The passage of time had etched its marks on the young Alex, leaving visible signs of growth and transformation. No longer a small child, his once diminutive frame had stretched upward, his limbs now longer and more defined. The baby fat that once adorned his cheeks had given way to sharper features, reflecting the emergence of his youthful vitality. As he stood there, a twelve-year-old brimming with energy and determination, memories of his journey flooded his mind.

It had been four years since Alex first day at school, a wide-eyed child with dreams as big as the sky. The excitement of that first day still lingered in his memory, immediately meeting and then racing with his friend Tristan across the grounds, their laughter echoing through the halls. And then there was the sleepless night, tirelessly practicing and circulating mana until he could do it on his own. The thrill of that achievement had ignited a fire within him, propelling him forward on his path of mana discovery.

Entering his father's training hall, Alex found himself surrounded by fire-resistant training dummies, a testament to his growing mastery of fire magic. With a focused gaze, he summoned a fireball with ease, his control over the flames refined and precise. The familiar sensation of power surged through his veins as he released the fireball, watching it collide with a dummy's chest with a resounding "boom."

His mind drifted back to that extraordinary moment when he first showcased his magical prowess to his astonished mother. The memory of her initial shock quickly transformed into a radiant smile, her eyes shining with pride and wonder. She had recognized his talent as something truly extraordinary, promising to support him in unlocking his true potential.

Another fireball soared through the air, striking a dummy squarely on the head with a satisfying "kaboom." The years that followed were a whirlwind of secret training sessions arranged by his mother,. Determined to lead a normal life and keep his talents hidden from the prying eyes of the academy, Alex had insisted on arrangement.

But his journey was not a solitary one. With subtle hints and guidance, Alex had managed to steer his friend Tristan toward harnessing his own magical abilities. Tristan, too, had discovered his affinity for water magic, eventually gaining control over his mana and casting his first water ball. Eager to see his friend thrive, Alex had introduced Tristan to his own mother who decided to take up teaching Tristan and Alex after talking to his parents. Soon they found themselves engaged in friendly competition, pushing each other to reach greater heights.

As he launched fireball after fireball, hitting target after target, memories of his journey continued to pour into his mind.

Alex thought back to when his father returned home from war for a bit and shared news of the increasing dangers. Conversations about the rise of monsters and the need for more skilled individuals to defend against them led his father to take an active role in training Alex and Tristan. The training hall was upgraded with better equipment, and under his father's guidance, Alex and Tristan delved into combat training alongside their magical studies.

Back in the present, Alex concluded his training session, sweat glistening on his brow as he surveyed the room. The training hall had become his sanctuary of growth and transformation

Sitting down to catch his breath and collect his thoughts, Alex allowed himself to delve even deeper into memory lane. The bond between him and Tristan had grown stronger through their shared training. As they pushed the boundaries of their magical abilities together, their friendship reached new heights.

However, their increased bond did not go unnoticed by Lily. She had observed the duo's progress, sensing a growing gap between her own abilities and theirs. Driven by curiosity and a touch of jealousy, Lily relentlessly pestered them, determined to uncover their secret after-school activities.

The weight of Lily's questions and her longing to be a part of their journey weighed heavily on Alex and Tristan. They knew they couldn't keep their training a secret any longer, and so, with hesitant hearts, they finally revealed their hidden world to Lily. However, after finding out she could only get disappointed by her lack of talent.

Seeing Lily's despondency, Alex understood the importance of uplifting his friend's spirits and nurturing her own magical growth. The two boys dedicated their time and energy to helping her advance as quickly as possible, sharing their knowledge and providing guidance every step of the way.

With patience and compassion, they managed to soothe Lily's initial frustration and turn it into a source of inspiration. Together, the trio embarked on a new phase of their magical training, where their collective growth became a testament to the strength of their friendship. They celebrated each milestone achieved by Lily, until eventually she was able to cast her first spell.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Upon witnessing Lily's remarkable progress, her parents were overwhelmed with joy and astonishment. Recognizing the rarity of such talent, they engaged in a serious discussion, contemplating the best course of action for their gifted daughter. Ultimately, they made the heartfelt decision to send her away, embracing an opportunity that was simply too extraordinary to pass up.

