learn… come, Scarlet, let’s go.”

Anna rushed to Y.

“Are you alright?”

Diona exclaimed:

“Y lost!”

Lunaria:

“I couldn’t see a thing… what just happened?”

Y smiled faintly, rubbing his hand.

“I didn’t expect him to be that fast.”

Ash:

“At the signal… I saw red lightning.”

Y:

“That was his magic.”

Before they left, Y spoke quietly:

“Your magic reminds me of Valzenor. If you’re interested in joining us… head to Mond.”

The girl smiled.

“We’ll think about it. By the way, my name is Scarlet… and this is my father.”

Y:

“I’m Y. This is Anna, Lunaria, Diona, and Ash.”

Scarlet:

“Pleasure to meet you… until next time.”

As they stepped outside, the massive man glanced at his daughter.

“Are you happy now, Scarlet?”

She smiled with contentment.

“Very.”

After leaving the tavern, we passed through the main market, where a commotion rose around one of the stalls.

Anna, watching the crowd:

“What’s going on there?”

An old man standing at the edge of the market approached them, whispering with a mix of fear and caution as he pointed to a girl standing before a gemstone stall:

“That girl… Solar. The last heir of the cursed Solstice family. Their blood runs cold as ice, and their hearts know nothing but ruin.”

Lunaria, in surprise:

“But she looks… ordinary.”

The old man shook his head nervously:

“Ordinary? That family once froze an entire kingdom in an ancient war… Everyone here fears her, even before she speaks a single word.”

At that moment, Solar spoke, her voice cold, devoid of emotion:

“I want these gems… all of them.”

The merchant frowned, backing away from his stall as though even touching her was dangerous:

“Leave. I don’t sell to your kind.”

Murmurs spread, accusatory glances and hushed whispers tangled together, while Solar stood motionless, her eyes glowing faintly with restrained fury.

Then, Y stepped forward calmly, placing a pouch of gold coins on the table before taking the stones.

He extended them toward Solar, but she pulled her hand back, her icy eyes fixed on him:

“I don’t want your charity… I need no one’s pity.”

Y paused for a moment, then spoke with a calm voice, sharp as a blade:

“Don’t mistake me… I’ll sell them to you, at the same price.”

He handed her the stones only after taking the money, leaving the pouch on the table without waiting for a reply.

Before walking away, he added, glancing slightly over his shoulder:

“Go to the Kingdom of Mond… if you seek freedom.”

Then he continued on his way without looking back.

Solar stood there, staring at the gems in her hands, as if for the first time someone had treated her without fear… and without pity.

She whispered softly, her voice barely audible:

“Mond… Perhaps that place is worth seeing. This man… I couldn’t feel any magic from him.”

Anna, watching Y with a knowing smile:

“As always… he steps in without ever explaining himself.”

Ash nodded:

“And that’s exactly… what sets him apart.”

The journey continued until at last we reached the Sorcerers’ Academy.

An immense structure rose before us, rivaling kingdoms in size, encircled by towering walls crowned with a shimmering barrier that glowed like the night sky.

Here… magic was not merely a tool, but the very foundation of the architecture, the soul of the place itself.

Lunaria, lifting her head in awe:

“This is my first time visiting the Academy of Magic…”

At the gates, the guards halted us.

“Identify yourselves.”

Y calmly produced his invitation. The moment the guard laid eyes on it, he allowed us passage.

Just then, a familiar woman appeared, walking with confident steps. Her long violet-tinged hair cascaded over a crimson gown. She smiled faintly and said:

“We meet again… I’m Rose. I never expected you to have an invitation.”

We entered the Academy, and instantly, all eyes turned toward Y.

Whispers filled the hall:

“I can’t sense any magic from him…”

“Could it be…? Someone without power allowed inside?”

Rose turned sharply toward them, her tone firm:

“Forgive them… It’s the first time they’ve seen someone without magic walk these halls.”

She gestured toward a vast chamber.

“We’ve arrived.”

Suddenly, silence fell.

The very air shifted when Dansleif, the King of Sorcerers, appeared, his presence radiating authority.

He stood before all, his voice echoing through the hall:

“I heard voices mocking my guests.”

Lowering his head slightly, he continued:

“I apologize on their behalf.”

Rose whispered in disbelief:

“Dansleif… apologizing?”

But Y replied with calm indifference:

“No need to apologize, Dansleif… They only spoke the truth.”