The news of Lily's acceptance into the esteemed Mages Academy reverberated through the small town, filling the air with a mixture of admiration and bittersweet emotions. The academy recognized the exceptional potential within Lily and generously offered to sponsor her education, providing her with a unique chance to nurture her abilities in an environment tailored to her needs.

As the reality of Lily's departure settled in, both Alex and Tristan experienced a mix of happiness for their friend's remarkable opportunity and a bit of sadness at the impending separation. The bond they had forged through countless training sessions had become an integral part of their lives. The thought of continuing their magical journey without Lily's presence felt like a void, a missing piece in their trio.

However, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, Alex found solace in his perspective of the present moment. He realized that life was a tapestry woven with fleeting experiences, and each moment deserved to be cherished fully. With a profound understanding that their paths would diverge for a time, Alex embraced the notion of savoring the moments they had together, treasuring the laughter, the camaraderie, and the growth they had experienced as a trio.

Tristan, too who had a options to grasp opportunities like Lily, made a conscious decision to remain by Alex's side, honoring their friendship and respecting the pace of their individual journeys. His parents, who were astutely aware of his remarkable progress, fully supported his choice. They understood that the true essence of their son's growth lay not solely in the pursuit of accelerated magical education but in the bond he had formed with Alex.

As they bid farewell to Lily, their hearts filled with a mix of pride, longing, and anticipation. They vowed to stay connected despite the physical distance, supporting each other through letters, messages, and the occasional visit.

And so, as Lily embarked on her new chapter at the Mages Academy, Alex and Tristan waved her off with a blend of wistfulness and excitement.

In the midst of the training hall, Alex stood poised, ready to continue his physical training. Just as he was about to break into a jog, a playful voice called out to him, breaking the silence.

"Hold your horses, speedy! You better not forget about your graduation today. We can't have you dashing off without a proper send-off!" his mom said.

"Oh, come on, Mom! I've got this! Who needs graduation when I can already cast spells like an adult. Hehe?" Alex grinned as he replied.

"Well, you may conjure up fireballs, but I doubt you can out magic the consequences of being late for such an important day." said his mom as she crossed her arms.

"Alright, alright, I'll get ready." replied Alex.

With a mischievous grin, Alex made his way to his room. As he prepared himself for the occasion, he couldn't help but recall the countless lessons she gave him, each one filled with laughter and guidance.

"Hey, Mom, remember you helped my learn to control my mana when I made the fireballs?"

"Oh, I remember it well. I was worried when I saw you unleashing a lot of mana into one fireball and then fainting once you’re core was empty like a lifeless puppet"

"Well, you know, I've grown since then I can throw a lot more fireballs now and much more..”

"Yeah, yeah hurry up and get ready before I throw you fireballs."

As Alex meticulously selected his attire, he couldn't help but appreciate the conversation with his mother. Their exchanges always brought a sense of lightness to even the most significant moments.

"You know, Mom, I'm starting to think I should become a fashion model instead of a mage. I've got the looks and the style!"

"Oh, absolutely! Just make sure you remember to strike a pose whenever you cast a spell. Who needs magic circles and incantations when you've got fierce runway struts?"

Their laughter filled the room, turning the act of getting ready into a joyous occasion. Despite the weight of the day, the bond between mother and son remained unbreakable.

"Alright, Mom, I'm all set. Ready to close this chapter of my life and open a new one. What do you think the future holds?"

"Well, my dear magician, the future is a magical mystery. But with your talent, determination, and impeccable fashion sense, I have no doubt it will be nothing short of extraordinary."

"Thanks, Mom. For always being there, for pushing me to be my best,and all the lessons to help me get better at spell casting."

"Oh, my brave son, it's been an honor to witness your growth. Now, go out there and conquer the world, one spell at a time!"