A faint smile touched Dansleif’s lips. Then he raised his voice to address the crowd:

“Let me settle this. Tell me, sorcerers—who among you can land a strike on me?”

The hall went silent.

“Who among you dares face me in combat?”

The students exchanged uneasy glances… but none spoke.

“Who among you has the experience to surpass me?”

The hall erupted in a single resounding voice:

“No!”

Rose smiled softly:

“And that’s why you are the King of Sorcerers.”

Dansleif lifted his head proudly and declared:

“In the last decade, only one person has managed to strike me in true battle… and that person stands before you now. A human with no magic, yet he matched me, while you tremble at the mere thought of facing me.”

He raised his hand as if turning an invisible page, his voice booming like scripture:

“Remember page one hundred and ninety of the Book of Magic—the line none should ever forget:

Magic is not in the blood, nor in the body, but in the will. He who dares to transcend his limits may become greater than the beings born with magic.”

He extended his hand toward Y, his voice ringing through the chamber like a proclamation:

“And this man… is the embodiment of those words.”

A heavy silence spread, pierced only by whispers of awe and disbelief, as eyes filled with reverence and fear fixed on Y.

Y spoke quietly, his gaze steady on Dansleif:

“Thank you.”

A rare smile crossed Dansleif’s face as he turned away:

“Follow me.”

Y entered a vast chamber bathed in dim light, its walls inscribed with ancient magical runes. The others remained outside, waiting for the conversation to end.

Dansleif seated himself on a tall chair resembling a smaller throne, while Y—as always—remained standing, showing not the slightest sign of yielding.

Dansleif:

“So, that’s all then?”

Y:

“That’s right. So… what do you want in return?”

A faint, enigmatic smile crossed Dansleif’s face.

“How about becoming a temporary instructor… until the examination is over?”

Y, lifting his gaze steadily:

“You mean the sorcerers’ trial?”

Dansleif nodded.

“Every three years, a great examination is held. Sorcerers come from all corners of the world. Those who succeed are granted their prize: power, knowledge, or unmatched prestige.”

Y:

“And can I participate?”

Dansleif’s eyes sharpened.

“Are you a sorcerer?”

A short silence followed—an exchange of glances, heavy and unbroken. Y left the answer hanging in the air.

Dansleif continued:

“Let me explain further. This examination opens doors for a sorcerer that nothing else can. But your role will be that of a temporary instructor. Tomorrow, there will be a gathering of teachers to choose their pupils. The teachers must assist the students… but only if the students choose them first.”

Y:

“And when is the examination?”

Dansleif:

“A month from now.”

Y was silent for a moment, then spoke firmly:

“I’ll make one thing clear… I’ll only choose those I deem worthy.”

Dansleif smiled confidently.

“Do as you wish.”

But Y shifted the subject, his voice taking on a sharper edge:

“And what of that sorcerer?”

Dansleif:

“If you haven’t forgotten our earlier conversation…”

Y:

“A few days ago, I met Rose in a church drowned in his magic. Who is he?”

Dansleif:

“His name is Soldan. A cowardly sorcerer… but dangerously clever. We studied under the same master.”

Y’s eyes narrowed slightly, though he said nothing.

Y:

“Do you know where he is?”

Dansleif:

“No. But there is a way to find him.”

Y:

“And I assume it won’t be easy.”

Dansleif:

“Correct. The only way… is to enter the Abyss.”

A cautious gleam flickered in Y’s expression.

“The Abyss?”

Dansleif:

“A place of darkness, said to have been created to imprison the mightiest warriors… but it is more than that. In truth, Soldan was its primary architect.”

Y:

“And how would entering it lead us to him?”

Dansleif:

“If you reach its core… you will find his trace. Of this, I have no doubt.”

Y let out a faint, sardonic smile.

“Doesn’t sound easy.”

Dansleif’s voice grew heavy:

“In the Abyss, direction, senses, and even time vanish. Eternal darkness, haunted by the souls of those who perished within. Magic is slowly drained until it’s gone. It is the perfect prison for any living being.”

Y:

“But I’m not like any ordinary being… that gives me a chance.”

Dansleif:

“To an extent, yes. If I could enter it, I would have destroyed it long ago. But it always eludes me. You, however… you might have a chance. The spirits of warriors won’t attack you—and you know why.”

Y:

“Because they only target those with magic, don’t they?”

Dansleif:

“Exactly. The Abyssal gates appear randomly, and I’ve never been fortunate enough to encounter one. Perhaps there are other methods… but none less perilous. If you decide to enter, do so alone. Anyone who goes with you… their death is certain. Only a will of iron can make it out alive.”

Y nodded.

“I understand… Thank you for the warning.”

Dansleif paused for a moment before adding:

“And about the girl… the one whose memories were tampered with. Return to me in two weeks.”

The halls of the Sorcerers’ Academy were quiet after Y and his companions left Dansleif’s chamber.

Rose stepped forward with a faint smile, her gaze shifting toward Ash and Lunaria:

“It seems you have a remarkable team… How about joining us here at the Academy?”

Ash, her tone calm but firm:

“I’m sorry. I have no intention of leaving Y.”

Rose’s eyes turned to Lunaria:

“And you? When it comes to magic, we have more experience and knowledge here than anywhere else.”

Lunaria smiled with gentle confidence, lifting her head:

“Y helped me grow without ever asking for anything in return.

Abandoning him now… would be no different than betrayal.”

Rose fell silent for a moment, then replied quietly:

“I see.”

At that instant, the sound of a door opening echoed through the hall.

Y emerged with Dansleif at his side, his steps steady as always.

Y, simply, as he passed them:

“Let’s go.”

Anna, with a small smile:

“Alright.”

They all departed to their quarters for rest, leaving Rose to watch them in silence.

She turned toward Dansleif, her voice hushed:

“Is he truly that extraordinary?”

Dansleif chuckled softly, placing a hand behind his back:

“That’s the trouble with the young… Do you understand now?”

Then his voice deepened, carrying the weight of decades of experience:

“I don’t blame you for underestimating him. Even the mightiest beings once said the same…

Do you know what they all had in common?”

Rose asked curiously:

“What was it?”

Dansleif answered with a faint smile:

“They all… regretted it.”

Training Arena — Sorcerers’ Academy

All eyes were fixed on the arena, where an uneven duel had left the spectators astonished.

Y stood against Lunaria.

Dust rose as magical auras collided with the ground, yet the result came swiftly.

Lunaria fell to her knees, gasping for breath.

Ash raised her voice clearly:

“The winner… is Y!”

Lunaria looked up at him in disbelief, panting:

“Is he really human? He never tires… all he does is evade, and still, I couldn’t land a single hit.”

Diona approached her with a gentle smile, patting her head:

“I know that feeling very well.”

Anna, smiling lightly:

“Unfortunately, it’ll be hard for you to defeat him.”

Lunaria, weary:

“Because he’s stronger?”

Anna, calmly:

“Not just that… but because he remembers everything he sees.

Every time he faces someone, he learns their movements precisely.

That’s why fighting him becomes harder each time.

But if you fight beside him… he’ll make you surpass your limits.”

Y stepped closer and quietly extended his hand.

“Don’t worry. You’re still improving. Let’s get some rest.”

Lunaria smiled faintly, exhausted:

“I think… I really need it.”

Anna, stretching her arms:

“And I need a bath.”

A university attendant approached them with formal poise:

“Please, follow me.”

They all moved after her, while the murmurs of the students lingered—

whispers of awe about the mysterious human who could defeat anyone before him without using even a trace of magic.

⸻

Room — Sorcerers’ Academy

Anna, looking around in admiration:

“It seems they truly care about our comfort… this room is huge.”

Lunaria, running her fingers along the velvet curtains:

“It’s beautiful. I didn’t expect such luxury.”

The attendant returned, her smile polite yet warm:

“This is your room. Please, treat it as your home.”

Then she turned toward Y:

“By the way, Mr. Y—on the table are the participant files for the Academy’s exam.

They may be useful if you’d like to review their information.”

Y:

“Thank you.”

The attendant bowed slightly before leaving.

“I’ll be nearby if you need anything.”

Y sat on the couch and exhaled deeply.

“I’ll take a short nap.”

Lunaria, raising an eyebrow:

“Aren’t you curious about the files?”

Y, closing his eyes with quiet composure:

“I’d rather see them myself… in person.”

Anna, with a tired smile:

“I’m going to take that bath. It’s more relaxing here than I expected.”

Lunaria, yawning:

“I’ll sleep too. I think I need a long rest.”

Silence settled over the room as the lights dimmed gradually—

as if the entire Academy were preparing for a night wrapped in quiet, mysterious stillness.

Somewhere Far Away…

Solar walked through ruins buried beneath thick snow, a map held firmly in her hand as she muttered to herself:

“Where exactly is the Kingdom of Mond?”

Hidden eyes watched her from between the trees, whispers following her every step.

She unfolded the map again, frowning slightly.

“If south is this way… then it’s going to be a long road.”

Suddenly, a group of humans emerged from the ice, surrounding her on all sides.

Before any of them could make a move, a violent snowstorm rose out of nowhere.

The attackers froze where they stood, encased in pure, crystalline ice—

while Solar continued walking forward without looking back,

her blue eyes glowing with a calm, lethal light through the white mist.

⸻

The Next Morning — Sorcerers’ Academy

The scene opened on Y, still asleep as morning light filtered through the window.

But his face was tense… as though trapped within a dream too vivid to be ordinary.

Dream

A towering mountain of ice, drowned in mist.

At its peak stood a frozen palace.

Inside—

a massive crystal, shimmering faintly with pale blue light.

And within it… a sleeping girl.

Y stepped closer, his footsteps echoing in the hollow frost.

Each beat of his heart thundered louder as whispers began to fill the silence:

“Come… closer… you are the one who will free us…”

He reached toward the crystal—

a piercing cold surged through his veins.

Suddenly, behind the crystal,

he saw a dark silhouette—identical to himself—

smiling faintly before fading into nothingness.

Y’s eyes snapped open.

He sat upright, breathing heavily.

Anna, seated beside him, spoke softly:

“Are you alright?”

Y: “I saw… a dream.”

Anna: “A dream?”

Y: “There was a frozen mountain… a palace… a crystal with a girl inside.

When I approached, I heard voices… and then saw a shadow that looked like me.

It smiled—then vanished.”

Anna looked at him, concern flickering in her eyes.

“That sounds like more than just a dream.”

Y rose slowly, his tone composed but low:

“I’ll ask Dansleif about it later.”

A knock came at the door.

University Attendant (from outside):

“Mr. Y, it’s time.”

Y stood, fastening his short coat.

“Let’s go.”

Border of the Kingdom of Mond — In Front of an Abandoned Manor

The wind was cold, weaving through the ruins of an ancient castle covered in dust and creeping grass.

Kaguya stood before the tilted iron gate, her voice calm:

“So this is the place?”

Ares, examining the cracked walls:

“I believe so.”

Leona stepped forward cautiously.

“This is the fifth site we’ve visited… I hope we actually find something this time.”

L seemed more focused than the rest. She closed her eyes briefly, her tone cautious:

“Someone’s here… I can feel them.”

Before she could finish, a voice echoed behind Leona:

“Entering an unknown place without preparation… could cost you dearly.”

A faint gleam of light reflected off the edge of a weapon pointed straight at her.

Leona turned slowly, her voice steady:

“Relax. We’re not here for you… Diablo.”

The man raised his weapon slightly, smirking with mock amusement.

“Then tell me—why are you here?”

Kaguya glanced at Ares and whispered softly:

“So that’s him… Diablo.”

Leona replied without hesitation:

“We’re searching for information about the family that once lived here.

That’s all you need to know.”

Diablo chuckled shortly.

“And where are you from?”

Leona: “From Mond.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Mond? I’ve never seen people like you coming from there.”

Leona closed her eyes for a brief moment.

“We have our reasons.”

Ares stepped forward slightly, her tone diplomatic:

“Forgive the intrusion, but don’t you think that weapon is unnecessary here?

We can’t promise we’ll stay calm if this continues.”

Diablo let out a quiet laugh.

“I haven’t seen such civil discussions in ages…

Tell me—who’s the one capable of gathering such a contradictory team in one place?”

L, with a mysterious smile:

“He’s the one stealing the spotlight from you right now.”

Diablo paused, as if the name had passed through his mind.

“I see… there isn’t much information about him.

So he’s in Mond, huh? A clever choice.”

He lowered his weapon slowly and added:

“Because of him, my followers have been dwindling lately.

Thank him for me… and farewell.”

He vanished into the shadows as suddenly as he had appeared.

Leona exhaled softly.

“It’s a good thing you didn’t attack him.”

L, calmly:

“We’ll only act when it’s necessary.”

Suddenly, Leona lost her balance—

L caught her just in time before she fell, then gently lifted her and began heading swiftly toward Mond.

Ares: “Agreed… Leona needs rest.”

Kaguya, looking down the long road ahead:

“And we still have plenty of work to do there.”

She paused, her gaze fixed on the cloudy horizon.

“She’s a good girl—trying to use her mind to help others directly…

but she needs to take better care of herself.”

Ares, her voice quiet:

“We can’t blame her. That’s the state of everyone in the kingdom after recent events.”

Kaguya nodded thoughtfully.

“A duel between the kingdoms, and the victor takes what they please…

And that message sent to the King of Mond… things are getting more complicated.”

Ares, with grave seriousness:

“And don’t forget our current mission—finding Rin’s sister.”

She sighed.

“So many pressures await us still.”

Sorcery Academy — Meeting Hall

Y entered a large chamber designated for discussion, where five supervisors sat alongside Rose and Dansleif.

Behind them, the wall was adorned with magical seals that shimmered faintly, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with the tension of preparation.

Rose smiled as she introduced him to the room:

“Everyone, this is our special external judge — Y.”

Y replied calmly, as if reciting a fact already known:

“I’ll be serving as one of the supervisors for the exam, just like the rest of you — though I’m not from the Academy.”

Dansleif then proceeded with the introductions, his voice measured and commanding:

“From the right: Adrian, specialist in defensive magic.

Raven, expert in magical traps.

Leonard, focused on offensive spells.

Marcus, master of spirit magic.

And lastly, Sylvia, specialist in natural magic.”

He added firmly:

“There are others, but these five will oversee this year’s exam.”

With a sharp strike of his staff against the floor, a faint glow spread beneath the seats of the judges.

Dansleif nodded once.

“Now that everyone’s here, let’s begin. Starting today, each of you will begin training the students who show interest in your discipline.

Remember — each student may choose only one mentor.

I’ll send you to your classrooms shortly. That’s all.”

The judges vanished in a swirl of arcane light.

⸻

An hour later, the group reconvened inside one of the Academy’s lecture halls.

Y sat quietly, one leg crossed over the other, his posture composed and unbothered.

Anna and Lunaria entered soon after, smiling as they approached him.

Anna, teasing lightly:

“How’s our instructor doing? Found any lucky students yet?”

Y, honest as ever:

“They all rejected me.”

Rose entered just then, folding her arms with a calm expression.

“Don’t say that. It’s hard for anyone to choose someone who appeared out of nowhere — even if he’s talented.”

Y looked up at her, his voice steady, his words leaving a quiet weight in the air:

“That’s only logical. Everyone already has their own plans before I showed up.

It’s natural that changing them wouldn’t be easy.”

A brief silence followed before Anna spoke softly, her tone warm:

“They’ll see your worth soon enough.”

Y smiled faintly.

“Actually, this works better for me… I’ll have plenty of time to learn.”

He leaned back slightly, his calm composure returning — his gaze fixed forward, as if none of it truly troubled him.

Kingdom of Mond — Leona’s Home

In the Kingdom of Mond, Leona finally arrived home, accompanied by L and the others.

She stepped inside, weary, the air heavy with the dull quiet that always followed their recent struggles.

L, with a soft, reassuring smile:

“Leona, we’re here. You’re home.”

Leona, her voice faint with apology as she crossed the doorway:

“I’m sorry for the trouble.”

L replied gently:

“Don’t worry. Just rest.”

Inside, Lara greeted her with warmth, embracing her tenderly.

“You did well. You can rest now.”

Leona sat down, leaning lightly against Lara’s legs, her eyes clouded with quiet worry.

“Mother… how does Y endure all that pressure?

It’s far beyond what I can handle.

It feels like one mistake could cost us everything…

I don’t want anyone to die because of my plans.”

Lara shook her head with maternal calm.

“My dear… don’t compare yourself to Y.

He’s seen failure before victory, and he knows that people will always be lost along the way.

That’s why he sometimes refuses to lead — because he doesn’t want to bear the weight of injustice.”

She paused, her tone firm yet kind.

“It’s still too soon for you to carry everything alone.

You have people beside you — people who believe in you.

Now rest, and let yourself breathe.”

Leona closed her eyes slowly, whispering a quiet wish from somewhere deep within:

“I just hope… I can live up to that trust.”